Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac is using his platform to encourage Christians—especially young athletes—to stand boldly for their faith, even when it sets them apart from the culture. His personal stand for Christ was highlighted at the Museum of the Bible.

The 27-year-old NBA veteran unveiled a signed pair of Judah 1 sneakers, designed by his faith-based apparel brand UNITUS, now displayed in the museum’s “Impact of the Bible” exhibit in Washington, D.C. The collection highlights the influence of God’s Word across history, from art and education to architecture and athletics.

“It’s also about loving people well. It’s not about just trying to, you know, shove God down everybody’s throat,” Isaac told The Christian Post. “It’s about just being authentically you, being gracious, loving other people. But when the moment comes that you are at odds with the culture or what other people think, I think we have a responsibility to stand with Christ. And I’ve seen that God will not let you go.”

Bold Faith on Display

The Judah 1 shoes are more than basketball gear—they carry Scripture. Each pair features Proverbs 28:1: “The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” The sneakers also showcase lion-themed designs pointing to Christ as the Lion of Judah.

The museum notes that these shoes were the first in NBA history to be manufactured with Scripture visibly displayed. For Isaac, the honor of having them preserved in the Museum of the Bible goes beyond personal achievement.

“It’s so much wrapped into one,” Isaac, a father of two, reflected. “It’s legacy, it’s the goodness of God. If Jesus doesn’t come back anytime soon, then my kids and my kids’ kids will always be able to come to the Museum of the Bible and remember their grandpa… and say, ‘Hey, our grandpa did something for the honor and the glory of God, not for himself.'”

Building UNITUS, Building Faith

Isaac launched UNITUS in 2023 after Nike declined to renew his contract following a major knee injury. Inspired by his pastor and his agent, he sought to create an “anti-woke” alternative for Christian athletes who wanted apparel that openly reflects their values.

“I can’t tell Nike to put Bible verses on my shoes,” Isaac explained. “So, having full ownership and the ability to be authentic to myself has been amazing.”

Since launching, young athletes have reached out to share how seeing verses on their cleats or shoes gives them strength during games. Isaac says standing at the free-throw line while wearing Scripture has been a reminder of God’s presence and power.

“We’re trying to build something and unite people across lines, across anything that separates us, and just come together, loving one God and using footwear and apparel to stitch us together,” he said.

A Consistent Witness

Isaac’s public witness isn’t new. In 2020, he went viral after choosing to stand during the national anthem while many NBA players kneeled in protest of racial injustice. At the time, he explained that while he understood the pain and frustration behind the protests, he believed the Gospel of Jesus Christ was the ultimate answer to division and injustice.

Today, his stand continues—not just in words, but in action. By putting God’s Word on shoes and now seeing them displayed in the Museum of the Bible, Isaac says it’s one more way of pointing people to Christ.

“You didn’t do everything right, but you also didn’t do everything wrong either,” Isaac said, quoting a phrase that stuck with him. “And this is something right: Putting God on shoes, putting His word on display in the Museum of the Bible. As an NBA player, that’s something good. And I’m grateful for that.”