Throughout the NFL Playoffs leading up to the Super Bowl, there have been many players who have expressed their faith in God. Notably, the Houston Texans’ CJ Stroud gave praise to Jesus Christ on air following a win against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL divisional round. Despite NBC trying to cut this section of the interview on social media, much of the sports world stuck up for the Ohio State rookie and were appreciative of him showcasing his faith.
Stroud is not the only player that’s publicly displayed their faith in God. Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh prayed in the locker room with his team to give thanks. He has given his favorite Bible verses during post-game press conferences because it was more than just spreading the word of the Lord. In his own words, it was “the right thing to do.”
To have this expression of faith at this level from both of these men is incredibly moving and inspiring. While plenty of NFL players have expressed their Christian faith in the past, it’s reached a whole new level.
Last season, when both Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes were asked about their faith and religion during that year’s Super Bowl, each player responded with how much it meant to them and how it was bigger than the game of football itself. They weren’t just on the field to play the game for a chance at a trophy at the end of the night. To be able to spread the word of God on a platform with millions of viewers is even bigger, and to have their story be a testimony to people across the globe is an incredible thing.
With all that being said, it’s what makes Brock Purdy making the Super Bowl even more special. The current 49ers quarterback, dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant” after being selected with the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, shouldn’t have been in this position. He wasn’t a top pick like Stroud or Mahomes. You couldn’t find his name in the second round like Hurts. Purdy was instead the very last selection in that year’s draft. The odds certainly weren’t in his favor, yet God had other plans for the Iowa State product.
His faith helped him get through tough times before, even when things seemed bleak. His religion is more than just the Bible quotes he posts on social media or the words that come from his mouth. Purdy has lived the teachings of the Bible throughout his time in the NFL and it’s certainly shown to be a massive success. After both Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance were ruled out with injuries during the 2022-2023 season, the Pro Bowl quarterback stepped into the starting role and surprised everyone with his ability to throw the football. He wouldn’t just be a temporary replacement for the 49ers, but would become a true leader for his team.
Now, he’s made it all the way to the biggest game and the testimonial of his journey is truly special. To have someone who was seen by many as having little to no chance of even seeing the field in his career to being the starter on one of the best teams in his sport is incredible. When you add the fact that Purdy has trusted in God throughout his entire football journey, even when he tore his UCL in the 2022 NFC Championship, that makes it even more special.
“I believe that Jesus Christ did come down, and died for my sins and rose again, and He is living and sitting beside God (the Father) on the throne,” Purdy told Sports Spectrum in February. “And so I believe that. It’s not just some story fairytale thing. It’s real. And it allows me to stay level-headed and real with life.”
The teachings of the Bible have prepared him greatly for this very moment. He never went out to party in college. He’s never been boastful or egotistical in the way that he speaks. The 2023 NFL leader in passer rating has simply worked hard for his goals, trusted in the Lord for what He wanted for him and has demonstrated humility in his approach with everyone he talks to.
That’s why this game that millions of people look forward to means more than just what actually happens when the final whistle blows. To have an open believer step foot on the field should show everyone that they should trust in God to put them in a position to succeed. Even when there’s many who may doubt Purdy’s ability, the only thing that matters in the end is God.
“My identity can’t be in football, it can’t be in the things of this world,” Purdy told Sports Spectrum. “It’s got to be in Him.”