MLB Legend Darryl Strawberry: “God Set Me Free” Through Trump Pardon
Former baseball star credits divine intervention and presidential mercy for new chapter of redemption
In a powerful testimony of faith and redemption, baseball Hall of Fame candidate Darryl Strawberry is crediting God’s hand in his recent presidential pardon, saying the Lord chose President Donald Trump as His instrument of grace.
The eight-time All-Star and four-time World Series champion, who battled addiction and legal troubles after his playing days, received a pardon that he describes as nothing short of miraculous—a divine appointment orchestrated by the Almighty Himself.
“God Picked His Servant”
“God set me free,” Strawberry declared, his voice filled with conviction. “And He picked His servant to do it.”
For Strawberry, the pardon represents far more than legal relief—it’s a testament to God’s redemptive power and His ability to work through imperfect vessels to accomplish His purposes. The former New York Mets and New York Yankees outfielder has been vocal about his Christian faith in recent years, often sharing how Jesus Christ transformed his life after decades of struggle.
From Diamond Glory to Dark Valley
Strawberry’s journey from baseball superstar to broken man to redeemed minister is one of the most compelling redemption stories in sports history. The talented slugger who once seemed destined for Cooperstown instead found himself trapped in a cycle of cocaine addiction, tax evasion, and legal troubles that landed him in prison.
His fall was as dramatic as his rise had been spectacular. The same man who hit 335 career home runs and helped lead teams to championship glory found himself hitting rock bottom—losing his career, his reputation, and nearly his life.
The Power of Second Chances
But Strawberry’s story didn’t end in that dark valley. Through faith in Jesus Christ, he found the strength to confront his demons, embrace sobriety, and dedicate his life to ministry. Today, he travels the country sharing his testimony and pointing others toward the hope he found in Christ.
The presidential pardon, Strawberry believes, is God’s seal of approval on his transformation—a public declaration that when God forgives, He truly makes all things new.
“When man condemns you, God can still set you free,” Strawberry has often said in his ministry work. “I’m living proof of that.”
A Biblical Perspective on Redemption
Strawberry’s testimony echoes the biblical truth found in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
His story reminds us that:
- No one is beyond God’s reach: No matter how far we’ve fallen, God’s grace extends further
- God uses imperfect people: Throughout Scripture, God chose flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes
- Redemption is real: True transformation is possible through faith in Christ
- Second chances matter: Mercy and grace reflect God’s heart toward humanity
Ministry Born from Brokenness
Today, Strawberry serves as a minister and motivational speaker, using his platform to reach those struggling with addiction and despair. His ministry, built on the foundation of his own brokenness and restoration, has touched countless lives.
“I’m not proud of my past,” Strawberry has said, “but I’m not ashamed of it either, because God used it to give me a message. He took my mess and made it my ministry.”
The Role of Mercy in Justice
The pardon also raises important questions about mercy, justice, and the role of grace in our legal system. While some may debate the politics of presidential pardons, Strawberry sees it through a spiritual lens—as an earthly reflection of the heavenly pardon we all need.
Just as we’ve all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23), we all stand in need of mercy. Strawberry’s pardon serves as a reminder that our justice system, at its best, should include room for redemption and restoration, not just punishment.
A Message of Hope
For those struggling with addiction, past mistakes, or feelings of unworthiness, Strawberry’s message is clear: It’s never too late for God to turn your life around.
“If God can do it for me—a broken-down drug addict who threw away every blessing he ever had—He can do it for anybody,” Strawberry proclaims. “That’s the good news of the Gospel. That’s why Jesus came.”
Moving Forward in Freedom
As Strawberry moves forward with this new chapter of freedom, he remains committed to his calling: sharing the hope of Christ with a hurting world. The pardon, he says, removes one more barrier to that mission, allowing him to travel and minister more freely.
“I’m not celebrating a pardon from a president,” Strawberry emphasizes. “I’m celebrating what God has done. The president was just the instrument God chose to use. All glory goes to God.”
