Pittsburgh Steelers Chaplain Encourages Team to ‘Deflect the Glory’ to God
By Movieguide® Contributor
Kent Chevalier, team chaplain for the Pittsburgh Steelers, joined the “Sports Spectrum” podcast to talk about why he encourages his team to give glory to God.
The chaplain often shares “deflect the glory” on social media. By that, he means taking the spotlight off yourself and giving it back to God, something he knows can be difficult for NFL players.
“So, when I became a chaplain in the league, it became super evident to me that while standing on the sideline at the games, there is a weight that comes with these guys being worshiped by thousands, and if you’re a part of Steeler Nation, it is millions,” he said on the podcast.
“And so there is weight on these guys, the expectation, the worship of the Steelers, and I realized very quickly these guys aren’t built for that,” he continued. “To handle that kind of pressure and weight of that glory. So, one chapel, I began to pray through, ‘How do I share with these guys that they’re not built for that? In fact, they’re supposed to redirect it back to the One who gave them the skills and the abilities and the talents to be out there.’
He added, “So, this phrase, ‘deflect the glory,’ became the title of that chapel talk, and ever since then, when I stand up in chapel and say, ‘Hey, tomorrow, you guys are going to take the field, and after the game, I want to invite you to the fifty-yard line with the other team, where we’re all going to come out as brothers, and we are going to deflect the glory. It’s been on you for the last three hours, but we are going to redirect it back to Who it belongs to.’”
In a recent Instagram post, Chevalier shared more about what it means to “deflect the glory.”
The chaplain wrote, “Deflect the Glory! When millions are chanting your name, it’s very important to deflect the glory given to you back to God where it belongs. People aren’t built to receive that kind of attention and adoration…deflect the glory. Win or lose…deflect the glory. It keeps you humble and steadies your heart.”
“This is different than the people of God REFLECTING His glory to everyone they encounter,” he continued. “God’s people should shine God’s hope and love to their family, friends, and neighbors. Reflect the glory of God to others at all times.”
“However, when people give you their time, attention, and resources, it’s important to acknowledge that God is the one who gave you the opportunity and talent to be who you are [and] do what you do,” he concluded. “Deflect that glory back to God and give thanks.”
“Deflect the Glory! Even after a tough loss…” he wrote in another post.
Sports Spectrum reported, “Kent Chevalier is the team chaplain for the Pittsburgh Steelers, serving them through the ministry of Athletes in Action. He was named to the role before the 2019 season. Prior to the Steelers, he was a pastor for 22 years in the Pittsburgh area.”
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