It’s common to see an athlete pound on his chest after scoring a touchdown or making a big play. But what about the guy who, in the midst of celebrating on the field, decides to take a knee or point to the sky? What’s that all about?
You’ll find the answers to this question and more, in my new column Walking the Talk. Here, you will read feature stories about current and former players, wives, moms, and chaplains, regarding the role faith plays in pro sports.
Players will share how their faith comes into play as they juggle their successes and failures on the field and the expectations of family and friends off the field. Retired players will share about how they cope with the difficulties of transitioning into “the real world” and what life is like after the game is over.
Then there are the players’ wives, who have their own unique challenges. In this complicated role, many wives find themselves being pulled away from their own dreams, professions and educational opportunities, so they can support their husbands. In Walking the Talk you’ll see first hand how they handle the stresses of being married to pro athletes. “What stresses?” You say. Well, you’d be surprised at how difficult the so-called “Cinderella” life can be. There is a lot more to these women than diamonds and furs and for many of them, their faith plays a major role in helping them keep their lives in order.
We’ll also talk to the undercover agents of faith who work diligently behind the scenes to help pro players and their families to walk with God, develop strong character and solid marriages. These are the Chaplains who are on duty 24 hours a day, ready to offer support in any and all situations.
I’m very familiar with the life of a chaplain in pro sports because my husband, Corwin, and I served as NFL chaplains for 10 years. Corwin had a brief stint in the NFL with the Rams, Jets, and Packers. He has a passion to impact the lives of men and help them to be better husbands and fathers. Currently, he is the National Director of Pro Ministries for Athletes in Action, where he oversees chaplaincy programs for several professional teams.
Corwin and I met at UCLA, where he played tight end on the football team and I competed in the all-around as a gymnast. Our first meeting took place in the weight room as he stepped over me while I was stretching on the floor. Sounds romantic, huh? Mandatory tutoring for all athletes assured that we would meet yet, again. When we started dating, Corwin had just recommitted his life to God and he was trying to follow the teachings of the Bible. But because I came into the picture with little knowledge of God and the Bible, Corwin had a difficult time living up to his newfound commitment when it came to our dating relationship.
Corwin was the one who introduced me to a personal relationship with God. Having come from a background where most men were on drugs, in and out of jail, and abusive to women; Corwin’s love for God got my attention. He treated me with respect and he even suggested that we abstain from a physical relationship until marriage, so that we could honor God’s instructions and develop a relationship based on the strong foundation of friendship and mutual respect. Now, how often do you hear that from a collegiate athlete?
Corwin became very serious about his faith both on and off the field. In fact, he would take a knee to honor God after every touch down he caught from Troy Aikman (Now, they call it Tebowing). Corwin enjoys being able to blend his passion for sports and ministry as he continues to mentor pro athletes and speak at chapel services around the League.
My faith has carried me through careers as a gymnast at UCLA, a freelance TV host and reporter, and a chaplain for NFL wives. Now, it is a privilege for me to be able to share the stories of some honorable people in professional sports who are doing great things.
Walking the Talk will take you into the lives of pro athletes in a way that will encourage you to live your life with purpose. I look forward to introducing you to men and women as they walk their journey of faith in the world of pro sports.
For more info on Kim Anthony, check out her website here, or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.
Kim Anthony has been active in Christian ministry for over 20 years. As an Athletes in Action staff member, she spent 10 of those years serving as a chaplain for NFL wives, where she provided spiritual leadership, discipleship, life coaching, support and encouragement.
Kim travels the country speaking to audiences ranging from inner-city youth and the incarcerated to NFL head coaches, wives and executives. She speaks to athletes at top universities, such as UCLA and the University of Miami and churches including, Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. Kim is the author of Unfavorable Odds, a memoir containing her message of hope, forgiveness and purpose.
