Bobsledder Elana Meyers: Win or Lose, ‘I’m in this Sport to Glorify God’ (Gospel Light Minute with Daniel Whyte III)

She is an American bobsledder who has competed in the sport since 2007. She won the silver in the bobsled two-woman event with Shauna Rohbock at the 2009 FIBT World Championships in Lake Placid, New York. Named to the U.S. team in 2010, she along with Erin Pac won the bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. In 2013, she and brake-woman Katie Eberling won the silver at the FIBT World Championships in St. Moritz. She is currently competing in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Though she always dreamed of being an Olympian, it wasn’t an easy road to get there. Before taking up bobsledding, she was the first softball recruit at George Washington University and quickly set nearly every offensive record. However, she said, “My sophomore year, our softball team was doing really badly and our season ended up getting canceled. So, that being the center of my life, I got really depressed. I didn’t know what to do and I didn’t know what my purpose was. I just started researching religions. Something inside of me told me I needed more than this.” While reading a book about spiritual things over Christmas break, she became overwhelmed with emotion, and said of that time, “It hit me that Jesus is the way. I can’t explain it by anything other than that. It was so strong and powerful; I knew that I needed to change my life.” When she returned to George Washington University, she began to understand what it means to be a Christ-follower. She joined Athletes in Action, began studying the Word, and growing in her faith.

In 2003, she was invited to try out for the 2004 Olympic softball team but the experience did not go well; she says she “crashed and burned.” After retiring in 2007, she took up bobsledding and she has worked hard to become one of the top female bobsledders in the country. After winning the bronze in 2010, she said, “To walk away with a medal was the accomplishment of a lifelong dream. It’s hard to put into words how incredible that experience was. That’s one of those moments when you know how real God is. I think I won that medal to glorify Him. One of the big reasons I was put in bobsled is to help people not only reach their goals, but come to Christ. God put me here for a specific reason and I don’t think it’s just to win medals. At the end of the day, I’m in this sport to glorify God, so if that means I come in last place or I win the gold medal, that’s what I’m going to do.”

Her name is Elana Meyers.

Jacob Tamme: ‘Faith in God Comes First in Life’ (Gospel Light Minute #135)

He is a tight end for the Denver Broncos. Before going to the Broncos in 2012, he was drafted in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He played college football for the University of Kentucky, and as a senior, he earned first-team All-SEC honors from both the Associated Press and the coaches polls.

In 2007, he was named the SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year and elected to the first-team Academic All-America squad by the College Sports Information Directors of America. He was the 2007 recipient of the Bobby Bowden Award, a national honor presented by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

He helped his teams, the Colts and the Broncos, win the AFC Championship, the Colts in 2009 and the Broncos 2013. He recently helped to lead his team, the Denver Broncos, to a Super Bowl berth in the January 19th’s AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. His team played the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 48 on February 2, 2014.

He said of his faith, “I’ve been blessed with two great parents who taught me how to do things the right way and that provided a great foundation for my spiritual life. Today, I am very thankful to have a life partner in my wife and a son. This has given me a great responsibility to lead my family in our faith, relationship with Christ, and provide the same foundation that my parents provided for me. To me, this is the thing that matters most in life.”

“My faith is important because it’s the core of why I believe we exist as humans. Faith allows us to spend an eternity with God and it fuels my every day actions. I’ve seen how having faith in God can change lives and it certainly has changed mine….God has to come first in all of our lives, then family second. Everything else that we chose in life comes after. Football is very consuming and I love being able to go out and compete week in and week out, but you have to elevate the other two (faith and family) because they are most important and the cornerstones of our lives.”

His name is Jacob Tamme.

Peyton Manning: ‘My Faith in Christ has Been #1 in My Life Since I Was 13-Years-Old’ (Gospel Light Minute #134)

He is the quarterback for the Denver Broncos. Before playing for the Broncos, he was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the first overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. He played 14 seasons from 1998 to 2011 for the Colts. He led the Colts to eight division championships, two AFC championships, and one Super Bowl championship in 2007.

