[Ynet] A growing number of native-born Israelis have taken to the army-like strategy, camaraderie and collisions of the gridiron and turned America's Game, once a niche expat activity, into a popular fixture in the Holy Land. Some 2,000 Israelis now play the game.
Under the bright lights, a call of "set, hike" echoes out, followed by the clatter of helmets smashing against pads at a high school football game. But these aren't American teenagers hoping to play college ball -- they are Israelis with an eye on joining elite military combat units.
A growing number of native-born Israelis have taken to the army-like strategy, camaraderie and collisions of the gridiron and turned America's Game, once a niche expat activity, into a popular fixture in the Holy Land. Some 2,000 Israelis now play the game, thanks in large part to the support of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
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