Former NFL player, author, and SEC football analyst Benjamin Watson believes the pro-life movement’s success hinges on an often-overlooked factor: men stepping into their God-given roles as protectors, providers, and leaders.
“Manhood has always been under attack,” the 43-year-old author of The New Fight for Life told The Christian Post. “God ordained men to be protectors, providers, priests, and prophets in their households. When you attack manhood, you destabilize families, which is key to creating disorder. This isn’t a new phenomenon in America—it’s been happening for a long time.”
Watson argues that men’s responsibility begins well before a child’s birth, extending to supporting mothers, creating safe environments, and modeling love and sacrifice. “If men don’t use their voices to protect women and children, others will step in—often to harmful ends,” he said. “Men must rediscover their courage, speak out, and inspire others to follow their lead.”
Reclaiming a Role in the Cultural Conversation
In a society that often sidelines male voices in discussions on abortion, Watson sees an urgent need for men to engage with conviction and compassion. His advocacy has been shaped by his faith, his career as an NFL player, and his work with the Human Coalition, an organization dedicated to ending abortion in America.
“Men are told this isn’t their issue—biologically, it absolutely is,” said the father of seven. “You can’t have a child without a man, so men have a role to play. The narrative that men should stay out of this conversation is only applied when they advocate for life. Men are welcomed when they support abortion rights, but when they speak for life, they’re silenced.”
Watson emphasized that men are essential to addressing abortion and other societal challenges. “Social ills like abortion won’t end unless men step up. Women have incredible power, but society often moves in the direction that men allow it to go. We’re here because men allowed it.”
A Foundation of Faith and Action
Watson credits his pro-life convictions to his upbringing in a household that celebrated the inherent dignity of all human life. His parents, including his pastor father, instilled the belief that every person, regardless of background or circumstances, reflects God’s image and deserves care and respect.
This belief spurred Watson and his wife to fund ultrasound machines for pregnancy resource centers in cities where he played in the NFL, including Baltimore and New Orleans. His grassroots involvement quickly grew, leading to speaking engagements at the March for Life and a role on the Human Coalition’s advisory board.
Watson acknowledged the challenges men face in stepping into leadership roles, especially if they lack positive role models or carry guilt from past mistakes. “A lot of men doubt they have what it takes,” he said. “We need to affirm their abilities, mentor them, and encourage them to lead and care for their families.”
Educating the Next Generation
Watson emphasized the importance of teaching younger generations to value life, beginning at home. “Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s values,” he said. “It’s not just about what they learn in school or on social media—it’s about how we model respect for all life, advocate for others, and serve our communities.”
He stressed the need to promote a “whole life ethic,” teaching children to respect life at all stages while addressing systemic inequities that contribute to abortion rates.
Addressing Root Causes
In The New Fight for Life, Watson outlines policies to strengthen families, such as child tax credits, paid leave, and targeted support for communities disproportionately affected by abortion. He highlighted the impact of systemic challenges on black communities, where abortion rates are particularly high.
“As a pro-life community, we must address the needs of vulnerable groups,” he said. “If we want to reduce abortion numbers, we can’t ignore the systemic issues that contribute to them.”
Balancing Advocacy and Service
While legislative efforts are vital, Watson believes the real work lies in addressing the root causes of abortion and supporting families. Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., he said, “Laws may not change hearts, but they set the tone for what’s acceptable in any culture.”
Watson remains focused on combining advocacy with practical support, saying, “We can’t just pull people out of the river—we need to go upstream and figure out why they’re falling in.”
A Call to Action
Despite significant strides, Watson acknowledges that the pro-life movement faces new challenges, such as the rise of chemical abortions. He remains optimistic, believing that engaging men and addressing systemic inequities are essential to transforming the culture of life.
“Men have a role to play in protecting life and supporting families,” he said. “When men step up, others will follow—and together, we can make a difference.”