His statistics throughout his playing career have ranked him among the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He has been awarded four NFL MVPs — a league record. He has also been named to 13 Pro Bowls and 7 AP All-Pro teams. He has thirteen 4000-yard passing seasons, and is the all-time leader in passing yards and touchdown passes for the Indianapolis Colts. Fox Sports and Sports Illustrated named him the NFL “player of the decade” for the 2000s. And in 2013, Sports Illustrated named him “Sportsman of the Year.”

Also in 2013: He broke the record for most passing touchdowns in a season with 55 of his own; he joined Brett Favre and Dan Marino as the only NFL players in history to throw for over 60,000 yards; and he broke the NFL’s passing yardage record by exactly one yard in the final game of the regular season.

He led his team, the Denver Broncos, to a Super Bowl berth by throwing for 400 yards and two touchdowns in the January 19th AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. His team plays the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 48 on February 2, 2014.

He said of his faith, “At age 13, I committed my life to Christ, and that faith has been most important to me ever since….For me generally it had always been the big four: faith, family, friends, and football. As important as football is to me, it can never be higher than fourth. My faith has been number one since I was thirteen years old.”

He said further, “Some players get more vocal about their faith, and some point to Heaven after scoring a touchdown and praise God after games. I have no problem with that. But I don’t do it, and I don’t think it makes me any less a Christian. I just want my actions to speak louder, and I don’t want to be more of a target for criticism…My faith doesn’t make me perfect, it makes me forgiven, and provides me the assurance I once looked for. I’ve been blessed—having so little go wrong in my life, and being given so much. I pray every night, sometimes long prayers about a lot of things and a lot of people, but I don’t talk about it or brag about it because that’s between God and me, and I’m no better than anybody else in God’s sight. But I consider myself fortunate to be able to go to Him for guidance, and I hope (and pray) I don’t do too many things that displease Him. I believe, too, that life is much better and freer when you’re committed to God in that way.”

His name is Peyton Manning.

The Question God Asked Steve Smith: “When Are You Going to Start Playing for Me?” (Gospel Light Minute #133)

He is a wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers. He played college football at the University of Utah. He was chosen by the Panthers as a third round pick in the 2001 NFL Draft. He was selected to the Pro-Bowl five times and to the All-Pro three times. He is known as one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL. In 2005, he led the league in receiving yards, catches, and touchdowns. This same year, he was the NFL Alumni Wide Receiver of the Year, AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year, and the PFWA NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Having spent his whole career with the Panthers, he is the team’s all-time leader in total touchdowns, receptions, and receiving yards. He currently leads all active NFL players in all-purpose yardage.

He says of his faith, “I accepted Christ in a boiler room in Tampa Bay in 2003. I accepted Christ, but I didn’t understand the responsibility, or understand the full lifelong commitment, the true covenant between a believer, myself and—with Christ. And so I was kind of lukewarm, I was straddling the fence. I kind of looked for (it) when I needed it, but when I didn’t need it, just kind of shoved it to the side.”

With talent, pride, and a chip on his shoulder, he often got into arguments with other players and teammates. During the 2010 season, he decided to change that. After taking a long look in the mirror, he said, “I really just did not recognize the man, the young man, in the mirror. I didn’t recognize him, I didn’t see it, I didn’t like what I saw; vain, egotistical, and self centered. The world revolved around me. And, it was only important thing at that time was me. And that’s not how real life works. That’s not what it’s about. That’s not what a husband ought to think, ought to be, that’s not what a father ought to be.”

He says that’s when he was faced with a question from God. He said, “God just really broke me and asked me that question that I think everyone has in different ways. Which was, ‘You’ve played this game long enough for yourself; when are you going to start playing for Me?’ That was a question that hit home.” It was then that he decided to rededicate his life to the Lord.

He said, “You can have your bank account at Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, every big business, but on that weekend, they aren’t open. At midnight when you’re broken, that bank account isn’t going to help you. God has been in my life whether I’ve known it or not, and been looking out for me the days that He knows, He’s known. And He’s been there in the muck and the mire. For me, He’s redemptive; He’s that Father that even when your dad is striking out, He’ll hold you.”

His name is Steve Smith.

Candace Cameron Bure: “God Has Changed Me in Ways that Words Cannot Describe” (Gospel Light Minute #132)

She is an actress, producer, author, loving wife and mother of three. She is perhaps best known for her role as D.J. Tanner on the hit television series “Full House” from ages 10 to 18 which ran from 1987 to 1995. She is the sister of actor Kirk Cameron. Her other film credits include: “Punchline”, “The Wager”, and “To the Wall.” Her television credits include: “Cybill”, “Boy Meets World”, “Make It or Break It”, “The Heart of Christmas”, and “Let It Snow” among others. She was nominated for the Young Artist Award seven times primarily for her role in “Full House”, and she won the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award in 1994.

She says of her faith, “When I was growing up, my family wasn’t Christian. We didn’t talk about God and I didn’t know anything about him. When I was twelve years old, my parents told us we were going to church; a friend had invited us. It was strange to me, and I giggled at the thought of God. But as we continued to go every Sunday, my heart felt warm, and I saw how happy my mom, brother and sister were. I decided that I wanted to feel the same way. It was Jesus Christ that was producing this change in them, so one Sunday morning, I asked Jesus into my heart as my personal Lord and Savior. I was baptized along with some of my family at a later service. I was extremely excited about what I thought was my new Christian life.”

As a teenager, her popularity caused church to become an after thought .She said, “It wasn’t until I read the book Left Behind that I started rethinking my Christian life. There was one character that stood out to me. Pastor Bruce Barnes. He was left behind after the Rapture had occurred. I could not understand how a pastor could be left behind and figured the authors had probably never read a Bible! But, the book went on to explain, and it was my own ignorance that had me to believe that I could ask God into my heart, live my life the way I wanted to (even if it was not pleasing to the Lord), and still go to Heaven when I died.”

She said, “After reading a book my brother gave to me, now called The Way of the Master it changed my walk with God forever! It talked about the 10 commandments, and showed me my sin in it’s true light. You see, when I prayed the “sinner’s prayer” that day in church when I was 12, I asked God to forgive my sins. But I didn’t even know what my sin was. But, the law showed me my sin. As I went through every commandment, I saw that I’d broken all of them. Then I learned that God was going to judge me by this standard, not the world’s standard. So, while I thought I was a good person compared to other people, I saw that I was a horribly bad person by God’s standard. It was then that I truly recognized and understood my sin and what Jesus did for me. I broke the Law, and Jesus paid my fine. God has changed me in ways that words can’t describe. He has transformed the way I think and live my life. Things that were once important to me are no longer. I can’t help but share the Good News with everyone! I know there is nothing more important. I know that without Christ, the eternal consequences are devastating. I urge you to surrender your whole life to Jesus, turn from your sin and trust in Him with all your heart. Pick up a bible, and start reading.”

Her name is Candace Cameron Bure.

Rashad Jennings: ‘If You Put God First, He Will Take Care of Everything Else in Your Life’ (Gospel Light Minute #131)

He is a running back for the Oakland Raiders. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft before going to the Raiders in 2013. He played college football at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Before transferring to Liberty, he attended the University of Pittsburgh in 2005 and became only the fourth true freshman running back to start there.

At Liberty, he set a Big South Conference record with 3,633 yards with 42 TDs and a 5.7-yards-per-carry average. He holds numerous rushing records including most rushing yards and touchdowns in a single season and most 100-yard consecutive, single-season, and career games. He also played high school football at Liberty Christian Academy where he helped the team advance from a 0-11 season to a 10-1 season in two years.

