Top 11 Famous Sports Men in Christianity

Meet the top 11 athletes who have made a name for themselves in their respective sports while also being devoted Christians

Top 11 Famous Sports Men in Christianity: Inspiring Stories of Faith and Athleticism

As many Christians know, faith is not just a Sunday morning affair, but a way of life that should permeate every aspect of human being. 

For many athletes, their faith is a driving force that motivates them to excel in their respective sports. 

In this article, we will look at the top 11 sports men in Christianity who have inspired us with their faith and athleticism.

1. Tim Tebow - Football Player

Tim Tebow is a former NFL quarterback who is known for his outspoken faith and athletic ability.

Tebow was born on August 14, 1987, in Makati, Philippines, to Bob and Pam Tebow, who were both missionaries at the time.

He grew up in a Christian household and was homeschooled by his parents.

Tebow began playing football at a young age and was a standout player in high school. He went on to play for the University of Florida, where he won two national championships and was named the Heisman Trophy winner in 2007.

Tebow was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft and played for several teams before retiring in 2017.

Tebow is known for his strong Christian faith and has spoken publicly about how his beliefs have helped him to stay focused and motivated throughout his career.

He has also been involved in various charitable initiatives, including building a hospital in the Philippines through his foundation, the Tim Tebow Foundation.

Bible Reference: Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

2. Stephen Curry - Basketball Player

Stephen Curry is a professional basketball player who has won numerous awards and accolades for his skills on the court.

Curry began playing basketball at a young age and was a standout player in high school. He went on to play for Davidson College, where he led the team to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament.

Curry was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 2009 NBA draft and has played for the team ever since, winning three NBA championships.

Curry is a devout Christian and has spoken publicly about how his faith helps him to stay grounded and focused. He has also been involved in various charitable initiatives, including Nothing But Nets, which works to prevent malaria in Africa.

Bible Reference: Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

3. LeBron James - Basketball Player

LeBron James is a professional basketball player who has won numerous championships and awards throughout his career.

James was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, to Gloria James.

He grew up in a single-parent household and was raised by his mother, who was a Christian.

James began playing basketball at a young age and was a standout player in high school. He went on to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers, winning four NBA championships.

James is a Christian and has spoken publicly about how his faith helps him to stay focused and motivated. He has also been involved in various charitable initiatives, including the LeBron James Family Foundation, which supports at-risk youth.

Bible Reference: James 1:2-4 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials. 

4. Tom Brady - Football Player

Tom Brady is a professional football player who has won numerous championships and awards throughout his career.

Brady was born on August 3, 1977, in San Mateo, California, to Tom and Galynn Brady. He grew up in a Christian household and was raised by his parents.

Brady began playing football at a young age and was a standout player in high school.

He went on to play for the University of Michigan, where he was a backup quarterback.

Brady was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft and has played for the team ever since, winning six Super Bowls.

Brady is a Christian and has spoken publicly about how his faith helps him to stay focused and motivated. He has also been involved in various charitable

Bible Reference: Hebrews 12:1-2 - "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." Eric Liddell faithfully ran his race by honoring God's commandments above his own glory, finishing his course as a missionary.

5. Peyton Manning - Football Player

Peyton Manning is a former NFL quarterback who is known for his exceptional leadership and athletic ability. Manning was born on December 24, 1976, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Archie and Olivia Manning.

He grew up in a Christian household and was raised by his parents. Manning began playing football at a young age and was a standout player in high school.

He went on to play for the University of Tennessee, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1997.

Manning was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 1998 NFL draft and played for the team until 2011, when he was traded to the Denver Broncos.

He won two Super Bowls with the Colts and one with the Broncos.

Manning is a Christian and has spoken publicly about how his faith helps him to stay focused and motivated. He has also been involved in various charitable initiatives, including the Peyton Manning Children's Hospital.

Bible Reference: Colossians 3:23-24 - "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men

6. Drew Brees - Football Player

Drew Brees is a professional football player who has won numerous awards and accolades for his skills on the field.

Brees was born on January 15, 1979, in Dallas, Texas, to Chip and Mina Brees. He grew up in a Christian household and was raised by his parents.

Brees began playing football at a young age and was a standout player in high school.

He went on to play for Purdue University, where he led the team to a Big Ten Championship in 2000.

Brees was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL draft and played for the team until 2006, when he signed with the New Orleans Saints.

He won a Super Bowl with the Saints in 2010.

Brees is a Christian and has spoken publicly about how his faith helps him to stay focused and motivated.

He has also been involved in various charitable initiatives, including the Drew Brees Foundation, which supports children in need.

Bible Reference: Romans 8:31 - What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

7. LaDainian Tomlinson - Football Player

LaDainian Tomlinson is a former NFL running back who is known for his exceptional athletic ability and leadership on the field.

