Sports World

Position

Wide Receiver/Return Specialist

Pro Career

Detroit Lions (2022)
New York Giants (2022-23)
CFL - Ottawa Redblacks (2024-Current)

Personal Story

Growing up in Muskegon, Michigan, every kid dreamed of playing under the lights at Hackley Stadium, our NFL. Watching standouts like Ronald Johnson and Terrance Taylor dominate that field, earn Division I opportunities, and reach the professional level while representing our city showed us what was possible and gave us something to believe in. At 5’7”, 165 pounds, my impact on the game always outweighed my size. I was often told I was too small, but I never stopped believing I would reach the NFL. With support from close friends, I committed fully. Looking back, I know my abilities were given to me by God. I know that the Lord has allowed me to take this journey to inspire others and give Glory to Him.

Position

Center/Guard

Pro Career

NFL - Cincinnati Bengals (1992), Kansas City Chiefs (1992-1993), New England Patriots (1993), Atlanta Falcons (1994)
CFL - Birmingham Barracudas (1995)
NFL -Los Angeles Rams (1996)

Personal Story

I dreamed of becoming an NFL offensive lineman from the age of ten. In April 1992, that dream became reality when I was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals. During my career, I snapped the ball to Joe Montana, blocked for Marcus Allen, and helped lead teams to two CFL championship rings, achievements beyond anything I imagined. However, my life was not always easy. There was a time in my life when I was overwhelmed and contemplating ending my life. In darkness, I called my dad. He shared the truth of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and that night I surrendered my life.

Position

Center, Outside Back, Center Defensive Midfielder

Pro Career

Club Atlético Huracan, 2017-2018
Club Atlético General Lamadrid, 2018-2019
Club Atlético Excursionistas, 2019 - 2020

Personal Story

I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I’ve been playing competitive sports since I was five, starting with basketball and futsal. But soccer was my first passion, so when I was 17, I decided to focus on soccer. After playing with three pro teams in Argentina, I was offered a scholarship in the US and played for two years in one of the toughest JUCO leagues. I love playing soccer, but I have learned that it is more important to make the name of Jesus famous instead of my own name. I want to use my sports background and experience to showcase His kingdom. 

Position

Guard/Forward

Pro Career

Orlando Magic, 2004
Europe & South America, MVP, 1st team awards,
Three Championship titles, 2002-2003, 2005-2013

Personal Story

Growing up in foster care, I had to endure all kinds of abuse. Having to experience these unfair circumstances resulted in my believing that my life was not important and that nobody cared about me. I then began to make decisions that were not helpful for me and the life I was created to fulfill.

However, as a teenager, I discovered there was someone who did love me no matter what I've been through or what I've done. That person was—and still is— Jesus Christ. Once I found Jesus, my life completely changed for the better. And yours will too if YOU make the right decision like I did. Trust me; you won't regret it, and you will be SO glad you did!

Position

Cornerback

Pro Career

Indianapolis Colts, 1995-1998
Chicago Bears, 2000
Detroit Lions, 2001

Personal Story

I was raised by my two parents who cared for me and tried to guide me in the right direction. I was a good speaker, singer, and athlete as a young man and my gifts brought me a lot of attention and popularity. So I thought I was entitled to things I didn’t deserve. While in college, a lady I didn’t even know told me that 99.5% won’t do, that God wanted my very best – even my talents. I made the decision then to accept Christ into my life. Now I can use my gifts and talents for a greater purpose.

Position

1st Base / Outfield

Pro Career

Team USA Olympic Gold Medalist
1996, 2000, & 2004

Personal Story

I won three Olympic Gold Medals with the USA Team. With the ultimate goal achieved, I stood on the podium for the last time and knew that there was more to life than winning championships. I lost three friends to unexpected deaths in the past eight years and that made me reflect on what really mattered most. My faith helped through those losses and now gives me a foundation of hope and joy.

Position

Linebacker

Pro Career

Indianapolis Colts, 1992-97
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1997

Personal Story

I stumbled through life wondering who I was. I tried to find answers in power, position, wealth, possessions, and women, only to realize the more I sought these things the emptier I felt. When I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, my life was no longer meaningless. I understood that God had a purpose for my life and I was significant!

Position

Running Back

Pro Career

New York Giants, 1985 – 91
Cleveland Browns, 1991-92

Personal Story

Throughout my life, I have made good choices, and I have made bad choices. The times that I made good, positive choices, my heart was in the right place, but I always did it for the wrong reasons. I also made bad choices based on fear and selfishness, and I suffered difficult consequences as a result. Then, I decided to put my full trust in God, and it has made all the difference. Now, I not only make positive choices for the right reasons, but I know I have a purpose when I place all of my trust in God.

Position

Guard

Pro Career

AFL (New York) 1990-1992
NFL (Houston Oilers) 1993-1994
CFL (Birmingham Barracudas) 1995

Personal Story

I had the desire to play professional football since I was a young boy. I recognized that in order to achieve my dream I would have to work hard to overcome many obstacles. God gave me the desire to play the game and the discipline to achieve my goals. Although I grew up in a good home, I did not yield my life to Jesus until I was 13 years old. After making the most important decision in my life, I knew that God was going to use football as a platform to be able to share my faith in Him.

Position

Small/Power Forward

Pro Career

Cleveland Rockers, 1997–2002
Charlotte Sting, 2003
European League, 1994–2003

Personal Story

Rushia has always used her sphere of influence to help those around her. As a child, she learned from her grandmother and mother the importance of taking care of the people around you and building a healthy community. As she grew older and became a star athlete, she recognized that her platform could be used for more than just influence in the athletic realm. Rushia has become an example of how daily efforts are necessary to reach goals.

Position

Guard

Pro Career

Played on 10 Team USA basketball teams
Olympic gold medalist 1996, 2000
European pro teams 1992-95; Sacramento Monarchs 1997-2004

Personal Story

I grew up in a small town in Mississippi—one of 20 siblings and many cousins who played outside until our parents made us come in. Growing up in this environment helped me learn that life is not all about me, how to share, and how to work together as a team. I had to keep up with many siblings and cousins, and God gave me a very competitive spirit. My journey includes many stories of overcoming obstacles, finding purpose in the pain, the importance of forgiveness, and wearing the crown God gave you.