Super Bowl Faithful Unashamed

Had I gone from grocery store bagger to Super Bowl MVP I might have boasted a little about myself. But, not Arizona Cardinal QB, Kurt Warner.

As he enters this Sunday's Super Bowl contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Warner could also say he's "been there, done that."

But instead, his words and actions reflect this Bible verse from Galatians 6:14:

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Even talk of retirement, includes who he will unashamedly consult first.

TAMPA, Fla.-- (USA TODAY) At 37, another season is not guaranteed for Kurt Warner.

The Cardinals QB acknowledged that a second Super Bowl win on Sunday could provide a capstone to his career, but said he does not know what will happen.

In your mind, you say 'Well how could it get any better? How could you finish off any better?' " Warner said of exiting after a Super Bowl win. "But I don't think that's going to make the decision for me. I don't think it's going to be based off of 'Well is this the perfect script?'

"Ultimately, I think God is going to make that decision for me." ... more

Here's another sports writer trying to get a handle on why so many of this weekend's warriors are men of faith.

Faith mixes with football for Super Bowl

TAMPA, Fla.(AP) -- Arizona running back Tim Hightower had just finished a thoughtful explanation of his religious beliefs when one of the media types who found their way into the Super Bowl stadium Tuesday decided he needed more proof.

"Can you pray right now?" he asked.

"I can pray that whatever is going on in your life right now that you find God," Hightower said.

Hightower handled the question with the same ease he handled would-be tacklers to score the winning touchdown that got his team into the Super Bowl, which by itself was somewhat surprising since he is a rookie on the biggest stage of his young life.

Even more surprising at this Super Bowl, though, is how so many players on both teams aren't hesitating to invoke the name of God as they prepare to play a violent game where there will be no mercy shown on either side.

Usually that has writers setting down their pens and cameramen hitting the pause button until talk returns to the game itself.

But the depth of convictions from evangelical Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner to the Steelers who will do their best to plant him face-first into the ground on Sunday... more

Something the writer doesn't say is that several years ago, pro football players were on the mission field of Athletes in Action (Christian ministry group) and many athletes accepted Jesus as a result. Others became great Christian leaders, like Reggie White, who led others to Christ. So, it wasn't necessarily the "violence" that brought players to their knees....God's grace and Christians fulfilling the great commission.

Some may claim burnout on the whole pointing to God thing in sports. As for me, I will never get tired of it. It's not about God "rooting for the Cardinals...or the Steelers." I believe God is rooting for you and I to follow His son, Jesus, and if we happen to give glory to Him when we score our "touchdowns" of life, I'm sure it brings a smile!
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