Playing for Jesus

Austin American Statesman
today ran an article by Eileen E. Flynn:

Playing for Jesus
Athletes spreading the Gospel on the field

...thanks to the increased visibility of evangelical Christians, who helped President Bush win re-election in 2004, Christian athletes are encountering a more receptive audience in the press box and beyond. Consider:

•Ben Roethlisberger, quarterback of the 2006 Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, wore PFJ (Play For Jesus) on his cleats until the NFL forbade it last year, citing uniform rules.

•After winning the Verizon Heritage tournament last spring, golfer Aaron Baddeley told reporters he stayed focused by reciting a passage from the book of Timothy and proclaimed, "Jesus, this is for you" just before knocking in the final putt.

•Vince Young, the University of Texas quarterback who led the Longhorns to a Rose Bowl victory and a national championship in January, decided to go pro after consulting with his pastor, who led a service for Young and his family before and after the NFL draft.

and this clearly the best quote:

•Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, after shutting down the team's archrival New York Yankees in a crucial 2004 playoff game, announced, "Tonight was God's work on the mound."

Though evangelical Christianity has long been a presence in the locker room, it has never been more visible. Promoters, team officials and the media have taken notice of the faithful athletes. And many Christian fans are rejoicing.

It's so reassuring to know that God and Jesus are hard at work where it matters most.