"Do I have what it takes to go All In?”
It’s a question every competitor must ask and all coaches want to know of their players before any season begins. “All In” demands a drive, desire and determination to sacrifice anything and everything asked of you to help your team succeed.
Following Christ is no different. He’s looking for people willing to leave all they’ve been and all they’ve cherished behind to live their lives for Him—people who personify Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
This fall, we asked Christ-following college football players around the country, beginning with Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty, “What does it mean to go All In for Christ on and off the field?” As you watch them compete this season, may their answers motivate you to go All In for the Lord and His calling to share His message of salvation and love.
Bryce Petty – Baylor
#14 – RS-Sr./QB/Midlothian, Texas
FCA: In the game of football, what's it mean to go All In?
BP: Football is the ultimate team game. You can’t do it alone. There are 11 guys out there and everyone has to be “All In,” giving all they’ve got in their individual roles to be successful as a team.
For me, I want to be the best in the nation on every play—whether that’s a great handoff, a great pass, or being a good communicator on the field. When we compete like that on the field it carries over to what we do off of it, too.
FCA: How has that mindset carried over to life away from the game?
BP: During my time at Baylor, I’ve learned that football is what I do; it’s not who I am. When I began to truly understand what that meant, the sky was the limit for what I was capable of. It has freed me and given me peace to explore who I am spiritually, who God is, and what He’s doing in my life.
FCA: What has God taught you about yourself?
BP: God’s taught me that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you’ve been, He can use you. All you have to do is be open to it.
There were 1,786 days between my final high school start and my first start at Baylor. During that time, I learned that God has a purpose and plan for me, and it’s not on my time. It’s on His. Those days were filled with fear and doubt about if I was ever going to get to play. But once I grew and matured in my faith, I learned that He was always there with open arms ready to love me. That’s the God of my life—a loving God who is with us through all of our struggles. And once you taste that love, I don’t know how you wouldn’t want to be All In for Him.
FCA: How do you feel God goes All In for us?
BP: God went All In by sacrificing His Son for us. Going to the cross to pay the price for our sins was the ultimate example of what an All In life lived for others looks like.
And now, in my life, the definition of going All In for others is love. Jesus has called us to love like He did—people we don’t know or who might be considered unlovable.
FCA: How do you want people to remember your time at Baylor?
BP: When people look back on my career here, I want them to say that I was All In. That I gave it all I had. That I never left anything to doubt regarding my effort, preparation and being a good teammate. I want people to say that I was a passionate guy who loved people and played the game of football for God’s glory.
Watch the FCA Magazine video below profiling Petty's faith!
FCA Video Feature with Baylor QB Bryce Petty from FCA on Vimeo.
WANT MORE?
Click here for an All In devotional penned by Petty!
Players by Conference:
ACC Big 10 Big 12 Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
ACC
Players by Conference:
ACC Big 10 Big 12 Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
| Vic Beasley – Clemson |  |
| #3 – RS-Sr./DE/Adairsville, Ga. |
| “It means to fully commit and obey the orders Christ gives us, which calls for us as people to flee from things that are not of God.” |
| Bradley Pinion – Clemson |  |
#92 – Jr./P/K/Concord, N.C. |
| “Going All In for Christ means that in everything I do I glorify His name. My greatest fear is to offend our Heavenly Father, but my greatest joy is to honor Him.” |
| Roberto Aguayo – Florida State |  |
| #19 – RS-Soph./K/Mascotte, Fla. |
| “We’re faced with decisions of what’s right and wrong each day. Going All In for Christ is doing what’s right. With the guidance of Jesus, it’s easy to make the right decisions. Without Christ, nothing I’ve done would be possible.” |
| Christian Green – Florida State |  |
| #89 – RS-Sr./WR/Tampa, Fla. |
| “It means knowing Who you’re playing and living for. Whether I’m on the field or off, I go all out for Christ because of what He’s done for me.” |
| Will Gardner – Louisville |  |
| #11 – RS-So./QB/Douglas, Ga. |
| “It means letting go of the world and wrapping myself in and totally relying on Him. My purpose is to uplift the name of Jesus and play for Him because He has blessed me with the talent to use as a platform to share Him with others.” |
