Stay ConnectedSports Spectrum brings you stories and conversations at the intersection of sports and Jesus.
On Tuesday, former Chicago Bears pro bowl running back Matt Forte hosts TUEDAY MORNING RB.
On Friday, we feature a guest from the world of sports to share their Jesus story.
Copyright: © Sports Spectrum
Episode 97
"The Miracle Season" hits theaters Friday April 6.
The movie is based on the inspiring true story of an Iowa high school girl's volleyball team that rallies together under the guidance of a tough-love coach in hope of repeating as state champions after the death of the school's star player, Caroline "Line" Found.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Line's father, Dr. Ernie Found about how the movie came about, the family's love for sports, grieving the loss of his wife and daughter and how he has been able to turn his tragic story in a powerful message of hope and encouragement.
For more information on the movie, check out http://TheMiracleSeason.movie.
Episode 96
Kirk Cousins played 6 seasons in the NFL as the quarterback for the Washington Redskins. On March 15, 2018, Cousins signed the richest contract in NFL History, agreeing to a three-year, $84 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
Selected in the 4th round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Michigan State, Cousins cemented himself as a top tier quarterback in 2015 with the Redskins and finished his Washington career with three straight seasons of over 4,000 passing yards, and 25+ touchdown passes.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Kirk about his decision to sign with the Vikings, when his walk with the Lord began, why football isn't everything to him, what he's learned as a Dad and husband and how his relationship with Christ guides every decision he makes.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 95
Pat Williams has lived an extraordinary life.
His professional sports career began back in 1962 in minor league baseball. In 1968, he started what is now a 50-year journey in the NBA. He's had stops in Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, back to Philadelphia and in 1987, founded the Orlando Magic basketball club that began play in the NBA in 1989.
Pat's life off the field is even more incredible. He and his wife Ruth are the parents of 19 children, including 14 adopted children and 17 grandchildren.
He's also the author of 108 books (yes you read that right) including his latest, Coach Wooden's Forgotten Teams.
On this episode of the podcast, we take you on a journey through the amazing life of Pat Williams. He talks about how he accepted Christ during his time in Minor League Baseball, how his NBA career started, why it was important to him to start an NBA Chapel, the time he met the legendary John Wooden, why he started the Orlando Magic, and how his faith has sustained him in his battle with cancer.
For more info, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 94
Scott Hamilton is the living example that good guys can finish first! He is a New York Times bestselling author, an Olympic champion, cancer survivor, broadcaster, motivational speaker, husband, father, eternal optimist, and firm believer that the only disability in life is a bad attitude.
In 1984, Scott won the Gold Medal at the Olympic winter games in Yugoslavia. In 1990, he was inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame.
Scott's new book is called "FINISH FIRST: Winning Changes Everything."
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Scott about coming to faith in Christ in his 30's, what he did with his Olympic gold medal, his powerful testimony of overcoming cancer, and how God has changed his life for the better.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 93
Bryan Loritts is the pastor of Abundant Life Church in Silicon Valley, California. He is the husband to Korie and the father of Quentin, Myles and Jaden. He’s written several books including his latest “Saving the Saved: How Jesus Saves Us from Try-Harder Christianity into Performance-Free Love”
Jon Kitna played 15 seasons in the NFL with the Seahawks, Bengals, Lions and Cowboys. He has thrown for just under 30,000 career passing yards and 169 touchdown passes. He has coached high school football for many years and just a few days ago was announced as the new head football coach at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Pastor Bryan and Jon about manhood. What does it look like to be a man of God? Why do we struggle with living out the life that the Bible has intended for us? Jon shares his testimony of growing up without Jesus and his struggles with the world. Bryan shares how his dad Crawford, an evangelist, poured into his life from an early age and influenced him in a mighty way for God. This is a powerful episode and you'll want a notebook to take down notes from all the wisdom that is shared in this interview.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Andy Dalton has been the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals since being selected by them in the 2nd round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
He's a 3-time Pro Bowler and has helped lead the Bengals to four playoff appearances in his seven seasons.
