We made it! It’s been one wild week, eh? (as our friends from the 51^st state would say it!) From Monday last to Monday now, I don’t know how we could pack any more into 168 hours than we have. One downside of the headlines aplenty pace of historic events: some pretty epic occurrences might have been overlooked. Like… what?

While the Election of ’24 After Parties were happening inside the DC Beltway, the contest for championship in college football was playing in real-time at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Unlike political playoffs, outcomes are clear the moment the clock runs out. When the confetti settled to the surface, the scoreboard told the truth: it was Ohio State over Notre Dame. Score: 34-23.

In Washington, the language was running hot despite the freezing environment outside. Official speeches and media commentaries dominated the live coverage; constant themes were claims of credit and blame for the outcomes of November’s election. No one was wearing pads or helmets (except for the new First Lady).

In Georgia, the contest was not between Democrats and Republicans; the match-up there pitted the Buckeyes against the Fighting Irish. Passions were high, but there was an undercurrent of common conviction that was flowing on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

Two-decade NFL legend Brett Favre called it out in his post on X:

“Great to see the two QBs Ohio State Howard & Notre Dame Leonard gave praise to Jesus in victory and defeat.”

— Brett Favre

What was he reporting?

Before the kick-off, Notre Dame’s quarterback Riley Leonard told reporters: “We’re the two main teams to just publicly display our faith the most. I truly believe that Jesus was looking over both our shoulders throughout the season. And He put these two teams on a pedestal for a reason.” During the game – after scoring a rushing TD – he displayed his armband to the cameras on the field. It had Matthew 23:12 as his reminder:

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself with be exalted.”

— Matthew 23:12

Will Howard – Ohio State’s quarterback – secured the Buckeye victory; he was named Offensive Player of the Game. In his first post-game interview with ESPN, he said:

“First and foremost, I’ve got to give the glory and the praise to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I wouldn’t be here without him.”

— William Howard

On Howard’s wristband was the reference: Proverbs 3:5-6.

It’s worth taking a break from cataloging the stream of Executive Orders flowing out of the White House. Take a minute to do a Google search for the quotes that were emanating – from pre-game locker rooms to post-game endzones – from coaches and players alike, regarding the active Christian faith that was driving both extraordinary teams in their quest for victory.

Cody Simon, Buckeye linebacker and Defensive Player of the Game was no less confident in his commitment:

“The Lord did something special on this team. We’re just so thankful.”

— Cody Simon

The bold declaration of personal faith – from players on both sidelines – caught the attention of Brett Favre, who had once talked about how he used to pray before hopping on the gridiron:

“We prayed so much, right up until we went out for pregame. We had a prayer right at my locker.”

— Brett Favre

As political leaders search for common ground in the Capital, it’s great to see the leadership influence wielded by the best-of-the-best in college football as they recognize that their allegiance to their teams is subservient to their ultimate devotion to their savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Atta boy, guys! May your lives continue to exhibit opportunities to declare His greatness!

Bob Shank

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