Vikings at Redskins 11/12/17
Vikings at Redskins 11/12/17

Case Keenum was just a backup quarterback only a few months ago. Now, he’s led the Minnesota Vikings to the NFL playoff victory after an outstanding play that’s being called one of the best of all time. But instead of taking the credit – Keenum is choosing to thank God.

The Vikings were down 24-23 with only 10 seconds left on the clock against the New Orleans Saints. Keenum connected to wide receiver Stephon Diggs with an amazing throw for a last-second 61-yard touchdown that gave the Vikings the win and sent them to the NFC Championship Game.

“God is so good,” Keenum said after the game. “It’s probably gonna go down as the third best moment of my life; behind giving my life to Jesus Christ, marrying my wife, and this one’s right there close.”

Keenum’s teammates take notice of his dedication to Christ on and off the field. A few days before the game, teammate Adam Thielen told BlecherReport that Case is serious when it comes to his faith.

“A lot of people can talk about their faith. When you live it every day and act on the word of God, it’s pretty cool to see. He doesn’t just talk; he acts upon it and leads by example. It helps me become a better person of faith.”

This is true through all areas of Keenum’s life. He met his wife Kimberly through a Fellowship of Christian Athletes event in highschool, and their families attended the same church. His father, Steve Keenum, is now an area director for the FCA.

“He’s come to the realization like a lot of people in big situations that there are things that are really too big to do by yourself, and in order to stay grounded you’ve got to find somebody or something that you believe strongly in,” Steve said. “I think his faith has been that for him.”

Keenum’s father credits God for bringing Case to the height of his football career.

“He just wanted a chance,” Steve Keenum said. “He’s got to have the knack. It’s just a God-given, innate thing that he’s maximized by working hard.”

Keenum once told Pioneer Press, “You just realize that football is fickle; it’s not going to be there all the time. Just getting my priorities straight and knowing the true reason I play the game, and that’s to give glory to God. That’s something I take pride in. It’s why I do what I do.”

“That’s why I became a Christian — being around Christian athletes through FCA,” he continued. “I’m not playing for the name on the back of my jersey, I’m playing to glorify God. He’s given me talents, and I’m trying to maximize those talents however I can.”

Keenum shares his faith with his fans on social media as well. His Twitter bio states “Isaiah 40:31” which is “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Keenum wasn’t the only Vikings player that day to give credit to the Lord.

“I give everything to God,” Stefon Diggs told Fox Sports. He thanked his coaches and teammates for giving him the opportunity, then pointed to God. “God did the rest, He put me here. And I’m just thankful.”

Another Vikings wide receiver, Adam Thielen, described the final play this way: “That was God. That play right there was God.”

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