By Abdul Masih —
Maybe the NFL wanted to recruit Latino viewers by hosting dress-donning Bad Bunny at its half-time show, but it seemed like a weird woke choice for the America’s pinnacle of manliness in sport. No matter, Jesus still took center stage after the gender-bender left the stage (and deleted his IG account).
“I believe God called me to be a coach and I listened to Him and I think Him,” said Seahawks Coach Mike Macdonald said. “We are incredibly blessed to be Seahawks, to be 12s. And now, we’re world champions.”
Both teams are chock-full of Christians. Seattle prevailed Sunday 29-13 against the New England Patriots.
Five million viewers dipped on the half time show and instead tuned in to Turning Point USA’s alternative show featuring Kid Rock, a 4% loss of viewers.
Here are statements of faith from Seahawks’ players:
- Cooper Kupp, wide receiver: I’ve learned to trust in the Lord this season because he knows best.
- Amari Kight, offensive tackle: Jesus is everything for me. It’s something that was brought to me at a very young age, you know, through my grandparents and my mom and everybody. And he he’s helped me in any situation. I’m just grateful for him to continue to open doors and move in my life the way that he has.
- Drake Thomas, linebacker: Without Jesus, I’m not here. He’s the unshakable foundation that I lean on in every situation. Feeling hopeless and searching for something that gives you hope, Jesus is that and more.
- Brady Russell, fullback: I spend time in the word every morning. If I don’t have those daily spiritual disciplines, then it can all fall apart pretty quick. So like consistent time with the Lord is going to you’re going to reflect this fruit.
- Dareke Young, wide receiver: I pray every day. I have a praying family behind me, whether they’re sending me a quick, good luck text or a Bible verse. My girlfriend, we pray on the phone before every game.
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator: I’ve learned from many chaplains that I’ve got to be around on different teams that you just identity is not in your job. Our identity is in Christ. When I learned that and I spent more time in the word from all the mentors I had in coaching. It took a real heavy load off, knowing that I’m a child of God.
- Ernest Jones IV, linebacker: In every team that I’ve been on, there’s been chapel, but this is the most guys I’ve ever seen in chapel. That kind of started to drive me. I’m trying to figure what are these guys doing? And that’s just the work of the Lord. These guys have definitely motivated me.
- Jarran Reed, defensive tackle: I pray before every game and every night. I pray for both teams, to protect us from any hurt, harm, and danger. All glory to God.
- Mike Macdonald, head coach: My faith is really has really grown over the last couple years. That’s what I lean on. That’s where your strength comes from. I have this gratitude and then ultimately strength that you feel that God has put you in a position to lead these people and and that’s your guiding light every day.
Related content: Jaxon Smith-Njigba glorifies God ahead of Super Bowl LX, Demario Davis‘s miracle, how Baker Mayfield came back from rock bottom.Sources: Sports Spectrum, others.
