RELIGIOUS FREEDOM | FEBRUARY 12, 2018

When Sports and Religion Collide

Religion in sports is a touchy subject. After a big win, in a postgame interview, an athlete may thank God or their savior. When that happens, the reporter allows the gratitude, usually doesn’t acknowledge them, and then just gets to their planned first question. That’s usually how religion pops up in sports.

On Super Bowl Sunday, religion popped up another way when former coach and current NBC analyst Tony Dungy gave his viewpoint on why he liked the Eagles and their quarterback Nick Foles, which was because Foles is a good quarterback and a good Christian.

Dungy immediately came under fire for pushing his faith when all he was doing was giving his opinion which is what he is paid to do.

As people are more willing to promote their politics, why would there be any resistance to one promoting a religious viewpoint?

What Dungy did was not promote Christianity which is what the haters would have you believe, but he was inferring that having a religious aspect to your life does benefit you.

This point can be a little hard to grasp when most of the advertisements during the Super Bowl center on material possessions, or beer.

But religion has actually infiltrated sports and locker room culture to its benefit. After a game, sometimes a team will kneel down in prayer. In the locker room, coaches sometimes inspire players not with motivational clichés but Bible verses.

Religion is a resource and enhances your life no matter what your faith is. And another good thing about it—you’re less likely to be a rabble-rouser on social media.

KEYWORDS

AUTHOR

Evan Wecksell

Evan Wecksell is a comedian who has performed in 46 states and has appeared on VH1, E!, Conan and The Goldbergs. He is also one of the best tutors in the world (says Evan).

╳