| Keith Kelsey – Louisville |  |
| #55 – So./LB/Gainsville, Fla. |
| Being All In means Romans 12:1: ‘… present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.’ Whether on or off the field, you live out that verse.” |
| Dominquie Green – North Carolina |  |
| #26 – So./S/Laurinburg, N.C. |
| “It means keeping your faith strong, believing in Christ first, and taking Him with you everywhere you go. My grandma always tells me that if you put God first, everything will be all right.” |
| Nathan Staub – North Carolina |  |
| #33 – RS-So./LB/Chestnut Mountain, Ga. |
| “Going All In means you realize you’re not worthy of God’s love, but Christ’s grace is sufficient for you. It frees you up to be able to live for other people and for God, giving glory to Him in everything you do.” |
| Sam Rogers – Virginia Tech |  |
| #45 – So./FB/Mechanicsville, Va. |
| Being All In means I’m responding to Christ’s love in the heat of the moment: fourth-and-10, back against the wall, whether we’re winning by 50 or down by 50. It’s always responding to and recognizing how much He loves us everyday.” |
| Ronny Vandyke – Virginia Tech |  |
| #37 – RS-Jr./LB/Lorton, Va. |
| "Being aware of His glory and goodness in everything I do. Giving Him thanks when I do well and when I don’t do well. In His eyes, I’m a winner because He knows my heart is near to Him.” |
Players by Conference:
ACC Big 10 Big 12 Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
B1G 10
Players by Conference:
ACC Big 10 Big 12 Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
| Forisse Hardin – Indiana |  |
| #4 – Sr./LB/Louisville, Ky. |
| "Going All In means keeping God first in my daily life, because with Him all things are possible.” |
| Mark Murphy – Indiana |  |
| #37 – Sr./S/Akron, Ohio |
| “On and off the field I go All In based on my favorite verse, Colossians 3:23 (NIV): ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.'" |
| Sean Davis – Maryland |  |
| #21 – Jr./DB/Washington, D.C. |
| “All In means remembering all of our success, ability and strength comes from God. I always try to do right on and off the field to properly represent my family and my faith.” |
| Sam Burtch – Nebraska |  |
| #9 – RS-Jr./WR/Murdock, Neb. |
| “Allowing His power to fully reign in the intent and way I play; to be motivated by those around me and by God.” |
| Graham Nabity – Nebraska |  |
| #29 – RS-So./IB/Omaha, Neb. |
| “Fully sacrificing all of my mind and spirit to the audience of God alone, not holding anything back, and being grateful with the outcome, whatever God allows.” |
| Josh Harrison – Wisconsin |  |
| #50 – RS-Sr./LB/Huber Heights, Ohio |
| “Giving your best all the time, regardless of what others think, knowing what you’re doing is for the glory of Christ.” |
| Drew Meyer – Wisconsin |  |
| #90 – RS-Jr./P/Hartland, Wis. |
| “Sharing your faith with your teammates whether it's praying before, during or after the game and honoring God, because He has blessed us with all of our abilities.” |
| Austin Appleby - Purdue |  |
| #12 – So./QB/North Canton, Ohio |
| “All In means trusting in the Lord as my sole source of strength and direction. My life is totally surrendered to the Savior!" |
| Dolapo Macarthy - Purdue |  |
| #21 – Sr./TE/Merrillville, Ind. |
| “All in means submitting to God, relying on His strength wholeheartedly, and confessing 'I cannot' but knowing 'God can and will.'" |
Players by Conference:
ACC Big 10 Big 12 Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
Big 12
Players by Conference:
ACC Big 10 Big 12 Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
| Levi Norwood – Baylor |  |
| #42 – RS-Sr./IR/State College, Pa. |
| “All In means that in everything we do, we’re doing it for Christ–whether that’s playing for Him or doing Christ-like things off the field. Seeing the impact that can make in others is special.” |
| Trevor Knight – Oklahoma |  |
| #9 – RS-So./QB/San Antonio, Texas |
| “Going All In is a mindset for how you attack every day, being consistent. It’s how you handle yourself on and off the field and shine Christ’s light to others in everything you do: by the way you talk, carry yourself and treat people.” |
| Nila Kasitati – Oklahoma |  |
| #54 – RS-Jr./OL/Euless, Texas |
| “Colossians 3:23 (NIV) says, ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.’ That Scripture is self-explanatory. It’s easy to say but hard to do. It’s something that you always have to focus on, on and off the field.” |
| Ryan Simmons– Oklahoma State |  |
| #52 – Jr./LB/Cibolo, Texas |
| “It’s knowing that no matter the circumstances that may come in your life–good or bad–your faith in the Lord does not change!” |
| J.W. Walsh – Oklahoma State |  |
| #4 – Jr./QB/Denton, Texas |
| “It’s about making good decisions and letting my faith guide me rather than outside influences determining my course. It means putting my family and friends’ needs before my own and leaving everything I have on the field for my teammates.” |
