Faith comes before football for many Super Bowl players

Although the Kansas City Chiefs will not be playing in this year’s Super Bowl, fans can cheer for a number of outspoken Christian players on both teams. Several players of faith for both the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks were profiled by Crosswalk Headlines this week.

Drake Maye (quarterback, New England). Maye guided the Patriots to the Super Bowl in his second season after passing for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns against only eight interceptions.

“I think the biggest thing is using my platform to spread the word and spread the good news,” he told WEEI in Boston. “That’s one of the biggest things that I’ve tried to work on in my career, is using my platform to inspire young kids or inspire even older people that may not be into their faith as much. Just to know that it’s out there for everybody. One of the biggest things in my life that I’ve learned is that there’s purpose and there’s passion. My passion is football, and my purpose is [being] a believer and being strong in my faith.”

Ernest Jones IV (linebacker, Seattle). Jones led the team in tackles and interceptions season. He testified of his Christian faith this season in a post-game locker room speech that went viral on social media.

“I’ve been through a lot this year, but earlier this week, I found myself feeling stuck, and I found myself feeling like I was missing something, and what I was missing was God,” he said. “I got back on my knees. I started back praying — and just look at what we got. It’s bigger than this interception. It’s bigger than that. I got my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, back, and I’m with my boys.”

TreVeyon Henderson (running back, New England). Henderson experienced a breakout year in his rookie season, rushing for 911 yards and nine touchdowns to go along with 221 receiving yards and a touchdown through the air.

“I didn’t know who I was outside of football, but when I met Jesus, he showed me who I am,” he told Sports Spectrum.. “He showed me who I belong to, and that’s God the father, and that’s him. So, I’m just so thankful that he gave me an identity and he gave me a purpose to start living my life for him, start living my life for the kingdom and not for this world.”

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (wide receiver, Seattle). The two-time Pro Bowler led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards, to go along with 10 touchdowns, helping the Seahawks advance to their first Super Bowl in 10 years.

“Growing up, being a follower of Christ is big,” he told KING 5 News. “Just having that foundation means everything. Leaning on him, giving him all my worries and just him handling it, it’s the best feeling in the world.”

Hunter Henry (tight end, New England). Playing in his 10th year in the league and his fifth with the Patriots, Henry caught 60 passes for 768 yards and seven touchdowns.

“I’m out there to glorify God,” Henry told Sports Spectrum. “He gave me these abilities, and this is a way for me to go out there and worship him. I always say I apply it to everything, but really on the football field, I’m out there playing for one reason, and that’s the creator that gave me these abilities.”

Cooper Kupp (wide receiver, Seattle). Playing in his first season in Seattle following eight years with the Los Angeles Rams, Kupp finished second on the team in receiving yards.

“God is good,” he said. “On the mountains and in the valleys, he has been with us every step of the way. While we have been afforded the privilege to play such an amazing game, it is with humility we know each moment here is intentional, albeit temporary. We pray each day to be a light in this world, filled and guided by his spirit, and to make the most of every day according to his will.”

Josh Dobbs (quarterback, New England). Playing on his sixth team but first as the backup quarterback for the Patriots, Dobbs played only brief duty this season but made it to the Super Bowl..

“My personal relationship with Jesus Christ means everything to me,” he said. “Everything that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to God and my parents. I try to live my life in a way that it glorifies God in everything I do. I was raised in a Christian home, where my parents grounded me in principles that help me deal with the demands of life. I believe in the power of prayer. Whether a situation is good or bad, I am guided by my faith.”

Alan Goforth