He says of his faith in God, “I am truly humbled to be in the position I am. There is nothing special about me; I am just in a special position, and it is my job to utilize it to advance the kingdom. My faith is what got me here. My faith is going to keep me here. A part of playing in this game is to make sure that I witness to as many guys as I can; that truth (the Gospel) is going to last longer than the NFL.” He says his time at Liberty University showed him that “if you do things the right way, if you put God first and give him honor in your life, He will take care of everything else.”

His name is Rashad Jennings.

LL Cool J says, “I Am a Christian” and “I Love God” (Gospel Light Minute #130)

He is a rapper, entrepreneur, and actor. He has released thirteen studio albums and two greatest hits compilations including “Mama Said Knock You Out” in 1990 and “The DEFinition” in 2004. His latest album “Authentic” was released on April 30, 2013. He is well known for the popular hip-hop tracks, “I Can’t Live Without My Radio”, “I’m Bad”, and “Rock The Bells” among others. He has also appeared in numerous films and TV shows including: “Krush Groove”, “Charlie’s Angels”, “Deliver Us from Eva”, “Last Holiday”, “Kingdom Come” and “30 Rock”.

He is currently starring on the CBS crime drama TV series, “NCIS: Los Angeles” as Special Agent Sam Hanna. He has won several awards including, a Grammy award in 1992 and 1997; an MTV Best Rap Video Music Award in 1991; 4 NAACP Image Awards; and 2 Soul Train Music Awards. He was inducted into Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2007.

In an interview with Crosswalk, he talked extensively about his faith. He said, “I’m a Christian. Faith is a huge part of what I do, on every level – and I mean from salvation to tithes and offerings, and on every level and every dynamic that you can think about. … I was raised in church, and I read the Bible constantly. I stay in the Word constantly, on every level, because ultimately I think that we need that strength. You need that power in your life – that wisdom and discernment. You need that rain on all the seeds that are inside of you, and constantly nurture that potential that God placed inside of you, by watering it with that Word and constantly getting that in you, so that you can deal with the industry, so that you can deal with the trials and tribulations and temptations that come your way because of film, because of television, music and various other areas of the world, and the industry that I’m in. For me, it started off as a boy, and here I am.”

Asked how he nurtures his faith in the music and film industry, he said, “It’s kind of interesting. Sometimes, you have to let your life be the testimony. You have to let your life and yourself be the example. If I can be successful in the secular world and give God the glory, then it’s not so difficult. If ultimately he gets the glory, then the proof is in the pudding. If I can go out and claim a victory for God, and if I can go out and do incredibly exciting things and take my life to new dimensions and new levels and, at the end of the day, when I’m standing in the end zone, give God the glory, then I’ve done my job. Yeah, you get some of those weird vibes that people have because they fear being looked upon as different from everyone else when they talk about God. But for me, I love God, and I’ve never had a problem with going out in front and saying that it’s because of the tithes and offerings, and because of the faith and because of the fact that I’m willing to step out of everything worldly that I’m able to be in this position. I don’t have a problem saying that. It doesn’t bother me.”

His name is LL Cool J.

The Faith of Paul Walker: “Who Couldn’t Believe There’s a God?” (Gospel Light Minute #127)

He was a famous American actor. He gained fame in 1999 for his role in the film “Varsity Blues”. He is perhaps best known, however, for playing Brian O’Conner in “The Fast and Furious” film series. His other films include: Eight Below, Joy Ride, and Takers. His television credits include: Highway to Heaven. Touched by an Angel, and Shark Week, among others.

Before his untimely death on November 30, 2013, he spoke of his conversion from Mormonism to Christianity in an interview with USA Today. Although he was raised as a member of the Mormon church, he attended Sun Valley’s Village Christian School as a teenager, and later in life became a Christian. He said, “I’m a Christian now. The thing that drove me crazy growing up was how everyone works at fault-finding with different religions. The people I don’t understand are atheists. I go surfing and snowboarding and I’m always around nature. I look at everything and think, ‘Who couldn’t believe there’s a God? Is all this a mistake?’ It just blows me away.” He was on his way to attend an event for the typhoon victims in the Philippines hosted by his charity, Reach Out WorldWide, when he passed from this life into the next.

