Super Bowl Sunday, Nick Foles, and a Great Half-Time Video You Can Use

In a recent blog, I shared my appreciation for quarterbacks Nick Foles and Case Keenum, two young men who love Jesus and are committed to honoring Him. I said that I wished both Nick and Case could go to the Super Bowl and win it, but of course that’s not how it works!

After starting for the Eagles and leading them to the playoffs in 2013, Nick came back to the Eagles this year a backup to quarterback Carson Wentz (another terrific brother). When Carson was injured in early December, Nick took over, and had several good games. Then in the NFC championship game against the Vikings, he had one of the best playoff games in NFL history (over 352 yards passing, 3 TD passes, 0 interceptions, 141 QB rating).

I know that the Super Bowl is “only a football game,” but it’s also the single biggest platform, with the largest audience, of any event in the U.S. I’m praying for Nick, that he would be in the eye of the hurricane, experiencing the peace of Jesus. Nick turned 29 last week, so this is a lot of pressure on a young man, but he’s humble and grounded, and I know from interactions with him yesterday that God is giving him great peace. Pray that, win or lose, he and the Eagles believers (as well as the Patriots believers) would faithfully represent our Lord.

Personally I’m also fine with praying that Nick will do great and the Eagles will flat out win. :) Of course there are more important things in the world. And I do realize that some Patriot fans will read this, God bless you, but of course you are already accustomed to everyone else wanting you to lose (that’s one of the burdens of normally winning)! :) But seriously, I think God can handle us praying for some things we just want, coming from our different viewpoints, knowing the answer’s up to Him. :)

The Eagles are a big underdog, just as they’ve been ever since Carson was injured. And historically Tom Brady and the Patriots do have a difficult time losing a Super Bowl. Still, knowing firsthand Nick’s character, biblical convictions, and love for Jesus, I am confident he will use this platform for God’s glory. (Knowing both Carson and Case, I’m sure they would have too.)

Seven weeks ago I was asked to speak about Heaven to the Eagles when they came to Seattle. Since they’d had chapel the night before, I was surprised that fifteen showed up, including three coaches. I’d met five of these players through the great ministry of Pro Atheletes Outreach, including Nick, Carson, Trey Burton, and Zach Ertz (Chris Maragos was back in Philly with an injury, but he set it up, and Nick was on the scene to make it happen and introduce me to the Eagles). I was struck by the degree of spiritual thirst I saw in many of these guys.

There are believers on every NFL team, but there is something special about this group of Eagles. I’d be delighted if Nick and the team surprises everyone and wins—but the most important thing is that they be faithful to Jesus, and that’s my first prayer.

I realize this is very close to the Super Bowl, but let me encourage you to check out Football Sunday, which is produced by The Increase, with Pro Athletes Outreach. Each year they offer a free, professional video presentation featuring several athletes telling their stories and sharing about faith in the NFL. Best of all, it includes the gospel message of Jesus. In previous years many people have responded to Christ through this.

Churches can sign up to use it during their services, and individuals can also show it to those gathered in their homes. You can show the whole thing or just choose one segment. One great idea is to use it as a positive alternative to the halftime show on Super Bowl Sunday! (Pastors can check out this page for promotional resources to use.)

Check out this video for more about it.

And here’s last year’s full video, to give you an idea of the quality of the production.