My husband loves football. He has his favorite teams and they are the ones he grew up with. After we moved to another state, his team favorites did not change. Many say “Home is where the heart is.” That means that no matter where you live, it can be home. In March of 1993, the NFL created the free agency system. This meant that players were free to play for any team after completing four or more seasons of service and their contract had expired. This opened up a world of opportunity, but also brought challenges associated with relocating to new teams and cities. It brings new homes, cultures and expectations for both the NFL free agents and their families.
Some say football is in itself a religion. Football may be a calling for some, but there is an added benefit to life and to the game for players who are deeply rooted in their faith. Their beliefs will influence their transitions during free agency. Let’s take a look at how faith can be demonstrated in the free agency of the NFL.
The Intersection of Faith and NFL Free Agents
Faith plays an integral role in the lives of believers. Professional sports are no different. This industry is often filled with unknowns, upheaval, high pressure and physical injuries. All of these things can come as a surprise and turn their life, as well as the lives of their families, upside down. Faith can bring comfort and relieve stress in difficult times. It can also provide additional strength.
Personal beliefs can provide stability, purpose, and a moral compass amid the uncertainties of an NFL career. Leaning on faith, which also includes a standard of morals, will help a person to make difficult decisions. Faith provides the guide needed to travel in the right direction and to steer clear of trouble or unwanted challenges. Being on the road can bring unwanted influences that may be difficult to fend off. Faith will help keep your head and your heart in the right place. Let’s look at some examples.
Case Studies of Faithful NFL Free Agents
Following are examples of three free agents who live life with a foundation of faith.
A. Sam Ehlinger
At age 26, Sam is a quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. He started off in college football at the Texas Longhorns. In an article published in the Houston Chronicle, Sam talks about growing up in the Catholic church, but only really attending mass at Christmas and Easter. He realized he needed a personal relationship with God when he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior. He leans on Him and did so especially when tragedy struck twice in the family. The death of his father at age 46 from heart attack during a triathlon when he was only 14 and then the death of his younger brother and Longhorn teammate from an overdose of Xanax laced with Fentanyl left him feeling lost and out of control. He turned to parties, girls, drugs and alcohol as ways to cope. His deepened faith also helped him cope with adversity and maintain resilience during his NFL career. His job is not secure, but he knows his faith is, so he pours into others. In an interview with Kent Sterling posted on Youtube, he said, “The Bible is our way of communicating with God.” He said it is filled with lessons to help you know how to deal with things to come.
B. Jonathan Jones
Jonathan has departed from the New England Patriots after nine years to join the Washington Commanders with a one year contract. One can only assume the sense of home he has experienced as a free agent playing for the same team for so long sets the stage for an emotional exit. At age 31, he feels it is time to start the next stage, according to an online article on the Commanders’ site. He did craft an emotional farewell message and posted it on social media.
His emotional farewell was a display of his gratitude and how hard it is to leave home. With his faith as a foundation in his life, he was able to move forward in gratitude and it provided a positive perspective during this transition. Jonathan also shows his faith through his podcast about faith, family and football called “Beyond the Ball with Jonathan Jones.” heck it out!
C. Dallin Holker
Dallin is a living example of what it is to be a laborer for Christ. He chose mission work instead of football. Even when he was sent home during COVID, he did not jump back into football. He waited 3 ½ months for his reassignment to finish his missionary work. He is a prime example of the dedication that is needed to be both faithful and successful in today’s world.
In his interview with Deseret News, Dallin talks about how his missionary work taught him how to work hard. He said he learned how to rely on the Lord for everything he does, including football. He learned how to try to be more like Him so the Lord will help him be successful.
Challenges of Relocating and Integrating into New Communities for NFL Free Agents
NFL players face many challenges when moving to new cities just like relocating for any job. If there is a wife or a significant other who works, they will most likely need to also find employment in the new city. If there are kids, there are adjustments to new schools and new friends. They will need to find a new place to worship and establish new support networks. It can be very difficult not only for the player, but also for the whole family to acclimate to a new place and new people. This can also cause family upset when some do not want to uproot their life.
Many times, people will withdraw and become isolated when they move from familiar faith communities. There is a need to adapt to new environments, even if it does not come easy. Even though faith can pull them through, it may be hard to step out into a new environment, especially if the old one was truly home and the people were family. They may feel different, judged or that they just don’t belong.
Strategies for Maintaining Faith During Transitions
Here are some approaches players may use to uphold their religious practices:
- Seeking out and joining local religious communities.
Looking for a new faith home can be daunting, but trying new places and reaching out to new people can be very rewarding. You might just find a new home.
- Utilizing technology to stay connected with previous faith groups.
In this day and age, it is easy to stay connected when you move. There are online prayer groups, Bible studies and services.
- Establishing personal routines that incorporate prayer, meditation, or scripture study.
A personal routine, a true relationship with God, will keep you grounded in faith and provide strength to forge ahead.
The Role of Teams and Organizations
NFL teams are a player’s family. The team can support players’ faith practices in many ways, including:
- Providing resources for finding local religious services.
Provide listings of different religious organizations in the area.
- Offering flexible schedules to accommodate religious observances.
Like any employer, they can help promote wellbeing by allowing players to invest in their spirituality.
- Fostering an inclusive environment that respects diverse beliefs.
They need to embrace the uniqueness of every individual by being inclusive of beliefs.
Faith is important as a source of strength and stability for NFL free agents navigating the uncertainties of their careers. Having that stability and strength will make them better players whether they are free agents or just drafted. Maintaining religious practices can positively impact their personal and professional lives, especially during transitions. Faith is an important part of who they are.
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