NFL Player Leaves Million Dollar Salary to Pursue Ministry, ‘Advance Gospel of Jesus Christ’
One professional football player is leaving behind his million-dollar salary and hanging up his football cleats for good. Instead, he’s getting in the game and putting on the helmet of salvation to pursue full time ministry.
Indianapolis Colts safety Khari Willis is retiring after three seasons of playing for the NFL.
In a post on Instagram, Willis thanked the NFL, the Indianapolis Colts organization, his teammates and coaches for giving him the opportunity to compete at football’s highest level.
Then, he explained his decision to retire.
“With much prayer and deliberation, I have elected to officially retire from the NFL as I endeavor to devote the remainder of my life to the further advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Willis wrote.
“I thank all of my family, friends and those who have supported me on this journey thus far and I look forward to your continued support through the next phase of my life. I am both humbled and excited to pursue the holy call that God has for my life which brings me much joy and purpose,” he added.
#Colts safety Khari Willis is retiring after three seasons. He explains why 👇👇👇 pic.twitter.com/F8aac44Ecp
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 15, 2022
In a statement, Head Coach Frank Reich gave his thoughts on Willis’ retirement.
“We’re thankful and appreciative of Khari’s contributions to the Colts both on and off the field over the last three seasons,” Reich said.
“Khari’s character, leadership, and professionalism will be missed in our locker room as will his play on Sundays. I admire and respect his decision to transition into the next stage of his life and ministry and my prayers will always be with him.”
We congratulate Khari and wish him God’s blessing on his future ministry.
At the same time, we thank Khari for reminding us of something so easily forgotten in our nation: There are things that are worth far more than fame and money.
It was Christian missionary Jim Elliot who wrote, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:20-21 ESV).
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Cooper Kupp Helps the Rams Win NFC Championship. But Faith and Family are His Real Wins.
Photo from Reuters.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Zachary Mettler is a writer/analyst for the Daily Citizen at Focus on the Family. In his role, he writes about current political issues, U.S. history, political philosophy, and culture. Mettler earned his Bachelor’s degree from William Jessup University and is an alumnus of the Young Leaders Program at The Heritage Foundation. In addition to the Daily Citizen, his written pieces have appeared in the Daily Wire, the Washington Times, the Washington Examiner, Newsweek, Townhall, the Daily Signal, the Christian Post, Charisma News and other outlets.
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