I did not know of a football player of Indian origin, current or former. Until now, that is. Folks! Gurminder Thind is the starting Left Tackle (O Line) for Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina Gamecocks for the 2006 season. Wow, I always imagined this day was 10 years away. It is refreshing to see an Indian in an American sport other than the Spelling Bee! Wouldn’t you say so?
He is playing for Spurrier, no shame at all, and in the SEC, arguably the toughest conference. It is only fitting that a Punjabi guy represents India in the quintessentially brawny sport of football. Gurminder is a 6’-4”, 293-lb sophomore, originally from Toronto. As I am writing this, he makes a bonehead play, a personal foul for shoving, 15-yd penalty.. oh.. well, played like a true sardarji (as in the sardarji jokes!). Well, he has some ways to go.
Further googling unearthed a 2002 Michigan State back up QB, Amish Patel. By the way, Amish is from Austin, TX (where I went to school for 2 years and change). There are probably more such players who I don't know about. The foundation has been laid; let’s see how the superstructure shapes up...
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