Randy Gradishar, the retired Denver Broncos linebacker and Pro Football Hall of Famer, used his induction speech on Saturday to share his Christian faith and the Gospel of salvation. At 72 years old, Gradishar, who played a decade with the Broncos and was a standout at Ohio State University, dedicated his moment of honor to Jesus Christ.
In his acceptance speech at the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony in Canton, Ohio, Gradishar emphasized his Christian faith. He introduced himself as a member of Brave Church in Denver and dedicated his induction to his "Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ," expressing gratitude for the life he has been given through Christ.
Gradishar recalled a sermon series from Pastor Jeff, "Built to Last," which inspired him to reflect on the people who made a difference in his life. He expressed his deep appreciation for his wife, Beth, calling her a "miracle" and acknowledging the impact of his former Ohio State teammate, Archie Griffin. Griffin had invited Gradishar to a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bible study, where he first encountered the Gospel of salvation.
Describing the Gospel in four key truths, Gradishar explained:
- God’s Creation and Plan: Based on Genesis 1:27, he shared that God created mankind in His image and loves us, offering a plan for our lives.
- Human Sinfulness: From Romans 3:23, Gradishar pointed out that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God's glory, making us unable to fully experience His love and plan.
- The Gift of Eternal Life: He quoted John 3:16, explaining that God’s love for the world led Him to give His only Son so that believers might have eternal life.
- Salvation Through Repentance: Gradishar urged the need to repent of sins, accept God's forgiveness, and embrace Jesus as Lord and Savior to be reconciled with God.
The audience responded with enthusiastic applause as Gradishar underscored the significance of these truths. He described his invitation to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting as "the best invitation I've ever had" and recounted his own decision to accept Christ at age 22.
Gradishar also thanked his "prayer warriors," including his wife, pastor, family, and Bible study group, and emphasized the power of prayer. He concluded his speech with a reflection on his favorite life verses, Colossians 3:23-24, urging the audience to work for God's glory rather than seeking status or material gain.
Gradishar’s NFL career, which spanned from 1974 to 1983, included an impressive record of unofficial tackles, with 2,049 career tackles still leading the Broncos and placing him second all-time in the NFL behind Ray Lewis.