| Josh Doctson – TCU |  |
| #9 – Jr./WR/Mansfield, Texas |
| “To glorify God with the talents He has given me and to give 100 percent in everything I do because Christ gave 100 percent by giving His life for me.” |
| Kolby Griffin – TCU |  |
| #12 – Jr./CB/Houston |
| "Everything you do is for God. Whether in triumph or defeat, you do your very best because your reward is in Heaven, not on earth.” |
| Micah Awe – Texas Tech |  |
| #18 – Jr./LB/Arlington, Texas |
| “All In means representing something greater than football, your family or yourself. When you are doing it, you feel good about yourself and the example you are setting for others.” |
| David Brenner – Texas Tech |  |
| #46 – RS-Jr./LS/Plano, Texas |
| “It means being a good leader and always setting a Christ-like example for everyone on the team. Sharing His love and passion for the game with all players and fans.” |
Players by Conference:
ACC Big 10 Big 12 Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
Mountain West
Players by Conference:
ACC Big 10 Big 12 Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
| Jordan Pierce – Air Force |  |
| #51 – Sr./LB/Athens, Ga. |
| “Going All In for Jesus Christ means never forgetting to glorify Him in all that you do.” |
Players by Conference:
ACC Big 10 Big 12 Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
PAC 12
Players by Conference:
ACC Big 10 Big 12 Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
| Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea – Arizona |  |
| #44 – Jr./LB/Ewa Beach, Hawaii |
| “Committing your time, effort and ability to fulfill the vision and mission that God has given you, on and off the field.” |
| Casey Skowron – Arizona |  |
| #41 – RS-Jr./K/Phoenix |
| “Being fully committed to the task at hand to fulfill the plan that God has laid out for you.” |
| Marcus Mariota – Oregon |  |
| #8 – RS-Jr./QB/Honolulu |
| “Going All In is glorifying God with the abilities He’s given us and shining our light for Him. It’s being motivated to always set the bar higher and never getting complacent. We do that with His power for His glory.” |
| Taylor Alie – Oregon |  |
| #12 – RS-Fr./QB/Eugene, Ore. |
| “All In is 100 percent dedication all the time. And going All In for Jesus Christ is having faith in Him and doing everything you can for Him because He paid the ultimate sacrifice for us." |
| Cody Kessler – USC |  |
| #6 – RS-Jr./QB/Bakersfield, Calif. |
| “Going All In for Christ means not being a Christian [only] sometimes, but allowing Christ to be present in everything you do. Don’t pray and ask for guidance only when things are bad, but rather be thankful for everything God has given you.” |
| Andrew Hudson – Washington |  |
| #93 – RS-Sr./DL/Redlands, Calif. |
| “Living a life for Christ helps me stay focused and give my all in every situation. I love the game and go All In working hard for my teammates, much like the way Christ lived his whole life working hard and loving others.” |
| Jeff Lindquist – Washington |  |
| #5 – RS-So./QB/Mercer Island, Wash. |
| “Living a life to love others and create joy in the lives of those around you. Christ already won the biggest battle of all, so you have nothing to worry about. Let your actions show who you are in Christ!” |
Players by Conference:
ACC Big 10 Big 12 Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
SEC
Players by Conference:
ACC Big 10 Big 12 Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
| Denzell Devall – Alabama |  |
| #30 – Jr./LB/Bastrop, La. |
| “To be All In for Christ, is doing everything to glorify Him and spread His word.” |
| Brian Vogler – Alabama |  |
| #84 – RS-Sr./TE/Columbus, Ga. |
| “Going All In for Christ is fully submitting yourself to Him and living to be like Him. Trusting in His plan and living in His perfect image help me to overcome all obstacles I may face.” |
| Jeffrey Whitaker – Auburn |  |
| #54 – RS-Sr./DL/Macon, Ga. |
| “I understand very clearly that Christ is No. 1 in my life. His grace is what allows me to do what I love. He has always been All In for me; how can I not try to give Him the same?” |
| Jermaine Whitehead – Auburn |  |
| #9 – Sr./DB/Greenwood, Miss. |
| “I do my best with the talent God gave me, and thank Him daily for everything I have experienced. He is at the center of everything I do–that’s how I am All In for Christ.” |
| Jeff Driskel – Florida |  |
| #6 – RS-Jr./QB/Oviedo, Fla. |
| "All In means keeping God first in your life, no matter the situation or consequences. Life throws us tough times, but we just have to follow the path He has laid out for us.” |
| Michael Bennett – Georgia |  |
| #82 – RS-Sr./SE/Alpharetta, Ga. |
| "All In means not putting on a front to make you look like a ‘good’ Christian, but living day in and day out for the glory of God and trying to bring others closer to Him.” |
| Chris Conley – Georgia |  |
| #31 – Sr./FLK/Dallas, Ga. |
