Andre Tippett

The Converted Linebacker

Former NFL Star Is Active on the Jewish Speaking Circuit
by Eliot Schickler

To be sure, following the tenets of the Torah is a world away from chasing down NFL quarterbacks, but Andre Tippett is the newest Jewish Ambassador in the sportsworld. Tippett, a former outside linebacker for the New England Patriots football team, was one of the premier pass-rushing linebackers in league history. During his playing days, he was constantly all over the field, wreaking havoc on opposing offenses, frustrating the best running backs and putting the big hurt on the poster boy QBs of the NFL.

Tippett, the current Assistant Director of Professional Personnel for the Patriots, is now facing an even bigger challenge than tackling John Elway, Walter Payton or Joe Montana. When Andre Tippett officially converted to Judaism on November 13, 1997 at Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, MA under the auspices of Rabbi Rafi Sonsino, he began to face a bigger change much more significant than a last-second audible at the line of scrimmage.

This metamorphosis is more personal than his life-long devotion to football. It's pretty much taking on a new identity, much different from the family he was born into as a Baptist.

And what has spurred Tippett to make such a major change in his life? Leaving one religion for another is not something to be cavalier about and the retired all-star linebacker didn't just wake up one day and decide, "I want to be Jewish." He traveled a long deeply reflective road, which included much studying of Judaism before officially going forward with his conversion.

Rhonda Tippett is the main reason why the retired All-Pro linebacker traded in his Minister and communion for a Yarmulke and Rabbi. You see, the former Ms. Rhonda Kenney comes from a conservative Jewish family background and is the current Mrs. Andre Tippett, thus a conversion to Judaism felt like the right thing to do for him.

"I wanted to keep the family as one from a religious standpoint," recalls Tippett. "I thought it would be great to convert to Judaism and have a Jewish home."

So far, he is very comfortable with the change. He especially likes the Jewish rituals that are involved with prayer.

"The thing about Judaism that has got me excited is the tradition," says Tippett.

His favorite holiday is Passover because he sees a lot of meaning in Chag Hamatzot.

"The whole meaning behind it, what the word means," says Tippett. "The Jews were saved from destruction, which gives the holiday meaning."

The Tippetts have a two year old daughter, Madison, and a son who is due on June 28 and will be named Coby Jordan upon his birth. When Madison and Coby Jordan get older, they will receive a Jewish education.

"I look forward to my kids going to Hebrew school and being involved from that standpoint," says Tippett. "Friday night service will also be a part of our lives."

Madison and Coby Jordan will have a good Jewish upbringing, but it will not prevent them from taking part in other activities, including sports. Their 6-foot-4, 250 pound father will support them in any athletic endeavor they choose, including football for his soon-to-be born son.

The proud father feels they will have a better chance if they inherit his size gene (Rhonda is only 5-2). According to Tippett, Madison has inherited her father's predisposition for growth and will develop into a tall woman.

No matter what their size is, Tippett plans on encouraging his children to play his current game, - golf. Since hanging up his cleats and shoulder pads, he spends plenty of time on the links and plans on teaching his kids the game of golf.

"I would like to see my kids become golfers," says Tippett. "It's a great activity they can do the rest of their lives."

Usually, when a change is made, someone gains and someone loses. While the Jewish community made a huge gain with Tippett's conversion, the Baptists, or more important, Tippett's family suffer a loss in that one of their own chose a different religion then them (Usually, when a Jewish person converts out of the religion, the family feels a great loss).

However, Tippett's family are very supportive of him.

"Once I'm committed to a cause and do something that's best for me and my family, they are behind me 100 percent," says Tippett.

The Jewish community has welcomed Tippett with open arms because he's a winner, both on and off the field. Tippett is proud to be a Jew, and we are proud to welcome him in our family.