NFL Athletes share their faith outside field
When it comes to discussing public figures who are open about their faith, Christian actors and actresses often come to mind.
From the likes of Cameron Bure and Kathie Gifford or Tom Hanks and Stephen Baldwin, many of them have testified their faith despite the struggles within the Hollywood industry.
The National Football League (NFL) also boasts many players who are vocal about their Christian beliefs. These NFL athletes excel on the field.
However, they also strive to live out their faith in their daily lives.
Pre-game prayers to post-game interviews use their platform to share their faith. Many of them also credit their relationship with God as the source of their success, both on and off the field.
So, they give back to their communities by establishing foundations or promoting their Christian stance on issues like mental health.
This article takes a closer look at some of the notable Christian figures in the NFL.
Tim Tebow
It is quite well-known among fans that Tim Tebow is not just one of the many NFL athletes.
He is also an outspoken Christian who has never shied away from expressing his faith.
His devotion to Christianity was evident during his time playing for the Florida Gators. This was when he wrote Bible passages in his eye black.
In the NFL, Tebow would pray in the end zone before entering the field of play. This move attracted both criticism and admiration.
Off the field, Tebow continues to be very open about his faith.
He runs the Tim Tebow Foundation.
His foundation is committed to helping children in need.
They have organized numerous events and activities, including a prom for teens with special needs.
Moreover, they have raised millions of dollars for various charities.
Tebow’s upbringing has played a significant role in his commitment to giving back.
His parents were missionaries serving in the Philippines when he was born.
In honor of this, he returns there for mission work during the offseason.
That said, Tebow’s faith and dedication to helping others have earned him a legion of fans and supporters.
Moreover, his outspokenness and willingness to wear his emotions on his sleeve have made him a powerful example of how faith can drive one’s actions both on and off the field.
Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner is a former NFL quarterback.
As an outspoken Christian, he credits his faith for guiding his actions both on and off the field.
Warner’s faith story is one of the most inspiring in NFL history.
From studying at a Catholic school as a child to becoming one of the league’s most successful quarterbacks, Warner’s faith has been a constant throughout his life.
According to I Am Second, Warner’s Christian faith became more personal after he met his wife, Brenda.
She challenged his beliefs and encouraged him to read the Bible in context. As a result, this led to a deeper understanding of his faith.
Beyond his successful career as an NFL quarterback, Warner is also known for his commitment to giving back to his community.
In 2001, he and Brenda founded the First Things First Foundation.
The foundation reflects his Christian values.
Moreover, it provides resources to assist children from low-income families, as well as support the development of future leaders.
They also focus on issues such as promoting healthy relationships, parenting skills, and mental health awareness.
Trevor Lawrence
Trevor Lawrence is the star quarterback of the Clemson Tigers and was the top prospect for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Lawrence, however, has had a complicated relationship with Christianity. He grew up as an atheist.
The football player stated that he was often attacked and criticized by Christians, which only made him more resentful of the faith.
After a serious injury in high school football, his perspective began to change.
At first, he felt abandoned by the people closest to him.
Whether it be his family or his friends, Lawrence felt that they left him alone.
It was not until he attended a Christian church service in 2005 that he had a spiritual awakening.
Right then and there, he prayed for forgiveness and accepted Christ as his Savior.
Lawrence devoted his life to doing good for others.
He started a faith-based company called NFL Draft Diamonds to help football players and give back to his community.
Despite his newfound faith, Lawrence remains humble and grounded.
He recognizes that football is just a small part of his life’s purpose.
It was because, as a Christian, his bigger purpose in life is to be a servant of Christ.
With this, he hopes to use his platform as an NFL athlete to make a positive impact on the world.
Lawrence’s journey to faith is a testament to the power of forgiveness, redemption, and the importance of having a purpose greater than oneself.
Reggie White
Reggie White’s impact went far beyond his impressive football career.
He is a devout Christian and a dedicated minister.
White’s nickname is “The Minister of Defense.” This was fitting not just for his on-field performance, but for his commitment to spreading the gospel and helping those in need.
He saw football as more than just a game and used it as a way to fulfill his calling to serve others.
Aside from his talent in football and evangelism, White also had a talent for writing and directing.
His work off the field includes writing books and spearheading programs to provide jobs and classes for those in need.
It demonstrated his deep compassion and dedication to making a difference.
With this, White’s legacy serves as a reminder of the power of using one’s talents and platform for the greater good.
Justin Simmons
Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons is not shy about sharing his faith in Jesus Christ.
He acknowledges that he had a lukewarm level of commitment to his Christian faith.
It was in high school that he hit his adversity and realized his real and personal need for Christ.
Simmons says his faith in Christ “saved me from myself,” and he loves to share that with others.
So, he sees his platform as an NFL athlete as an opportunity to touch more people with the truth of the Gospel. This is why he often tweets Bible verses.
Moreover, despite the temptations and trials that come with being an athlete, Simmons knows that he doesn’t have to find his identity in sports.
Rather, his worth and purpose are for Christ alone.
Moreover, he credits his supportive family, lifelong friends from his hometown in Florida, and his wife for being a big part of his journey in his walk with Christ.
Faith is an important aspect of many NFL athletes’ lives. Moreover, they are not afraid to share their beliefs with the world.
These NFL athletes use their platform to spread the Gospel and encourage others in their faith journeys.
Their stories serve to remind you that sports can be a powerful tool to bring people together and inspire positive change.
Whether it is through charitable work or simply sharing their testimonies, NFL athletes are making a difference beyond the field.
By living out their faith in the public eye, they are setting an example and making a lasting impact on the world.
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