Press Release - Austin, Texas

For Immediate Release Contact Dave Gerhardt 349-2291 david@capnetventures.com

Shabbos with a SuperBowl Champ Maintaining Jewish Identity and Pride on the Playing Field Austin, Texas -- Former NFL offensive lineman and member of the 1992 Superbowl Champs, the Dallas Cowboys, Alan Veingrad, will be speaking in Austin at a Shabbaton and Sunday Brunch the weekend of September 30th.

Alan lived an American boy’s fantasy. For six years, from 1986 till 1992, he was an NFL offensive lineman, first for the Green Bay Packers, then for the Dallas Cowboys, known as “America’s team.” He played alongside such all-stars as Troy Aikman, James Lofton, Sterling Sharpe, Emmett Smith, and Michael Irvin.

Alan will talk about what it was like to be the only Jew, on his team and how he vigorously maintained his Jewish identity and pride in the wake of both “good-natured ribbing” and overt proselytizing. “Most of my teammates had never met a Jew before,” said Veingrad. “They often asked me questions about Judaism.”

In an article in the New York Times, Alan spoke of the importance of Judaism in his life, "It's very hard being a professional football player. It's harder still being a Jewish football player...In the rough and tumble environment of an NFL team, a Jew is an outsider”.

Alan’s inspiring talks have gotten rave reviews around the country. “It's rare to bring in a speaker that kids enjoy as much as adults. Alan's story, which mixed religion and football had us all intrigued,” said Rabbi Yosi Levertov, Director of Chabad Austin.

Alan will speak at a Shabbaton at Chabad House, 2100 Nueces (near UT) on Friday, September 30th and Saturday, October 1st that will include Friday dinner and Saturday lunch. On Sunday, October 2nd, Alan will also be speaking at 1pm at the new Chabad Center at 7010 Village Center Drive (across the street from the HEB Kosher Store).

For more information and RSVPs call 472-3900.