A trio of Ohio State University star football players are speaking out about their Christian faith, saying it has given them peace and joy through the ups and downs of their college football careers. They emphasize that only Jesus can provide true fulfillment.
Henderson, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and tight end Gee Scott. Junior, we all talked. sports spectrum In recent days, they've been navigating the College Football Playoff on their way to Monday night's National Championship Game against Notre Dame.
Henderson has 11 touchdowns and 967 rushing yards as the Buckeyes' starting running back this season.
“After getting injured my sophomore year, I decided to give my life to the Lord,” Henderson said. “He changed my life. The power of his blood washed away all my sins and all the shame and guilt I had felt for so many years.”
Jesus turned him away from “the false idols that I was serving,” he said.
Egbuka had 10 touchdowns and 947 receiving yards. He said his faith began to develop after two friends invited him to church when he was in second grade.
“I experienced the Holy Spirit [for] “It was a new experience like nothing I've ever experienced before,” Egbuka told Sports Spectrum. “And since then, my life has changed 180 degrees. I have a similar testimony for many of the players on the team.” We have been praying for this kind of revival for the team. I decided to share with everyone what God is doing for our football team. ”
That spiritual outpouring was seen on the Ohio State campus in the fall, when hundreds of students gathered for a football-player-led service during which about 60 students were baptized.
Egbuka passed on the NFL draft and played one more season at Ohio State.
“I felt like the Lord was testing my heart by asking me a question: 'If you come back to this event next year, you're going to have this huge platform.'” he said. “…So this was just one of my prayers: Please be bolder and more outspoken about my faith this year.”
Scott has two touchdowns and 249 receiving yards. He has played a key role in Ohio State's run blocking.
“I write letters in front of my eyes every game, Romans 8:28“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord,” Scott said. There are people who are working with me to improve me and make me a better version of myself. And having faith through that gives me a freeing peace while performing that I'm not here to perform for men or fans or analysts or whatever. I'm just here to serve Christ. ”
Scott said that although there are many distractions in the modern world, “there is no true fulfillment outside of Christ.”
“There may be some happy moments,” Scott said. “You can be physically fulfilled and do things that are pleasurable in the moment, but I don’t think that ultimately leads to a place of true, sincere fulfillment.”
WATCH: Ohio State football players talk about the importance of faith in Jesus Christ
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michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's podcast! he is the host of crosswalk talka podcast where he speaks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christians are making their faith a priority in Hollywood, and discover the best Christian movies, books, TV and other entertainment. can be found crosswalk talk above LifeAudio.comor subscribe at apple or spotify So never miss an interview that is sure to encourage your faith.
First publication date is January 16, 2025.
