Freshman Iowa WR Gets ‘All My Confidence’ From Jesus

Published: September 6, 2024

Freshman Iowa WR Gets ‘All My Confidence’ From Jesus

By Movieguide® Contributor

Reece Vander Zee, a freshman wide receiver for the University of Iowa, scored an impressive two touchdowns in his first-ever college football game.

Per Church Leaders, “Vander Zee was named a starter only days before his first college game, in which Iowa beat Illinois State 40-0. The 6-foot-4, 207-pound wide receiver caught five passes for 66 yards and scored two touchdowns.”

In the post-game press conference, the athlete gave the glory to Jesus.

“I credit my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me this opportunity,” he said.

“A lot of things fell into place for me to be here, and I get all my confidence from Him,” he added. “I just prayed that [Jesus would] give me confidence. And I went out there and showed that today.”

“I credit my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me this opportunity.”

Iowa freshman WR @reece_vanderzee pointed to Christ after a two touchdown debut in helping the Hawkeyes to a Week 1 victory.pic.twitter.com/JXCHu7m4TZ

— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) September 1, 2024

Vander Zee did not expect to be in a position to play, let alone start in his first-ever college football game.

“I was a little behind,” he told the press. “I actually came in with an injury that put me behind too. I got caught up to speed pretty fast. I was only out for a few days and then was able to get to work and go out there and have fun.

“It was rough for the first week or so, but I got back into it,” he added. “Just trusting in my technique and, at the end of the day, you just have to go be an athlete and have fun with it. The first week I was kind of limited, working my way back from injury. After that, it kind of clicked. I was running my routes and they were coaching me up.”

Before college, Vander Zee was the quarterback for his high school and didn’t transition to wide receiver until he reached Iowa.

“As I stepped into a bigger role, everyone came alongside me and helped me through it,” Vander Zee explained. “I would credit everyone. Defensive guys, offensive guys — they are all making sure that I am good. It is really nice to be surrounding with the top athletes in the country.”