Quarterback Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens is a strong favorite for league MVP, an award that Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs earned last season. He already was named player of the week five times, and one more would give him the all-time record.
Jackson credits his Christian faith for keeping him grounded despite the acclaim.
“The Lord, I give him all his praise, the glory and the honor,” he said at a recent news conference. “I could’ve been doing anything, you know. It’s crazy. I’m talking to him throughout the day, `I appreciate you’, `I thank you’. Because when you feel you’re bigger than the Lord, that’s when all the success dies. It goes away.”
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On Christmas Jackson tweeted a Jesus-centered greeting:
Happy birthday Jesus!! The true reason for the season!! Merry CHRISTmas from my family to yours!! pic.twitter.com/CcU1bHGyzX
— Mark Ingram II (@markingram21) December 25, 2019
Jackson and Mahomes are among a large number of NFL quarterbacks who are outspoken about their faith:
- Colt McCoy, Washington Redskins. “’I’m successful in life because I have Jesus Christ inside of me,” he said.
- Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers. “I grew up knowing what a stable relationship was by my parents’ example and how it centered on Christ,” he said.
- Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints. He said he accepted Christ on his 17th birthday after having knee surgery during his junior year of high school.
- Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers. “I’m just his instrument,” he said, “and he’s using me on a consistent basis daily.”
- Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles. “I love Jesus,” he said. “That’s what I love, so I’m going to talk about it.”
- Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks. “I’m just grateful that God has given me the opportunity to play the great game of football,” he said. “I try to live humbly… without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
- Nick Foles, Jacksonville Jaguars. Foles, a former Chief, is taking online seminary classes from Liberty University with the goal of one day becoming a youth pastor.
- Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders. Carr grew up in a Christian home, strayed from his faith and came back to it through his future wife.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice