Darrin Carrington

Sports Was My Life

Football, basketball, baseball, track...you name it, I was into it. As a kid, my whole life was sports. My favorite time was winning the New York City 50 yard dash and long jump when I was thirteen. When I got to college, I focused on football. And as a senior, I became an All-American at Northern Arizona University, and was drafted by the Denver Broncos. After the '89 season, I went to Detroit and then to the San Diego Chargers from '91-94. In 1995, it was off to the Jacksonville Jaguars and then in '96 I became an Oakland Raider.

Practicing What You Preach

In my first year in the NFL, I played in the Super Bowl, and I thought life just couldn't get any better. That was before I met some people in a Christian youth group who were totally sold out for God. I learned the most important thing in life was having a real relationship with Jesus Christ. Sure, I had accomplished a lot in my football career. But, when it came to my relationship with God, I was just going through the motions.

Then a guy named Gil Byrd entered my life; a guy who practiced what he preached. I began to realize that until I started doing what God was teaching me, I was always going to feel uncomfortable -- like something is missing. It is only when I obey God that I can feel confident. Even being a pro football player doesn't give you the courage God can give you. Through Gil's example, I set out to do some tough things. I decided to stop living with my girlfriend. We waited the next 13 months, until after our wedding, to live like married people.

Part Of God's Team

Life as a professional football player can be great, but the truth is you're only as good as your last play. You realize the world -- and even some of your friends -- only love you for what you have, or what you can give them. But, my faith in God helps me deal with all this. I know that, through His Son, He loves me no matter what. And that's where real confidence and strength come from.

If you would like to know more about Jesus and what He can do for you, just click the button on the left side of your screen to change your life.