Abdul El-Sayed made history on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The 42-year-old became the first Muslim U.S. senator elected when he won in Michigan in the 2026 midterm election. Sayed defeated Republican nominee Mike Rogers, and when he is sworn in to office in January 2027, he will become the first Muslim senator.
Before his political career, El-Sayed was actually a top-level high school athlete in Michigan, where he was a three-sport athlete in football, wrestling and lacrosse. At the University of Michigan, El-Sayed played on the men's club lacrosse team.
Here's what you need to know about El-Sayed's high school sports career:
Did Abdul El-Sayed play high school football?
El-Sayed played high school football at Bloomfield Hills Andover High School in Bloomfield Township, MI. Sayed also wrestled and played lacrosse
for the Barons. In his senior year, he was the captain of all three teams.
El-Sayed played guard and center on Andover's offensive line, but also played on defense.
A screenshot from an article in the Detroit Free Press — part of the USA TODAY Network — on Sept. 14, 2002, shows El-Sayed had a three-sack performance in a 16-7 win for Andover over Royal Oak Dondero.
"Growing up, it was my dream to lead my high school football team," El-Sayed posted on X (formerly Twitter). " I was lucky to have wonderful teammates like Nikita who had my back just like I always aimed to have theirs."
Growing up, it was my dream to lead my high school football team. I was lucky to have wonderful teammates like Nikita who had my back just like I always aimed to have theirs. pic.twitter.com/zwA9AHFvek
— Dr. Abdul El-Sayed (@AbdulElSayed) September 16, 2026
At one point during the election run, El-Sayed challenged Rogers to play football after Rogers reportedly dodged a debate with him.
"Since you’re too afraid to debate me, how about you ‘hold me accountable’ on a football field instead,” El-Sayed posted on X. “Tackle, no pads like we used to play when we were kids. I’d be happy to show you (how) much I love football.”
Since you’re too afraid to debate me, how about you “hold me accountable” on a football field instead. Tackle, no pads like we used to play when we were kids. I’d be happy to show you much I love football. https://t.co/6oQ6sunxZn
— Dr. Abdul El-Sayed (@AbdulElSayed) August 12, 2026
El-Sayed is openly a fan of the Michigan Wolverines. He attended Michigan's game on Oct. 24, when the Wolverines took on Indiana.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Before Abdul El-Sayed was a politician, he was a three-sport prep star
