7 Famous Catholic Athletes

Celebrity athletes certainly face many varied temptations to focus on self, money and fame, testing even the most ardent faith. A few athletes like Tim Tebow put their faith front and center, unashamed to pray on the field or let it be known that they are devout Christians. However, most celebrity athletes keep their faith hidden or in the background. They may be ambiguous about their faith or prefer to keep it private, especially if they are involved in scandals or less-than-Christian-like behavior. Several of the following famous Catholic athletes have experienced falls from grace. Like all of us, they must seek forgiveness and turn to God in times of trouble. It’s not enough to drive and train your body, you must also spend time cultivating your soul. Several of the following these seven Catholic athletes may have make serious mistakes, but demonstrate strength of character in other ways such as charity and philanthropy.

Kobe Bryant

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The basketball legend was born and raised a Catholic, married a Catholic woman and raised his own children as Catholics. Kobe is certainly a hero on the court, but he fell victim to temptations of the flesh, committed adultery and was accused of rape. The rape charge was dropped, but his wife filed for divorce. The two eventually reconciled, and Bryant relied heavily on his faith during these difficult years. "The one thing that really helped me during that process—I’m Catholic, I grew up Catholic, my kids are Catholic—was talking to a priest." Bryant committed a serious sin, but was able to put his life back together by relying on his devout faith and the counseling of a wise priest.

Source: Christianity Today

Tom Brady

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The superstar quarterback was also born and raised in a devout Catholic home and attended Catholic schools. He and supermodel Gisele Bundchen were married in the Church and their children are baptized Catholics. Brady has had his share of scandals including “Deflate Gate” and fathering a child with actress Bridget Moynahan just as he started dating Bundchen. Yet he values his faith and relationship with God, as evidenced by his humble observation, "Look at the attention I get: It’s because I throw a football. But that’s what society values. That’s not what God values. He didn’t invent the game. We did. I have some eye-hand coordination, and I can throw the ball. I don’t think that matters to God."

Source: Hollow Verse

Babe Ruth

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The “Sultan of Swat” is one of the most famous baseball players of all time. Interestingly, he was introduced to baseball by Brother Matthias Boutlier, an instructor at St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys. Babe Ruth was an adulterous womanizer, but perhaps redeemed himself through generous philanthropy. He founded a children’s hospital and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic charitable order. Like many religious people, Ruth’s faith waxed and waned over the years, but shortly before his death from cancer, he wrote, “As I lay in bed that evening I thought to myself what a comforting feeling to be free from fear and worries. I now could simply turn them over to God.”

Source: NCR Online

Pelé

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Perhaps the greatest soccer player ever to take the field, Pelé is also a devoted Catholic. In fact, his nickname means “wonder” or “miracle” in Hebrew (his given name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento). Sadly, he too had many adulterous affairs, ignoring Church teaching on marital fidelity. Perhaps he sought forgiveness from one of the three popes he has met during his lifetime. He does credit God with his talent and blessings, “God gave me the gift of knowing how to play soccer—because it really is a gift from God—and my father taught me to use it, he taught me the importance of always being ready and prepared, and that in addition to being a good player I should also be a good man.”

Source: Catholic News Agency