Why Steelers LB Alex Highsmith Finds Identity in Christ: ‘Play for Him’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith joined the Sports Spectrum Podcast to share why finding his identity in Christ keeps him grounded through wins and losses.
“Just staying grounded and having that firm foundation is huge for me,” Highsmith stated. “In my three years of being in the NFL so far, my third season, I think Christ was just reminding me that my identity is in Him and Him alone.”
“At least three quarters of the chapel sessions of the 2022 season were wrapped around identity and where our identity is,” he added. “So, I think that The Lord just continued to remind me that my identity is in Him and not my performance. I think that’s the thing about being in the NFL. Like I said, it’s a business, and you can get so caught up in how you perform, and you’re judged on that.”
“I think just knowing that my identity is in Christ and in Christ alone allows me to just go out there and play for Him,” Highsmith continued. “And knowing that no matter how I play, if I have a game with three sacks or a game with no sacks, no matter how I play performance wise, God still loves me the same. He doesn’t love me anymore if I play a great game and He doesn’t love me any less if I play a bad game.”
The linebacker previously reflected on finding his identity in Christ: “Jesus died for me, I’ve got to live for Him. That’s why it’s so important because all the things in this world are fleeting. I love this game of football, it’s amazing, but it’s not my god. I’ve tried to put my identity in the sport at times, and it’s let me down. This game, it’s great, but it’s not going to be God.
“Alex Highsmith is a linebacker with the Pittsburgh Steelers. They selected him in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft after his stellar college career for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In 2022, Highsmith led the Steelers with a career-high 14.5 sacks and tied for the NFL lead in forced fumbles with five. He was rewarded with a four-year contract extension in July,” Sports Spectrum reported.
Often, Highsmith uses his social media to share his faith. In an Instagram post, Highsmith posted Isaiah 25:1, which reads, “Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.”
Movieguide® recently reported on Highsmith’s new contract with the Steelers:
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith thanked God after signing a new five-year contract with the team last week, making him one of the highest-paid outside linebackers in football.
“First and foremost, I just want to give all the glory and honor to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for blessing me with the ability to play this game that I love,” the linebacker opened the press conference announcing his contract. “I play for His glory, and so just being able to do this is just such a blessing…”
Following his signing day, the 25-year-old took to Instagram to praise God.
He wrote, “All Praise and Glory to you Jesus. Here to Stay! I’m a Steeler through and through, LETS ROCK STEELER NATION! Ephesians 3:20 #G2G #HereWeGo”
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