Introduction
Football is a relentless game, demanding every ounce of your body, mind, and spirit. As a professional player in the CFL and arena football, I faced grueling schedules, physical tolls, and the pressure to perform. Yet, through it all, one constant anchored me: my faith. In my memoir, The In Crowd: Life, Legacy, Leadership, I share how I navigated the highs and lows of a football career while staying true to my Christian beliefs. Balancing faith and football’s demands wasn’t easy—it required discipline, sacrifice, and a clear sense of purpose. This blog post reflects on my journey, offering insights into how I leaned on faith to guide me through the chaos of professional sports, strengthened my family bonds, and found meaning beyond the field.
Faith as My Foundation
From my early days in Little Rock, Arkansas, faith was more than a Sunday ritual—it was the bedrock of my life. Growing up, I saw my mother’s unwavering trust in God, even through financial struggles and personal challenges. Her example taught me that faith isn’t passive; it’s an active choice to trust in something bigger than yourself. When I stepped into professional football, this foundation became my lifeline.
The demands of football were overwhelming: early morning workouts, film sessions, travel, and the constant scrutiny of coaches and fans. Amid this, I made a commitment to start each day with prayer and scripture. As I write in The In Crowd, “My mornings were sacred. Before the playbook, I opened the Bible. It reminded me who I was beyond the jersey.” This routine grounded me, helping me face the uncertainty of injuries or roster cuts with resilience.
Faith also shaped my perspective on success. In a world obsessed with stats and accolades, I leaned on Proverbs 16:3: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” This verse reminded me that my worth wasn’t tied to a touchdown or a contract—it was rooted in living with integrity. By prioritizing faith, I found clarity to handle football’s pressures without losing myself.
Navigating Football’s Chaos with Discipline
Professional football is a whirlwind. Practices could last hours, travel schedules disrupted sleep, and the mental strain of competition never let up. Balancing faith and football’s demands meant creating intentional habits to stay spiritually connected. I learned early that discipline in faith was as crucial as discipline in training.
One of my key practices was setting boundaries. On game days, I carved out quiet moments—whether in a hotel room or a locker room corner—to pray and reflect. This wasn’t about superstition; it was about realigning my heart. As I note in The In Crowd, “Football could consume you if you let it. Prayer was my reset, my way to keep God first.” These moments helped me stay calm under pressure, whether facing a critical play or a high-stakes game.
I also leaned on community to stay accountable. My wife, teammates, and mentors played a vital role. I’d often join teammates for Bible study sessions during road trips, where we’d share struggles and encouragement. These gatherings reminded me that faith thrives in connection, not isolation. For example, during a tough season with the Toronto Argonauts, a teammate’s testimony about trusting God through injury inspired me to persevere. By integrating faith into my football routine, I turned chaos into an opportunity for growth.
Family as a Faith-Fueled Anchor
Football’s demands often pulled me away from home—long road trips, late practices, and the mental exhaustion of the season. Yet, my family was where my faith found its deepest expression. Balancing faith and football meant ensuring my role as a husband and father took precedence, even when the game screamed for attention.
My wife was my rock, embodying the strength and grace I needed to stay grounded. We made a pact early in my career: no matter how crazy the schedule, we’d pray together daily, even if over the phone. This commitment kept us aligned, reminding me that my family was my first ministry. In The In Crowd, I reflect, “Football gave me a platform, but my wife and kids gave me purpose. Faith tied it all together.”
Raising children in the spotlight of professional sports wasn’t easy. I wanted my kids to see a father who lived his faith, not just preached it. This meant small, intentional acts: reading Bible stories at bedtime, modeling humility after a loss, or apologizing when I fell short. These moments taught me that faith isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency. By prioritizing family, I ensured football’s demands didn’t erode the relationships that mattered most.
Finding Purpose Beyond the Game
Retiring from football at 33 was a turning point. The game had defined so much of my identity, but faith gave me the courage to step into a new chapter. Balancing faith and football’s demands prepared me for life after the field, where I found purpose in coaching and mentoring young athletes.
Coaching became my way to give back, blending the lessons of faith and football. I saw my role not just as teaching plays but as shaping character. I’d share stories from my career—like how prayer helped me through a season-ending injury—to show kids that faith equips you for any challenge. As I write in The In Crowd, “Football ends, but faith endures. It’s the legacy I want to leave.”
Faith also guided my approach to leadership. Whether in the locker room or at home, I aimed to be a servant leader, inspired by Jesus’ example of humility. This meant listening to my players, celebrating their growth, and staying patient through setbacks. By rooting my post-football life in faith, I discovered a purpose that outlasted the game—one centered on impacting lives.
Conclusion
Balancing faith and football’s demands was a journey of discipline, sacrifice, and trust. Through prayer, community, and family, I found the strength to thrive in a high-pressure world without losing sight of what mattered. My story in The In Crowd: Life, Legacy, Leadership isn’t about being a perfect athlete or Christian—it’s about showing up, day after day, with faith as my guide. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or someone navigating life’s demands, I hope my experience inspires you to lean on faith to find balance and purpose. For me, it made all the difference.
