In America, we set aside the month of February to celebrate Black History. Doing this places a focus on Black Americans who have contributed to the American experiment. It is important not to forget that this experiment is still in motion. On Sunday, February 12, 2023 (which also is the birthday of Abraham Lincoln – not happenstance but divine providence) another historical moment was noted. For the first time in sports history, two quarterbacks, who happen to be black, faced each other in what has become one of the widest viewed sporting events in the world. Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes stepped out on to the gridiron to lead their respective teams.
Many in the media heralded this moment. But absent from much of the commentary was a commonality that supersedes race. It is their faith in their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Below is an extract from the Daily Citizen, a publication of Focus on the Family, which brings a needed commentary on their faith:
Jalen Hurts led the Philadelphia Eagles to a regular season record this year of 14-3. In the 34 games Hurts has started for the Eagles, he led his team to a record of 23 wins and 11 losses. Not bad for a 24-year-old. Other quarterbacks might be boastful, even arrogant with those kinds of accomplishments under his belt, but he doesn’t let it go to his head. And he remembers to let the main thing be the main thing. And that main thing is Jesus Christ.
After winning the NFC Championship game, Hurts answered questions from the press. Asked about his team’s journey over the season, he replied, “I’m forever grateful. I’m forever grateful. Only God knows the things that each individual on this team has been able to overcome to come together as a team and do something special.”
In response to a subsequent question from a reporter, Hurts specifically mentioned difficulties he experienced in college, and brought up a Bible verse that has meant a lot to him – John 13:7 – saying, “You may not know now, but later you’ll understand.”
Hurts’ faith is something he has in common with the Chiefs starting quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.
The 27-year-old Mahomes, just in his fifth year with the Chiefs since being drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, has already been to the Super Bowl twice, leading the Chiefs to victory in 2019, where he was also named Super Bowl MVP for his performance. “My mom and dad both raised me in the church,” Mahomes said in a 2020 video for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. “Faith is huge for me, just being able to stay on the right track and being able to live life knowing that I can be free, and God will have me, and He’ll always accept me. Before every game, I walk the field, and I just do a prayer at the goal post, and I thank God for those opportunities, and I thank God for just letting me be on a stage where I can glorify Him. “
In a world where we find many polarized over multiple issues, here are two young men who have gotten it right. They recognize that their talents and gifts come from their Creator who redeemed them…and Who offers redemption to us all. Let us not forget this as we move through this month and through the American experiment, within which these young men have the privilege to openly proclaim their faith. Ultimately all of this is part of “His Story”, the Story of the Redeemer, Christ Jesus.
NOTE: The extract within this article is taken from: https://dailycitizen.focusonthefamily.com/opposing-super-bowl-quarterbacks-are-brothers-in-christ-meet-jalen-hurts-and-patrick-mahomes/
