NFL players that are Jehovah witnesses are Dave Pear, Jason Worilds, Maurice Jones-Drew, Donovin Darius, Napoleon Kaufman, Kordell Stewart.
The religious community began in the late 1800s when a man named Charles Taze Russell started a group called the Bible Students. He liked studying the book a lot and didn’t agree with some usual Christian beliefs, such as the Trinity and the soul living forever.
In 1879, Charles Taze Russell wrote his first book called Studies in the Scriptures, where he explained his ideas about the Bible. He also started leading Bible study groups, and these groups quickly grew across the United States and Canada.
These witnesses believe the Bible is from God and has all the guidance for a good life. They say Jehovah is the real God, and Jesus is His son. They also support the NFL Kneeling which supports justice.
They both involve taking a stand for what one believes in, even in the face of opposition. They also believe that it is important to stand up for what is right, even if it means going against the majority.
Ex NFL Players that are Jehovah Witnesses
Players Name | Active Years |
Dave Pear | 1975 to 1980 |
Jason Worilds | 2010 to 2014 |
Maurice Jones-Drew | 2006 to 2014 |
Donovin Darius | 1998 to 2007 |
Napoleon Kaufman | 1995 to 2000 |
Kordell Stewart | 1995 to 2005 |
Jermane Mayberry | 1996 to 2005 |
Dave Pear
Dave Pear as Jehovah Witnesses had a significant impact on his career. He chooses not to be in the military or make a pledge to the flag.
Pear’s religious beliefs have also affected his approach to football. He has said that he never played the game for fame or fortune, but rather to glorify God. He also believes that his faith has helped him to be a better husband and father.
He spent six seasons as a defensive lineman in the National Football League. During his career, he achieved recognition as a two-time All-Pro and contributed to the Oakland Raiders winning a Super Bowl championship.
In 2017, Dave said he wished he hadn’t played in the NFL which he expressed in WBUR News. He felt the game was too rough, and had encountered a lot of injuries. Even with these tough experiences, he was thankful for the chance to be the franchise player.
Pear has also explained that the violent nature of football led to injuries that made him regret his choice to play. Despite this, he found a positive side to his football career using his position to talk about his faith with more people.
Even though the player had concerns about the franchise, he still valued the opportunity to talk about his faith. He also emphasized that being part of the franchise gave him a big stage to share his religious beliefs with more people.
Jason Worilds
Jason Worilds was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness in 2014. He wanted to be a part of a community who is dedicated to god and helping others.
Worilds got interested in religion when he was a teenager. He liked how kind and helpful they were. Their dedication to studying the Bible and telling others about their beliefs impressed him in the religion.
At the height of his career in 2014, Worilds made a surprising decision. He became an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career and was to receive around $7-$8 million salary with at least $15 million guaranteed.
However, Jason chose to retire from his professional football career. The reason behind his retirement was his dedication to his faith in Jehovah.
His fans were surprised, but Worilds was determined about his decision and wasn’t changing his mind. World’s decision was motivated by his growing faith and his desire to live a life that was in harmony with God’s teachings.
He believed that the Bible offered guidance on how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. He always wanted to make those teachings the foundation of his own life.
Being a professional Football outside Linebacker, Jason’s decision to follow god’s path was not an easy one. However, Worilds has never regretted his decision.
He was always convinced that he made the right choice for himself and his family, and he is grateful for the opportunity to serve God.
Maurice Jones-Drew
Maurice Jones-Drew was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness in 2011. He is the former NFL Running Back who played for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Although he was raised in a religious household, he didn’t seriously study the Bible until he became an adult. Drew was impressed by the Witnesses’ knowledge of the Bible and their willingness to share it with others.
He was also attracted to their message of hope and peace. He has also been an active member of the organization since he was baptized in the year 2011.
Jones has spoken about his faith on numerous occasions and has encouraged others to study the Bible. He believes that the Bible is the only hope for mankind and that it can help people to find true happiness and peace.
Drew’s decision to become part of the religion was a personal one. He was not pressured by anyone and he did not make the decision overnight. He carefully studied the Bible and prayed about his decision before he was baptized.
Jones’s faith has helped him to deal with the challenges of life facing many obstacles, including injuries and setbacks in his career. But he has always relied on his faith to help him through tough times.
