With all the anti-Christian bias in the media, it is interesting to see them allowing athletes to talk about their Christian faith in interviews after games.

It wasn’t that long ago that a guy named Tim Tebow was roasted by media far and wide for his faith while playing college and professional football. He was made fun of often for waiting for marriage to have sex, and for many other things he said. 

Now players often praise God and thank Jesus for a win when they are interviewed after a game. Some of this is due to the live nature of post-game interviews. They are asked for their comments on live TV, and there isn’t much you can do about what they say. Sometimes even a “bad” word gets said on National TV.

After the College National Championship game Monday night, ESPN announcers discussed the faith of both teams in their post-game wrap-up. Both Ohio State and Notre Dame players have been outspoken about their faith throughout the season

ESPN’s Reece Davis talked about how Ohio State players evangelize on campus. He rightly said that faith does not mean you will win, but he noted the positive impact on both teams. The fellowship of believers on Ohio State’s team made selfishness take a back seat, and the love players have for each other has helped them focus onthe joint goal of putting the team first.

Jesus said people would know they are Christians by their love for each other. For ESPN to note how this had a positive effect on the team, on national television, is remarkable.

Letting athletes use their platform to express their views is more popular now than it has been in the past. 

Black Lives Matter activists used it and were even praised for kneeling during the national anthem in protest. Professional soccer players used it to speak out for women’s rights and LGBTQ issues. There are a lot of examples of athletes making statements, so making a statement of faith is not seen as unusual anymore.

They are not thanking God for the victory. We all know God does not intervene in the outcome of games. They are thankful for having the opportunity and the ability to compete. 

It is one thing to thank God after a victory and to be thankful for having a lot of ability on the athletic field. It is harder to thank God and praise Jesus when you lose, but that also happens.

After Monday’s national championship game, Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard talked about his faith after his team lost to Ohio State. He said he thought that faith helped both teams and that faith made both teams stronger.

At the NFL level, Houston quarterback CJ Stroud talks about his faith in every interview, whether he wins or loses. After his team lost to the Chiefs in the playoffs Saturday, Stroud said “My rock is Jesus Christ. Whenever I hit my rock bottom, I know I can lean on Him.”

It is common now to see athletes with Bible verses on their shoes, or other parts of their attire. 

After the win over Houston, Chief’s quarterback Patrick Mahommes tweeted a rather obscure Bible verse in thanking God for the win. Genesis 22:14 says in part, “God will provide.” 

Athletes work hard to get where they are. There is something to be said for natural talent, but you still have to work hard to get to the college or professional level. They still have a lot to be grateful for and most recognize this.

There is the stereotype of the athlete being a partier, but that is largely a stereotype. You don’t get to the professional level if you are pumping beers instead of pumping iron in the weight room for a lot of hours.

I was a sports writer for several years. I can say from personal experience that a lot of athletes have faith in God. Mentioning their faith in interviews is not a new thing. Twenty years ago it was normal to hear about God when talking to accomplished athletes.

Media people used to ignore faith-based comments after games and did not report on them.

Sports require a lot of faith — which is seeing the unseen. You have to have faith in yourself, your teammates, your coaches, and others. You have to believe that your hard work will pay off — and even accept the risk that it might not. Losers work just as hard as winners in most cases.

It is not much of a leap from there to see a need for faith in a higher power.

When I was a sports writer, there were debates about whether athletes should be quoted about their faith. It is refreshing to see the tide has turned.

Some might say it is performative when athletes express their faith after a game. It might be in some cases. But the gospel is being spread by athletes. The remarkable thing is, that the secular media — even with its anti-Christian bias — is helping them do so.

Philippians 1:18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.