Know a College Athlete? NFL Player Wants Them to Remember This

Published: February 16, 2026

By Mallory Mattingly

While speaking to a local church full of college athlete, Atlanta Falcons running back Nathan Carter reminded them, “You are the light of the world.”

“You are the light of the world…We live in a spiritually dark world because humanity has chosen to reject God, who is the true light. Satan has blinded the minds of unbelievers to make them think that they are walking in the light, but in reality, they live in the darkness,” Carter wrote on Instagram following the event. “The good news is that Jesus, the light of the world, came to us in the middle of our darkness to shine in the darkness with the power of His Gospel. It is the light of the Gospel that shines in our hearts and minds, inviting us to no longer remain in the darkness and to see Christ’s glory.”

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The concept of being a light to the world comes from Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”

The running back then quoted Michael J. Wilkins, who once said, “All those who have entered into the light now bear responsibility as missionaries of Christ, shining out as ‘lights in a dark world’ with the light of God himself.”

Carter explained that Jesus didn’t save us just for us to keep that to ourselves. Instead, “He saves us so that we can reflect the light He gave us” and so that those we encounter see God “more clearly.”

“You are invited to live in the light,” he wrote before sharing how that looks practically:

Live in our new identity: Embrace who Jesus has called you to be. Jesus isn’t offering a suggestion; this is who you are!

Imitate Christ: Let your life preach the Gospel before your words do. Let the Holy Spirit shape you to be a visible expression of the character of Christ in how you live, love, and serve.
Glorify God: Your good works are the primary vehicle for your light to become visible so that others glorify Christ and not yourself. Get off the sidelines, get in the game, check your heart, and do it all for the glory of God.
Hold firm to the faith: Following Jesus will cost you something. The darkness is already defeated through Christ. Contend, fight, and hold firm to the truth that sets you free.
Turn From Sin: The light will reveal your sin. Not to condemn you, but to draw you closer to the cross of grace so that you can run into the loving arms of a forgiving Father. Confess your sins. Jesus heals. Jesus purifies. The blood of Jesus sets you free.