NFL QB Prays Live on Sports Show: ‘God, Help Us’

Published: February 17, 2026

By Mallory Mattingly

NFL quarterback Jameis Winston wants people to know how easy it is to start a relationship with Christ.

“I think one of the easiest ways to have a relationship with Jesus is first to choose Him just like he chose you,” Winston told God Behind Bars prior to last year’s Super Bowl. “We’re all called to go and make disciples of all nations. We don’t function on religion; we function on spirituality because we know Christ came here, so we should baptize everybody in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

“We are all called to change others’ lives. Jesus already had a burden that was released from us, but He came to victory in that burden when He defeated Satan, when He was dead for three days and rose again on that third day, man. So, the ultimate choice is, are you going to choose to take up Jesus’s cross every single day, not your own individual lack, not your own individual successes, not the things that you’ve been through?” he continued.

“We think so much of me-centric, me-centric, but Jesus said these two things will allow you the keys to Heaven. Seek first the kingdom of God and all his righteousness. And love thy neighbor as thyself. Men and women, if you do those two things, you will be experiencing and also passing out Jesus’s love.”

Winston carried his boldness of faith onto The Pat McAfee Show, where Winston prayed live on air.

“My mindset right now is on my preparation and limiting all negative plays and focusing on how I can play consistent, winning football,” he said after reviewing last season’s plays.

“So, has God blessed you with throwing less pick-sixes?” McAfee asked jokingly.

“The Lord has definitely delivered me from pick-sixes. I threw a few picks, but I should have been more specific in my prayer,” Winston quipped back.

Shortly after, McAfee asked Winston to pray on the show.

“Heavenly Father, we do not want to joke about You at all,” Winston prayed. “Lord, we are so honored and grateful that we are able to be among each other. Lord, You have given us this moment now, and this is all that we have. God, help us, please, to advance Your Kingdom as we move forward. Lord, I just pray for Pat and his team, Lord, that they just continue to give people the word of true sports, of experiences of a lifetime, Lord. But through that, Lord, they can find You in everything that they do. Lord, bless us with a great voice. Lord, lead us to the Promised Land. Lord, in Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”

While Winston portrays a goofy, light-hearted personality, he takes his faith very seriously and wants others to experience a personal relationship with Christ.

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