John Offerdahl

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “In football, as in life, hit the line hard; don’t foul; don’t shirk; hit the line hard.”

That’s the way I played football, and it’s the way I have lived.

I arrived at Western Michigan University on a half-scholarship. I started as a freshman, and after the first game, I received a full scholarship. I played every game in college, and was a 2nd round draft choice of the Miami Dolphins.

My pro career began much as my college career had. My first year I played every down, and was Rookie of the Year. I was the youngest player ever to make the Pro Bowl, and went on to make the Pro Bowl five consecutive years.

Then my body started wearing down. I had always been undersized for an inside linebacker, and the years and the hits had taken their toll. I came back for the beginning of my 9th year, and, even though I was in great physical shape, after the first exhibition game, I knew it was over. I knew my physical ability was diminishing, and I wanted to leave the game on my terms.

I launched into business with the same drive I had in football. I “hit the line hard”. I established “Offerdahls Bagel Gourmet”, and had 10 stores when I sold them in 1995. Three years later, in 1998, I opened “Offerdahls”, with an expanded menu based on fresh, made-to-order foods.

Beyond playing football and being an entrepreneur within the restaurant industry, my greatest joy comes from being in the center of God’s will. I came into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ during college, having heard the message of His love for me that led Him to a cross.

I don’t have a typical conversion story. Many people tell of how they hit bottom, and came to know the Lord. My story is somewhat the opposite. I was doing well. And yet I discovered how empty success can be. I had so many things going my way, but it was not until I learned the love of Jesus that I came alive.

I look at running a restaurant in the same way I looked at playing football. It’s an opportunity to glorify God, to positively impact people, and to exercise an effective stewardship of the gifts God has given me.

My wife, Lynn, and I have a saying we try to live by: “In all thoughts, actions and pursuits to press on, through the Spirit, to profit God’s Kingdom.” It’s the way we want to live our lives, and it’s the filter through which we pass all our decisions.

Of course, we’re not perfect. But we know the love of God and we know the power of forgiveness, and we set out every day ready to “hit the line hard”, trusting in the power of God.

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.