Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has long been known for his passion, determination, and unwavering commitment to football. But even beyond the X’s and O’s, Harbaugh is a man of deep faith—one that guides his life both on and off the field.
At 61 years old, Harbaugh remains as energetic as ever, embracing each day as a blessing. Speaking with Fox News Digital during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, he shared his gratitude for the opportunity to be present, coach, and witness young athletes stepping into their dreams.
“Blessed to be here and be able to wake up today,” Harbaugh said. “[To] be 61 years old, be in the middle of the competition, be in Indianapolis at the Scouting Combine, and watch guys go through just some of the best times of their lives. Very thankful and much gratitude for that.”
For Harbaugh, faith is the foundation of everything. He follows a simple but powerful motto: faith, family, football—a priority list that has shaped his coaching career and personal life.
“Those priorities, I can keep things straight in my mind if I can make sure I’m keeping those three,” he explained. “It’s just the best advice I’ve ever gotten; it comes from the Bible: ‘Seek first the kingdom of God, and all else will be added unto you.'”
Harbaugh isn’t alone in making his faith known. Across the NFL, a growing number of players are boldly expressing their relationship with Christ and crediting God for their success.
One of those players is Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, who led his team past Harbaugh’s Chargers in the Wild Card Round earlier this year. Despite the intensity of the competition, Harbaugh couldn’t help but admire Stroud’s faith-filled response after the victory.
“First and foremost, all glory has to go to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” Stroud said in his postgame interview. “I feel so unqualified, but the Lord has qualified me to play in this great city, this great state, and I’m just so grateful for who I serve.”
Other notable NFL stars, including Patrick Mahomes, Saquon Barkley, Kirk Cousins, and Jayden Daniels, have also been vocal about their faith, using their platforms to point back to God.
“It’s inspiring,” Harbaugh said simply. Seeing athletes in one of the most competitive sports openly glorify God is something he deeply appreciates.
Within his own team, Harbaugh sees strong Christian leaders making an impact. One player in particular stands out—Chargers punter J.K. Scott.
“He’s one of the best punters in the game. But he’s also a brother in Christ, and he’s our team chaplain, if you will,” Harbaugh shared.
Scott’s faith isn’t just something he talks about—it’s something he lives out daily.
“Just to watch him be the kind of person he is, dad that he is, husband that he is, and teammate that he is—gosh, nobody has it better than us at the Chargers to have him and others—strong Christians like that. It’s pretty awesome,” Harbaugh said.