A Christian Response to the Growth of American Football

Introduction

            Ever since the Greco-Roman era, the world has been captivated by spectacular athletic performance. The ancient Greek usage of athletics as character education continues to serve as support for the use of athletics within education systems today.^[1] Athletics form a substantial portion of the aggregate which is North American culture. This is especially true of American football. This paper spotlights the growth of American football over the past eighty years and seeks to elucidate its variegated effects upon culture and the church, and a proper Christian response to this cultural trend. 

The Rise of American Football

Football has taken over American culture by storm. Within the USA, statistics show that baseball was once one and a half times more popular than football in the year 1940.^[2] Since then, there has been a steady cultural shift which has seen football continue to climb gradually on baseball. Today, football is four times more popular than baseball within the USA^[3]. In 2024, football made twice as much revenue as the MLB, generating a whopping 21.2 billion.^[4] In an article published in 2007, Christianity Today was already observing the rise of the NFL and its influence within American culture. Author Eric Miller wrote:

Few dimensions of our common life so totally capture the 21st century American zeitgeist as the National Football League. Perhaps none do. Certainly, no other sport does. Pit the Super Bowl against the World Series and what do you get? Youth versus age. The 21st century rocketing past the 20th. Something rising; another falling.[5]

Why this shift from the MLB to the NFL? While there are a variety of possible explanations, two of the most probable are the infusion of cheerleaders (something the MLB has never done) and pop stars at the Super Bowl halftime. In the year 1993, the NFL invited Michael Jackson to do the half time show at the Super Bowl which marked the beginning of a new trend where blockbuster, headline-driven halftime shows became the norm at the Super Bowl. Most recently, the artist Bad Bunny’s halftime show had 4.157 billion views globally within 24 hours. It would seem that the intersection between football and pop culture has catapulted the NFL far beyond any other professional sporting league.

            The popularity and wealth within football is not limited to the NFL. Only just recently (in 2019) the NCAA passed an act that allowed college athletes to hire agents, sign endorsement deals, and be paid for the use of their likeness^[6]. Two years later, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the NCAA cannot ban payments to student athletes under the premise of maintaining amateurism.^[7] College athletes are now able to be paid above and beyond their academic scholarships. College football attracts a massive fan base. The UW Huskies in Seattle possess a football stadium that is able to seat 70,000 people. To put this in perspective, consider that the biggest football stadium in Canada only seats 56,000. And the biggest hockey arena in Canada (which is the bell centre in Montreal) only seats 21,000.

            With such massive viewership and revenue, football players are some of the highest paid athletes. At the college level, top quarterbacks make between 1 and 5 million annually, and in the NFL, star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is currently signed to a 10-year, $450 million dollar contract. Many of these players social media accounts are followed by millions of fans.

            Paradoxically, the growing viewership and lucrativeness of football at the professional and collegiate levels is contrasted by a decline in participation at the high school level.^[8] The violent nature of football has caused prominent head injuries for many NFL athletes, and there have been 80 different lawsuits related to concussions filed by more than 2,600 former NFL athletes and/or their wives/widows.^[9] The movie Concussion was released in 2015 and increased public awareness of the dangers of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and its direct correlation with the hard hitting impacts of football. As a result, there has been increasing parental concern of the risks of football on children’s cognitive well-being. This is likely the driving factor behind the decline of high school football participation which in 2018 saw its lowest levels of participation in the past two decades.^[10

The decline of football participation at the youth level is cause for speculation on whether the NFL and NCAA will be able to maintain its growth long term. It also raises the question of whether its current growth is due to a genuine love for the game itself or whether its growth is being propagated by a greater insertion of pop culture within the sport (such as Bad Bunny’s halftime show). Whatever the future of football, it is still undeniable that it has a remarkable hold on American society.

