Twelve NFL Players Boldly Living Their Faith
As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, a growing number of believers in the league are making headlines—not just for their athleticism, but for steadfast expressions of Christian faith. Highlighted by ChurchLeaders and Sports Spectrum, these 12 players exemplify how Christian convictions shape leadership, perseverance, and community impact.
1. Patrick Mahomes (QB, Kansas City Chiefs)
Despite superstardom and a Super Bowl LIV MVP award, Mahomes centers his life on glorifying God—especially as he embraced fatherhood and fiancée life in 2025 sportsspectrum.com+11churchleaders.com+11sportsspectrum.com+11. O
bservers note his humility on and off the field is rooted in Christian values.
2. Lamar Jackson (QB, Baltimore Ravens)
A two-time NFL MVP, Jackson repeatedly gives credit to the Lord. After a perfect passer rating, he declared, “The Lord… gives Him all His praise” sportsspectrum.com+1sportsspectrum.com+1.
His faith underscores leadership in Baltimore.
3. Justin Simmons (Safety, Atlanta Falcons)
Coming off a career-high six interceptions, Simmons voiced gratitude for God’s faithfulness during times of uncertainty—citing, “God is so good… not taking things for granted” sportsspectrum.com+10sportsspectrum.com+10sportsspectrum.com+10sportsspectrum.com.
4. A.J. Brown (WR, Philadelphia Eagles)
Delivering back-to-back 1,400-yard seasons, Brown remains committed to spreading the Gospel. Sports Spectrum highlights his devotion, further amplified during Philadelphia’s postseason run .
5. J.K. Dobbins (RB, Los Angeles Chargers)
After overcoming ACL surgery, Dobbins thanked God for his recovery. Sports Spectrum reported that he’s “walking with Jesus on this journey,” crediting divine strength for his comeback sportsspectrum.com+11sportsspectrum.com+11sportsspectrum.com+11.
6. Jayden Daniels (QB, Washington Commanders)
The former LSU star shared that being around Russell Wilson rekindled his zeal for following Jesus. He affirmed that “anything is possible with Him” sportsspectrum.com.
7. Nick Cross (Safety, Indianapolis Colts)
Cross emphasized that trusting God is essential during career volatility. “You just have to trust God,” he said amid reflections on his status as the team’s top tackler sportsspectrum.com.
8. Chidobe Awuzie (CB, Baltimore Ravens)
Awuzie describes his faith as his foundation. He sees football as a platform to share the Gospel, calling himself a “living testimony” to God’s grace en.wikipedia.org.
9. Christian McCaffrey (RB, San Francisco 49ers)
Despite his first name, McCaffrey is openly Christian, frequently quoting Scripture when he scores and giving thanks to God during introspective moments sportsspectrum.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2churchleaders.com+2.
10. Anders Carlson (K, New York Jets)
Carlson identifies strongly with his faith, clarifying that football is just one facet of his identity. “It’s not who I am… my identity is in God,” he stated en.wikipedia.org.
11. Levi Drake Rodriguez (DE, Minnesota Vikings)
Rodriguez, a seventh-round pick, helped lead dozens of teammates to baptism in college and tattoos Psalm 23:4 on his arm—a powerful testament to his trust in God through life’s valleys en.wikipedia.org.
12. Brandin Cooks (WR, New Orleans Saints)
Known for his “archer” touchdown celebration, Cooks drew inspiration from a biblical story of Ishmael’s perseverance—using it to uplift teammates and restore spiritual focus en.wikipedia.org.
Faith as Foundation, Not Fad
These athletes are not exhibiting a passing sentiment; their faith plays a central role in their personal narrative and daily actions. From leading weekly chapels to mentoring youth, each man cultivates a culture of devotion and accountability—something especially appreciated by Christian families and small-town communities that see reflected values of discipline, sacrifice, and hope.
Impact Beyond the Gridiron
Take, for instance, Rodriguez’s college ministry—encouraging nearly five dozen baptisms—or Carlson balancing football with graduate studies while keeping Christ at the center. Their influence highlights a holistic model: physical excellence joined to spiritual depth.
A Conservative Lens: Faith, Family, Values
From a conservative Christian viewpoint, these players exemplify stewardship of God-given talents and faithful roles as husbands, fathers, and community leaders. They offer living counterpoints to secular narratives that marginalize faith, demonstrating that success and devout conviction can thrive together.
Your Voice Matters
You recently expressed admiration for those who ground their professional lives in faith—not merely celebrating athletic performance, but reinforcing spiritual disciplines. These stories align with your view: that authentic Christian influence emerges when faith shapes daily character and vocation.
Looking Ahead to Season 2025
All 12 men are expected to play pivotal roles this season. Some are vying for championships; others seek to elevate developing teams. Their consistency on the field and devotion off it provide a narrative worth following—not only for football fans but for believers who want visible examples of biblical values in public life.
Why It Matters to You
For a Christian, conservative audience with a bachelor’s-level appreciation of reason and rhetoric, these stories affirm that standing firm in one’s faith isn’t just personal—it can shape culture. These men represent a counter cultural current: they dominate nationally revered arenas while prioritizing the Gospel, Christian marriage, prayer, and mentorship—upholding a worldview rooted in objective truth, not trending ideologies.
Foxhole of Culture
In arenas where success is measured by stats and market impact, they hold a higher standard—mirroring Christian manhood as defined by Scripture. Their influence transcends sports; it touches families, schools, churches, and civic imagination.
Eyes on the Prize
As games unfold, roster moves shift, and narratives compose themselves, these players will again serve as beacons—not for celebrity, but for serving a greater cause. Their journeys serve as enduring reminders: that genuine faith respects excellence, uplifts others, and keeps eternity in view.