By John Abdalla —
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra was saved by God turning his life around after getting baptized in college.
“I had a big life change, I actually retired from football in college because I had a bunch of concussions,” Calcaterra says. Finding Jesus “helped me on my journey back to playing football. It (faith) is very important to me and I try to keep close to me.”
Calcaterra is just one of a throng of Christians on the Super Bowl-winning team’s roster. They’ve been called the Birds of Pray.
After baptism, he returned to football. He used his injuries as fuel to find his way through these first few years. His career statistics in college skyrocketed, with 1,102 yards, 72 receptions and 13 touchdowns.
For star quarterback Jalen Hurts, faith has been a big root.
“Through the highs and the lows, he’s greater than all of them and something I can acknowledge,“ Hurts affirms. “ I’ve always wanted to root myself in him and keep him in the center of my life. “
Jalen Hurts ended the Superbowl with 221 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 Interception and 119.7 passer rating.
Running back Saquon Barkley challenges himself to gain more biblical knowledge with family and friends and to grow spiritually.
“I think religion and faith is having a relationship with God and understanding who Jesus is,” the NFL’s lead rusher says. “I’m gonna continue to do that.m I’m really lucky to have my agent who’s a pastor and I’m able to have bible studies with him.”
Saquon Barkley finished the Superbowl with 25 carries, 57 yards, averaging 2.3 yards.
Jalyx Hunt, outside linebacker, has a strong relationship with God with others encouraging him.
“We have a Bible Study every Wednesday,” he says.
Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. says he and others should not be timid about proclaiming their faith.
“As a christian man or woman you can’t be afraid to talk to the media and show your a woman or man of God,” he says. “You have to really speak out about his glory. We have to really praise his name.”
Fellow linebacker Oren Burks credit God with his success.
“God is every decision that I make,” Burks says. “He believes in me and he trusts in me and it’s just a weight lift off your shoulders.”
Cornerback Kelee Ringo ascribes it all to Christ.
“I’m nothing without him and I feel like it doesn’t get simpler than that,” he says.
Even the coaches are onboard with God. Jemal Singleton, an assistant coach for the running backs, says God has helped the team through the ups and downs.
“I know I wouldn’t be here for him and the things he’s done to help me get led this way,” Singleton says.
Cooper DeJean was expecting to be drafted in the first round but fell into the second round. The Eagles swooped in. “It was a blessing in disguise being able to play for such a great organization, such a great city, the fans,” DeJean says.
Cooper ended the Super Bowl with 3 tackles, 1 interception and 38 yards.
Running back Will Shipley says God “is everything to me. He plays a role in every decision I make in my life. He’s created that path for me to walk in so I am very appreciative of that.”
About this writer: John Abdalla is a student at the Lighthouse Church School in Santa Monica.
