‘He took us to church’: Kings’ Dylan Cardwell video-bombs reporter – and shares his faith

One of the NBA’s rising stars went viral in recent days after video-bombing a local television reporter’s shot, showcasing not only his playful personality but also his optimism and faith in Christ.

Sports journalist Kevin John was recording a stand-up report for Sacramento’s ABC10 last week off the floor of the Golden 1 Center when viewers suddenly spotted Sacramento Kings center Dylan Cardwell in the background, posing for the camera and repeatedly joking along with John, who quickly leaned into the moment. The Kings were there for practice.

John turned the impromptu exchange into an interview, asking Cardwell about his energy and enthusiasm despite the Kings’ disappointing season, which saw them fall short of the playoffs.

The reporter noted that Cardwell had previously been upbeat after lighting “The Beam” – the team’s signature postgame celebration in which a purple beam is lit above the arena following a victory.

Cardwell, a 6-foot-10 rookie who went undrafted out of Auburn in 2025, appeared in 44 games for the Kings, averaging 5.4 points and 7.5 rebounds in 20.6 minutes per game.

“It’s been a tough season for the fans and a tough season for the team, but at the end of the day, these guys just kept coming out here and supporting us, spending their hard-earned cash to come out here and watch us compete – and so I just wanted to pay it back to them – because going out here and playing in front of the amazing crowd, amazing city, it makes my job fun.”

The ABC10 reporter then asked Cardwell about the source of his optimism and leadership, noting he brings an energy and a culture to a team that endured a frustrating season.

“Where does that come from?” John asked.

“It just comes from the Lord,” Cardwell responded. “Everything that I do, I always praise the Lord because He’s given me this platform.”

Contrary to what many might assume, Cardwell said he wasn’t gifted in basketball as a youngster and didn’t expect to be a star in college, either – and has had to battle every step of the way.

He added he wants to “glorify Him with my joy, because my mindset is that I was not supposed to be here.”

“I just try to make sure that I’m just overjoyed and playing with gratitude every time I play on the basketball court.”

John then asked Cardwell what advice he would give to other young athletes in his shoes. The Kings player responded by citing Scripture.

“Trust the Lord and continue to work hard. My life verse is Romans 8:28, which says, ‘All things work for those who love the Lord, who are called according to His purpose.’

“I wanted to get drafted so bad. I wanted to be a first-round pick. I wanted to be a lottery pick so bad – I even wanted to be a second-round pick.”

None of that came to pass.

“No team called me on draft night.”

The Kings, though, offered him what is known as a two-way contract, meaning he would spend much of his first season in the developmental G League, an unglamorous but important proving ground for young players.

Cardwell responded by impressing the Kings so much that in February they signed him to a four-year contract.

“What the Lord has for you is greater than anything you can imagine for yourself. I don’t think that I could have scripted my life better than He has scripted my life,” Cardwell said. “And this season, like I said, it has had its ups and downs, but for me, I’ve considered it all joy. I’m living the dream. I play in a beautiful city with beautiful fans, with beautiful people. I have a beautiful wife at home. I have a great head coach that trusts in me. I have a great front office who are trying to rebuild this thing. We’re trying to win next year, and so I’m just super excited for the opportunities in front of me.”

He concluded: “Whatever the Lord has for you is greater than anything you can plan for yourself.”

The ABC10 reporter wrapped up the segment by noting, with a smile, that Cardwell had just dropped some “dimes” of inspiration and motivation for fans.

“He just took us to church,” John said.