Posts filed under ‘NFL’
Corey Lynch thanks Jesus after being selected in NFL draft
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Appalachian State free safety Corey Lynch in the sixth round of the NFL draft.
Lynch’s wife Cissie is the daughter of Franklin Graham and the granddaughter of Billy Graham.
“I’m going to bring a lot of dedication. I’m going to bring character. Those are always tops on my list, and definitely some game-changing plays,” Lynch said about his selection by the Bengals.
“I just thank Jesus Christ for everything he’s done for me so far. He’s led me to Appalachian through a great career, and I believe he’s led me to the Bengals for another great career. So I’m looking forward to it.”
Top 12 Evangelicals in Sports
You can stay home on Sunday to watch football, skip Tuesday night prayer meeting for the baseball game of the week, and miss Saturday’s church retreat in favor of a pro golf tournament–chances are, you’ll still hear about Jesus. Evangelical athletes populate the major sports, and many of them enjoy the chance to be outspoken about their faith–thanking God for that winning field goal, late-inning homerun, or 18-foot putt.
We’ve scanned the sporting world to come up with a gallery of some of the most dominant athletes and coaches working today. Each of these men and women work hard, as their Bibles tell them, “to win the prize,” both in their sports and in their faith. (more…)
Ex-NFL player Garza set to speak to Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Former NFL offensive lineman Rich Garza is the featured speaker for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huntington Area banquet at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Big Sandy Superstore Arena Ballroom.
Garza, a former player with the Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos and with two teams in the now-defunct USFL, also will speak at seven local schools during his visit.
“We’re thrilled to have Rich with us,” said Tim Stephens, Huntington Area director of FCA. “I know the kids will get something great from the message he offers.” (more…)
Packers’ ‘KGB’ shares faith at prayer event
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
A testimony of faith from Green Bay Packers defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila drew a standing ovation Thursday from 800 people at the annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast at Milwaukee’s Italian Community Center.
Held in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer, this year’s event drew the largest crowd since the late Packers great Reggie White, an ordained preacher known as the “minister of defense,” spoke to 1,300 people at the 1993 breakfast, said John Fisco, event chairman and publisher of The Christian Courier newspaper.
Gbaja-Biamila, the son of Nigerian immigrants – a Christian mother and a Muslim father – amused the crowd with quips and moved it with candor as he described his family and faith journey.
Growing up, he struggled with name-calling on the streets of Los Angeles and with teachers in school who told him he wasn’t smart enough to make it. He wanted to be a plumber, like his father, but other doors opened to him as his football successes led him through high school and into college. (more…)
Indianapolis Colts punter and Christian rock artist Hunter Smith talks about worshiping God through all of life’s situations.
Not too many rock bands include Super Bowl champions in their ranks. But Hunter Smith, punter for the Indianapolis Colts, is finding much success with his Christian rock/worship band, Connersvine. Smith, whom Beliefnet recently named one of the Top Evangelicals in Sports Today along with longtime friend Chris Wilson, co-wrote all of the music on their self-titled debut album, and take turns at the mic, sometimes playing acoustically, and other times with a band. Currently on the Winter Jam tour, where they are performing with artists Mandisa, BarlowGirl, MercyMe, and NewSong, Smith recently spoke to Beliefnet’s Dena Ross about songwriting as an act of worship, leading Bible study with Third Day, and the importance of faith among the Colts. (more…)
Jason Elam speaks on his new book and faith
Last fall, Denver Broncos kicker Jason Elam — one of the best kickers in NFL history, a three-time Pro Bowl player with two Super Bowl rings — invited two of my boys and me to speak at a chapel service for Broncos’ players and coaches, and then attend a Monday night game against the Green Bay Packers. We had a great time and got a chance to spend some time getting to know Jason, a devout evangelical Christian and a real kindred spirit when it comes to blessing the people of the Middle East with the love of Jesus Christ. Jason had become acquainted with me by reading I had just read an advance copy of his first political thriller, Monday Night Jihad which I thoroughly enjoyed and immediately endorsed. The novel is now out, and as part of his book tour, Jason just returned from encouraging U.S. forces in Iraq. Here’s an interview I did with him via email.