Tomlinson was born on June 23, 1980, in Rosebud, Texas, to Leroy and Diane Tomlinson.

He grew up in a Christian household and was raised by his parents. Tomlinson began playing football at a young age and was a standout player in high school.

He went on to play for the University of Texas, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2005. Tomlinson was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft and played for the team until 2009, when he signed with the New York Jets.

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

Tomlinson is a Christian and has spoken publicly about how his faith helps him to stay focused and motivated.

He has also been involved in various charitable initiatives, including the LaDainian Tomlinson Foundation, which supports children in need.

Bible Reference: Proverbs 22:2 - The rich and the poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.

8. Kurt Warner - Football Player

Kurt Warner is a former NFL quarterback who is known for his exceptional leadership and athletic ability.

Warner was born on June 22, 1971, in Burlington, Iowa, to John and Sue Warner.

He grew up in a Christian household and was raised by his parents. Warner began playing football at a young age and was a standout player in high school.

He went on to play for the University of Northern Iowa, where he won the Gateway Conference Player of the Year award in 1993. Warner

Bible Reference: Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Kurt Warner's story reflects God's faithfulness in shaping unpredictable paths toward His purposes.

9. Jeremy Lin:

Lin was born in Palo Alto, California, and grew up in a Christian family.

He attended church regularly and was active in his youth group.

When he was drafted into the NBA, he faced a lot of pressure and criticism, but he credits his faith with helping him to stay focused and motivated.

Lin's faith has helped him to stay grounded and humble, even in the face of fame and success. His commitment to his faith has also inspired others, both in the NBA and beyond, to prioritize their own faith and trust in God.

Lin has spoken publicly about how his faith in God has helped him to stay focused and motivated throughout his career, including during times of adversity. In an interview with ESPN, Lin said, "My faith is everything to me. It's what gets me through the tough times, it's what helps me to stay grounded and humble, and it's what gives me the strength to keep going

Bible verse: Philippians 4:13 - I can do all this through him who gives me strength

10. David Robinson:

Robinson has spoken about how his faith has been a source of strength and guidance for him throughout his life and career, and has encouraged others to trust in God's plan for their lives. In an interview with CBN, Robinson said, My faith is the foundation of everything I do. It's what gives me the strength to keep going, even when things get tough.

Robinson was born in Key West, Florida, and grew up in a military family. He attended church regularly and was active in his youth group.

When he was drafted into the NBA, he faced a lot of pressure and criticism, but he credits his faith with helping him to stay focused and motivated.

Robinson's faith has helped him to stay grounded and humble, even in the face of fame and success. His commitment to his faith has also inspired others, both in the NBA and beyond, to prioritize their own faith and trust in God.

Bible verse: Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding

11. Eric Liddel:

Liddel was a missionary and Olympic athlete who was known for his strong faith and dedication to serving God.

He famously refused to run in the 1924 Olympics because it conflicted with his Christian beliefs, and instead devoted himself to spreading the gospel in China.

His legacy has inspired many Christians to prioritize their faith and use their talents to serve others.

Liddel was born in Tianjin, China, to Scottish missionary parents. He grew up in a Christian household and was active in his faith from a young age.

When he was offered a place on the British Olympic team, he refused, citing his Christian beliefs. Instead, he devoted himself to spreading the gospel in China, where he eventually died of a brain tumor in 1945.

Liddel's faith has inspired many Christians to prioritize their faith and use their talents to serve others.

His commitment to his beliefs, even in the face of adversity, has shown others that true faith requires sacrifice and dedication.

Liddel's legacy continues to inspire Christians around the world to live out their faith in a meaningful and impactful way.

These men show that devoting one's talents to God can enable finding purpose and overcoming challenges through faith.

I pray their examples may encourage and strengthen your own walk with the Lord.

Bible verse: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 - Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? 

Conclusion:

In conclusion, these five sports men have inspired us with their faith and athleticism.

They have shown us that with hard work, dedication, and a strong faith, we can achieve great things.

As Christians, we know that our faith is not just a Sunday morning affair, but a way of life that should permeate every aspect of our being.

May we all strive to be like these men, who have used their talents and platforms to glorify God. 

Additional verses and Biblical references that relate to the stories of faith and athleticism in these Christian sports heroes:

1 Timothy 4:12 - Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Tim Tebow was a humble example on and off the field. 

Psalm 18:32-33 - "It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. Jeremy Lin found security and stability through his identity as a Christian, in the face of racism. 

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Admiral David Robinson drew strength from his faith to excel as a leader both on the court and in his ministry.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.- Ephesians 2:10

I hope these verses provide biblical context that affirms the role faith played in empowering these Christian athletes to achieve greatly and inspire others! Their lives truly brought Scripture to life.