5 College Football Stars Who Put Their Faith First
By Movieguide® Contributor
It’s not easy being a college athlete. As students and athletes, they juggle class, practice, workouts, homework, social life, sleep and more.
But these five athletes aim to keep Jesus at the center and bring Glory to His name, despite the many things vying for their attention.
- Will Rogers: Mississippi State quarterback.
Rogers grew up in a Christian household in Brandon, Mississippi, and is unashamed about sharing his faith. Last season, Rogers broke current NFL quarterback Dak Prescott’s school record for career passing touchdowns.
In a tweet, Rogers stated, “Thankful for my teammates and coaches, but more importantly my lord and savior Jesus Christ. #HailState.”
On Instagram, Rogers wrote, “Psalm 121:1-2 ‘I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth,’” and in high school, Rogers wore a wristband with Joshua 1:9 on it.
Sports Spectrum reported, “As he prepares for his fourth season as a Bulldog, Rogers wants to be known for the way he impacted his teammates rather than the records he’s set.”
“I truly believe that when I get to the gates of Heaven, God’s not gonna give me a pat on the back for throwing a touchdown against Ole Miss or Alabama,” Rogers expressed on the Sports Spectrum podcast. “He’s gonna talk about the way I affected my teammates.”
- Olaus Alinen: Alabama lineman
Olaus Alinen hasn’t played one down at the University of Alabama, but one of the most defining moments in this young man’s life occurred when he was baptized.
Alinen tweeted a video of his baptism and wrote, “Acts 22:16. Today I committed my life to Jesus Christ.”
Acts 22:16
Today I committed my life to Jesus Christ✝️ pic.twitter.com/lmowyWxiWy— Olaus Alinen (@alinen_olaus) July 17, 2023
Alinen lists Psalm 34:4 in his Instagram bio. It reads, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
- Colton Boomer: University of Central Florida placekicker
Going into his sophomore season, University of Central Florida placekicker Colton Boomer puts all his faith in Jesus Christ.
Colton’s Instagram bio reads, “Follower of Jesus Christ.”
Additionally, Boomer shared a photo of himself in his UCF uniform and wrote, “35 days until we’re back…Proverbs 3:5 #thankyouLord.”
On his website, his biography reads, “Colton’s values are tied to his faith, family and football. His goal is to succeed both on and off the field, putting God first in everything he does. He tries his best daily to live in Jesus’ image. He reads the Bible daily and his favorite verses are John 3:16 and Proverbs 11:22.”
- Cade Klubnik: Clemson University quarterback
A quarterback for the Clemson University football program, Klubnik was named the ACC Championship Game MVP in his freshman year. In that game, he completed 20 of 24 passes with a total of 279 yards and two touchdowns to help Clemson beat North Carolina 39-10.
Besides that, Klubnik’s faith has grown tremendously at Clemson.
His Instagram bio reads, “Believer. Psalm 23:4.”
Additionally, Klubnik shared a photo and wrote, “‘You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.’ ~Psalm 16:11.”
- Dylan Raiola: University of Georgia Quarterback
Raiola is a freshman at Georgia and is preparing for his first season as a Bulldog. Originally, he committed to the Ohio State University, but in December, Raiola reopened his recruitment and later committed to Georgia.
Raiola told ESPN, “I learned a lot from my first experience. This time around, I took my time and never felt rushed or pressured to commit. I was able to have conversations with my family, my pastors and mentors. The stability allowed me to be still, be patient and allow God to guide me.”
DawgNation reported, “The reason why I play this game, first of all, is I play for God. My religion is first in everything I do. Without God, I wouldn’t be able to do anything I do now. He’s gifted me with talents and abilities. I think if I don’t use them in the correct way, that’s not honoring God. That’s my first and foremost ‘why.’”
Keep an eye on these five athletes as they perform to the best of their ability and keep Jesus first in their lives.
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