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Gridiron Glory to God (December 11, 2025)


“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, “And You are exalted as head over all.” (1 Chronicles 29:11)

Remarkably, after leading Indiana University to the Big 10 conference football championship on December 6th, during televised post game interviews, the Hoosiers’ outstanding quarterback Fernando Mendoza glorified God for his team’s incredible win over then top-ranked Ohio State. A key to the upset victory were clutch pass completions by Mendoza to wide receiver Charlie Becker. Becker also gave glory to God after the historic victory, Indiana’s first conference championship in more than a half-century. “I want to give all the glory to God,” humbly declared Mendoza, considered the leading contender for college football’s coveted Heisman Trophy, symbolic of the game’s top player. Becker, Mendoza’s reverent teammate, added in a separate interview, “All the glory to God. Without Him, none of this would been possible.”

“...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

In a worldly culture in which many people claim personal credit for their achievements rather than give God the glory He deserves, it was heartwarming to hear these two gifted athletes recognize publicly that without God’s power and provisions, out human efforts are are futile and fruitless. As a Christian seeking opportunities to witness of the saving grace of Jesus Christ myself, it was gratifying to me to see these two star players use the platform of victory’s notoriety to share their faith with a national television audience of millions. Regardless of whether he wins the Heisman or not, Mendoza and other believers, who seek to glorify God above themselves, will be worthy of eternal rewards and crowns that, unlike passing earthly accolades, are eternally imperishable. Thanks to these standout gridiron players for reminding us all to put God first and play the game of life to glorify His matchless name!

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)



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