Hollywood, the media, and even our political class seems to prioritize giving attention and praise to athletes who can be used to push an agenda because of their cultural popularity. While simply going along with what the popular culture dictates is acceptable and should be encouraged is the easy path, some athletes have made it loud and clear that in an age which modern society diminishes faith, insults Christianity, and attempts to shame religious athletes into conforming to certain stances that go against God’s word, that they stand with the Lord each and every time.
Here is a list of just five openly and proud Christian athletes we’ve put together today who embody what it means to proclaim God’s word when it seems the whole world is watching you.
5. K.J. Osborn Gives Thanks To God For The Courage To Act During A Terrifying Moment
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn played a crucial role in rescuing a man from a burning car in Austin, Texas. Alongside three other individuals, Osborn’s timely intervention prevented a potentially fatal outcome. Sharing the incident on Instagram, Osborn reflected on the belief that it was the Lord that placed them in the right place at the right time so they could save this man’s life.
Osborn expressed gratitude for being able to participate in such a heroic act and emphasized the reality of God’s love and protection.
“I’ll leave you with this. God is real,” said Osborn. “And His LOVE is real. He will send his angels to be camped around you and provide you with his grace and mercy.”
4. Ivan Provorov Takes A Stand For His Faith During A Vicious Media Onslaught
During an NHL matchup between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Anaheim Ducks, defenseman Ivan Provorov chose not to wear a Pride Night themed rainbow warmup jersey, which was intended to show support and blanket-acceptance for the LGBTQ+ movement.
Provorov, a devout Christian affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church, made this decision based on his religious beliefs, deciding to do what was right according to God instead of what society was forcing him and numerous other athletes to do.
The Flyers initially issued a politically correct response, but faced backlash from online critics who were demanding that Provorov be punished in order to appease the LGBTQ+ agenda. However, head coach John Tortorella commended him for staying true to his faith, highlighting the player’s consistent authenticity.
Obviously, many hockey fans stood with Provorov, since his specific hockey jersey was sold out online across hundreds of stores within days of the moment the media began to swarm him and attempt to shame him into backing down.
3. Brock Purdy States Boldly His True ‘Identity Is In Jesus’
Brock Purdy, the rookie quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, has garnered nationwide attention not only for his performance in leading his team to victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Divisional playoff game last season, but also for his strong Christian faith.
Purdy has emphasized in interviews that his identity lies in Jesus and that he relies on Him for guidance and strength. In a 2021 interview with Sports Spectrum, he discussed how his faith provides him with a sense of peace and an unwavering foundation as he faced many personal and professional challenges during his time in college football and beyond.
As his name recognition grew on and off the field, Purdy has remained grounded in his faith.
2. Derek Carr Reminds Us All Of Our Truth Worth
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr opened up about the impact of his Christian faith on his personal and professional life. Following a challenging season where he was benched as the starter, Carr shared his experiences during a speech at ChurchLV.
While speaking to the congregation, Carr mentioned questioning his abilities as a player and athlete due to the Raiders’ performance. However, Carr found solace and answers by focusing on God and being in His presence daily. He acknowledged the difficulties he faced but emphasized that walking with Jesus brought him peace and clarity.
Carr acknowledged the emotions of frustration and disappointment but emphasized that falling short in his goals did not diminish his worth in God’s eyes. He expressed his belief that God sees him and others for who they truly are, beyond cultural judgments and achievements.
“I came up short,” he stated. “But does that mean that I come up short with who God sees me as? Does that meant that because you didn’t accomplish your goal, you’re not a Son or Daughter of the Most High? No, because I know there’s a God in heaven that sees me in a new light.”
Carr later declared, “There’s a God in heaven that doesn’t put these cultural lenses on me. He sees me for everything He created me to be. He sees you for everything that He created you to be. Just because we come up short does not determine our worth.”
1. George Foreman Proclaims His Real Purpose in Life
I know what you’re thinking, “Foreman has been retired for decades, why is he on a list with younger athletes still working?” While George Foreman is perhaps one of the most notable Christian athletes listed and is perhaps too obvious of a choice, I’m including him because his recent biographical film, Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World, recently came out in theaters and captivated audiences who may have only been aware of his athletic achievements and not his true journey as a Christian man
Because of the film’s deep and very obvious inclusion of Foreman’s faith, it’s no surprise that most of Hollywood and the media ignored the film’s release.
During a promotional interview for the film with the Christian Post, Foreman expressed that being an evangelist has become the most important aspect of his life, not simply being a boxer.
“You come to a point in your life and you realize the only important thing in your life is to be an evangelist,” said Foreman.
“‘Evangelistic’ is the word that has been so powerful to me in my life. If something happened to me tomorrow, I know I’ve done a good job, and I’m happy about that, trying to spell out to the world, ‘Jesus Christ has come alive in me.’”
Who are some notable Christian athletes who would have added to the list? Let us know in the comments below and across social media.
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