U of M offensive tackle defends the unborn

The Catholic Spirit profiles Matt Stommes, an offensive tackle for the University of Minnesota who recently signed a contract to play in the National Football League. Stommes is active in Students for Human Life at the U of M.

As he works and trains for a chance to safeguard NFL passers, he also is trying to protect another type of person — the unborn child.

A year and a half ago, Stommes joined the U of M's pro-life group, Students for Human Life, and has been an active member ever since.

Recently, he helped the group publicize a debate on the philosophy of abortion held on campus before a standing-room only crowd of about 450 people. He turned aside any concerns about what others might think of his views and tried to tell as many people as possible about the event.

"I sent out invitations to all my friends on Facebook and all the football guys," said Stommes, a 6-foot-6, 315-pound senior. "Because I'm in a position of visibility, it's even more of a responsibility to not hold back and to let people know what my beliefs are."

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