Former Chiefs player retires from NFL to become a pastor

Offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski, who won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020, is retiring from football to become a pastor. He also won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 and also played for the Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars from 2011 to 2020.

Feb 4, 2021; Tampa, FL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Stefen Wisniewski (61) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The 32-year-old made the announcement last week in a video that was posted to Twitter.

“After 10 seasons in the NFL, I’m retiring.,” he said. “I absolutely loved playing the game of football, but after 10 years, my body, my mind and my heart are telling me it’s time to move on. What am I going to do next? I’m gonna be a pastor. The absolute best part of my life is my relationship with Jesus Christ. and I can’t imagine a better full-time job than teaching people the Bible and sharing the love of Christ with others.”

READ: Stefen Wisniewski sees God’s hand

Wisniewski also shared a statement thanking everyone who stood by him throughout his football career, including Jesus Christ, the “King of the Universe and my life.”

I have an announcement to make : pic.twitter.com/0ZHD3Kvp9b

— Stefen Wisniewski (@stefenwiz61) August 26, 2021

“You were my strength, joy, purpose, anchor, life, peace and passion through it all,” Wisniewski wrote. “I only made it through the tough times because of your presence and because of the promises in your word. And the intense joy from knowing you far surpasses any joy that came from even the best parts of the game of football. And all glory that people try to give to me for what I’ve accomplished truly and rightfully belongs to you. Romans 11:36.

Through faith in Christ, I am an adopted son of God. I am forgiven. I am loved. God is for me, not against me, and I am more than a conqueror. Because of Christ’s shed blood on the cross, I will spend eternity in Heaven with God. These Biblical truths are the solid foundation on which I build my life. Any foundation or identity other than faith in Christ is like a house built on sand — eventually it will fall.

My identity or attitude shouldn’t change whether I’m playing great or terribly, hurt or healthy, starting or on the bench. I believe Christians should have the best attitudes on the team, and in the world, because of our eternal perspective. I was able to rejoice despite my frustrating circumstances because I knew God was with me through it all.”

READ: Pastor gets letter from Chiefs head coach

Wisniewski played high school football at Pittsburgh’s Central Catholic before attending Penn State University. He was selected by the Oakland Raiders in 2011 and then signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015.  From 2016-2018 he played with the Philadelphia Eagles and won his first Super Bowl. He won his second championship when the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in 2020.

–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice