NFL Stars Share Faith-Focused Advice for Young Athletes
By Movieguide® Contributor
With four Pro Bowl appearances, one All-Pro team and the 2020 Offensive Player of the Year award, Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry knows what it takes to be the best.
When asked by ESPN’s Sports Center what advice he would give to young athletes, the athlete did not disappoint.
“Well first, I hope they reach all of their dreams & aspirations,” Henry said. “Keep God 1st & always pray for what you want, work hard & go get what you prayed for. Take advantage of every opportunity you get & never let anyone tell you you can’t do something.
“If you believe it, you can achieve it & all it takes is determination & focus,” he continued. “Social media is not reality, control what you can control & as long as you put the work in & put your best foot forward then that will always be good enough. Trust the process, God bless yall.”
Henry isn’t the only NFL player to share some advice. Jalen Ramsey with the Miami Dolphins also said to “embrace the journey.”
“If you truly embrace the journey and everything that comes with it, the result will take care of itself… & in the slight chance that the result just doesn’t turn out in your favor, you can be at peace knowing you committed to the journey in the right way,” he said. “Everything is a lesson and growing experience when you embrace the journey. The highs & lows & everything in between all become worth it.”
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons reminded young athletes that “everyone is not meant to like you.”
“Everyone is not meant to be your friend!! Everyone is not supposed to go with you!! Align yourself with your dreams because in the end you will be the only reason why your DREAMS DID NOT COME TRUE,” he wrote. “Dream bigger and better every time! Dream so big that people will doubt you. Dream so big that people believe your dreams are unattainable! That’s all apart of the journey!
“Finally but not lastly always look upon your lord and savior, God won’t put you through what he won’t walk your through,” he added. “Always remember to include him from the beginning!”
Movieguide® recently reported on the advice JJ Watt gave to young athletes:
“When I’m facing a difficult challenge or when something doesn’t go my way, I always try to turn it into a competition.
“It’s me against the adversity,” he continued. “Doesn’t matter what it is, whether it’s bouncing back from a poor performance, rehabbing an injury or just plain lack of motivation. Either I’m going to win or the adversity wins. So I break it down into the most digestible chunks possible.”
“What can I do right now to take me one step closer to where I want to be,” he added. “It might not be a big step, it might be something extremely simple. But it will start me on the right path and get the ball rolling.”
The 2024-2025 NFL season kicked off Thursday night with a game between the Baltimore Ravens and last year’s Super Bowl winners the Kansas City Chiefs.
“Picking right up where they left off seven months ago, the Chiefs navigated self-inflicted offensive wounds and rode a smothering defense to beat the Baltimore Ravens 27-20 in a rematch of the AFC title game for the league’s season-opener,” ESPN reported.
Opening weekend rounded out with a Packers-Eagles game Friday night, 13 games on Sunday and the Jets-49ers game airing tonight.