His name is Paul Walker.

How Alfred Morris Chose to Stop Just ‘Professing to be a Christian’ and Start Living Like One (Gospel Light Minute #126)

[audio https://gospellightminute.buzzsprout.com/3192/133959-how-alfred-morris-chose-to-stop-just-professing-to-be-a-christian-and-start-living-like-one-gospel-light-minute-126.mp3]

Alfred Morris

He is a running back for the Washington Redskins. He was selected in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Redskins. He played college football at Florida Atlantic University. He holds career records at Florida Atlantic University in carries, rushing yards, and touchdowns. He broke Washington’s records for single-season rushing yards and rookie rushing touchdowns in 2012. And he became the fourth player in NFL history to record more than 1,600 rushing yards as a rookie.

Growing up in poverty, he credits his mother and father for instilling in him morals, values and beliefs in family, taking him to church every week and introducing him to what it means to have a relationship with Christ. As he progressed through high school and college, he said, “I realized I had professed Christianity throughout my life and given God the glory, but I was still doing a lot of the worldly, college-kid stuff. God was blessing me and opening doors, but, when I honestly looked at myself, I saw that I was lukewarm in my faith, one foot in and one foot out.”

“That all changed when I hit a rough patch during my junior year. A couple days before a game, I had so much going on and was feeling overwhelmed with it all. Things piled up, and I hit rock bottom. Broken down, I called out to the Lord and told Him I couldn’t do this life on my own anymore. I gave it all to Him that day and jumped in with both feet. I gave God my heart and have never been the same since. I felt the pureness of God’s love and how all He wants is a relationship with each of us and to shower us with His unconditional love. It’s been an amazing journey since then.”

He is thankful now for the Redskins’ chaplain and for his teammates who encourage him daily in his walk with Christ. He said, “Professing Christ can be a popular thing to do, but living as He’s called us to isn’t easy. We all fall short of His glory, but to be able to walk the walk with others and be there for each other is the true definition of being a teammate. I thank God for transforming me and being the solid rock on which I stand. He has never left me. Without Him, I would have given up a long time ago. He’s blessed me with the abilities to play this game, and in return I play to glorify Him. He is, was, and always will be the true prize.”

His name is Alfred Morris.

London Fletcher: ‘I Was Living in Darkness for So Long; But When I Accepted Christ, My Eyes Were Opened’ (Gospel Light Minute #124)

He is a middle linebacker for the Washington Redskins. Before signing with the Redskins, he played for the St. Louis Rams and the Buffalo Bills. Well known for never missing a game in his career, he is ranked first among active players in this regard with over 200 starts. He was selected to the Pro Bowl four times and to the Second-team All-Pro twice. He helped his team, the St. Louis Rams win Super Bowl 34 in 2000. He won the Bart Starr Man of the Year Award in 2012 and was the Washington Redskins’ Defensive Player of the Year in 2011 and the NFC Defensive Player of the Month in December 2012.

He says of his faith in Christ, “For several months in 2004, I felt God was telling me to come to Him. But I resisted the call until after the first Bible study that Fred Raines, a chaplain with Athletes in Action, had at training camp. I was excited to accept and follow Christ as my Lord and Savior. I was tired of living the life that I was living. I knew I couldn’t do this on my own. I felt a fulfillment inside that I had been searching for. I spent years chasing things I thought would bring me everlasting joy and happiness: chasing Super Bowl rings or a multi-million dollar contract; or a new house, cars and jewelry. None of those things did for me what Christ did in an instant.”

