Miami Dolphins QB Malik Willis: 'Jesus has it way harder than I do'
Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis, a former Liberty University standout, highlighted the importance of staying “rooted” in his Christian faith, reminding himself that “Jesus had it way harder than I do.”
In a postgame interview with CBS Sports after the Dolphins’ 28-25 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday, Willis, 27, was asked what "kept this sideline so level” during the second half of their first win of the season.
Reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala described the second half as “tough sledding.” Despite jumping out to a 21-7 lead at the half, the Dolphins were outscored 18-7 in the second half.
Willis said he worked to “push positivity” during the game.
“I continue to stay rooted in my faith,” he said. “Jesus had it way harder than I do.”
Willis, who was drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans, has publicly expressed his Christian faith throughout his career.
The biography on his X account includes the phrase “Glory to God” with a praying-hands emoji. The pinned post on his account, published Sept. 24, 2017, includes the acronym “TGFE” with a praying-hands emoji and explains that it stands for “Thank God For Everything.”
Every post on Willis’ X account since June 2023 references religion in some way. His most recent X post, published March 9, addresses his move from the Green Bay Packers to the Dolphins and ends with a reference to a Bible passage.
“Much love and respect to [Packer] nation supporting us and me the past 2 years! It has been awesome upholding the standard for the green and gold,” he wrote. “It has been more than a blessing and [I] will never forget my time here and the relationships I made! Fins Up.”
The post referenced Matthew 6:33-34. The passage reads: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Willis also cited Matthew 6:33-34 in his previous X post, published Dec. 28, 2025, a day after the Packers lost to the Baltimore Ravens.
“To God be the Glory in victory and defeat!” he wrote. “Blessed to have this opportunity to glorify Him again! Gotta keep pushing.”
That post, which also included a praying-hands emoji, quoted a different, longer translation of the passage that adds: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Willis’ faith also features prominently on his Instagram profile. His Instagram biography includes “TGFE” with a praying-hands emoji, as well as the words “God’s plan” followed by a No. 1 emoji.
In a 2021 interview while at Liberty University, Willis reflected on his calling as an athlete.
“I feel like I was blessed with this ability and this platform to bring people to Him. That’s what we were put on Earth to do, to point others to God,” he said.
“I’m just a guy trying to get better every day,” Willis added. “I’m nobody special. I just play the game, try to make my family proud, and bring glory to God.”
“Winning games is cool and fun, and we get to glorify God, but I feel like growing with each other in the little Bible studies we do and building those relationships and getting closer to God with each other is way more valuable,” Willis said.
Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: ryan.foley@christianpost.com
