Almost any sports fan knows who Drew Brees
is. Brees is the quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. He has won many awards individually,
and has led his team to numerous championships.
Not of the game
Away from football, Drew Brees is known for his Christianity, and he is open about his
commitment to God. "I live for God," Brees says. "I
live for the faith that I have in Him. Knowing the sacrifices that Jesus Christ
made on the cross for me and feeling like it’s in God’s hands, all I have to do
is just give my best, commit the rest to Him." Brees shows his love for
Christ by helping others in various communities. His foundation, The Brees
Dream Foundation, has donated over $17,000,000 to several charities and
schools.
Win the day
In his book, "Coming back Stronger,” Drew Brees tells of his
times of adversity and how he had to have faith and persevere. "When you wake up, think about winning the day," said
Brees. "Don't worry about a week or a month from now -- just think about
one day at a time. If you are worried about the mountain in the distance, you
might trip over the molehill right in front of you. Win the day!” What a great
attitude to have! Drew Brees is an amazing Christian role model for so many
people, and hopefully he will always continue being an encouraging leader for
upcoming athletes.
When I think of professional athletes who set a good example on and off the field, I instantly think of Josh Hamilton. Almost any sports fan would know that Hamilton is a Major League Baseball player who has overcome alcohol and drug addictions, and credits his sobriety and success to God. Hamilton was the first pick of the 1999 MLB Draft (with the Tampa Bay Rays), but did not make his major league debut until 2007.
Before
The first two minor league seasons went well for Hamilton. But in 2001, after a car accident caused him to feel depressed, Hamilton started hanging out at tattoo parlors. This led to Hamilton's alcohol and drug addictions. Hamilton was on and off minor league rosters throughout the next few seasons, but had ongoing injuries and relapses. After failing three drug tests, Josh Hamilton was suspended for the 2004 season. He began 2005 with hopes of making his start in the big leagues, but he was arrested and taken off the Rays' 25-man roster. He would try various drug rehabilitation programs, but none of them ever allowed Hamilton to fully recover. Hamilton was suspended by the MLB for the 2006 season, causing him to be out of baseball for three years.
Recovery
In 2006, Josh Hamilton began his recovery. He credits some of his recovery to Roy Silver, a man who owned a baseball academy in Florida. Michael Chadwick, the father of Hamilton's wife, Katie, is also credited for helping Hamilton get back on track. Most of all, Josh Hamilton gives God the glory and praise for helping him become sober and overcome his alcohol and drug addition. Later in 2006, Hamilton was allowed to practice with a minor league team and eventually play in some games.
Josh Hamilton's I am Second testimony
Back to the Game
Having been left off the Rays 40-man roster, Josh Hamilton was selected 3rd overall in the Rule 5 Draft in 2006. He began the 2007 season in the Cincinnati Reds organization, and made his major league debut April 2, 2007, pinch-hitting in the 7th inning. Although Hamilton did not get a hit that night, he did get his first hit, a home run, a few days later on April 10. He was the National League Rookie of the Month for April, and made a run for Rookie of the Year that season.
In the Spotlight
In 2007, Josh Hamilton was traded to the Texas Rangers. From 2007 until 2012, Hamilton played in five All-Star Games and two World Series'. He was arguably the best player in Major League Baseball from 2008-2012. After the 2012 season, Hamilton was traded to the Los Angeles Angels.
"What God has allowed me to do," Hamilton says. "To come back from everything I’ve been through and still be able to play the game at the level I play it — it’s pretty amazing to think about that."
Josh Hamilton in 2013
Not of the Game
At any opportunity he has, Josh Hamilton will mention God; whether it's about God's grace, forgiveness or blessings. Josh and Katie Hamilton have a missions outreach foundation called FourTwelve. The foundation helps those who are oppressed, abandoned, rejected, orphaned, and single parents. FourTwelve received its name from the verse in Hebrews.
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."-Hebrews 4:12
Josh Hamilton is an amazing role model for everyone, on and off the
field. His story has been told throughout the nation, and will continue to
be an example of a professional athlete who does not compete for his own glory
or satisfaction. Hamilton loves The Lord, and enjoys sharing the Word
of God with whomever he comes in contact with.
"I am proof that hope is never lost," Hamilton said.
