Pittsburgh Steelers Players Speak at Convocation About Faith and Football

When it comes to the world of professional sports, players are often idolized and put on a pedestal. For some, it is easy to bask in the limelight and enjoy the fame, but for others, the glory is an unwanted side effect of the profession that puts their faith to the test.  

Liberty University hosted three current players from the Pittsburgh Steelers and NFL Chaplain Kent Chevalier for Convocation April 2, where students learned more about the faith that fuels the work seen on the field.  

I had the privilege of sitting down with Alex Highsmith, Payton Wilson, Miles Killebrew and Chevalier following their panel to dive deeper into the discussion and learn what truly motivates them to play the game they love.  

A major theme of the conversation was the idea of deflection, as they turn every honor and accolade away from themselves and point it back to the Lord who equipped them.  

“We are blessed to be a blessing,” Highsmith said. “Ultimately we’ve been given our platform, not for our own self gain or our own glory.”  

Being in the spotlight can come with its challenges, which can lead to an empty life chasing after the wind, as like the journey of King Solomon in Ecclesiastes. For others, however, the challenge is taken and transformed into something greater.  

“It becomes very loud in our profession because there are so many eyes on us. There’s some pressure,” Killebrew said. “You realize very quickly that you have to worship something, you have to cling to something, and it may as well be the creator of the universe.” 

By deflecting the glory back to God, the athletes do not feel as much pressure on the field, as they know they are not playing for themselves or even the fans but for their maker.  

“The ones that seem the happiest are the ones that cling to Christ,” Killebrew said. “People see those things, like ‘He is playing the worst game of his life. Why does he have joy? What is that?’’’  

Another mentality the athletes have is the idea of “playing free,” which Chevalier has instilled in them. 

“Going out there and knowing that you’ve put your best foot forward, you can go out there and not have a worry in the world,” Highsmith said. “Usually, days when I’m thinking about this and I’m playing free, those are the best games that I have.” 

Despite finding success in this practice, deflecting the glory and playing free is easier said than done, especially in an environment that follows the world rather than God’s word.  

“Being a Christian isn’t popular in the NFL. It’s so easy to get consumed with pride and think that the reason you’re in the position you are is because of us and what we’ve done,” Highsmith said. “Like we talked about on the panel, God has opened doors for all of us to be where we are. … Remembering God’s faithfulness is something that’s important.” 

Living for Christ on the field is a practice that can take time to learn, especially for rookies still trying to find their way.  

“I used to base how I played on if (God) loves me. … I correlate football with Christ because that’s kind of been my whole life, and I’m still separating those,” Wilson said. “My performance isn’t a direct correlation of how much God loves me.” 

Another way players honor Christ on the field is by ending games with a prayer circle.  

At Liberty it is not uncommon to watch student athletes gather in prayer with their opponents following each game, but in a secular institution like the NFL, however, this is a practice that can take fans by surprise.  

“It’s definitely unique when fans come to a game and they say, ‘What are they doing down there?’” Killebrew said. “It just opens the floor for discussion. … We don’t actually hate each other. At the end of the game, we’re deflecting the glory back to Christ.”  

Not only does this practice allow players from different teams to connect in an act of worship, but it also serves as an opportunity to witness to nonbelievers.  

“It’s just a cool opportunity after a game. I’m like ‘Come on bro, let’s go in this quick prayer circle,’” Killebrew said. “For some of my friends, that was an easy way for me to start the conversation.” 

For these athletes playing for the Steelers, football is used as a ministry, viewing every stadium they play in as a mission field. 

“This is more than just football,” Killebrew said. “We’re here to form relationships … to reach the masses and to share with others what God has done in our life.” 

Despite the Lord opening the door for these athletes to pursue their dreams of playing in the NFL, they understand that God is using their position for a much greater purpose. In their humility, they encourage others to allow God to use them as vessels for his plan, no matter the position. 

“I think that’s applicable no matter what the profession is. Whatever doors open to someone, it’s going to have the same result — you walk through that door to live out the mission of Jesus Christ,” Killebrew said. “Whether it’s football or something else, we all end up with the same purpose as a follower of Jesus Christ.” 

White is the sports reporter for the Liberty Champion. Follow her on X.