A half-century after Frank Deford’s critique of faith in sports, Christian athletes like Joe Espada remind us of the power of prayer and humility in the game.
Fifty years ago, Frank Deford, one of America’s most celebrated sportswriters, ignited a firestorm of debate with his three-part series in Sports Illustrated on what he called “Sportianity”—a term he coined to describe the intertwining of sports and Christianity.
Deford, known for his sharp commentary during his 37 years at NPR, criticized what he saw as the commercialization of faith by Christian athletes. He argued that religion had become a superficial part of sports culture, with athletes treating God as a lucky charm.
“Jesus, it seems, is coming across as the next best thing to a home-court advantage,” Deford wrote. “Athletes are being used to sell religion. They endorse Jesus much as they would a new sneaker or a graphite-shafted driver… Game-day religion has become a sort of security blanket, something on the order of superstitions like not stepping on the foul lines or wearing the same tie when you are on a winning streak” 1.
Deford’s words struck a nerve. His critique of what he saw as shallow displays of faith in professional sports sparked an ongoing debate: What role should faith play in athletics?
Faith in the Game: A More Reflective Approach
While Deford’s critique may have highlighted some superficial expressions of faith, many Christian athletes today approach their relationship with God in a more thoughtful and personal way.
One such example is Joe Espada, the manager of the Houston Astros. In an interview on February 22 during spring training at Cacti Park in Florida, Espada shared how his faith shapes his life and career.
“I try to hold myself from asking for wins,” Espada said, “because I know the starting pitcher for the other team is a Christian and is praying for the same thing.” Instead, he prays for health, peace, and wisdom. “God is neutral. He knows who will win or lose, but it’s about getting closer to him. That’s what he wants from us. That’s what I focus on. Being loyal, faithful. His plan is better than mine” 2.
Espada, who grew up in a Christian home in Puerto Rico and professed his faith at age 14, credits his mother for instilling in him the habit of prayer. “She always reminds me: ‘Pray before you take the field. Talk to Him.’”
Faith Through Trials: Lessons from the Game
Espada’s testimony is not just about victories but also about resilience in the face of challenges.
“There can’t be a testimony without a test,” he said. “I’ve been tested, and I love sharing my testimony.”
One of those tests came last year when the Astros missed the playoffs after eight consecutive seasons of success. “Injuries tested my faith and my ability to communicate,” Espada explained. “The biggest test is seeing 2025 not as a failure, but a test. You cannot let one moment, one season, define the future.”
He also expressed concern about the pressures of modern sports, particularly the rise of gambling and social media. Veteran pitcher Lance McCullers, a fellow Christian, faced death threats after a tough game. Espada, who has two children, said, “I tell them, ‘This too will pass.’”
The Bigger Picture: Faith Beyond the Field
Espada’s reflections align with a broader movement in Christian sports to view faith as more than just a post-game soundbite. For him, the outcome of a game is secondary to his relationship with Christ. “I know Christ is my Savior,” he said.
This perspective counters the notion of “Sportianity” as a form of religious branding. It emphasizes humility, service, and the understanding that God’s plan is greater than any individual’s ambitions.
Espada’s approach to faith in sports reflects a growing awareness among Christian athletes and coaches that their platform is not just for personal glory but for glorifying God through their actions and words.
A Call to Action for the Faithful
As we reflect on the 50th anniversary of Deford’s “Sportianity” series, it’s clear that the relationship between faith and sports continues to evolve. While the intersection of religion and athletics has its challenges, it also provides an opportunity for Christians to witness through their actions and words.
As Espada reminds us, “God is neutral. He knows who will win or lose, but it’s about getting closer to him. That’s what he wants from us.”
For Christians, this is a call to pray:
- Pray for athletes and coaches to remain grounded in their faith amid the pressures of competition.
- Pray for wisdom and courage as they navigate challenges, both on and off the field.
- Pray that their testimonies will inspire others to seek Christ.
As we celebrate the stories of faithful athletes like Joe Espada, let us remember that the ultimate victory is not found in the scoreboard but in a life lived for God’s glory.
Sources:
- Frank Deford’s “Sportianity” Series in Sports Illustrated
- Christianity Today: Joe Espada in Spring Training
- ESPN: Lance McCullers Jr. Receives Death Threats
- Open Doors: Persecution in Sports
Let us continue to pray for the faithful in sports and remember that their platform, like ours, is a tool to glorify God in all aspects of life.