The Super Bowl stage is a showcase for faith, and a majority of Americans see it as a win

In media interviews in the run-up to Super Bowl LIX, players from both sides are gushing about the importance of their Christian faith.

This year’s biggest stage features a clash of titans as the Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) take on the Kansas City Chiefs (15-2) in a rematch of Super Bowl LVII. The Chiefs will start the game as 1.5-point favorites against an Eagles team they beat when they began their run of back-to-back championships two seasons ago. Now the Chiefs have a chance to three-peat.

As the relentless media coverage builds up to Sunday, players and coaches alike have not been shy in telling the watching world plainly about their relationship with Jesus.

Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts spoke plainly about his desire to win the game during his media availability but made it clear that, to him, God is greater than the ups and downs he will experience in his career.

“God is greater than any high or low, and He’s there unconditionally. So [I’m] just leaning on Him, not just in this season but any season of life. Just taking a day at a time, knowing where my faith comes from,” Hurts said Monday in New Orleans.

Earlier this year, veteran Eagles leader Brandon Graham approached Hurts about growing in spiritual maturity and leadership, which the 26-year-old quarterback took to heart. Team Chaplain Ted Winsley said that Hurts hadn’t missed the team Bible study since that moment. 

Hurts faces a formidable foe on the opposite bench in Patrick Mahomes, who is building the greatest resume to start an NFL career the league has ever seen. Mahomes, who began talks of going for a three-peat just seconds after throwing the game-winning touchdown in last year’s Super Bowl, told CBS after this year’s AFC Championship that the glory truly belongs to God. 

“First off, I want to give all glory to God,” Mahomes told sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson. “Without Him, none of this is possible, and I truly mean that. I’m just so proud of my teammates, how they responded. That was a great football team. I’m just at a loss for words. I’m excited for New Orleans.” 

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, currently putting together one of the most prolific seasons at his position of all time, told the media he has focused this year on growing in understanding who Jesus is. Barkley explained that his agent is also a pastor and that he’s grown tremendously through Bible studies with him. 

“I’m not going to sit here and tell you that I know the Bible, like, in and out. It’s something I’m learning, I’m challenging myself to get better at with my family and my friends,” he said. “But [I’m] just growing, and I think that’s the beautiful thing about it, and I think that’s what religion and faith is, is having a relationship with God and understanding who Jesus is, and that’s what I’ve been trying to do this year. I’m going to continue to try to get better at it.” 

The list of players expressing similar sentiments isn’t shrinking, either.  

Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie said his faith is the “most important thing in his life,” while breakout tight end Noah Gray, who became a Christian as a member of the Chiefs, said he always leans on his faith. 

Eagles linebacker Oren Burks, a difference maker who has stepped up to lead the defense in the absence of injured linebacker Nakobe Dean, has walked with the Lord most of his life. He told Sports Spectrum that his faith grew exponentially when he went to college because it gave him the chance to own his faith: 

“I had to take ownership of my faith,” he said. “It wasn’t my parents’. It wasn’t my grandparents’. I decided to truly believe for myself.”  

How do Americans feel about athletes talking about their faith? Most like it. 

According to a recent poll, 56% expressed support for athletes being outspoken about their faith, 33% were neutral, and 12% opposed. 

“These findings underscore a real opportunity for athletes to connect with fans on a deeper level by sharing their beliefs and values. Whether it’s their faith, charitable initiatives, or personal convictions, fans are eager for meaningful engagement beyond the game,” said Sports Spectrum President Steve Stenstrom. 

The Chiefs and Eagles face off in New Orleans at 5:30 p.m. CST Feb. 9 on Fox.