From South Beach with all its glitz and glamour to an array of parties in other parts of Miami, the Super Bowl XLI scene was one large distraction for faith-filled players and coaches.
Colts’ Jason ChapmanIndianapolis Colts defensive back Matt Giordano found a way to keep his focus on the things of Christ.
“There aren’t many times where I get to read my Bible outside on the beach in Indianapolis, especially in the wintertime,” he said. “I read a chapter of the Old Testament, maybe a chapter of the New Testament and some Psalms and Proverbs, and I’m ready for the day.”
Giordano was among a number of Colts players who followed the lead of their coach, Tony Dungy, in telling about their faith in Christ during a media session.
Last year, several of the Colts players helped produce a CD distributed by Sports Spectrum titled “More Than a Game,” in which they shared that their faith is more important than an on-field win or loss.
Colts punter Hunter Smith said unlike the Dallas Cowboys’ nickname as “America’s Team,” his team has a higher calling.
“This is a God-centered team, an amazing team,” Smith said. “With the leadership we get from Coach Dungy and the number of guys who love the Lord, this is really the best team I’ve ever been on.”
Offensive lineman Jeff Saturday achieved every lineman’s dream by scoring a touchdown in the Colts AFC title game victory over the New England Patriots, but he said his real dream is to share his faith in Christ with as many people who will listen.
“God has given us a great opportunity and platform to talk about our faith in him. God gave us this chance, but we have to keep giving him the glory.”
Defensive back Dexter Reid said the consistent witness of Dungy and various players has affected everyone on the squad.
“Once I got around solid Christian guys like Hunter Smith and Jeff Saturday and Coach Dungy, they challenged me to study God’s word like I study our playbook for the Colts.”
Long snapper Justin Snow, who attended Baptist-affiliated Baylor University, said, “My faith is a big part of me, and I think it would make this job harder if I didn’t have a faith in Christ. Not many people know about me unless I mess up, but I know I can leave the eternal results to him.”