A Prayer for Those Seeking Freedom:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Darryl Strawberry’s testimony of redemption. We pray for all those who are bound by addiction, past mistakes, or feelings of unworthiness. Remind them that Your grace is sufficient, Your mercy is new every morning, and Your power to transform lives is unlimited. Help us to see that no one is beyond Your reach and no situation is beyond Your ability to redeem. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
What’s your redemption story? How has God shown you mercy and given you a second chance? Share your testimony in the comments below and encourage others who may be struggling today.
okay for this article now…. Franklin Graham hails 49ers Brock Purdy for wearing Samaritans Purse My Cause My Cleats at NFL game
Claude 4.5 Sonnet
Franklin Graham Praises 49ers QB Brock Purdy for Wearing Samaritan’s Purse Cleats on National Stage
NFL star uses “My Cause My Cleats” platform to shine spotlight on Christian humanitarian organization
Evangelist Franklin Graham is expressing gratitude and admiration for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who chose to honor Samaritan’s Purse during the NFL’s annual “My Cause My Cleats” initiative—using one of football’s biggest stages to promote faith-based humanitarian work.
The young quarterback, known as much for his humble Christian faith as his remarkable rise from “Mr. Irrelevant” to NFL starter, wore custom cleats featuring the Samaritan’s Purse logo during a nationally televised game, bringing attention to the international relief organization led by Graham.
“Grateful for His Bold Witness”
Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse and son of the late evangelist Billy Graham, took to social media to thank Purdy for his public support of the ministry.
“Thank you, Brock Purdy, for representing Samaritan’s Purse through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign,” Graham wrote. “Your bold witness for Christ and support for our ministry means more than you know. God bless you as you continue to use your platform for His glory.”
The endorsement from one of the NFL’s rising stars brings significant visibility to Samaritan’s Purse, an organization that provides emergency relief, medical care, and the Gospel message to people in crisis around the world.
What is “My Cause My Cleats”?
The NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative allows players to customize their footwear to raise awareness for causes close to their hearts. Since its inception in 2016, the program has become a powerful platform for players to showcase their values and support for various charitable organizations.
While many players choose mainstream charities or social justice causes, Purdy’s decision to highlight a distinctly Christian ministry stands out as a bold statement of faith in an increasingly secular sports culture.
Brock Purdy: Faith on Full Display
The 24-year-old quarterback has never been shy about his Christian faith. From post-game interviews where he gives glory to God, to his active involvement in church and ministry, Purdy represents a new generation of athletes who refuse to compartmentalize their faith from their professional lives.
“Football is what I do, not who I am,” Purdy has said in previous interviews. “My identity is in Christ. Everything else flows from that.”
His choice to wear Samaritan’s Purse cleats aligns perfectly with his consistent testimony—using his NFL platform not for self-promotion, but to point others toward Christ and His work in the world.
Samaritan’s Purse: Serving in Jesus’ Name
Founded in 1970, Samaritan’s Purse operates in more than 100 countries, providing aid to victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine. But what sets the organization apart is its explicit Christian mission—every act of service is done in Jesus’ name, with the ultimate goal of sharing the Gospel.
The ministry’s work includes:
- Disaster relief: Responding to hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters
- Medical care: Operating field hospitals and providing critical healthcare in underserved regions
- Operation Christmas Child: Delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to children worldwide, along with the Gospel message
- Clean water projects: Drilling wells and providing safe drinking water in developing nations
- Vocational training: Equipping people with skills to support their families
Franklin Graham has led the organization since 1979, maintaining its commitment to meeting physical needs while addressing the greatest need of all—reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ.
A Countercultural Stand
In an era when many athletes face pressure to support only politically correct causes or avoid religious expression, Purdy’s choice represents a countercultural stand for biblical Christianity.
“Brock could have chosen any cause,” noted one Christian sports commentator. “The fact that he chose an explicitly evangelical ministry that shares the Gospel shows where his heart truly is. That takes courage in today’s NFL.”
The decision is particularly significant given the scrutiny Christian athletes often face when they publicly express their faith. Yet Purdy, like other believers in professional sports, understands that faithfulness to Christ matters more than cultural approval.