“I grew up in a home where my grandmother had us in church. It was more of a routine thing to do. I would hear people talk about how Christ changes you, but I was skeptical then. I was living in the darkness for so long. But when I accepted Christ, my eyes were opened; I wanted to shout and tell the world. I called and told my best friend — all the friends that I knew — that I had received Christ. I wanted them to really experience the joy that I felt. I was so thirsty; I really wanted to experience all that God wanted to give me. I didn’t just want to keep the relationship I had with the Lord on the inside. I wanted it to be an outward expression as well and that’s why I was excited about getting baptized that following week [after I gave my life to Jesus Christ].”

“I encourage you today: if you already haven’t made the decision to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior — don’t hesitate. Don’t be discouraged by someone else. Accept Christ in your heart. Admit to Him that you’re a sinner. I believe that this is the best decision you will make in your life.”

His name is London Fletcher.

Russell Okung Never Knew his Father, but says the Heavenly Father has Always Been Present (Gospel Light Minute #123)

[audio https://gospellightminute.buzzsprout.com/3192/129012-russell-okung-never-knew-his-father-but-says-the-heavenly-father-has-always-been-present-gospel-light-minute-123.mp3]

He is an offensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks who was drafted as the 6th overall pick in 2010. He played college football for Oklahoma State University. While there, he was twice recognized as an All-American.

Raised in a single-parent household, he never met his father. However, he learned at an early age to focus on God and allow God’s peace to rule his life. He said of his faith, “My father passed when I was a very young boy. I have never had my father in my life, but my heavenly Father has always been present. The Lord has placed plenty of outstanding mentors in my life to help facilitate my walk. I’m blessed enough to have God fearing men of great valor and integrity to help me. My faith is important to me because I realize that I’m not in this world by accident. My faith speaks to my heart. It gives me confidence, strength, and renews me each day. Though I don’t physically see my faith, I see it manifested through my life, with my platform, off and on the field as well as my personal life. My faith is my rock!”

His name is Russell Okung.

Dallas Clark: How the Death of his Mother Moved him Closer to God (Gospel Light Minute #119)

[audio http://www.buzzsprout.com/3192/121226-dallas-clark-how-the-death-of-his-mother-moved-him-closer-to-god-gospel-light-minute-119.mp3]

He is a tight end for the Baltimore Ravens. Before signing with the Ravens, he played with the Indianapolis Colts from 2003−2011 with whom he won Super Bowl 41. He also played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012. During his college career at the University of Iowa, he earned All-American honors, and was recognized as the top college tight end in the nation. He was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2009. And his team was twice named AFC Champions in 2006 and in 2009.

He says of his faith that his mother’s death before his high school graduation pushed him toward God. He said, “Graduating from high school is supposed to be one of the greatest moments of your life. You’re looking forward to college; feeling like you’re on top of the world, all set to run off and explore everything life has in store for you. Four days before my graduation, that’s exactly how I felt. But then something happened that changed things in a hurry: My mother passed away. Suddenly, my entire future looked a lot different. I had every reason to sink down into the dumps at that point, to be bitter at the world and everyone in it. But my mother’s death actually pushed me in the opposite direction instead. It helped to strengthen my belief that God is in control of things, and that even though bad things happen, they happen for a reason. In my mom’s case, even though I thought she was the best person in the world, I really feel that her time here was done. She got me through high school, and now it’s my turn to go out and use what she taught me to make the world a better place. You may be going through a similar loss right now. If so, I feel for you. But I encourage you not to get stuck there. Bring it to God, and ask Him to help you make sense of things. Speaking from experience, I realize such events can feel like the end. But if you give them over to God, He can show you how to make them a new beginning.”

His name is Dallas Clark.

Buffalo Bills Player, Jairus Byrd, says he Finds ‘Mind-blowing Peace’ in his Relationship with Jesus Christ (Gospel Light Minute #118)

He is a NFL football player who plays safety for the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He is a two-time Pro Bowl-er and, twice, he has been the league leader in interceptions.

