Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith is known for his bold takes and outspoken style, but now the ESPN personality is making headlines for something far beyond sports: a possible presidential run. And at the heart of his openness to the idea is spiritual counsel from his pastor, who urged him to remain receptive to God’s direction.

During a recent appearance on “The Paul Finebaum Show,” Smith acknowledged he is “leaving the door open” to a potential 2028 presidential campaign. While he stressed that he has “no desire to be a politician,” he said encouragement from his longtime pastor, Rev. A.R. Bernard of the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, has shaped his thinking.

According to Smith, Bernard told him, “You owe it to … your supporters to leave the door open. You don’t know what God has planned for you for the next year or so.” That spiritual perspective has stayed with the commentator as he weighs what many see as an unlikely political path.

Smith framed his hesitation in both practical terms and personal conviction. “I have no desire to be a politician, especially when I was informed I’d have to give up my money in order to do it,” he said candidly. Yet he also asked, “What’s the harm?” in considering whether he might serve in a different capacity if called.

At the core of Smith’s political reflections is a deep frustration with the current state of American discourse. He lamented what he described as a climate that is “so polarizing and so belligerent and so childish at times,” arguing that the nation needs leaders who emphasize unity over division. “There needs to be a fresh face brought to the equation with somebody that knows how to operate with decorum, with professionalism, with class,” he said, adding that “the sanctity of the office matters.”

Smith described himself as a political moderate who “leans right fiscally and leans left with social issues,” and he pointed to what he sees as common-sense priorities: restoring respectful dialogue, promoting compromise, and helping Americans recognize shared values. “If we talk to one another, we find out as Americans that we have far more in common than we do differences,” he said.

Though he insisted he does not currently desire elected office, Smith admitted he would relish engaging in presidential debates to challenge what he views as divisive leadership on both sides. He believes his authenticity and outsider status could resonate with voters weary of partisan conflict. “I think somebody like me definitely would bring attention to the need for unity”, he said, even declaring that he believes he “could beat anybody” who might run in 2028.

For now, Smith has not indicated whether he would pursue the Democratic or Republican nomination—or potentially run as an independent—if he were to enter the race. His comments come as early polling already shows potential contenders emerging in both parties ahead of the next open presidential election, when term limits will prevent President Donald Trump from seeking another term.

While much remains speculative, Smith’s willingness to consider such a dramatic shift highlights how faith and calling can intersect in unexpected ways. His pastor’s counsel to remain open to God’s plans reflects a theme familiar to many believers: that life’s direction can change when purpose is discerned beyond personal ambition. As Smith put it, the future remains unwritten—especially when, as he believes, divine guidance may yet shape the path ahead.