Sports World

Position

Shooting Guard

Pro Career

Houston Rockets, 2009-2010
Sacramento Kings, 2010-2011
Chicago Bulls, 2012
Minnesota Timberwolves, 2012
Cleveland Cavaliers, 2013.
Big 3, 2018 – Present

Personal Story

Even as a young child, I struggled with depression. God brought basketball into my life to heal me, and it has been a great blessing to me. It has given me a free education, the chance to travel to several foreign countries, and the chance to compete at the highest professional levels. EA Sports even modeled the movements of the players in the video game NBA Live after mine. Most importantly, basketball has given me the best opportunity of my life, sharing hope and faith with kids as a Sports World Pro Speaker.

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!

Personal Story

Tom Gilles is a former professional snowboarder. He was a world record holder and has appeared in extreme sports movies and TV commercials. As a high school student, Tom dreamed of being a professional snowboarder. He moved to Lake Tahoe, and the first day on the slopes, his dream took off. He met a professional cinematographer and ended up in the biggest snowboarding movie of the year. Tom now travels the country, helping people navigate the ups and downs of making their dreams a reality. “Mountains are a lot like dreams. Some will just sit back and stare, but for those who are willing to charge up, I guarantee you the view is worth it.”

Position

Defensive Tackle

Pro Career

Detroit Lions (2008–2011)
Miami Dolphins (2012)
Detroit Lions (2012)
Chicago Bears (2013)*
Detroit Lions (2013–2014)
Buffalo Bills (2015)
Detroit Lions (2015)

Personal Story

Playing in the NFL was NOT a dream come true for me!

As strange as that sounds, growing up I never had any desire of playing professional sports. Even though I didn’t like playing football in high school, I always knew that I had to work hard in whatever I did. Sometimes God will put us in positions that we may not like, but the purpose of it is the lesson in it, not so much the outcome. I just want to say that Jesus may not make your life easy, but He will make your life awesome! He will take you places that you never thought would be possible.

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

Defensive Line

Pro Career

New York Giants, 1999
Frankfort Galaxy, 2000
Berlin Thunder, 2000
San Diego Chargers, 2000

Personal Story

Every day, I think about what kind of a legacy I will leave when I die. Life circumstances were rough for me growing up and my life has become one obstacle after another. However, through a personal relationship with God, I have found hope. My choices may have not always been the best or right, but God has helped me through. My prayer is that I will be remembered not for what I have done, but how through my relationship with God, I was able to overcome life’s challenges and thrive.

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

Defensive End

Pro Career

Cincinnati Bengals, 1970, 77

Personal Story

I was raised in a home with good values, but in my college years I made some bad choices, using alcohol and drugs. The intense pressure of competition was the excuse that many of my teammates and I gave for our drug use. The drugs not only lowered my potential as an athlete, but also as a student. When I turned my life over to Christ, I found He gave me the strength to deal with the pressure and brought true happiness and peace in my life that drugs just could not give.

Position

Guard

Pro Career

Arena Football League (New York), 1990, 92
Houston Oilers, 1993, 94
Birmingham Barracudas, 1995

Personal Story

I grew up basically a good kid who was raised in a good home. Growing up, I dreamed of playing professional football, but I was always told that I was too small and skinny and that I would never achieve my goal. When I was 13 years old, I asked Christ into my heart. Through Him I worked hard and was able to overcome many obstacles I encountered in pursuit of my dream. God even blessed me with a little height and weight. It was through His strength that I achieved my goal to play professional football – and so much more!

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.