Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker
Like his QB, Kansas City kicker Butker is 27 and appearing in his third Super Bowl in four years. Butker, a Catholic, tells Sports Spectrum that faith is the most important thing in his life and “set the tone for everything else.” He says, “If I didn’t have faith in God, I don’t think I would be the father I am, the husband I am, the kicker I am.”
On social media, Butker often posts quotes from saints. Despite the fears and pressures that accompany his career, the kicker says, “I know I’m a child of God, and he’s gonna protect me. And maybe that protection comes with some suffering, but I know that’s what’s best for me.” When asked what he’s praying ahead of the big game, Butker says, “Jesus, I trust in you.”
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts
Hurts, Philadelphia’s 24-year-old starting quarterback, says, “God is everything and he’s worthy of praise.” The outspoken Christian, who frequently talks about trusting God’s timing, says his favorite Bible verse is John 13:7: “You may not know now, but later you’ll understand.”
Following the Eagles’ victory over San Francisco in the NFC Championship Game, Hurts mentioned that Scripture verse in his press conference. Those words from Jesus became especially meaningful to him in college, he says, when he faced uncertainty and transferred schools. “My trust is in [God’s] hands,” says the QB, who will be playing in his first Super Bowl on Sunday.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes
Though he’s dealing with a high ankle sprain, Kansas City quarterback Mahomes has experience on his side. The 27-year-old has already played in two Super Bowls, winning one. After defeating Cincinnati in the AFC title game, Mahomes thanked God for healing his body. “He gave me the strength to be out here,” the QB said following the January 29 matchup.
Mahomes, a newly married father of two, describes faith as “always…a big part of what I do.” In a Fellowship of Christian Athletes video, the QB says, “The biggest thing that I pray for is that whatever happens, win or lose, success or failure, that I’m glorifying him.”
