NFL experts and newspaper headline writers have been quick to label Green Bay starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers the "Leader of the Pack."
Something about 4,712 yards passing and 34 touchdowns, and leading the Packers to the verge of their first Super Bowl title in more than a decade will do that for you.
But Rodgers made it clear in Tuesday's jam-packed Super Bowl XLV Media Day he only wants to be a leader of God's pack when it comes to influencing others to see his faith in Jesus Christ.
"We all have a platform, we all have a message in our lives," Rodgers told Baptist Press and a worldwide media turnout, which ringed his individual interview area. "I just try to follow Jesus' example, leading by example."
During his six years with the Packers, his career has seen enough twists and turns, dead ends and detours to test anyone's faith. An expected top 10 draft choice, he lasted until the end of the first round for reasons he never understood. He stood on the sidelines for three seasons while Packers quarterback Brett Favre went through his yearly will-he-or-won't-he retirement routine as Packers QB.
Finally given a chance to start three years ago, he has matured into one of the top quarterbacks in the league, but not forgetting his past, present and future in Christ.
"God always has a plan for us, a path. Sometimes we wish we knew it sooner," Rodgers said with a bit of a laugh, "but He always shows up His way."
He credits his parents, Ed and Darla Rodgers, who still live in Northern California where he was raised, for showing him a loving and Christ-centered household. He also remains close to his two longtime accountability partners, Pastors Andrew Burchett of the Neighborhood Church in Chico, Calif., and Young Life Christian youth group leader Matt Hock.
Even in the midst of the craziness of Super Bowl week and Tuesday's Media Day at Cowboys Stadium, Rodgers had already checked in with his accountability team.
"They won't be here Sunday, but they've been calling and texting me," he said. "Matt sent me a photo of his entire Young Life group decked out in Packers gear."
Rodgers' quiet and humble testimony has been enough to inspire Christian NFL fans everywhere and his own teammates as well.
Rookie defensive end C.J. Wilson, whose father is a Pentecostal minister in Mt. Olive, N.C., said he really didn't know what to expect when he showed up for his first NFL season this year. But when he saw the experience of his star quarterback and his witness, Wilson felt encouraged with his own professional football faith.
"I think it does help when your superstar quarterback is walking with God. I've been blessed to be around him and see how God makes all things possible in our lives," Wilson said.
Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings is one of Rodgers' receivers and teammates on the field, but more importantly, a spiritual brother on and off the field. He said he's determined to let Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers be his platform for God.
"I just want to let people know what it's all about. One of the Scriptures I refer to a lot is, 'to whom much is given, much is required,' and I'm required to have a voice because I have a stage and a platform," Jennings said.
"Number one, all glory goes to God. That's where it starts and that's where it finishes."
His father, Greg, Sr., is the pastor of Progressive Deliverance Ministries in Kalamazoo, Mich.
Packers defensive tackle Ryan Pickett has been inspired to join an anti-pornography campaign in the NFL this year to help rid the destructive influence among his friends and teammates. He said he had to turn down the invitations of his teammates this week and other times who wanted him to go places he knew was not right.
"I value my family and my wife. I try to stay away from that," Pickett said.
Green Bay kicker Mason Crosby doesn't have to be reminded about the number of Super Bowl games which have come down to a final touchdown or field goal, including the last Super Bowl held in Texas when the New England Patriots won on a last-second kick in Houston.
But he said his faith in Christ won't allow him to be defined by a single kick.
"I think He helps me knowing that kicking is what I do, not who I am. It's not everything that I am. I can escape knowing that my relationship with Christ is what carries me."
Crosby has also noticed his quarterback's faith and his example to his teammates and the sports world.
"Aaron has a great relationship with the Lord," Crosby said. "He's the face of the franchise and it helps to see he's living the message all of the time.
"I'm always reading in the Proverbs and Psalms to relax my mind before we play," Crosby added. "I know that God cares for me all the time regardless of any outcome here."
Art Stricklin is a Dallas-based sports correspondent. With reporting by Jerry Pierce, managing editor of the Southern Baptist TEXAN (www.texanonline.net), newsjournal of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
- Romans 13:1 (KJV)
Dear Lord we thank you for being our leader. We thank You for those that take a stand and give You the glory for all things. In Jesus’ name,amen.
What does it take to become a Super Bowl champion?
A Super Bowl champion will exhibits 5 specific traits.
