When most athletes pick out their jersey number, there is usually a significant reason behind their choice. Cameron Johnson, power forward for the Phoenix Suns\u2019, expressed why his jersey number 23 means so much to him.<\/p>\n
In a recent press conference about the forthcoming season, the professional basketball player explained that a particular family member substantially impacted his faith, which motivated him to choose that number.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt comes from my grandma,\u201d the 25-year-old explained. \u201cMy grandma, she\u2019s a prayer warrior to the fullest extent, and she kind of told my dad to use this Bible verse as a prayer every time you go into a game, into a competition, into an important meeting, whatever it may be. And he instilled that down into me.\u201d<\/p>\n
The PA native shared how he carries on the tradition taught to him as a child, \u201cSo Psalm 23 has been a verse I\u2019ve always said before every game, and then I say now during the national anthems. I\u2019ve said it during the national anthems since high school, but it\u2019s the reason I wear 23. I was also a huge fan Jordan fan growing up, so 23 is a huge number of significance to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the Bible, Psalm 23 guarantees us that we shouldn\u2019t be afraid of anything because our Lord and Savior is always right there with us.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul.<\/p>\n
He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name\u2019s sake.<\/p>\n
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,<\/p>\n
I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.<\/p>\n
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;<\/p>\n
You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.<\/p>\n
Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Johnson sported the number 13 on his jersey while playing for the University of North Carolina\u2019s Men\u2019s basketball team. In 2019, he gladly returned to the sentimental number 23 after being the first round draft pick for the Phoenix Suns.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no number that has the tie to me as 23 does because of Psalm 23 and because my middle name is Jordan, and I watched Jordan videos growing up like none other,\u201d Johnson declared.<\/p>\n
His number even appears in his Instagram bio, where he frequently mentions his Christian faith. \u201cIsn\u2019t God good\u2026Thank you, @suns; let\u2019s get to work!\u201d the NBA player wrote as the caption to one of his posts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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