5 Christian Football Players in the 2019 Super Bowl

5 Christian Football Players in the 2019 Super Bowl

By Tess Farrand, Staff Writer

Super bowl Sunday is right around the corner, an event that might be viewed by over 100 million Americans. While fame and money sends some athletes into self-destructive behavior, many athletes have found the peace that surpasses everything, a relationship with Jesus Christ. Here are five football players who have professed faith in Jesus Christ and are playing in the Super bowl.

*Please note: The players below are not a comprehensive representation of the faiths of the entire team, but rather, are just a highlight of a few players who discuss Jesus in public. Feel free to comment if you know any other Christians who’ll be on the field that evening.

Duron Harmon ~ New England Patriots

Defensive back Duron Harmon said during a press conference a few years ago, “A lot of people get [their priorities] mixed up, they try to put football first,” he continued, “But you gotta remember that football is nothing more than a game. It’s a game that God blesses us with to use … for His glory and His work.” In addition playing in the NFL, Harmon uses his platform in athletics to raise awareness for Autism. Harmon recently celebrated his 28^th birthday alongside his wife Christine and two children.

Brandin Cooks ~ Los Angeles Rams

25-year-old Brandin Cooks is a wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams. Originally from northern California, Cooks played collegiate football at Oregon State University. As fans and football aficionados alike scroll through Cooks’ social media, they’ll find he’s not ashamed of the Gospel and often tweets prayers to the Lord!

Lord direct my steps, go before me!

— Brandin Cooks (@brandincooks) January 1, 2019

Matthew Slater (pictured above) ~ New England Patriots

#18 wide receiver Matthew Slater joined the Patriots after playing college ball at UCLA. As a Boston Globe article highlights, Slater came to faith as a child. “Even though I was 7 years old, I think I was old enough to understand and grasp it on a broad spectrum, so I started walking with the Lord at 7,” Slater said. Growing up with a foundation in Christ was the genesis to his understanding of living with an eternal mindset. In an interview Baptist Press, Slater pointed out, “Football is temporary,” he said. “It’s going to be over for all of us at some point. But, I think when you look at a relationship with Jesus you understand you’re living for eternity, and if you can’t get excited about that, I don’t know what you can get excited about.”

Andrew Whitworth ~ Los Angeles, Rams

Offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth is a father of three and recently, donated one of his gameday checks to provide for families of the Borderline Shooting in Thousand Oaks, California. The tragic event was close to the entire Rams team as the location is just miles away from the practice field. Whitworth’s servant-hearted nature is no doubt due to his faith in the Lord. Beyond The Ultimate notes Whitworth’s telling testimony, “I accepted Christ at a young age, but it took many years of failure and pain for me to realize what it means to follow and seek God in every aspect of my life.” He goes on, “after my second season in the NFL I decided to move home. I went back to church and felt God working in my heart. I fell to my knees and told God I was tired of running. I was ready to live the way He called me to.”

Devin McCourty ~ New England Patriots

Defensive back Devin McCourty hasn’t shied away from talking about his faith in public. A few years ago, McCourty discussed his blessings as a professional football player. “I don’t really think anything in this game we do defines who we are as people. It’s a blessing, it’s a great opportunity.” Devin has a twin brother Jason, who also plays on the Patriots. In college, the two started raising money to promote a cure for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Tackle Sickle Cell is their campaign for the cause that remains close to their hearts. SCD took the life of their aunt of whom they note had a powerful faith, “She fought tirelessly with unwavering faith to live a full life even when doctors told her she wouldn’t live to see 35.”

For some movies suggestions to get your prepared for the big game, click here to see our Top 10 picks!

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What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.