Baltimore Ravens Lineman To Wear Israeli Flag On His Cleats
Defensive tackle Michael Pierce of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a play in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore. Image by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
(JTA) — As a defensive lineman for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, Michael Pierce has no love for quarterbacks. But the non-Jewish 340-pound athlete from Alabama does have a soft spot for Israel.
Pierce selected the Israel Collective, a millennial arm of the Christians United for Israel organization, as his cause for the league’s “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign. His cleats will feature Israel’s flag when the Ravens visit Atlanta on Sunday to take on the Falcons.
In a video, Pierce said he felt a “oneness and connectedness” in the country during a visit, and after “growing up reading the bible,” to “learn exactly where Jesus walked was awesome.”
“I went to Shabbat dinner, I just enjoyed their company and learned so many different customs,” he said. “How warm people are [in Israel] is definitely something that I hope people will read about, and then maybe go over … to see exactly what’s going on.”
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