The Rise of American Football Through a Biblical Lens

There are two big questions this paper will discuss in relation to the trending growth of American football. The first question relates to the prestige and success given to football’s star players and how the “hero worship” of these players affects the mind and life of adolescents? The second addresses Christians interaction with the increasing popularity of football, and considers how the love of football might border upon idolatry?

The Athletic Hero

With the physical and cognitive dangers that coincide with participation in football now widely understood, the question can be asked; why would any child want to participate in football at all? A possible answer to this question can be found within the athletic hero. Within a sport as big as football, athletes can be admired and sometimes even worshipped for their achievements. Around the globe, athletic hero worship has been accepted and even encouraged.^[11]One journalist described how, “people in the modern era tend to idealize athletes as sorts of gods or demi-gods.”^[12] The desire to emulate certain football players who have achieved athletic and social greatness is likely a significant factor that continues to promote football participation for youth even in light of its injury risks. With the reality of the athletic hero established, it will be helpful to dissect the positives and negatives of seeking to emulate an athletic hero.

            There are certainly upsides to having an athletic hero. Many athletes exemplify perseverance, mental-toughness, teamwork, integrity, sportsmanship and a strong worth ethic which are all excellent qualities to try and emulate. In Hebrews 12:1-2, the Bible describes the Christian life as a “race” which should be run with “perseverance.” For athletes or teams who have persevered through difficult injuries or setbacks, they can inspire Christians in a positive direction. Tim Tebow is an excellent example of a positive Christian sports hero within the game of football. In addition to embodying the positive qualities listed above, Tebow literally wore his faith under his eyes as he wrote John 3:16 on his eye black for the entire NCAA season with the Florida Gators. When he made it to the NFL, Tebow had a historic night when the Denver Broncos won a playoff game in overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 8, 2012. Within this game, Tebow threw for 316 yards with an average of 31.6 yards per completion. The steelers finished the game with a time of possession of 31 minutes and 6 seconds, the television ratings peaked at 31.6 and the Steelers quarterback threw a second quarter interception on 3^rd and 16. During this game and into the next day, John 3:16 was the most searched item on Google worldwide. Since leaving football, Tebow has gone on to establish a Christian organization that seeks to fight for the most vulnerable people around the world. For young athletes who look up to football players like Tim Tebow as their athletic hero, the impact could be remarkably positive on the way they live and act both on and off the field.

            There can be downsides to choosing the wrong sports hero. Which might be called the “anti-hero.” These individuals disregard typical heroic qualities and live lives of rebellion. Pro athletes who flaunt team rules, frequent night clubs and are bachelor swingers are often popular amongst the youth.^[13]The lifestyle of some of these “anti-heroes” can be enticing. Tom Brady (arguably the greatest football player of all time) was spotted last year on his yacht with two “A-list actresses,” after having gone through a divorce a few years earlier in 2022. Travis Kelce is currently engaged to Tayler Swift, one of the most popular musical artists of our time. These men enjoy the benefits of being worshipped within the spotlight and live excessively extravagant lives that are out of alignment with biblical values. These athletes also possess a degree of power and influence because of the popularity and viewership of their sport. This power and influence may be a motivating factor for participation in sport at the adolescent level. One study has shown that within the American high school, the athlete is the top of the status hierarchy, and some high school athletes are given attention that borders on subservience.^[14] Adolescents who desire power and prestige may seek to emulate these anti-heroes, which may cause them to wander down a path that is marked by pride, lust and greed.

It is thought-provoking to consider Donald Bloesch’s juxtaposition between the Greek hero and the biblical saint within this discussion. He writes,

In the Hellenistic ethos the hero is the one who defies the gods by exceeding human limitations in order to perform some feat that will redound to the good of humanity. The saint, on the other hand, submits to the will of God and conquers the powers of darkness by faith and perseverance in the truth of the gospel. The hero is focused on the heights of humanity’s possibilities; the saint is concerned to serve in the depths of humanity’s afflictions. The hero manifests the classical virtues of courage, fortitude, and justice; the saint manifests the Christian graces of faith, hope and love. [15]

The typical football player has an uncanny resemblance to the Hellenistic hero, seeking to achieve the very heights of what is physically capable by utilizing courage, fortitude and resilience. This is opposed to the heart of submission, and service of the saint. Tim Tebow is emblematic of an athletic hero who has managed to exemplify more of the saintly qualities described by Bloesch.