He played football at the University of Oregon. In his freshman year, he was an All-American second-team selection and the Pac-10 co-freshman player of the year. As a sophomore, he was an All-Pac 10 conference honorable mention. And as a junior, he was an all-Pac 10 first-team selection and the defensive MVP of the 2008 Holiday Bowl.

With all of his success thus far, there’s a lot of pressure and unknowns in the NFL. In fact, when he faced the possibility of being traded during offseason, he said it’s times like that where his relationship with Jesus Christ helps him through life.

He said, “I went to a Christian school growing up, and at 9 (years old) I accepted Christ in my life… The biggest thing in the world that comes to mind [about this relationship] is peace. When you’re in this profession and you get to this level, it’s your job and there’s a lot of pressure from outside people. But that relationship just gives you peace. Peace that comes with being in a relationship with Jesus is mind blowing. The things that people think that matter — money and fame — are short lived. You know people say “NFL” stands for ‘Not For Long.’ This game could be over in a minute. So what do you have as your foundation? If you build football as your foundation, it could be gone just like that. So, you’ve got to make sure your foundation is built on something that’s going to last. And [a relationship with Jesus] is something that will last forever.”

He says, every time he takes the field he wants fans to see more than just interceptions, tackles, and big hits. He said, “I just want them to see a passion, first and foremost. When they see me on the field, I want them to see someone in worship to God; whatever I have, whatever you see me doing, it’s an act of worship.”

His name is Jairus Byrd.

Anquan Boldin: My Faith is What Keeps Me Focused (Gospel Light Minute #117)

He is a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers. Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2003, he was traded to the Baltimore Ravens in 2010. After helping the Ravens win Super Bowl 47, he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. He was named AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2003 and has been selected to the Pro Bowl three times in 2003, 2006, and 2008. His other records include: most receptions in a rookie season, most receiving yards in a first career game, and most receptions in the first 26 games of an NFL career, among others.

He said of his Christian faith: “That’s just who I am; that’s just my faith. No matter what goes on in my life; surgeries, injuries, hard times or whatever, I’m a man of faith and I believe that’s one of the reasons I’m here today. Faith is what keeps me grounded; it’s what keeps me focused. Through life you are going to go through some ups and downs, you are going to go through some hardships, but me being grounded in my faith I think truly is the reason that I’m here.”

His name is Anquan Boldin.

O.J. Atogwe on Committing his Life to Christ and the Violent Nature of Football (Gospel Light Minute #115)

He was drafted in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams and played with the team until 2010. In 2011, he played for the Washington Redskins. And in 2012, he played with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at Stanford University. In 2007, he was the NFC Interceptions leader, and in 2008, he was awarded the MVP award by the St. Louis Rams.

Born in Canada with Nigerian heritage, he said that as a child, his parents taught him about Jesus and he understood the basic Christian holidays, but it wasn’t until he was a freshman at Stanford University that he came to know Jesus Christ personally and he chose to commit his life to serving him. He joined a group called Cardinal Life, a Christian athlete ministry for all the sports teams at Stanford, and through their activities he saw that there was a better way to live.

As the son-in-law of NFL coach and former Chicago Bears middle linebacker, Mike Singletary, he is known to deliver hard hits. When asked whether there was a conflict in aspiring to be a good Christian and the violence inherent in the game of football, he said, “As long as I’m playing by the rules I’m governed by, then God will be pleased with me. As long as I’m hitting them where I’m allowed to hit them, it’s fair game. Everybody agreed to the rules. If he is hurt, you pray for him. He’s in God’s hands. You don’t want to seriously harm anybody. I don’t’ believe that is in the heart of a Christian. We are here to love each other and build them up. God wouldn’t be OK with me trying to hurt someone because we are putting the sport above the lives of the people He created. But He has called us to play this game 100 percent without fear or hesitation to His glory, and as long as we do that within the rules, I believe that in His eyes He is pleased with what we are doing.

His name is O.J. Atogwe.