College Football's Spiritual Revival: Benjamin Watson Reflects on Faith in the Sport

College Football's Spiritual Revival: Benjamin Watson Reflects on Faith in the Sport

By Rev. Daniel Matthews, M.Div.

January 20, 2025 at 06:53 AM

Faith and football have long been intertwined in American sports culture, but recent events in college football suggest an intensified spiritual movement. From Ohio State football players leading baptisms to viral moments of players proclaiming their faith during the College Football Playoff, there's been a notable surge in public expressions of Christianity.

Benjamin Watson, former NFL tight end and current college football analyst, provides unique insights into this phenomenon. Growing up with a father involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Watson experienced the natural integration of faith and sports from an early age.

"We don't carry faith with us into sport. Our faith transforms us from the inside out," Watson explains. "It's not like I have to figure out how to work my faith into my sport. That's just who I am."

Watson emphasizes that authentic faith extends beyond public proclamations. In the pressure-cooker environment of competitive sports, faith provides crucial perspective on identity, performance, and purpose. He recalls meaningful experiences like baptizing teammates in the New Orleans Saints training room, highlighting how faith shapes everyday moments.

The current wave of faith expressions in college football has unique characteristics:

  • Players are more empowered to share their beliefs through social media and NIL opportunities
  • Athletes demonstrate authenticity in both victories and defeats
  • Young players are finding their voice in unprecedented ways

Watson offers guidance for Christians watching these developments:

  • Pray for the spiritual protection and maturity of Christian athletes
  • Use their example as inspiration for sharing faith in personal workspaces
  • Support the development of genuine discipleship among athletes

"Every generation has its certain cultural moment, with different ways the Spirit of God moves," Watson reflects. "He's moving in college campuses right now... But he's always been moving."

Book cover: Growing Together

Book cover: Growing Together

The key to sustaining this movement lies in developing deep roots through discipleship, authentic living, and supportive Christian community. As Watson notes, the goal isn't just public proclamation but lasting spiritual transformation that impacts both individuals and teams.

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