5 Active NFL Players, Coaches Who Look Up to God
1. Aaron Rodgers (Quarterback - Green Bay Packers)
- "I've always lived by the philosophy of the words spoken by St. Francis of Assisi who said, 'Preach the gospel at all times, if necessary, use words.' I feel like you can always have a greater impact by the things you do than the things you say, so living out my faith has been primarily in that form,'' Rodgers said in Men of Sunday.
2. Jay Feely (Kicker - Arizona Cardinals)
- Feely and his wife Rebecca have held Bible studies at their home, mentored younger teammates and volunteered in their community throughout his career. When Feely lines up for a kick, he takes a short moment to be with God and remind himself of the strength and confidence the Lord gives him every day of his life. One scripture he would whisper to himself on the field was from the disciple Paul in Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.''
3. Matt Hasselbeck (Quarterback - Indianapolis Colts)
- Hasselbeck said it can be difficult to understand God's plan for your life, and that's when it is most important to have faith. He recites Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you'' declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.''
4. Andy Reid (Head Coach - Kansas City Chiefs)
- The former BYU offensive lineman prays daily, attends chapel and used to travel around the community with his wife Tammy speaking to groups about his faith. "Our faith is that foundation, and it dictates a lot about how we've handled things both in the good times and the bad. Is life going to be perfect? No. Is football going to be perfect? No. Is your faith going to be perfect? Well, the heavenly Father's plan is perfect, but we've all got our weaknesses trying to follow that plan."
5. Marvin Lewis (Head Coach - Cincinnati Bengals)
- Lewis says one of the highlights to his busy week is his one-on-one session with the team chaplain and potluck dinners the team sometimes schedules around a Bible study. "I'll basically mandate that everyone goes to chapel at least once because I want them to have the experience of it," he said. "I'm not going to force my beliefs on them, but it's important for them to know it's not a bad thing; it's a good thing. Then I'll leave it alone. They can't feel pressured. We want the environment to be comfortable to them, but not overbearing. They have a choice."
