Praying & Playing

Do Religion and Pro Sports Mix? on NPR's Tell Me More


Listening Date: April 25, 2010

“Making the sign of the cross before swinging at a baseball pitch, kneeling in prayer after making it to the end zone and thanking God in post-game press conferences are among frequent practices observed by professional athletes. Tom Krattenmaker, author of "Onward Christian Athletes," says many ballparks have been turned into pulpits and players into preachers. It is a reality that some say has become all too common.”

Many of us pray to God when we want something or thank God for giving us something. I do it all the time too, on the field and surprisingly during school too. I don't literally get into a praying position and start praying, I just say "Please God give me this" or "Thank you God". You probably just realized you do this too.

Professional athletes are doing the same thing, but on the field and during post-game interviews. This show is about players praying while they play the game, many of them say their successful because they pray. After they score a touchdown or make the game winning shot, they thank God.

Here are some examples:

SANTONIO HOLMES (Professional Football Player, Pittsburgh Steelers): "It was all God's will. You know, he placed the ball where it needed to be, and the play came through for us."

JON KITNA (Professional Football Player, Dallas Cowboys): "It's about Jesus Christ, baby. It ain't about me."

KURT WARNER (Professional Football Player, Arizona Cardinals): "We've got a lot faith. I praise God for this victory, but still got a little more work to do."

The reason why I picked this show is because it shows how professional players are mixing in religion with sports. It also shows a different side of the players.

“Do Religion And Pro Sports Mix?” Tell Me More. Narr. Michel Martin. National Public Radio. 08 Jan. 2010. Web. 25 Apr. 2010.