| “It means to give all glory to God in victory, in loss, and in preparation. To honor Him through it all.” |
| Jalen Collins – LSU |  |
| #32 – RS-Jr./CB/Olive Branch, Miss. |
| “Being All In means we are to be different, striving to be the best example for the Lord even when what we’re doing isn’t socially accepted.” |
| John David Moore – LSU |  |
| #47 – Fr./TE/Ruston, La. |
| “It means that my life is a reflection of God’s glory. In all that I say and do, I must seek to humbly serve Him as my No. 1 goal.” |
| Jake Hurrell – Missouri |  |
| #86 – RS-So./LS/TE/St. Charles, Mo. |
| “My faith encompasses every part of my life, not just the parts that are convenient. My relationship with God literally affects all I do, and that’s what I’m drawn to. It brings a peace to know that I’m not here without God.” |
| Evan Engram – Ole Miss |  |
| #17 – So./TE/Powder Springs, Ga. |
| "Putting faith in the Lord and trusting Him as you go all out every single play, and being accountable for yourself to make the right decisions. Being All In to His Word every day is crucial to being All In for Christ on and off the field.” |
| LaKedrick King – Ole Miss |  |
| #28 – Sr./DB/Duncanville, Texas |
| “Nothing comes before Him. Whether you’re on the field or off it, it’s for His glory. And you should never compromise your salvation for anything.” |
| A.J. Cann – South Carolina |  |
| #50 – RS-Sr./OL/Bamberg, S.C. |
| “Being All In makes me feel like I have no worries. I’m free to play and live all out for Him, knowing that He has my back. I don’t let the world control me. I let Him have control.” |
| Dylan Thompson – South Carolina |  |
| #17 – RS-Sr./QB/Boiling Springs, S.C. |
| “It’s being able to wake up every day knowing you’re living to please God and not man. It is the most freeing feeling there is.” |
| Josh Lambo – Texas A&M |  |
| #49 – Jr./K/Middleton, Wis. |
| “Going All In for Christ means pursuing everything I do with excellence and looking to be the best I can be.” |
| Alex Sezer Jr. – Texas A&M |  |
| #17 – So./DB/Orange, Texas |
| “To do everything to the best of my abilities and put forth my best effort knowing that Christ is with me and strengthens me. I play for the name on my chest, the one on my back, and the one in my heart.” |
Players by Conference:
ACC Big 10 Big 12 Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
Bringing It Home Devotional: By Bryce Petty
"And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” — Colossians 3:17
Growing up in Midlothian, Texas, sports were pretty much an assumption, a way of life. I was always competing in whatever sport was in season, and usually multiple sports at once.
Bryce Petty
Looking back on those days, I realize now that I never fully connected my faith to my sport. I mean, sure, I would pray before games and give the occasional point to the sky after a touchdown, but it never went beyond that. And in so doing, I never allowed myself to fully go All In for Christ. Sports had always been such a big part of who I was, but I never did—or even knew how to—integrate my faith into them.
During my five years at Baylor, I’ve been surrounded by some solid people who have poured into my faith and taught me that my identity lies in who I am in Christ, not in the sport I play. Chris Wommack—a great friend and mentor—and I have done a Bible study over the last two years, and he challenged me to bring God onto the field with me in more ways that just saying a prayer before the game.
Chris dared me to take that a step further—or several steps further—and literally pray before each snap.
Now, if you’ve ever seen how fast our no-huddle offense operates at Baylor, that probably sounds completely nuts. But I really think it illustrates how God works in our lives. He wants every part of us. In the midst of the chaos and turmoil that life can throw at us, he wants our thoughts on Him, and He promises to provide a peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). In 1 Thessalonians 5 we’re told to “pray without ceasing … for this is the will of God..." (v. 17-18, ESV)
My pre-snap prayer doesn’t have to be long or drawn out—just a simple, “All right, God, here we go.” And a remarkable thing has happened. Praying before each snap has given me more peace and comfort than I ever thought was possible amongst so much action and chaos. It helps me keep perspective. Jesus just wants us to want Him in our lives, especially when we feel like our backs are against the wall. He wants to be there to share in our successes and—perhaps even more so—in our failures.
Today and every day, I can truly say I am All In for Christ during every play on the field and in every decision I make off of it. I play and live with His confidence and strength, knowing that He is right there beside me every step of the way. I do everything in His name, giving thanks to Him for all He’s done for us.
Originally Published: November 2013
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