Last semester, a group of Ohio State football players led an on-campus service that attracted more than 800 people and saw more than 60 students baptized.
In the NBA, Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac recently praised God after a big win on the court.
"God has been good to me," he declared. "Better to me than I've been to him, so I'm grateful for His grace and His mercy and His love, and I just keep going at it."
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has also shared his faith in Jesus with the millions of people watching his fights.
"While everybody's cheering and so happy, I want to acknowledge Jesus Christ," he recently told an applauding crowd. "I cannot take credit for a gift like this. I really owe it all to Him. I know that there's millions of people around the world watching right now, and I just want to let you guys know that Jesus loves you so much. That's all I'll say about that."
Mike Blanc, executive vice president of pro and elite sports for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), thinks social media has played a role in this.
"Through their social media platforms, they have direct access to the media and to fans," he says, noting that that access frees them up to be more vocal about their faith.
Reflecting on his own experience as a freshman at Auburn University, he knows that their boldness is an encouragement to others.
"I went to my first FCA meeting," Blanc shares. "I walk into this meeting; I see one of our massive 6'9" offensive lineman with his hands up, praising Jesus Christ, giving God all the honor, all the glory, all the praise. That helped me to be even more bold, even more courageous about my faith."
He says it is great to see these influential athletes use their platforms in the media and in competition to glorify the Lord.
