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I’ve never been a huge football fan. You can start tracking your points against me now. But it’s true. Despite living in the great state of Ohio and having friends who attended the Ohio State University, I can’t seem to understand the sport. What’s fun about tackling people with your body and running across a field?
This week, however, football caught my eye. How so? Because faith was brought to the forefront of the picture. Recently, Miami Football’s public faith didn’t just take me back, but it also encouraged me. Because when a national championship run hits the newsstands, it doesn’t just spotlight talent; it magnifies culture.
Picture this: You’ve just won the biggest game of the year, and one of your lead quarterbacks speaks openly about his faith. Then, the team huddles around him and prays together after a pivotal win. The focus isn’t on football or even the teammates. The focus is on their God.
But in an era where public faith is often discouraged or privatized, these moments are intentionally visible and interesting. Are these moments real or just for show? Are they really glorifying God or bringing attention to themselves and their team? Moreover, why are these moments resonating so strongly right now, especially with Gen Z?
What We’re Seeing
The Miami Football team hasn’t won the national championship yet, but they are preparing for the game mentally, physically, and spiritually. In a recent interview on Instagram, one of their leading quarterbacks shared his faith. The team was then later seen praying together after their previous win.
The Canes Football page, the official IG of the University of Miami Hurricanes Football team, posts frequently, occasionally allowing players to speak openly about their faith without being prompted. While UM is a private, secular research university and not a Christian school, we’re seeing success framed with humility rather than entitlement.
According to Carson Beck, playing football while being in college is hard work, but relying on the Lord is how he makes it through: “Throughout this year, the biggest thing that God has taught me is just to trust in Him and His plan.” Beck shared these words amid the Fiesta Bowl spotlight on January 8th, and continued to share his words through open and recent media interviews.
After going through injury rehab that left him in a brace in March, Beck said focusing on his identity in Christ is what allowed him to navigate life’s most difficult question marks. And Beck isn’t the only one. Fellow quarterback Franc Mauigoa recently reported to Accessthewalk that God’s plan is better: “God gives His best battles to His best warriors. If somewhere you’re like confused on what your purpose is, just know to lean back on God. He’s always there for us and is always our helper.”
As a team, Miami is known for praying after wins and losses. Their faith is presented as grounding, not performative. And as Mauigoa notes, “Sometimes, when we get confused, we just need to sit there and talk to God. Show me what to do and what your will is. More than ever, it’s a plan that’s better than what we think.” Not only that, but CBN reported their head coach giving credit to God after advancing to this most recent championship game:
“The big man upstairs. Thank God for everything. Always. First and foremost. Always. Always.”
While this faith culture isn’t a new phenomenon in sports, it feels different in today’s cultural climate. And honestly, it feels right.