The team that has the greatest desire,
The team that is the most disciplined,
The team that has the most determination,
The team that is willing to practice self-denial,
The team that possesses the greatest distinction and character.
That team, whoever it may be, will win the Super Bowl!
Vince Lombardi, former coach of the Green Bay Packers, and the winning coach of Super Bowl I, stated in a speech called "What it takes to be number 1":"Winning is not a sometime thing; it’s an all the time thing. You don’t win once in a while; you don’t do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing. Every time a football player goes to play his trade he’s got to play from the ground up-from the soles of his feet right up to his head. Every inch of him has to play."
Vince Lombardi said, “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will."
Let’s make it our goal to be a “Super Bowl Christian” using the same traits as the Super Bowl champ will show in the Super Bowl this year.
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- Hebrews 12:1-2 (New International Version)
Dear Lord we pray that we would be the Super Bowl Christian that you want each of us to be. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Let's be honest, there is not a doubt in any person's mind that Tebow is a Christian. From his eye black scriptures to the stand he has taken on abstinence. A reporter even asked him during and after game press conference if he was still a virgin.
This is not some new platform that Tebow is jumping on. He has faced four years of being prodded, made fun of and even embarrassed because of his stand on voicing his Christianity.
Over the last five years, we have seen every story and video of Tebow around. We have seen him working in the Philippines on Missions. We have seen him working with area youth. We have seen him on the field, in church, speaking in front of crowds. He has taken every opportunity to share the love of God that is so real to him.
I am impressed that as young as Tebow is, he never backs down in his beliefs.
As for Christian quarterbacks, Tebow is not the only quarterback standing on his faith. It is exciting to see men of faith not afraid to stand for what they believe. Let’s keep them in our prayers that they can stay strong.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.
-1 Timothy 2:1 (New International Version)
Dear Lord we thank You for the quarterbacks that will take a stand for You. We pray that you would give them the strength they need to stand strong for you and not give in to the temptations that are all around them. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The 2001 NFL season had barely started and the New England Patriots were a rising power in the league. Drew Bledsoe was leading the Patriots to a respectable season but then Bledsoe got hurt and a relatively unknown backup quarterback had to take his place. Tom Brady did what many thought was impossible; he led the Patriots to Superbowl 36. The Patriots were huge underdogs in that game but Brady led the team down the field for a last minute field goal to win the game.
What does Tom Brady have to do with anything Biblical?
Tom Brady is modern day example of what happened to Joshua. Brady took the leadership role for the Patriots when the previous leader was no longer able to do so. Joshua was in the position to take the leadership of Israel after Moses had died. Each of us needs to be ready in our heart for the job that God has for us.
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
-1 Peter 3:15 (King James Version)
Dear Lord we pray that we would be ready for the call when it comes to take over and do the job that you have for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
As fans of professional football whipped themselves into a frenzy over the 1998 NFL playoffs, the quarterback of the team that was the odds-on favorite to win the Super Bowl seemed strangely at peace.
He is Randall Cunningham of the Minnesota Vikings. Cunningham, the self-described "jumpy little quarterback" of games gone by, has come a long way to reach where he is now -- at the top of his game athletically and spiritually. A talented but troubled 6-foot, 4-inch star, Cunningham was known for making stunning plays, but also for being selfish and self-centered, alienating his teammates. In 11 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, he gained a reputation as an excitable quarterback who often bolted quickly from his pocket of pass protection, running down the field.
Cunningham bolted from football altogether in 1995. He walked away from the Eagles after the 1995 season, disgusted with his final seasons, and sat out the next year, saying he didn't feel like playing. He spent a year cutting marble for kitchen fixtures, apparently washed up as a player.
Cunningham said he left football needing a good shot of humility, and got it. "I was egotistical in certain areas of my life," he told the Associated Press. "I thought a lot about myself. And to get down and be with those guys in the trenches, laying tile and grinding countertops, and dirt flying in your face...it made me realize how tough it is out there."
Then came the "miracle comeback," a cliché to sportswriters but something real in more ways than one for Cunningham. He gave his life to Jesus Christ, was baptized, and then waited for God to let him know what to do next.
He didn't make any phone calls to see if he was welcome back in football, but decided that if a team called him he would consider it God's leading. Cunningham, then 35 years old, had told every team that he intended to remain retired from football, and none of them knew he was reconsidering, he said. "I said, 'Jesus, if it's your will for me to play football, give me a sign. Have teams call me," he told Knight-Ridder news service. The Vikings called, and at the end of the 1997 season Cunningham strapped on shoulder pads again and became their back-up quarterback.
