American former professional football player Randy Gradishar was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 3. He boldly used the opportunity to share the Gospel during his acceptance speech.
Gradishar was a vital member of the Denver Broncos’ “Orange Crush” defense of the 1970s and 80s, according to Sports Spectrum. He is “the franchise’s all-time leading tackler and one of 10 linebackers with at least seven Pro Bowl selections, 20 interceptions and 13 fumble recoveries.”
Additionally, Gradishar was the 1978 Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time first-team All-Pro who “helped lead the Broncos franchise to its first Super Bowl appearance, a 27-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XII.”
During the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony, Gradishar took two minutes to share his testimony and his conversion to faith in Jesus Christ.
“Today, I dedicate my Pro Football Hall of Fame 2024 induction to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave me His life so I could be built to last,” Gradishar shared.
He said he was invited to a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bible study by legendary running back Archie Griffin while they were teammates at Ohio State University in 1974.
That invitation changed Gradishar’s life.
“That evening, the Gospel was explained in four simple truths,” Gradishar said:
“God created mankind in His image. God loves us and offers a plan for our life.
“But mankind has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Rom. 3:23). Therefore, we cannot know and experience God’s love and plan for our lives. ‘For the wages of sin is death.’ (Rom. 6:23).
“God made a way. God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16).
“Salvation requires turning to God. Repent of our sins, accept His forgiveness, and ask Jesus, by faith, to be your personal Lord and Savior.”
“This is the only way to be right with God and to live out His plans for our lives, not ours,” Gradishar added.
He then went on to directly address Griffin, who was in the audience for the ceremony.
“Archie, you were an OSU sophomore at the time when you invited me to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting – the best invitation I’ve ever had,” Gradishar said.
At age 22, I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
You can watch Gradishar’s full address below:
There’re two things we should take away from the pro football player’s powerful remarks.
First, Gradishar epitomized Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (ESV).
We live in a culture that increasingly rejects God’s free offer of mercy and grace – instead, many defend the unholy sacraments of abortion and LGBT-ideology. That’s why we must all the more have courage in our convictions – especially in the good and saving work of Jesus Christ.
Second, Gradishar’s testimony shows the great power of a simple invitation. His life was changed by an offer to attend an FCA Bible study. Are we willing to invite those around us to church, a Bible study or a Christian gathering?
If so, when is the last time you invited someone to church? If not, perhaps take a few moments to consider why, and invite the Lord to work in and through you.
For we are all called to live out the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV).
In his remarks, Gradishar reflected on his life verse, Colossians 3:23-24: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (ESV).
“Don’t work for status, power, wealth, materialism or people’s recognition,” Gradishar proclaimed,
All that is very, very temporary. But in all you are and all you do, work for God’s glory because He will give you an inheritance as your reward. A reward that’s built to last. That’s not my promise; that’s God’s promise.
Congratulations to Randy Gradishar on his induction into the Hall of Fame. But even more, alongside Gradishar, we give thanks to the Lord for saving us, redeeming us and restoring us.
As he surely knows, no award can compare to Christ’s promise to bring us a heavenly reward – an eternity of communion with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Check out C.S. Lewis’ classic Mere Christianity. You can also check out Focus on the Family’s award winning Radio Theater: C.S. Lewis at War.
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