Several of the most successful NFL coaches and players have opened up recently about the role faith has played in their careers and lives. On “Fox & Friends,” NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz said, “My heart overflows with joy. I have that same relationship with Jesus. I’m going on 46 years, and to hear someone unapologetic with boldness to share their faith is amazing.”
After announcing his return to the NFL, former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh shared that his priorities of “family, faith, and football” will carry over to his new role as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. Harbaugh said, “My priorities are faith, family and football, and we are going to attack each with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. This organization is putting in the work — investing capital, building infrastructure and doing everything within its power to win. Great effort equals great results, and we’re just getting started.”
ESPN reported Harbaugh agreed to a five-year deal with Los Angeles, a team that went 5-12 during the 2023 regular season as Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines won the college football title. His brother, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, has also proudly shared his faith. After securing a playoff win against the Houston Texans, Harbaugh opened his postgame press conference by reading a Bible verse. He said, reciting 1 Chronicles, “Greatness, power, glory, victory and honor belong to you because everything in heaven and on earth belongs to you. The kingdom belongs to you, Lord.”
“Let Us Worship” founder Sean Feutcht praised Harbaugh for quoting Scripture after the win. “More of this in America,” he wrote on X. Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud has also been vocal about his faith, starting his postgame press conference after a loss by thanking God. He was then asked about leaning on his faith in tough moments. He told reporters, “It’s what I lean on through thick and thin. I know I’m upset right now, but I’m really just blessed looking back on this year, this opportunity we had today to play in front of millions of people. I’m just really grateful to God on all the opportunities He’s blessed me with.”
Another young player who has received praise for his faith is San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, whose team is on its way to the Super Bowl. Last season, Purdy said, “I’m a faith-based guy, so that’s how I stay grounded. I don’t look at football like it’s literally everything. It’s (not) do or die or anything like that.” Sports media personality Jon Root shared his support for Purdy and Stroud in a post on X, saying, “I’m buying a Brock Purdy & CJ Stroud jersey tonight, and I think every other Christian football fan should too. Would be pretty cool to make these Christian athletes the most popular jerseys in sports.”
Munoz is one of numerous big names throughout the sports field and other faith leaders who have rallied in support of the players and coaches, proudly sharing their faith. He explained, “Faith is not only part of your profession, it’s the most important thing in their lives, as you can see. And that’s what’s exciting about it. To hear that. And when you have something in your life that you treasure, the peace, the joy, you want to share it with somebody else.”