Pigskin play callers who praise Him
Hebrews 12:1 says “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
If the Bible were being written today, one wonders if God might change the reference to the sport of racing to one of football.
I say that because He is clearly raising up a plethora of Christian play callers. The NCAA and NFL are full of top-notch quarterbacks who also happen to be outspoken Christ followers.
Tim Tebow is perhaps the most famous and outspoken. He gained a lot of attention at the University of Florida for painting Bible verses into his eye black. Tebow has also lived out his Christian testimony through his ongoing charitable activities and by declaring his support for abstinence and the pro-life cause.
Cleveland Browns backup quarterback Colt McCoy features his faith prominently in his best-selling book he co-authored with his dad, Growing Up Colt: A Father, a Son, a Life in Football. With Oregon coach Chip Kelly rumored to be headed to the Browns, Colt’s style of play could bump him from back-up to starter and further increase his Christian testimony.
These two are some of the most well-known, but there are others as well.
Sam Bradford of the St. Louis Rams was active in the “I am Second” ad campaign promoting that Christ should come first in our lives. Super Bowl winning quarterback Drew Brees mentions his Christian faith in his autobiography, Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity. Aaron Rodgers, also a Super Bowl winner, touted his testimony on the cover of Pentecostal Evangel. And in the college ranks, Heisman finalist Collin Klein sang the doxology on the Dan Patrick Show.
I am sure there are more. It is exciting to see God use sports leaders to advance his kingdom. It makes me reimagine that opening Bible verse.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of teammates, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run and pass with perseverance our way into to the end zone marked out for us."
