12 Christians Playing in the NFC and AFC Championship Games

christian NFL
1. Ernest Jones IV, Tennessee Titans, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; 2. Christian Gonzalez, Tennessee Titans (4:36), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons 3. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, FanDuel, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons 4. Courtland Sutton, Senior Airman Brooke Wise, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Share

New England Patriots

Drake Maye

Second-year quarterback Drake Maye, a finalist for NFL MVP, uses his platform to spread the gospel of Jesus. “My passion is football, and my purpose is [being] a believer and being strong in my faith,” he said.

The QB, a 23-year-old newlywed, doesn’t take his opportunities for granted. “I just thank the good Lord—what a position I’m in in my life,” said Maybe. “Just stay strong in my faith and good things happen.”

Maye said he is praying for fellow second-year quarterback Bo Nix, following last week’s “heartbreaking” injury. “I’ve really enjoyed being around Bo Nix and his family,” said Maye, who called them “great Christians.”

Christian Gonzalez

Cornerback Christian Gonzalez, 23, is in his third year with the Patriots. After being drafted No. 17 overall in 2023, he talked about trusting God’s plan. On social media, Gonzalez posted Bible verses and messages such as “Thank you Lord!”

The cornerback, who just received his first Pro Bowl selection, promotes mental health care through the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” program.

TreVeyon Henderson

As ChurchLeaders has reported, Patriots rookie TreVeyon Henderson is known for living out his Christian faith. After scoring five touchdowns within the span of five days last November, the running back told a sideline reporter, “I can’t do it without Jesus.”

Henderson, 23, also pointed to Jesus while playing at Ohio State. There he led a Christian revival on campus, while leading the Buckeyes to a national championship. Henderson often posts Bible verses on social media. He’s also outspoken about the plight of persecuted Christians, including those in Nigeria. “Will you stand with them?” Henderson recently asked on social media.

Continue reading on the next page

Stephanie Martin
Stephanie Martin, a freelance writer and editor in Denver, has spent her entire 30-year journalism career in Christian publishing. She loves the Word and words, is a binge reader and grammar nut, and is fanatic (as her family can attest) about Jeopardy! and pro football.

Read more

Latest Articles