Football fever

8 Hall of Famers thrill fans during ‘Touchdown in Israel’ visit.

By DANNY GROSSMAN
The writer (right) with legendary running back Jim Brown outside Kraft Stadium on June 14 (photo credit: STEVE LINDE)
The writer (right) with legendary running back Jim Brown outside Kraft Stadium on June 14
(photo credit: STEVE LINDE)
 “If you build it, he will come,” whispers a voice to Kevin Costner in the magical sports movie, “Field of Dreams,” which he interprets as an order to build a baseball diamond. On June 20, the New England Patriots’ visionary owner Robert Kraft culminated his building by inaugurating “it” – a six-million-dollar sports complex in Jerusalem with an American football field as its centerpiece. At the same time, Kraft personally saw to it that they would come – they being 18 of the greatest players in National Football League (NFL) history. Kraft and Pro Football Hall of Fame President David Baker led a delegation of gridiron icons, who sported their coveted Gold Jackets (given to Hall of Famers enshrined in the HOF), wherever they went during their week-long visit to Israel.
It is the second field Kraft has donated since he became involved with American Football in Israel (AFI) back in 1999.
It is also the second time he has brought a delegation of Gold Jackets to the holy land. This year’s delegation is aptly named “Touchdown in Israel II – We Are All Patriots” and included Hall of Famers Jim Brown (arguably the greatest player to ever strap on shoulder pads), Super Bowl MVP quarterbacks Joe Montana and Roger Staubach, and a star-studded line-up (alphabetically listed) of Lem Barney, Jerome Bettis, Cris Carter, Dave Casper, Eric Dickerson, Marshall Faulk, Joe Greene, Willie Lanier, Andre Reed, Mike Singletary, Bruce Smith, John Stallworth, Andre Tippett (who is Jewish), Aeneas Williams and Ron Yary.
On June 14, I met with the HOF players privately at a preliminary event that took place a few days before the inauguration of the new complex. I saw them just before they came out to meet over 1,000 Israeli football fans on the artificial turf of Kraft Stadium (the first field the Kraft family had dedicated, over 10 years ago, with a relatively smaller donation of $200,000).
The players were learning about Israel in all its aspects, beginning with its reputation as a start-up nation and as a country that has learned to fight for its existence and counter terrorism while maintaining its dedication to democratic principles. They were awed by its history and visibly moved by their visits to the holy sites of all faiths. Several players took the opportunity to experience a ritual baptism in the Jordan River.
Quite naturally, my first question was to the man I most revered – Jim Brown, “What surprised you most about Israel?” “This is my second time here,” he began, in a measured tone that reminded me of the way he gracefully dealt with defenders, as can still be seen in highlight clips of his legendary runs. “On that first trip I was in a taxi, and the driver was not Jewish but he had absolutely no animosity toward the Jews.”
Indeed, several other players also spoke of the people on the street they had met. They were impressed by the way we Israelis have learned to cope with our unusual circumstances.
“In the States, when you are called to defend your country, it usually means going to serve in some far-off place,” said former naval officer Roger Staubach, who put his NFL career on hold while patriotically serving his country in Southeast Asia. “Here, the front line is close – you feel what means to defend your home turf.”
Staubach told of his long-term concern for Israel. He remembered his relief when learning of Israel’s victory in the 1967 Six Day War while he was in Vietnam. He also spoke about his recent contribution to the local Holocaust Museum in Dallas. But I was most impressed with the way Roger, who referred to me as the Air Force pilot, spoke of our shared military ethos and core values that he learned from football: the sense of “team” over self and, most importantly, of never giving up no matter how desperate the situation – this coming from the man who introduced the Hail Mary pass.
Jerome Bettis struck everyone with his thoughtful expressions. The visit was a life-changing experience for him. He exhibited a deeply religious fervor yet, at the same time, “the Bus” revealed an easygoing manner during our time together. This good-natured moment must have been the opposite of any brief encounter he ever shared with opposing tacklers who tried to stop him at the goal line.
Joe Montana was clearly a crowd favorite wherever he went. He too talked about “his amazing trip” and then revealed his good sense of humor. When HOF President Baker cited Montana for his amazing comeback victories, the four-time Super Bowl champ (and three-time MVP) reminded the crowd that it was his mistakes that put the team behind in the first place.
At the first event, Baker, who at 6 foot 9 inches is as impressive physically as he is in leadership, opened the program by complimenting Kraft for bringing football to Israel. Baker noted that Kraft’s Patriots had never won a Super Bowl prior to 1999 when Kraft embarked on bringing football to Israel. Since then, they have won five.
The visit reached its climax at the second event – the dedication of the new sports complex. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat presented Kraft with a Builder of Jerusalem Award. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell flew in and local dignitaries took part, such as Maj. Gen. (res.) Uzi Dayan, chairman of Israel’s national lottery, which also supports the complex in collaboration with the Jerusalem Foundation and the Jerusalem Development Company – Moriah.
The jewel of the new complex, located at the entrance to Jerusalem, is Israel’s first US regulation football field (which can also be used for soccer) as well as two soccer fields, locker rooms, administrative offices, and parking. The new field will be a quantum leap for the game and for American Football in Israel (AFI). The new complex will kick off its activities at the 20th Maccabiah Games.
The AFI, led for years by Jerusalem’s Steve Leibowitz, includes nearly 80 teams and 2,000 players, coaches and officials who participate in football activities in Israel, which include 8 flag football leagues (men’s, women’s and youth) and men’s tackle football as well as high school tackle football. Football is a model sport that teaches values and brings people together from all backgrounds and religions (the son of former IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenzi played with Arab teammates).
KRAFT SPOKE movingly about his family’s lifelong commitment to Israel. He first came here on his honeymoon in 1963 and has been steadfast in his support and emotional commitment to Israel ever since.
Kraft serves as an inspiration to Jews everywhere just as his devotion to the Patriots has made him one of the most recognized sports figures in America.
Kraft sees a direct parallel between the Patriots miraculous overtime win in Super Bowl 51 (overcoming an unprecedented 25 point fourth-quarter deficit) with the story of modern Israel. Since 1948 we have lived by the slogan “ein breira” (“no choice”) – we never give up, even with our backs to the wall.
A final reflection, which takes Kraft's analogy one step further – and one that he himself perhaps never noticed. During the run-up to the last Super Bowl, the mainstream media went to great lengths trying to portray the underdog Atlanta Falcons as David facing Goliath in the persona of the Patriots, led by Tom Brady. Interestingly, the amazing Patriots’ victory quashed all these nonsensical narratives. Israel, which just celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Six Day War, has seen itself falsely vilified since then in a similar fashion.
We would do well to take a page from Kraft’s playbook and never give up hope!
Danny Grossman flew fighters for both the US and Israeli air forces and serves as a senior advisor to Alan Dershowitz, ILTV and SpaceIL.