A growing number of professional football players are using their massive public platforms to openly share their Christian faith, viewing their athletic careers as a secondary vehicle to point others toward Jesus. Despite the fierce competition on the gridiron, these athletes believe their faith is what will ultimately outlast the game. Following in the footsteps of previously profiled quarterbacks like Russell Wilson, Nick Foles, and Drew Brees, an expanding roster of Super Bowl MVPs, undrafted long shots, team executives, and recent retirees continue to boldly speak out about their devotion to Christianity.
Patrick Mahomes
Few players carry higher expectations than Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, a Super Bowl MVP who became a Christian in middle school and has kept that foundation through every spotlight since. “Faith is huge for me,” he has said. In a Fellowship of Christian Athletes video, he describes a pregame ritual: “Before every game, I walk the field and I do a prayer at the goalpost. I just thank God for those opportunities, and I thank God for letting me be on a stage where I can glorify him.”
That posture has not changed through fatherhood, championships, or the kind of season-ending injury that tests anyone’s perspective. Mahomes still frames the game as a place to honor God rather than himself.
Dak Prescott
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has leaned on faith through public triumph and private grief. After a major injury, he thanked supporters for their prayers and said he was “excited for God’s purpose and plan.” He has described his belief in plain terms: “My faith is doubled down more than ever, and I’m thankful that he’s my Savior and he guides me in life.”
Prescott, who lost his mother to cancer and his brother to suicide, has also become an advocate for mental health.
Christian McCaffrey
Running back Christian McCaffrey is known for a relentless work ethic, but he says the motivation underneath it is bigger than stats. “It’s playing for more than just football,” he has said. He does not imagine God hovering over the field waiting for him to score. He simply tries to give his best every week, especially when adversity hits.
Case Keenum
Quarterback Case Keenum has changed jerseys often, but he says his identity never moves. “I’m not a football player that happens to be a Christian. I’m a Christian who happens to be a football player. Faith doesn’t leave when I hang up my cleats and put on my street clothes.”
In his memoir, Keenum writes that the key to his marriage is that the foundation is not in each other but in Christ.
DK Metcalf
Wide receiver DK Metcalf credits faith for keeping his rise in perspective. “I still remember the days I prayed for the things I have now,” he once posted. He sees the game as a platform: “I look at football as a way to help other people or to spread the word of God.”
He partners with Prison Fellowship to support restoration through faith-based outreach.
Trevor Lawrence
A former number one overall pick, quarterback Trevor Lawrence keeps the game in perspective. “Football’s important to me, but it’s not my life,” he has said. “It’s not the biggest thing in my life. I would say my faith is.”
Because his identity rests in Jesus, he says outside opinion carries less weight. “It really does not matter what people think of me or how good they think I play. Having confidence in that has been a big thing for me.”
Justin Simmons
Safety Justin Simmons describes himself as a “lukewarm Christian” until high school, when his faith deepened. “My walk with the Lord has been an amazing journey,” he has said. “The bigger the platform, the more people I’m able to touch with the truth of the Gospel.”
Known for posting Scripture, Simmons says faith in Christ “saved me from myself,” and he loves to share that with anyone, because you never know where a person is on their journey.
Kirk Cousins
A pastor’s kid, quarterback Kirk Cousins calls faith “the foundation of my life.” After a hard-won playoff victory, he told a reporter, “Win or lose today, God is still on the throne, and I take comfort in that.”
Faith gives him perspective on pressure. “God is so much bigger than pleasing a boss or pleasing a teacher or winning a group of friends. You don’t have to bend to the ways of the world.”
Derek Carr
Quarterback Derek Carr once considered ministry before committing to football. He has been open about a “wild” stretch earlier in life before surrendering to Jesus. “The greatest decision I ever made is to give him Lordship over my life,” he has said.
Carr pushes back on the idea that faith makes him soft. “When I put my helmet on, I’m ultra-competitive. Tough, gritty. None of that changes what I believe.” After retiring, he announced the decision with prayer and gratitude. ChurchLeaders covered Carr’s faith-filled retirement.
Carson Wentz
Few quarterbacks have bounced between rosters like Carson Wentz, and he frames the whole journey as God’s plan rather than his own. “My faith in Jesus has just been everything,” he has said. “It might not be my plan, it might not be the way I want it to go, but it’s His plan, and I can just trust it.”
He says renewing his mind in Scripture daily is what keeps him grounded, whether he is starting, backing up, or sitting at home waiting for a call.
Brock Purdy
Quarterback Brock Purdy went from the very last pick in his draft to one of the league’s most outspoken Christians. “Every time I step on the field, I want to bring God glory,” he has said. “It’s not about me. It’s about him.”
Known for poise and humility, Purdy posts Scripture and says he tries to be a light to teammates through consistency rather than perfection.
CJ Stroud
After a standout early career, quarterback C.J. Stroud credited his success entirely to faith. “First and foremost, I want to give all glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” he said after a playoff win. He says his relationship with God gives him peace through the highs and lows of NFL life.
Tua Tagovailoa
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa wears his faith openly, often writing “Audience of One” on his wristband. “My relationship with Jesus is the foundation of who I am,” he has said. “I play for him, not for the approval of man.”
