Washington Wizards forward Nene had a life-threatening tumor surgically removed just over five years ago, and he now says God used cancer to test him and prepare him for helping others.

Nene was diagnosed with testicular cancer when he was just 25 years old and playing for the Denver Nuggets, and he recently told The Washington Post that he didn't realize the five-year anniversary of his surgery had come and gone on Jan. 14.

The Brazilian-born player – who changed his name to Nene in 2003 but was born Maybyner Rodney Hilario – is a Christian and credits God with blessing him to overcome the many obstacles he has faced. In addition to dealing with health issues including cancer, a severe knee injury and an ongoing case of plantar fasciitis on his left foot, the now 30-year-old Nene has also experienced the difficulties of poverty and leaving his native country as a teenager. more >>

Jeremy Lin rose to fame when he became a starter for the New York Knicks last February. While he is now wearing a Houston Rockets jersey and making fewer headlines in the sports world, the Christian guard is still thanking God for his opportunities.

After his first NBA start as a Knick last February, Lin managed to score 25 points and lead the New York team to a 7-game winning streak. The guard became the first player in NBA history to put up numbers of at least 20 points and seven assists in each of his first four starting games, causing sports pundits, celebrities and fans to name him and the phenomenon "Linsanity."

One year later, the guard who now plays for the Houston Rockets opened up about the nostalgic year he underwent on his journey to Texas. more >>

A high school football coach in Alabama who made derogatory remarks against gay people in front of a psychology class has been suspended by the school for 10 days without pay.

"I don't believe in queers, I don't like queers. I don't… I don't hate them as a person but what they do is wrong. It's an abomination against God. I don't like being around queers," Lauderdale County High School football coach Bob Grisham said last month. He also insulted first lady Michelle Obama, calling her "a big fat gorilla."

"I misspoke in a debate-type situation," Grisham tried to explain after it was revealed that a student had taped his comments and posted the video online. "I have no hatred toward anyone or any group. People that know my heart, they know that." more >>

Ray Lewis, the Christian Baltimore Ravens linebacker who recently ended his career with a Super Bowl ring, has spoken out about agape love and quoted scripture at the Super Bowl celebration parade that took place in Maryland on Tuesday.

Lewis and his teammates rode through the streets of Baltimore, Md. before making their way to the Ravens' M&T Bank Stadium to speak to the proud residents of their city after winning Super Bowl XLVII Sunday. While holding the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy given to the Super Bowl champions, Lewis spoke to the Baltimore fans on the heels of his last professional football game.

During his speech, the 13-time Pro Bowler quoted Isaiah 54:17 which states, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper." more >>

Michael Oher, offensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens and inspiration for the Award-winning 2009 biopic "The Blind Side," received support from actress Sandra Bullock, her adopted son Louis, and his real-life adoptive family, the Tuohys, while playing a stellar game at Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans, La. on Sunday.

Bullock, who played Oher's mother in the 2009 film, attended Sunday's game at the New Orleans Superdome with her 3-year-old adopted son Louis, who wore an Oher Baltimore Ravens jersey with the number 74 imprinted in the sleeve.

"The Blind Side," which earned Bullock her first Academy Award, features the story of a Christian family that adopts a homeless teen and encourages his love for football, and is based on the real life of Oher, who was born to a crack-addicted mother and an absent father in Memphis, Tenn. He grew up with 11 biological brothers and sisters before being adopted as a teen. more >>

A study released by the Barna Group on Friday shows that the majority of Americans consider professional athletes more influential than faith leaders.

Of the 1,008 American adults surveyed by the research organization, nearly two-thirds (64 percent) said professional athletes hold more sway on society than professional faith leaders. Only 19 percent said the opposite was true, while eight percent said the two groups share equal amounts of influence and another 10 percent were unsure.

Some athletes regularly speak about their faith in interviews, but only 32 percent of adults believe this kind of talk helps listeners become more spiritually-minded. more >>