ROSENBERG: You were just in Iraq. Why did you go? What did you see?
Four years ago I went to Kosovo with the same organization, so when I got a call from them again in January I jumped at the chance. Although, my whole reason for going was to encourage the troops; not surprisingly, I was the one who ended up encouraged. Seeing our military sacrificing so much for us can’t help but make a person feel proud and incredibly patriotic. (more…)
David Tyree and Caron Butler experience spiritual transformations
You probably saw the catch on TV. Or maybe you saw it on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The grab made by New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree may be the greatest catch in Super Bowl history. It certainly was a pivotal moment in the Giants’ victory over the New England Patriots. But it was not the most pivotal moment in young David Tyree’s life. That would be when Tyree found himself behind bars in a jail cell.
“What looked to be the lowest point in my life ended up being the greatest thing that ever happened to me,” Tyree told the New York Times, referring to his 2004 arrest.
Tyree drank and smoked pot from an early age—habits he carried with him into the NFL. In 2004, to pay a $10,000 fine for being late to a team meeting, Tyree decided to sell marijuana—and was arrested. That is when his girlfriend issued an ultimatum: “her lifestyle or his.” He began reading a Bible he spotted on her bed. (more…)
Former Browns RB Green finds God and now searching for second chance in NFL
Even when you don’t make the connection with William Green these days, you get the message.
“All things work for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose,” the recorded voice of William’s wife, Asia, says on the couple’s answering service.
The 2002 first-round pick (No. 16 overall) has spent the past two seasons finding his way with God. Now, the question is whether Green will find his way back to the NFL. After two seasons out of the game, Green will be working out Tuesday at Boston College, his alma mater, in hopes of catching the eye of NFL scouts, coaches and executives.
There figures to be a good crowd in attendance at the Chestnut Hill campus. Matt Ryan, the top-rated quarterback in this year’s draft, is scheduled to work out along with the other draft-eligible players from BC. Ryan could go as high as No. 1 overall to Miami … or to another team if the Dolphins decide to trade out of the top slot. (more…)
Ex-Redskins QB Schroeder discusses football, faith
Jay Schroeder twisted the Super Bowl ring on his right ring finger, a hunk of gold and diamond as large as a swollen knuckle, then turned his eyes up toward the roomful of men sitting in front of him.
“It doesn’t mean a thing,” Schroeder said. “It doesn’t mean a thing.”
Schroeder, who talked for about one hour Saturday night to a men’s ministry group at Northside Community Church about football and Christianity, earned the ring after the Washington Redskins knocked off the Denver Broncos, 42-10, in Super Bowl XXII. Schroeder started 10 games during that regular season and passed for more than 1,800 yards but he fired only one pass during the game that can define careers.
Not that Schroeder cares too much about all that now.
“That’s what I did,” he said. “That’s not who I am.” (more…)
Faith, longevity paid off for Matthews
NFL Hall of Famer visits Savannah Christian on Wednesday.His first visit Wednesday to Savannah Christian Preparatory School took Bruce Matthews back in time, way back before his Pro Football Hall of Fame career.
“It doesn’t really remind me of my high school, except for the (earlier) announcement about picking up trash at lunchtime,” Matthews quipped, gazing at hundreds of students assembled in the Eckburg Center gymnasium.
Matthews, an offensive lineman for 19 years with the NFL‘s Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans franchise, came to the school’s midday chapel service to give testament to his faith as a representative of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
His speech followed a video montage detailing some of his many accomplishments, including his 2007 induction in the Hall, his record-tying 14 Pro Bowl selections and his mark of 296 regular-season games, the most by a position player in NFL history.
Matthews, who showed versatility by playing all five offensive line positions and snapping on punts and field goals, also was on the team’s depth chart as a quarterback and punter. (more…)
Jesus Christ's Superstars - Celebrities, Athletes, Actors who use their spotlight to honor God. 