“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” – 1 Corinthians 9:25

Athletes in Action and Football

Fall and football are inseparable for many Americans. Athletes In Action (AIA), Cru’s sports ministry, has a strong presence in the NFL. AIA missionary staff work with the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and Carolina Panthers.

Most NFL teams welcome spiritual input because they know character and integrity are valuable for their players. Each team differs in its commitment to providing a spiritual component. A few NFL teams have chaplains, while most outsource to others to meet their faith needs.

George McGovern has been on missionary staff with Cru for 47 years, serving as a chaplain on many pro teams. He is now Cru’s executive director of AIA’s Pro Ministry NFL.

He explains, “If organizations like AIA and Fellowship of Christian Athletes can help some of these players and coaches grow, [with] lives that reflect a very high moral standard, and are even willing to. . . credit their relationship with God, they will be heard by millions of people in the [U.S. and] by tens of thousands. . . in their cities.” George believes in investing in NFL teams because of football’s importance in American culture. 82 of the 100 most-watched TV programs of 2022 were NFL games.

George clarifies that a chaplain must be able to keep secrets. They must also avoid fan behavior, like asking for autographs or game tickets. He served the New York Yankees for 26 years (through AIA and Baseball Chapel) He built the trust needed to become a traveling member of the Yankees.

AIA’s History and Ministry

Cru staff member Dave Hannah founded Athletes in Action in 1966. He started a basketball team of former pros. They traveled to play exhibition games with Division 1 collegiate teams. They presented their testimonies and the gospel during halftime. Mike attended one of these games as a student at Penn State.

AIA ministers to many in amateur and professional sports (players, coaches, spouses, and fans). Visit the AIA website and their many social media sites to find your favorite sport and to follow what AIA is doing. (AIA plans to minister at next year’s Summer Olympics.)

We have AIA links in the NOTES below.

You’re on the “Team”

You’re also our “team,” cheering us on and ensuring we have what it takes to finish well (1 Corinthians 9:25). We appreciate your faithful prayers, encouragement, and financial investments.

Along with Cru’s effective ministries, like Athletes in Action, we are committed to sharing the life-changing message of Christ to people everywhere. It is a privilege to be on God’s team with you.

NOTES:

• The vintage photo of AIA basketball is from Cru.org.
• The header photo is by Dave Adamson on Unsplash.
• Content from this post is from:
  • Athletes in Action
  • Faith and Football: Athletes In Action chaplains serve seven NFL teams
• Follow Athletes in Action (this is not exhaustive):
  • Sign up for weekly emails (scroll down) on sport culture, relationships, and identity.
  • By Sport
    • AIA has four traveling summer baseball teams.
  • AIA Sports Complex in Xenia, Ohio (Camps, Tournaments, and more)
  • AIA Global Network (in 60+ countries)
  • On YouTube
  • On Facebook
    • Baseball
    • Football 
    • Soccer
  • On Instagram
    • Basketball
    • Football
    • Soccer
  • On X (formerly Twitter)
    • Baseball
    • Basketball
    • Football