But he wasn't the same player when he stepped back onto the field. The skittishness of the past had given way to a new sense of patience. "I used to drop back and have fear that I was going to be sacked. It's different now. I see the linemen coming forward, but I see a sense of peace."
Cunningham's new poise impressed his coaches. "I can promise you that his faith is real, and it's as single a reason for his play on the field as any," Vikings offensive coordinator Brian Billick told USA Today. "And that calm has rubbed off on me," said the coach, who is himself known for outbursts of temper.
After injuries to the first-string quarterback, Cunningham got his chance to start. As he dropped back to pass he waited more patiently behind his big offensive line for his receivers to make their moves, making tremendous plays and leading the Vikings to 16 wins with one loss, the best record in the league. He finished second in the NFL most-valuable-player voting to running back Terrell Davis of the Denver Broncos.
"I'm overflowing with Jesus," he told reporters. "Some people don't want to hear about that and they get offended by it. I guess those are the people who have not received Him. Because once he's touched your life, you can't deny Him. I can't deny Him."
In January 1999, Cunningham said he hopes God will use him. He has his eye on the Super Bowl and its worldwide television audience as a platform for the gospel. The Bible "says the gospel is going to be preached in every nation and every language," he said. "In the Super Bowl, there are going to be 800-something million people watching. I have to tell you that God will use that to show people who he is."
Let’s take a lesson from Randall and take the opportunities God gives us to preach the gospel no matter what the stage.
16 For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.
-1 Corinthians 9:16-23 (New International Version)
Dear Lord we thank you for men like Randall that are willing to stand for what they believe in. We pray that we would be bold and always take the time to share Your love with those around us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Joe Theismann enjoyed an illustrious 12-year career as quarterback of the Washington Redskins. He led the team to two Super Bowl appearances--winning in 1983 before losing the following year. When a leg injury forced him out of football in 1985, he was entrenched in the record books as Washington's all-time leading passer. Still, the tail end of Theismann's career taught him a bitter lesson: I got stagnant. I thought the team revolved around me. I should have known it was time to go when I didn't care whether a pass hit Art Monk in the 8 or the 1 on his uniform. When we went back to the Super Bowl, my approach had changed. I was griping about the weather, my shoes, practice times, everything.
Today I wear my two rings--the winner's ring from Super Bowl XVII and the loser's ring from Super Bowl XVIII. The difference in those two rings lies in applying oneself and not accepting anything but the best.
Always strive to do your best and stay away from the excuses that we so often like to use. What a great lesson we can learn from Joe Theismann this Super Bowl week.
1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
- Psalm 42:1-2 (New International Version)
Dear Lord We pray that we would do our very best. We pray that we would thirst for you Lord and in doing so do our very best. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Jack received a free ticket to the Super Bowl from his company. Unfortunately, when Jack arrived at the stadium he realized the seat was in the last row in the corner of the stadium. He was closer to the Goodyear Blimp than the field!
About halfway through the first quarter, Jack noticed an empty seat 10 row off the field, right on the 50-yard line. He decided to take a chance and made his way through the stadium and around the security guards to the empty seat.
As he sat down, Jack asked the gentleman sitting next to him, "Excuse me, is anyone sitting here?"
The man said "No. Help yourself."
Very excited to be in such a great seat for the game, Jack said to the man next to him, "This is incredible! Who in their right mind would have a seat like this at the Super Bowl and not use it?!"
The man replied, "Well, actually, the seat belongs to me. I was supposed to come with my wife, but she passed away. This is the first Super Bowl we haven't been to together since we got married in 1979."
"That's really sad," said Jack, "Couldn't you find someone to take the seat? A relative or a close friend?"
"No," the man replied, "They're all at the funeral."
It is so easy for us to forget where our priorities lie in this life. We get tied up in the day to day minutia of our jobs, relationships and personal problems, and we forget to do the most important thing – to just delight ourselves in the Lord, and allow him to work in our lives. When we focus our energies on loving and worshipping him, other things have a way of just falling into place or becoming less important.
4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:
- Psalm 37:4-6 (New International Version)
Dear Lord we pray that we would have our priorities set on you and that the things that are important to us we would focus our energy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
