8 Christian players in Super Bowl LX who are unashamed of their faith

This year’s Super Bowl will do more than pit the best players against each other on the gridiron for the biggest prize in sports. It also will spotlight men of faith who aren’t ashamed to be called Christians. 

Super Bowl LX will pit the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks in a matchup for the Lombardi Trophy – and both rosters are filled with players who love Jesus and aren’t afraid to talk about their faith.  

Here are eight: 

New England’s TreVeyon Henderson (running back) 

Henderson wasted little time making an impact as a rookie, rushing for 911 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 221 receiving yards and another score through the air. 

He is one of the NFL’s most outspoken Christians, rarely missing an opportunity to discuss his faith when he’s in front of a microphone. This year, for the league’s My Cause My Cleats campaign, Henderson chose Global Christian Relief to spotlight persecuted Christians. 

“New England is known to be one of the least religious areas in the U.S., but in this facility, we have so many people who are filled with the Spirit, who I believe God is using to draw people to Himself,” Henderson told Sports Spectrum this week.  

Henderson credited Patriots team chaplain James Mitchell for helping build his faith. The Patriots’ running back said he was particularly inspired by a chapel lesson on Solomon.  

“He had everything that people in this world, [that] we pretty much desire nowadays, but he said, at the end of the day, it’s all vanity. It’s all worthless,” Henderson said. “… That should open our eyes to see that the only thing that can truly fulfill us is Jesus Christ. It’s not the money. It’s not my accomplishments, it’s not anything else, but only Jesus.” 

Seattle’s Leonard Williams (defensive end) 

Playing in his 11th NFL season, Williams tied for the team lead with seven sacks and finished seventh on the team with 62 total tackles, helping anchor a Seahawks defense that ranked among the NFL’s best and served as the backbone of the team. 

Asked this week by Sports Spectrum what the Lord has taught him this season, Williams answered, “patience and trust.” 

“Trust in the process, trust in Him, trust in my family and my surroundings,” Williams said. “… I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs. I’ve been through a lot of trades, I’ve been through a lot of injuries – a lot of moments where I could have given up.” 

Williams came to faith as an adult. 

“I didn’t grow up going to church,” he said. “I didn’t really get introduced to my faith until I was a little bit older, which is beautiful in its own way, because it goes to show it’s never too late.” 

New England’s Drake Maye (quarterback) 

Maye enjoyed a breakout year in only his second season, passing for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns to finish second in the NFL MVP voting. He led the league in completion percentage (72%).  

“One of the best things about the football team is that there’s other brothers on the team that are followers of Christ,” Maye told media members this week.  

“The night before a game, we’re in here spreading the Word, and listening to the Word and knowing that that’s bigger than football – it’s just been such a thing for me to lean on and then take my thoughts away from football and know that this is my purpose, and this is why I’m here on this stage today, and be able to shine light on others and get them to follow Jesus Christ is what I’m here for. And it’s what God put me here to do.” 

Seattle’s Cooper Kupp (wide receiver) 

Playing in his ninth year in the league but his first with Seattle, Kupp finished second on the team in receiving yards (593 yards) to go along with a pair of touchdowns. He previously made a name for himself as the go-to receiver for the Los Angeles Rams – where he won a Super Bowl and took home MVP honors in 2022 – but quickly has become a key piece of Seattle’s passing attack. 

Asked by Sports Spectrum what God has taught him this season, Kupp answered simply: “Trust in Him. Trust Him – because He knows best. … I shouldn’t need that reminder, because I know that. But this year has been a great reminder.” 

New England’s Christian Gonzalez (cornerback) 

The third-year player tallied another solid season, tying for sixth on the team in total tackles (69) and finishing first in solo tackles. 

He writes a Bible verse, Psalm 16:8, on his eyeblack. (“I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”) 

“I actually just learned that verse this year,” he told Sports Spectrum. “And I think it’s just an amazing verse. Just keeping my eyes on the Lord amidst everything, it kind of just helped me block out all the noise … and just keep my eyes on Him and trust in Him.” 

Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba (wide receiver) 

Smith-Njigba led the NFL in receiving yards and scored 10 touchdowns, earning AP Offensive Player of the Year honors. Off the field, he’s outspoken about his faith. 

He told Sports Spectrum that God has taught him “many things” this season. It is, he added, “very important” how he carries himself when he has success. 

“I think just staying grounded and giving Him the glory and understanding that I’m here to serve others, I’m here to serve the Lord – this season has just been another testament of that.” 

The Seahawks, he said, are filled with “a great community of Christ-followers.” 

New England’s Hunter Henry (tight end) 

The 10-year veteran caught 60 passes for 768 yards and seven touchdowns this season, ranking second on the team in all three categories among receivers and tight ends. 

“My faith in Jesus has meant everything to me. It’s really my foundation,” Henry told Sports Spectrum. “It’s my rock that keeps me steady. Football and life – it’s kind of a roller coaster, and there’s a lot of ups and downs. Honestly, my faith in Jesus keeps me … steady, something that I can always rely on. It’s just a solid foundation for me through everything.” 

Seattle’s Brady Russell (fullback, special teams) 

The fullback/tight end made a name for himself this season on special teams with 14 total tackles including 10 solo tackles – and was named a captain for the Super Bowl. He is widely considered one of the most unselfish players on the team – a trait to which he credits his faith, saying it comes from “just spending time in the Word every morning.” 

“If I don’t have those daily spiritual disciplines,” he told Sports Spectrum, “then it can all fall apart pretty quick. Consistent time with the Lord – you’re going to reflect His fruit.”