6 Christian Football Players to Watch This Season

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Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3). To be “born again” literally means “born from above.” When you are born again, you experience a spiritual transformation, a total change of heart. To be born again is to be saved. Many of our favorite football stars are born again Christians who are guided and transformed by their faith in Jesus Christ. These athletes believe they were given their abilities by God, not only to play professionally but also to help spread His word. Being a Christian has helped these players overcome different forms of adversity throughout their careers and their faith walks have helped them live God-centered lives. Here are six Christian football players to watch this season.

Russell Wilson

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is a devout Christian and is very outspoken about his faith in Jesus Christ. In a recent documentary, “The Making of a Champion,” Wilson describes how he found God at the age of 14: “I had a dream that my dad passed away and that Jesus came into the room and he was basically knocking on my door, saying, ‘Hey, you need to find out more about me.’ So that Sunday morning I ended up going to church and that’s when I got saved.” Unfortunately, Wilson’s dream foreshadowed the events to come – his father died six years later, but he still held onto his faith. Wilson also shared that he grew up as a “bad kid” and how his faith has helped him mature into a better man. He recognizes God for the talent he is given, expressing how he wouldn’t be where he is today without this influence of our Heavenly Father. “No one can stop what God has for you,” Wilson said.

Aaron Rodgers

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Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers grew up in a Christian home where his parents instilled into him faith values at an early age. He asked Jesus to be his Savior when he was very young and is still a devout Christian to this day. When it comes to his upbringing, Rodgers said, “I grew up knowing what a stable relationship was by my parents’ example and how it centered on Christ. When our family had its up and downs, I knew my parents relied on God for everything and He always got us through those rough spots.” Rodgers is often compared to Tim Tebow, with the clear distinction being that Rodgers is much less outspoken about his faith. He once commented on this comparison saying, “I feel like my stance and my desire has always been to follow a quote from St. Francis of Assisi, who said, ‘Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.’ So basically I’m not an over-the-top, or an in-your-face kind of guy with my faith. I would rather people have questions about why I act the way I act.”

Colt McCoy

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Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy grew up in a Christian home and was always in church. One summer, he started reading and studying the Bible more and discovered his faith through God’s Word. He committed his life to Christ when he was 14 years old. McCoy has publicly professed his faith in Jesus Christ and uses his football platform to share his faith story with others. He attributes his success to our Lord and Savior. “For me, I’m successful because I have Jesus Christ living inside of me,” McCoy said. He believes that regardless of what happens in his life, he’s ready to be the leader God has called him to be. “The number one thing in my life is Jesus Christ,” McCoy said. “And without Him, I am nothing. Without Him, I have accomplished nothing. And I want everyone to know that, and to know that you can have the same gift, the same opportunity, it’s free. God’s grace is free.”

Drew Brees

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is very religious and his faith story is a powerful testament to God’s amazing power. Brees accepted Jesus Christ on his 17th birthday after having knee surgery during his junior year of high school. Though he attended church in his early childhood, it wasn’t until his pastor said that he was looking for “a few good men for God” that he realized that he could be one of those men. Brees has also shared how being a Christian has helped him deal with various forms of adversity during his career. After he began playing with the San Diego Chargers, he suffered a severe shoulder injury that jeopardized his career. But God had different plans for Brees, who was able to overcome his injury through hard work and faith. Nine months later he signed a contract with New Orleans before the 2006 season. He believed this was all part of God’s plan explaining, “I looked back after I had already been in New Orleans for a year and said, ‘You know what, God? That was probably the best thing that could’ve happened to me’…Otherwise, I would never have had the opportunity to be a part of this community, to be a part of the rebuilding effort after Hurricane Katrina.”

Prince Amukamara

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New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara is a devout Catholic who is often compared to Tim Tebow for boldly proclaiming and showing his faith in Jesus Christ on and off the field. After the Giants won the 2011 Super Bowl against the New England Patriots, he was seen pointing to heaven in praise. He is also unashamed to share how his faith and relationship with Jesus Christ has transformed his life: “I am a virgin, I’m not ashamed to say that,” Amukamara said. “I grew up Catholic, so it just started out as one of those things. I’d think, ‘If I do this, maybe I can get to heaven,’ so I had no drinks, no sex, all the big things. As I grew up, I realized that’s not what it’s about. It’s about having a relationship with Jesus. It’s not about ‘Don’t do this. Don’t do that.’”

Robert Griffin III

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III, nicknamed RG3, is known for being very outspoken about his Christian faith. When he played for the Washington Redskins, he was often seen making the sign of the cross after big plays. His Twitter account boldly announces his relationship with God, and he also highlights Jeremiah 29:11, which talks about God’s plan for prosperity and a bright future. In 2013, Griffin’s mother told the Washington Post that she has a small tradition of sharing Bible verses before he plays. She selects Scripture that God has impressed on her heart before each game to remind Griffin that each game is just another battle that he can conquer with God’s help. Griffin said his relationship with God is his most important influence: “I praise God, I thank him for everything,” Griffin said. “Purposefully, you live every day for Him, and when He gives you the opportunity to speak up for Him or to do something in His name, you do it.”

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