The question that must be asked when children or even adults admire an athletic hero is this: does their hero lead them closer to the biblical saint or the secular hero? If the latter, perhaps football is leading children and adults away from the example of Jesus.

When Football becomes Idolatrous

The Bible describes how Jesus descended before he ascended (Eph. 4:9-10) and he humbled himself to the point of dying on the cross (Phil. 2:8). In the same vein as Bloesch, it is worthwhile to compare the account of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet (John 13) with the Hellenistic story of Achilles in the Odyssey. For the average human, the achievements and glory of Achilles will be more appealing than the lowly actions of God incarnate washing dirt off the feet of His disciples. In the same way, one American author describes his passion for football in contrast to the religious faith as follows. 

Like many Wisconsinites, I inherited a religious piety that might bloom and wither but a devotion to the Packers that is evergreen. I can tell you exactly where I was during each of the team’s Super Bowl appearances in my lifetime, as well as during each of their playoff flameouts. I own their victories – and their unique community-based status – with an unwholesome sense of pride, and their defeats with an equal bitterness.[16]

Why does the love and devotion for football seem supersede the love of Jesus? Perhaps the answer to this can be found in the rhetorical question posed by Eric Miller concerning the game of football. He writes, “what kind of organization provides us with everything we want, from extraordinary spectacles to godlike athletes to dancing girls?”^[17] Visually, the entertainment value of football with its high octane plays, bone crunching collisions, scandalously clothed women and electric spectating environment surpasses the entertainment value of church on an average Sunday.

Considering the magnitude of football in America, and the way in which athletes are celebrated and worshiped as heroes, the question must be asked; are Christians more excited to worship Jesus in church or to cheer for their favorite team after they score a touchdown. For Christians who enjoy watching football on Sunday, this is something to seriously ponder. Does the suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross cause a deep passion and zeal to swell within the heart in the same way as watching a bone crunching hit on the football field? There should be much more joy and excitement found in praising Jesus, the lamb who was slain and who suffered rejection and humiliation on the cross for the salvation of the world, than some stranger who has a great ability in throwing a pigskin.

As long as Jesus comes first, there is no problem in enjoying sports. Saint Augustine famously said, “love (God) and do what you will.”^[18] In the Decalogue, the first commandment is to love God with the second being to have no other gods before Him (Deut. 5:1-7). If the love of God supersedes the love of football, then there is no problem theologically with watching football. However, the sheer magnitude of American football and its popularity must cause Christians to discern within their hearts whether the love for American football has rivaled or surpassed their love for Jesus Christ.

Conclusion – A Christian Response to this Trend

            Football is deeply entrenched within American culture. How are Christians to interact with this cultural trend? A few helpful suggestions can be derived from the previous discussion.

            The first suggestion is for Christian parents. Be aware of the dangers to a child’s physical and cognitive health if they are going to play the game of football. In addition to these physical dangers, parents should also wisely direct their children to emulate football players who exemplify positive qualities such as Tim Tebow. Be wary of glamorizing the actions of athletes who live lives of rebellion off the field, as these heroes could have a negative effect on the development of a child.

            The second suggestion relates closely to the first. Be careful what you worship. The Bible says that from out of the mouth the heart speaks (Mt. 12:34) and if football is celebrated more passionately than Jesus on a Sunday, the world will take notice. If parents are less enthusiastic about Jesus than they are about football, then children will likely pursue football more passionately than Jesus to seek their parents’ approval. If individuals struggle to put Jesus first, then perhaps the wisdom of Matthew 5:28 should be applied, “if your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.” If following and watching football continually remains an idol and a stumbling block to following and loving Jesus, then perhaps it should be cut off entirely.

