‘Purpose is Bigger Than Football’: Chargers Running Back Finds Identity in Christ
By Movieguide® Contributor
The Los Angeles Chargers running back Joshua Kelly declared on CBN’s 700 Club that his identity is in Christ alone.
Kelly’s college football career began at UC Davis.
After his sophomore year at the university, the coaches left. Kelly was forced to enter the transfer portal where no college recruited him.
“There was no interest, and I was sad. But I believed. I kept trusting God and my family, my support system,” he expressed.
He later transferred to UCLA, becoming a walk-on running back for the Bruins. At UCLA, he was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
By joining the Chargers, Kelly got to stay in his hometown of Inglewood, California, and he believes God wants him there for a reason.
“It carries a lot of purpose,” he said. Three years ago, when I first heard my name get called to the Chargers, I was like, ‘Wow, that’s crazy.’ There’s a purpose as to why God wanted me here.”
“I understand my purpose is bigger than football,” Kelly declared. “My purpose is bigger than a contract. My purpose is bigger than a touchdown. It’s to inspire people and to do my best on this platform.”
When asked how he manages his faith in a demanding and high-profile profession, Kelly said, “You’re playing professional football but at the same time it’s like, ‘What is your identity?’ I’m Joshua Kelly. I’m not number 25. My identity is that I’m in Christ.”
In addition to using his profession to spread the Gospel, Kelly uses Instagram to do the same.
When he joined the Chargers organization, he shared, “God is amazing! Super excited to join the @chargers family. There’s no way I could be here without the support of my family, best friends, teammates, coaches and fans. I must stay humble and continue to work harder each step of the way. Glory to God. Bolt up!”
Additionally, the day he signed his contract, he wrote, “I Love God! All glory to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ for saving my life. This is not a celebration for me but for my family, friends, coaches, teammates, and mentors who all guided me and contributed to the man I am today. This journey has never been about me. It’s so much bigger than me. I’m grateful for the people God has put in my life and the Chargers organization for giving me a chance to play professional football. If God has abled a nerdy, goofy kid from Lancaster to do it. So can you!! Thank you everyone. God bless!”
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