Andy played college football at TCU, where he was 2-time MWC Offensive Player of the Year in 2009 and 2010.
Dalton is also a legend in the city of Buffalo because of his game-winning touchdown pass he threw against Baltimore, knocking out the Ravens and helping to catapult the Bills to their first playoff berth since 1999.
Andy does great work in the community with his foundation, and Bills fans were so grateful to see their team in the playoffs that more than $350,000 dollars were donated to the Andy and Jordan Dalton Foundation, which helps provide daily support, opportunities, resources and life-changing experiences to seriously ill and physically challenged children and their families in Cincinnati and Fort Worth.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Jake Reed is a pitcher with the Minnesota Twins. He was selected in the 5th round of the 2014 MLB Draft by Minnesota. In 2017, Jake reached AAA with the Rochester Red Wings where he pitched in 24 games and had an ERA of 2.05 with 5 saves.
In 2018, Jake is making a case to stick with the Twins and make his MLB debut.
Janie Reed (the former Janie Takeda) is a member of Team USA's softball team and represented her country in the 2017 World Cup of Softball where the U.S. finished second to Japan.
Janie and Jake married in November of 2017.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with the newly married Reeds about their faith journeys, how they both train as elite athletes, and what they've been learning from God in the short period of time as husband and wife.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Andy Mineo is a rapper from Syracuse, NY. He released his first studio album in 2013 "Heroes for Sale," which debuted at #11 on the Billboard Top 200, #4 on the Top Rap Albums chart and #2 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart.
His follow-up EP, “Never Land,” was a reflection of Mineo’s growth as an artist and it hit #1 on iTunes.
In 2015, he released his second full length album "Uncomfortable" and in August of 2017, he released a collaborative mixtape with Wordsplayed called "Magic & Bird."
Andy is a huge sports fan and in 2015, his song "You Can't Stop Me" won ESPN's baseball walk-up song of the year.
Trey Burton won a Super Bowl in 2017 with the Philadelphia Eagles. His touchdown pass to Nick Foles, a play called "Philly Special" will forever be in the hearts of Philadelphia sports fans. The 26-year-old tight end played 4 seasons before becoming a free agent in 2018.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Trey and Andy about the Super Bowl, the moment "Philly Special" was called, temptation as a celebrity, boundaries that Andy creates to keep him from falling, Trey's impending free agency and where he wants to play in 2018, and Andy's powerful testimony of struggling with doubt in his faith over the last few years.
For more log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Matt Deggs is the head baseball coach for the Sam Houston State Bearkats in Huntsville, Texas.
In 2017, the Bearkats posted a historic run to the NCAA Super Regionals and in their final game, a loss to Florida State, his postgame press conference went viral and has reached over 50 million people.
Deggs, who for years was a transactional coach that only lived for himself, was addicted to alcohol and consequently destroyed a career, family and countless relationships along the way.
He is now a changed man.
Deggs has been married to his wife Kathy for 20 years. They have 3 children: Kyler, Klaire, and Khloe.
Matt's new book "15 to 28" is Deggs' story of God's love, power and redemption through 28 true stories from his life.
On this episode of the podcast, Matt shares his journey to coaching, why he had prepared himself for the moment his press conference went viral, what 15 to 28 means, why he wrote the book and why serving and helping others is now his priority.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
For more on Matt Deggs, check out http://CoachDeggs.com
Matthew Slater has played 10 NFL seasons since being selected in the 5th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.
He is a 2-time Super Bowl champion and has been named to 7 consecutive Pro Bowls as a special teams ace with New England.
Slater's father Jackie, is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is one of the greatest offensive lineman in NFL history.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Matthew about the differences in winning and losing a Super Bowl, why he stays away from social media, growing up with a Hall of Fame dad and his memories of his one career NFL reception.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
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