            For those who can keep Jesus at the centre, following the game of football is by no means problematic. Rather, football can serve as an incredible bridge of communication and fellowship to engage in friendship and comradery with secular people who watch the sport. If leveraged, the game of football could serve as an incredible opportunity for ministry. In Colossians 4:3, the apostle Paul prays that a door might be opened for the declaration of the mystery of Christ. Perhaps football – if subservient to Jesus within the heart – could serve as a wide-open door for furthering the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What an opportunity!

Notes

^[1] Reid, Heather L. “Was the Roman Gladiator an Athlete?” Journal of the Philosophy of Sport 33, no. 1 2006, 37.

^[2] Jones, Jeffrey M. “Football Retains Dominant Position as Favorite U.S. Sport.” Gallup.com, January 3, 2026.

^[3] Ibid.

^[4] Statista. “Topic: NFL,” January 28, 2026.

^[5] Miller, Eric. “Why We Love Football: Grace and idolatry run crossing patterns in the new American pastime.” Christianity Today,September 2007, 28.

^[6] The Editors of ProCon. "Paying College Athletes." Encyclopedia Britannica, March 6, 2026.

^[7] Ibid.

^[8] Macy JT, Kercher K, Steinfeldt JA, Kawata K. “Fewer US Adolescents Playing Football and Public Health: A Review of Measures to Improve Safety and an Analysis of Gaps in the Literature.” Public Health Rep, 2021, 562-563.

^[9] Dueholm, Benjamin J. “Unnecessary Roughness: The Moral Hazards of Football.” The Christian Century 129, 2012, 22.

^[10] Macy, “Fewer US Adolescents Playing Football,” 563.

^[11] Smith, Garry. “The Sport Hero: An Endangered Species.” Quest (00336297) 19, no. 1 (1973), 63.

^[12] The Johns Hopkins Newsletter. “Professional Athletes Worshipped for the Wrong Reasons,” March 12, 2015. 

^[13] Smith, “The Sport Hero,” 67.

^[14] Smith, “The Sport Hero,” 63.

^[15] Bloesch, Donald. God the Almighty: Power, Wisdom, Holiness, Love. (Downers Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press, 1995), 227.

^[16] Dueholm, “Unnecessary Roughness,” 22.

^[17] Miller, “Why We Love Football,” 28.

^[18] Saint Augustine, Homily on 1 John 4:4-12., Homily 7, Section 8. Emphasis added. 

Bibliography

Bloesch, Donald. God the Almighty: Power, Wisdom, Holiness, Love. Downers Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press, 1995.

Dueholm, Benjamin J. “Unnecessary Roughness: The Moral Hazards of Football.” The Christian Century 129, 2012.

Jones, Jeffrey M. “Football Retains Dominant Position as Favorite U.S. Sport.” Gallup.com, January 3, 2026.

Macy JT, Kercher K, Steinfeldt JA, Kawata K. “Fewer US Adolescents Playing Football and Public Health: A Review of Measures to Improve Safety and an Analysis of Gaps in the Literature.” Public Health Rep, 2021.

Miller, Eric. “Why We Love Football: Grace and idolatry run crossing patterns in the new American pastime.” Christianity Today, September 2007.

Reid, Heather L. “Was the Roman Gladiator an Athlete?” Journal of the Philosophy of Sport 33, no. 1 2006.

Saint Augustine, Homily on 1 John 4:4-12., Homily 7, Section 8.

Smith, Garry. “The Sport Hero: An Endangered Species.” Quest (00336297) 19, no. 1, 1973.

Statista. “Topic: NFL,” January 28, 2026.

The Editors of ProCon. "Paying College Athletes." Encyclopedia Britannica, March 6, 2026.

The Johns Hopkins Newsletter. “Professional Athletes Worshipped for the Wrong Reasons,” March 12, 2015.