By Mallory Mattingly
For Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Jared Allen, making small changes in his life led to major spiritual growth.
“I used to cuss like a sailor. I just wanted to quit cussing, right? Now, I don’t cuss anymore. And so I can communicate better with people,” Allen said on the “Sports Spectrum Podcast.” “And then it’s like, I’m going to Bible study, and I forgot to read the passage. I don’t want to be unprepared for Bible study again, right? So I start reading. Started reading a verse a day, a chapter a day, whatever it is, and you just kind of started stacking them.”
“It was all the little things in life that made huge growths in my spiritual life. All the little changes I made made huge growth. And so, just like football, you focus on your stance, your start, and your get off, right? Those are going to make the biggest changes in a pass rusher’s career,” he continued.
“So that’s kind of my faith story,” he added. “I try to focus on all the little things I can do, and I tell people all the time, you want to see how God works in my life, just watch how I live. Watch how I treat my wife or I try to raise my kids. The greatest gift God has given me is His peace. I don’t worry about where I go, what I do, because I know I’m right with the Lord.”
Allen spent 12 seasons in the NFL, beginning in 2004. Over the course of his career, he played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers.
For more inspiring sports stories, check out Sports Spectrum.
Allen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame earlier this year, taking to Instagram to express his gratitude.
“Thanks to everyone who reached out with congratulatory messages this week and for all the support over the years. It’s a true honor to represent the class of 2025 for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I guess some things truly are worth waiting for 😜 Cant wait to put on that gold jacket!” Allen wrote.
Allen’s longtime friend, Coach Chip Smith, also congradulated the athlete, writing, “I was truly blessed and fortunate to have trained Jared throughout his career, watching firsthand the relentless work ethic, passion, and intensity that made him one of the all-time greats. Beyond the sacks, the accolades, and the dominance on the field, Jared is an incredible person with a heart just as big as his talent.”
If there is one thing Allen knows in his life, it’s that he’s no good without Jesus Christ. Through the little changes Allen made in his daily life, he was able to grow spiritually like he had never done before.
Read Next: Former Broncos LB Delivers Gospel Message During Hall of Fame Induction
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
- Content: +1Share:
- Content: +3