Donovin Darius
Donovin Darius has been involved with the Jehovah Witness since 2000. He has served as an elder for a decade, providing spiritual guidance.
Darius is popular for his deep knowledge of the Bible and his ability to explain complex theological concepts clearly and concisely. He is also a gifted public speaker and has given numerous talks and lectures on various aspects of the religion.
He played as a Defensive back in the National Football League and was drafted in the first round, 25th overall pick in the 1998 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He has played 118 games over his career.
In his first year, Donovin Darius did well and got picked for the All-Rookie team. He was the top tackler among the defensive backs for the Jaguars, making 108 tackles in 14 NFL games. Then, in 1999, he changed to playing strong safety and kept getting better at defense.
Darius has also played for the Oakland Raiders and Miami Dolphins in his entire career. He contributed 626 Tackles, 2.0 Sacks, and 14 interceptions playing in the National Football League.
Napoleon Kaufman
Napoleon Kaufman was raised in a Jewish household and became a Jehovah witness during his successful football career in the year 1999.
Kaufman was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1995. He was able to make a significant impact in the NFL with his explosive running style.
He was attracted to the religion’s message of peace and hope, as well as its emphasis on Bible study. Kaufman chose the path because he strongly believed in their teachings. He committed to their ideas about how to be saved, what God is like, and the importance of living a good life.
In 2000, when Kaufman was doing great in the NFL, he suddenly quit to prioritize his faith and family. He left football because he wanted to spend more time with his family and focus on his religion.
After quitting his franchise career, Kaufman stayed active in his community, talking about his faith and life. His switch from football player to devoted Witness showed how much he cared about his beliefs, putting family and faith first in his life.
Kordell Stewart
Kordell Stewart was inspired by his friends following Jehovah’s Witness. He was baptized in 1997 and impressed by their knowledge and sincerity.
Stewart’s religious journey started when he went to their meetings and studied the Bible with them. As he learned more about the religion, he connected with their focus on God’s Kingdom, their belief in peace, and how they spread their message by going door-to-door.
Growing up in a Baptist family, Stewart was curious about spirituality but had doubts about the usual teachings. He looked for deeper answers and found them with the community, who provided the answers he was looking for.
Some of Stewart’s family and friends didn’t understand his choice and worried about the strict rules of the faith in his decision to join the religious community. But Stewart stayed strong in his belief, feeling supported by his new beliefs and the encouragement from other J-Bag Witnesses.
Choosing to follow the religion changed Stewart’s life in a big way. It gave him a strong sense of purpose that he didn’t have before. His new faith also motivated him to talk about his beliefs as an athlete and help others find spiritual guidance.
Jermane Mayberry
Jermane Mayberry turned into the Jehovah Witness after being influenced by his wife. He was baptized by the community in the year 2002.
Mayberry grew up in a Baptist background, but he began to question his beliefs after reading the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. He was particularly impressed by the Witnesses’ emphasis on sharing their faith with others.
He was a professional Offensive Guard from the Philadelphia Eagles. Mayberry felt that learning about God’s Kingdom was far more valuable than his former professional career. He believes that serving for the god brings greater happiness and fulfillment than anything he could have achieved in sports.
Jermane’s decision to become a Witness was not without its challenges. He gave up his outstanding career and had to face some criticism from his friends and family circle.
However, he says that he has never regretted his decision. He believes that becoming a part of the community has given him a purpose in life and has helped him to develop a closer relationship with God.
Mayberry loves being part of his local group and talking to people about his faith. He often speaks at public meetings and events. He’s thankful that he can share his beliefs and show others the hope he finds in the Bible.
Why Do Jehovah Witness Not Stand For The National Anthem?
Jehovah Witness do not stand for the national anthem because singing a national anthem is a form of idolatry that is forbidden by the Bible
Meanwhile, the NFL’s policy on the national anthem states that players should stand for the anthem. But, that rule is not in the collective bargaining agreement and is therefore not enforceable.
This means that the players following the religion are not required to stand for the anthem. They are not punished for not singing or pledging the song.
Moreover, the NFL’s anthem rules were affected by Jehovah’s Witnesses’ legal wins. Back in 1959, the Supreme Court said kids couldn’t be made to salute the flag because it went against their religious rights in the First Amendment.
Therefore, the policy on the national anthem is compatible with the community’s religious beliefs.