While Taylor Swift and Beyoncé might top the charts as entertainers, when it comes to pure popularity, nothing beats the National Football League. Last season, an average of 17.9 million Americans tuned in to each game, making the NFL the most captivating show on TV and social media, dominating our group chats, and filling conversations from parks to restaurants and even churches.
Fans are enthralled by the breathtaking catches, game-saving tackles, and those crucial fourth-quarter fantasy points that help secure bragging rights in office leagues. Remarkably, 93 of the top 100 most-watched TV programs in 2023 were NFL games. And even after the final whistle, the spotlight doesn’t fade. Players like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, Kansas City’s Super Bowl-winning duo, each boast over 6.5 million followers on Instagram alone, showcasing their growing influence off the field.
In many ways, NFL players are today’s Gladiators — risking their bodies in front of millions for our entertainment. Not everyone sees it that way, but as a former NFL quarterback and now a mentor to young athletes, I’ve seen firsthand what this sport demands. Players face the same challenges many Americans do, with some added unique pressures. That’s why I ask you to join me in praying for them and their families.
I understand what some might be thinking: 'Hardships? These guys make millions to play a game!' Sure, they’re well-compensated, but money doesn’t buy peace. Professional athletes often spend more time at practice facilities, stadiums, or traveling than they do at home. They miss key moments like birthdays and anniversaries, straining relationships. Unfortunately, it’s not just anecdotal; the divorce rate among professional athletes is estimated to be between 60% and 80%—far higher than the national average.
And that’s just one aspect. Injuries are another harsh reality. Every NFL season, an average of 30.8 injuries occur for every 100 players. These aren’t just minor scrapes. We’re talking about concussions, dislocations, and torn ligaments, not to mention the long-term effects of head trauma, such as CTE, which can lead to severe mental health challenges. Off the field, many athletes face anxiety, depression, addiction, financial trouble, and family struggles. In fact, 78% of retired NFL players face financial hardship, with 16% going bankrupt.
There’s also immense pressure from fans. After a bad performance, players are criticized in front of millions, which affects not only their mental health but also their families. They’re seen more as tools to help win games than as human beings. “Come back from that injury early,” or “Run a few extra yards so my parlay pays out.” Fans might think athletes don’t hear this, but trust me, they do.
I’m not saying you need to feel sorry for NFL players. Everyone faces challenges in life. But too often, athletes are dehumanized in the eyes of fans. Instead of just praying for them in those nail-biting final moments, let’s pray for them consistently. Let’s pray for their physical and mental well-being, for their families, and most importantly, for their eternal salvation.
My hope and prayer are that more athletes will use their platforms to share the Gospel. We’ve already seen it with Olympians like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Cole Hocker, and in the past with athletes like Tim Tebow and Scottie Scheffler. But I believe God is just beginning to work through them, calling even more unlikely champions to further His Kingdom.
So next time you sit down to watch a game, I encourage you to say a prayer — not for your team to win, but for the safety and souls of the players on the field. Let’s pray they and their families recognize God’s plan for their lives, just as He has a plan for each of us.