Former Philadelphia Eagles Running Back Yosef Murray Coaches Youth Football in Mitzpe Yericho

Yosef Murray, known during his professional career as Calvin Murray, a former running back for the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles and an Ohio State letterman, has been discovered coaching American football to children in Mitzpe Yericho, an Israeli community in the Judean Desert. The unique revelation came from a tweet by Uri Pilichowski, who encountered Murray on a bus from Jerusalem. Murray, who converted to Orthodox Judaism and made Aliyah, now dedicates his time to running an after-school workshop, or "chug," for local youth.

Murray's journey from the gridiron to the Israeli community is notable. He was a prominent running back for Ohio State, earning MVP honors in 1980, before being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1981. His professional career also included playing in the United States Football League (USFL). After retiring from football due to injury, Murray and his wife, Emunah, embarked on a profound spiritual path that culminated in their conversion to Orthodox Judaism.

The couple's spiritual transformation was a deeply personal and extensive process, transitioning from evangelical Christianity to Orthodox Judaism over several years. Murray has publicly shared that the discipline and commitment honed during his football career proved invaluable in embracing the observant Jewish lifestyle. He and Emunah have since made Aliyah, establishing their home in Ma'ale Adumim, a city adjacent to Mitzpe Yericho, further integrating into Israeli society.

Murray's current endeavor fulfills a long-held ambition to work with children, a goal he cherished alongside his aspirations for collegiate and professional football. He imparts American football fundamentals through his "chug," leveraging his athletic background to teach not only the sport but also life lessons.

"I was coming to play football with the kids," Murray told Pilichowski on the bus, underscoring his dedication to community engagement.

His presence highlights the growing interest in American football across Israel, where youth leagues and professional organizations are steadily expanding. Initiatives like the Kraft Family Sports Campus in Jerusalem and the Israel Football League demonstrate a burgeoning enthusiasm for the sport. Murray's unique contribution, bringing direct NFL experience to a local community, enriches this landscape and exemplifies the diverse connections between sports and culture in the region.