Over the past several years, NFL players have been speaking out and embracing their faith in Jesus Christ. Whether it is San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud, Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins, or Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter, they and a slew of others have all used their platforms in unique ways to praise Jesus and embrace Him as their Lord and Savior.
During Super Bowl opening night in 2024, Purdy said his identity is in Jesus Christ:
. @49ers QB Brock Purdy at Super Bowl Opening Night talking faith in Christ!
— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) February 9, 2024
For more of his story, visit our website!https://t.co/3QD2o4NT4V pic.twitter.com/0nSfwfF0tX
This was not the only time Purdy mentioned Jesus. In another interview, he was asked about reaching the Super Bowl after his team was down by 17 points at halftime. He had this to say:
“Honestly, I think it’s just a testament to God and where He’s taken me in life,” Purdy said. “I’ve never been the biggest, the fastest, the strongest, or any of that. I feel like I’ve always had to sort of fight for what I get and work for what I get. But God’s always given me an opportunity, whether that was in high school, college and then obviously in the NFL. Getting drafted last, people overlook you and all that kind of stuff, and then all you need is an opportunity and watch and see what He does. I put my faith and trust in Him and He’s gotten me where I’m at.
“So when I’m down 17 at half, honestly, I’m just thinking, ‘All right God, You’ve taken me here, and win or lose I’m going to glorify You.’ That’s my peace, that’s the joy, that’s the steadfastness — that’s where I get it from. And that’s the honest truth. So I leaned into that and sure enough, we were able to come back.”
Purdy was not the only quarterback to praise Jesus. As mentioned above, Stroud has been very vocal about his faith, as well as Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. These athletes have a very big platform, and sometimes they don't use it for good; however, especially recently, there have been more athletes using their platform to get their message across about their faith in their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and without worrying about any "backlash" they might face.
SEE ALSO: Strike Out: Mets Announcers Slam Cubs Player for Skipping Game to Attend Charlie Kirk Memorial
Houston Texans Quarterback CJ Stroud Ignores Reporter's Question to Give Glory to Christ
Jackson got criticized for retweeting the late, great Charlie Kirk back in August. Charlie had this to say on Fox News:
"Jesus is most important."@charliekirk11 addresses the backlash after Ravens star Lamar Jackson received after reposting the conservative activist's “It’s all about Jesus” post. | @foxandfriends pic.twitter.com/b151hrBPQt
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 20, 2025
The NFL athletes who have praised Jesus do not seem to falter or cave on their stance, despite some people criticizing them for their beliefs. They will seize that moment to explain to people why they should attend church, read the Bible, and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Former Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins, who had gone through an LCL tear, followed by an ACL tear, and then an Achilles tear, was cut by the Baltimore Ravens and then signed shortly after by the Chargers. He had a game-winning touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals last season, and during the postgame interview, while millions of people watched the broadcast, he had this to say:
"I just want to thank Jesus. All the stuff I've been through, I just keep praying, keep working hard."
JK Dobbins on how big of a moment the game-winning TD was for him following the injuries:
— Chargers Central (@BoltCentral) November 18, 2024
“I just wanna thank Jesus. All the stuff I’ve been through, I just keep praying, keep working hard.”#BoltUp pic.twitter.com/JZ9DCoTD3c
Recently, Jaguars rookie wide receiver and cornerback, Travis Hunter, was baptized on Sunday, before his game in Jacksonville.
HOW AMAZING IS THIS!!! Travis Hunter got BAPTIZED at church in Jacksonville today before today’s game.
— Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen_1) October 12, 2025
JESUS IS THE WAY!!!
pic.twitter.com/224OVVTytm
As media broadcasters turn their attention to Taylor Swift and other celebrities in the stands every week, more and more athletes in the NFL continue to embrace Jesus, and it is a great thing to see. These athletes have a megaphone, and now, more than ever before, they are using it for the greater good.
