South African-American professional football placekicker Greg Joseph shares a deep familial bond with his parents, Glen and Illana Joseph, who actively contribute to his successful career.
Currently playing for the New York Giants, the footballer has achieved remarkable career statistics, showcasing his exceptional talent and skills.
Greg made his NFL debut in 2018 and has since played for several notable teams, including the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns.
Furthermore, the athlete’s recent underwhelming performance against the Cincinnati Bengals attracted public attention.
As a result, the New York Giants lost the match 17-7, raising concerns among the fans regarding upcoming matches.
The veteran player signed with the Giants on September 17, 2024, and is adapting to the team’s primary kicker role.
Greg Joseph’s Parents Have Built Notable Careers in Their Respective Fields
In addition to Greg’s successful career, his guardians have established themselves as prominent figures in their respective professions.
Greg’s mother, Illana Saitowitz Joseph, is a dedicated teacher at Donna Klein Jewish Academy who passionately fosters children’s growth.
According to her LinkedIn, she is the chair of the Mathematics Department and Dean of Students at the school.
She has worked there since 2002, making her a veteran with over two decades of experience in the field.
Moreover, Illana graduated from the University of Witwatersrand with a BA degree, earning honors in Psychology, Zulu, and Mathematics.
In contrast, Joseph’s father, Glen Joseph, made a significant name for himself as an Optometrist at Rand Eye Institute.
Based on his LinkedIn profile, he pursued his studies at New England College of Optometry from 2001 to 2003.
Besides, as reflected in Glen‘s Facebook, the family shares a profound, loving connection and openly expresses their appreciation for one another.
His father, Glen, a family man, expresses his admiration for his wife in each birthday post, demonstrating their ever-lasting love.
Greg Joseph and His Parents Proudly Uphold Their Jewish Faith, With Their Ancestry Tracing Back to Eastern Europe
Born August 4, 1994, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Greg is the eldest of three siblings in a family that takes pride in practicing Judaism.
Additionally, the Joseph family’s heritage extends to Eastern Europe, linking to Greg’s great-grandparents.
They ultimately fled Lithuania to escape the persecution of Jews during World War II, thereby seeking refuge far from their homeland.
His great-grandfather, Boris, initially traveled to London from Lithuania and later moved to South Africa.
Meanwhile, his great-grandmother, Minnie, spent years in Kyiv, Poland, before eventually relocating to South Africa as well.
Subsequently, his parents sought to leave South Africa and settled in West Boca Raton, Florida, where his mother already had a family.
There, he was raised alongside his two younger brothers, Marc Joseph and Dylan Joseph.
Judaism greatly influenced the footballer’s life as a child, and he credits the religion with guiding him throughout his journey.
Through the values instilled in him through his guardians and faith, he continues to grow on and off the field.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Joseph played football and soccer at Donna Klein Jewish Academy in Boca Raton, Florida, and high school football at American Heritage School in Delray Beach, Florida.
- The star footballer graduated in 2017 with a degree in exercise science and health promotion.
- On September 17, 2024, the New York Giants signed Joseph to their active roster from the Lions practice squad after Graham Gano got injured.
