Free Republic

Denver Broncos linebacker and member of the legendary “Orange Crush,” Randy Gradishar, was recently inducted into the National Football League Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024. Gradishar’s impressive career includes being named the 1978 Defensive Player of the Year, making seven trips to the Pro Bowl, being named a two-time First Team All-Pro, and being the Broncos’ all-time leading tackler. But when Gradishar thanked his longtime friend and two-time Heisman Trophy winner, it was for more than what happened on the field. Gradishar thanked Griffin for inviting him to a meeting of a campus Fellowship of...

The Alabama Crimson Tide paid a visit to the White House the other day and it turned out to be one of those uniquely American moments. For the record – I happen to be a Tennessee Volunteer fan — but what the Crimson Tide did at the White House transcends football rivalries – even Southeastern Conference football rivalries. Coach Nick Saban gladly accepted President Trump’s invitation and said the entire national championship team would attend– regardless of political proclivities. “Coach Saban addressed it and just said, ‘Hey, we’re doing this regardless of your political thoughts,” offensive lineman Ross Pierschbacher told...

There is a longstanding Super Bowl tradition among Las Vegas bookmakers to offer the gambling public various esoteric betting propositions. Among Super Bowl XLVIII props for which sports books in Sin City have posted odds is whether announcers mention “marijuana” during the game, whether any member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers will be shirtless during their Super Bowl performance and whether Erin Andrews will interview Seattle Seahawks corner Richard Sherman live after the game. But there’s a prop for which Vegas bookmakers didn’t bother to post odds – whether there will be any mention whatsoever that the quarterbacks of...

So I just got around to reading a tweet from Mark Oppenheimer, religion columnist for The New York Times. He was offended by my February 3 post taking issue with a cover story he wrote for Sports Illustrated, “In the Fields of the Lord,” which appeared in the magazine’s Super Bowl issue. Oppenheimer’s article dissed NFL players who “point to heaven after the big sack, cross themselves after a touchdown and give thanks to Jesus in the post-game interviews.” His hit piece – which, at one point, jokes about pro footballers attempting to “Christianize the strip club” – suggests that...

The decidedly secularist Sports Illustrated – evidenced by the busty swimsuit models it teasingly features on the home page of its web site (alongside the latest sports news, which is what “SI” is supposed to be about) – thought the occasion of the Super Bowl would be the perfect time to weigh in on the subject of Christianity and football. The cover of its February 4 issue, still available on newsstands, has a picture of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, under the headline: “Does God Care Who Wins the Super Bowl?” In the cover shot, Lewis is up to his...

Baptizing Athletic Excellence - OH HS football playoffs Wow ! A Baptism of athletes early in week.... The beginning of an interesting playoff week for High School Football in Ohio (more in a bit re baptisms) - This is a sports post, a spiritual post ..a warm fuzzy post it is long but hope those who have the time will scan it... Went to high school playoff games at Brown's stadium yesterday - Saturday November 12, 2005. Can this be fall in Ohio.. November 11th & the temps over 60 ! Wow. Had it been 30, I would not...