When a Sports Spectrum reporter asked Oren Burks who Jesus is to him, the Eagles linebacker replied, “He’s everything. I feel like he guides every decision I make. He has a love that’s so forgiving, with all my shortfalls.” Burks added, “He’s my foundation. He’s what keeps me sane in all the craziness” of pro sports.
Defensive end Brandon Graham, a 36-year-old veteran, described what makes his team special. “People are not scared to be open with their faith,” he said, noting that Eagles players feel united and share prayer requests with one another. “This year I feel like we got a majority of believers on this team,” Graham said. “People not scared to be open [about their faith].”
Kansas City Chiefs: ‘The More Jesus, the Better’
The Chiefs, who went 15-2 this season, are trying to become the first NFL team to win three Super Bowls in a row. ChurchLeaders has covered numerous Christian players and staff members at Kansas City.
This week, quarterback Patrick Mahomes reiterated his commitment to Christ. “Jesus is my Lord and Savior,” he said during a media event in New Orleans. “He’s someone that I look up to every single day to decide what I want to do with my life and how I want to live my life. And so Jesus is everything to me.”
Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, who previously sparked controversy with comments about women and motherhood, said he believes “the more Jesus, the better.” He talked about Bible studies and prayer habits that keep players focused. “I think we just have a very Christian team,” Butker added.
Samaje Perine, a running back who signed with the Chiefs at the beginning of the season, said football and the bright lights of the Super Bowl don’t matter as long as “you have Christ as your foundation.” Fame can “take a toll,” he admitted, but keeping a faith foundation ensures that after your playing days are over, “you still have your identity. Your identity is in Christ.” Perine said he makes it a priority to thank God every day, not just during the highs of life.
, players from the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs have been speaking boldly about believing in Jesus.){kind=link}