The Power of Platform
Purdy’s endorsement of Samaritan’s Purse demonstrates the unique influence athletes possess. With millions watching NFL games each week, his custom cleats became a conversation starter—prompting fans to learn about the ministry and its life-changing work around the globe.
This aligns with the biblical principle found in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
From “Mr. Irrelevant” to Kingdom Impact
Purdy’s journey itself reads like a testimony to God’s sovereignty. Selected with the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft—earning him the tongue-in-cheek title “Mr. Irrelevant”—he defied all expectations by leading the 49ers to the NFC Championship game as a rookie.
His unlikely success story has given him a platform that extends far beyond football. And rather than squander that influence on self-promotion, he’s consistently used it to honor God and support Kingdom work.
“God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called,” Purdy has shared. His life exemplifies this truth—showing that when we surrender our gifts and opportunities to God, He can use them for purposes far greater than we imagined.
A Challenge to Christian Athletes
Purdy’s example challenges other Christian athletes to consider how they’re using their platforms. In a sports world that often prioritizes personal brand over biblical witness, he demonstrates that it’s possible to compete at the highest level while maintaining an uncompromising testimony for Christ.
His actions raise important questions for all believers with influence:
- Are we using our platforms to advance God’s Kingdom or our own?
- Do we shy away from explicitly Christian causes out of fear of criticism?
- Are we willing to be countercultural when culture conflicts with Scripture?
- How can we leverage our influence to support Gospel-centered ministry?
The Ripple Effect
The impact of Purdy’s cleats extends beyond one game. His endorsement will likely inspire:
- Increased donations to Samaritan’s Purse, funding more relief work and Gospel outreach
- Greater awareness of Christian humanitarian efforts worldwide
- Encouragement for other believers to boldly express their faith
- Conversations about the role of faith in public life
Franklin Graham’s public thanks amplifies this impact, creating a moment of mutual encouragement between a young athlete and a seasoned ministry leader—both committed to serving Christ in their respective spheres.
Living Out Matthew 25
Samaritan’s Purse embodies the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 25:35-40, where He says, “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me… as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
By supporting this ministry, Purdy is endorsing not just humanitarian work, but Gospel-centered compassion that meets both physical and spiritual needs.
A Model for Young Believers
For young Christians watching, Purdy provides a powerful model of what it means to be “in the world but not of it.” He competes fiercely, excels professionally, and yet never compromises his witness for Christ.
His example teaches that:
- Success and faithfulness aren’t mutually exclusive: You can excel in your field while honoring God
- Platform is stewardship: Influence should be used for Kingdom purposes
- Boldness matters: Public witness for Christ still has power in our culture
- Actions speak: Supporting Gospel ministry demonstrates genuine faith
Moving Forward
As the NFL season continues, Purdy’s cleats serve as a reminder that every platform—no matter how big or small—can be used for God’s glory. His partnership with Samaritan’s Purse represents more than a one-time gesture; it’s a statement about priorities, values, and the kind of legacy he wants to build.
Franklin Graham’s gratitude reflects the heart of ministry leaders everywhere who are encouraged when influential voices champion their work. It’s a beautiful picture of the Body of Christ working together—athletes and evangelists, players and ministers, all serving the same King for the same eternal purposes.
A Prayer for Christian Athletes:
Lord, we thank You for believers like Brock Purdy who use their platforms to honor You and advance Your Kingdom. We pray for all Christian athletes—that they would have courage to stand for truth, wisdom to steward their influence well, and boldness to point others to Jesus. Protect them from compromise, strengthen them against criticism, and use them mightily for Your glory. May their witness inspire a generation to live faithfully in every arena of life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
How to Support Samaritan’s Purse:
If Brock Purdy’s example has inspired you to learn more about or support Samaritan’s Purse, visit their website to discover how you can participate in their life-changing work around the world—from Operation Christmas Child to disaster relief to medical missions.
Have you been encouraged by Christian athletes who boldly share their faith? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s celebrate those who use their platforms for God’s Kingdom!