Blacksburg, VA — After watching a great weekend of college football that included thrilling wins by Texas and Alabama, I heard two post-game interview with Texas Longhorns quarterback Colt McCoy and Alabama Crimson Tide running back Mark Ingram. Both began their comments by giving thanks to God.
There was a time not too long ago when those kind of statements drew the ire of some college football fans, who said there was no place for religion in football. That sentiment still exists, I imagine, but we seem to be experiencing a resurgence in the presence of God in the lives of prominent college football players.
While not the first, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is probably the highest profile college athlete in the game today that openly and proudly speaks about his strong religious beliefs. And he has made no apologies for his faith and the important God plays in his life.
The Virginia Tech Hokies have had their share of trouble makers in the past – guys who just can’t seem to stay out of trouble. This is nothing unique to Virginia Tech (see the Tennessee Volunteers, Virginia Cavaliers, or any other college football program). We rarely hear about the positive things student athletes do when the cameras aren’t around. But there are still plenty of good guys out there. I discovered a few of them in a Vimeo video while working on my own project.
I discovered a video titled “Virginia Tech Football and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes” and it features Hokies starting quarterback, junior Tyrod Taylor. The production quality was much higher than I anticipated and it was pretty well done, especially considering it came from a small video production show in Southwest Virginia.
In the video, Taylor is cheered by adoring fans, including a female fan in the underbelly of the stands. She is dressed provocatively in a mini-skirt and it is clear she is tempting him. He rejects her and moves on. Just before going on the field to play a game, a teammate asks Taylor if he’s ready. He replies that he has one more thing he has to do and begin to read a verse from the bible.
What are your thoughts on college athletes referencing their religion during post-game interviews? Does it offend you? Could you care less? Are you happy to see it? Leave a comment and let us know.
In the mean time, check out the video below.
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It offends me from the standpoint that I think it is a cop out. It’s the trendy thing to do as a player, and any good PR person or agent would tell a player that. While I’m not a religious person, I don’t have a problem with athletes saying that after games if they believe in it, because whatever works for someone is fine with me. But, I don’t think they should go all out in detail in post-game i.e. Warner. I think a simple I thank God for the position he has put me in and what he has allowed me to accomplish is fine.
I appreciate the video and the stand that the role models are taking. A lot of people watch what they are doing and the FCA probably helps their keep focus on what they need to be doing both on and off the field.
I don’t have a problem with athletes saying that after games if they believe in it, because whatever works for someone is fine with me. But, I don’t think they should go all out in detail in post-game i.e. Warner.
I think it’s great! I pray that these young men and women will continue to rely on God for their strength and encouragement!
the guy with chicago maroon needs to change his name if he is gonna judge his own like that..Seriously..You got young men in college doing the right thing..In the middle of the drugs partys and alcohol..They are choosing to say no. But not just say no to those things but to make it known..Knowing young kids look up to them. How can you be offended of these players doing what these guys are doing..It makes no sense and he is an example of the world we live in. Offended!! Really!! While i’m not religous either I have four kids , and hope my children have the integrity to become a member of FCA. I chose a different path and have payed for it dearly..Its so easy to just go with the flow of college. As a matter of fact living the way they are choosing to, because of the publicity, is like trying to swim against a rip current..Impossible… Offended.. you sir are ridiculous.. Im proud to have men of integrity and character representing not only Va. Tech, but football as a whole I guess the guy up top would rather have a bunch of T.O.’s. A bunch of me first guys..As for me Keep the scripture on the eye black..My kids look up to them, and if they look up my kids might as well..Warners testimonies are awesome tools and have helped me in my life..I hope He, tebow, and the FCA have nothing but success. Knowing whos hand their lives are in..There is no hoping to it they will be a success