Burnell Dent has been a National Football League player since 1986. He is active with the Athletes In Action Ministry. He and his wife Marsha have one daughter, Charlacia.

Burnell Dent

As I look at the events that have taken place in my life, I consider myself blessed and fortunate to make a living as a National Football Player.

Becoming a pro took lots of hard work, and I can't say that it's been smooth sailing ever since my NFL career started.

As a youngster growing up in Louisiana, my whole life was centered around sports. My mother inspired me to work hard and to make something out of myself.

I was very serious about football at an early age, and I didn't like to lose. As a result, I received all-district and all-state honors my senior year in high school.

Then I took my talent to Tulane University where I became the all-time leading tackler. I was a First Team All-South Independent selection as well as an All-American candidate.

During my senior year I had a serious knee injury, and the doctors didn't think I would ever play again. The Green Bay Packers still took a chance and made me their sixth-round choice in April 1986. It was a miracle that I was able to play that year, but I was plagued by knee problems the following two seasons (1987 and 88).

Once I overcame those injuries, I finally came into my own as a nickel back and key special teams player. I was also a candidate for the pro bowl. While I experienced success, there were still some unexpected hurdles ahead.

Even though I had notoriety and material wealth, I was hurting inside. Something was missing in my life, and football wasn't meeting my deepest needs of lasting peace and contentment.

As I searched for the meaning and purpose of life, I got involved with the wrong crowd. I turned to drugs and alcohol, but those things only magnified my problems.

Then I started hanging around some guys who claimed to be "Christians." There was something different about guys like Mike Weddington and Dave Brown. They had real joy and peace, not temporary happiness. What was their secret?

It was knowing God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

My mom inspired me to be a part of the church, and I asked God to come into my life at age 13. I even went to church during college, but I never really knew Jesus Christ in a personal way. The reason why I drifted from God was that I thought Christians led boring lives, nor did I want to give up my NFL career and everything that came with it.

But there is one thing I knew for sure: God had His hand on me, and He spared my life. He's the only one who made my career possible, and He still loved me when I turned my back on Him.

When I accepted Jesus into my heart, I didn't suddenly turn into a perfect person. I still make mistakes, and God understands that. The key to growing as Christians is choosing to please Him in everything we do. By regularly reading the Bible, praying and having fellowship with Christian friends, God will fill us with His love and give us the strength to face the tough times we live in.

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.