We often admire NFL players for their awesome maneuvers on the field. We admire their physique, wealth, and fame. We’re used to hearing them yell, “Hut! Hut!” during plays, and know them less for yelling, “Hallelujah.” However, there are current and former NFL players who believe in Jesus. In fact, they are using their football careers in very Christian ways.
Some donate their wealth to charity. Others use their fame to spread God’s message to youth.
These 9 Christian NFL players are using their football careers to further God’s kingdom.
TEAM: Denver Broncos, New York Jets
Tim is very well renowned for his unabashed profession of faith. He has had public speeches, written books, and even wrote a Bible study plan for the YouVersion Bible.
He was known to pray during games, which people dubbed “Tebowing”.
TEAM: Los Angeles Charges, Indianapolis Colts
Philip spends time running on the field and once ran a charity for foster children called Rivers of Hope. He and his wife Tiffany Rivers are Catholics and firm believers in abstaining from premarital sex.
He remained a virgin until his marriage to Tiffany in 2001. Today, they have six children.
TEAM: New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots
When off the football field, Benjamin is working to spread the Gospel to anyone who will listen through the One More Foundation. He reaches out to the community through charity and education initiatives.
TEAM: Philadelphia Eagles
Carson also leads his own foundation called AO1 Foundation. The goal of the group is to, as he says, “uplift individuals and communities around the world by demonstrating God’s love for His people.”
He’s demonstrated his faith to people through his words and his cleats.
TEAM: Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers
The late football player served on and off the field so well he was nicknamed “The Minister of Defense”. Reggie was an evangelical minister for Inner City Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
TEAM: Indianapolis Colts
Hunter was a punter for the Indianapolis Colts and also a member of Connersvine, a Christian rock band. In between football seasons, he often went on tours.
TEAM: Saint Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals
Kurt is known for a response he said to sportscaster Mike Tirico after his Superbowl win against the Tennessee Titans. “Well, first things first, I’ve got to thank my Lord and Savior up above—thank you, Jesus!”
TEAM: Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers
In 2007, Tony’s vibrant faith led to him being appointed by President George W. Bush to the President’s Faith Council. This former player is now an author and NFL analyst.
TEAM: Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Baltimore Ravens
Deion took his faith to new heights after meeting regularly with a Bishop. He transformed his identity to become more Christ-like. Now, he mentors at-risk youth.
All of these NFL players are more than just role-models for the sports community. They remind us that no matter what role we play in our own community, we can each find unique ways to serve God and others. We can donate our money, resources, and time, as long as we do it for the purpose of furthering God’s kingdom.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Image
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