This post was first published in 2014.
With all the fervor and bluster that Tim Tebow’s presence has provoked in the world of football because of his alleged Christian witness, a little known fact is that Peyton Manning . . . one of the most talented and beloved figures in contemporary football . . . is a also a devout follower of Jesus Christ.
At age 13, Manning committed his life to Christ Jesus, and according to his own testimony, “that faith has been most important to me ever since.”
According to Manning, his priorities are ranked in this order “faith, family, friends, and football.”
“I hope (and pray) I don’t do too many things that displease Him before I get to Heaven myself. I believe, too, that life is much better and freer when you’re committed to God in that way,” said Manning.
Here’s another interesting quote by Manning:
“Some players get more vocal about it – the Reggie Whites, for example – and some point to Heaven after scoring a touchdown and praise God after games . . . I have no problem with that. But I don’t do it, and don’t think it makes me any less a Christian. I just want my actions to speak louder, and I don’t want to be more of a target for criticism than I already am.”
Although Manning is a football hero for many, he humbly admits that he’s far from perfect and is “no better than anybody else in God’s sight.”
“I pray every night, sometimes long prayers about a lot of things and a lot of people, but I don’t talk about it or brag about it because that’s between God and me, and I’m no better than anybody else in God’s sight.”
Manning does not pray for victory as some might expect. He rather prays for the safety of players on both teams.
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