Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray barely knows what it’s like to not be playing in the Super Bowl. The fourth-year pro has only lost one postseason game in his career: the 2022 AFC Championship Game (a 27-24 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals) that ended his rookie season.
A fifth-round pick out of Duke, Gray has become a bigger part of Kansas City’s offense every year. In 2023, he eclipsed the 300-yard receiving mark and had multiple touchdown catches for the first time. This season, he had more touchdown receptions (five) than he did in his first three years combined (four) while finishing fourth on the team in receptions (40) and tied for third in receiving yards (437).
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As he has assumed a larger role on the field, Gray has also grown off of it by developing a stronger relationship with God. He was trying to find people to connect with after being drafted by the Chiefs and reached out to New Life CityChurch pastor Troy Campbell, whose wife used to attend the same church as Gray’s mom.
Campbell and Chiefs chaplain Marcellus Casey provided spiritual guidance as Gray dove into his faith and gave his life to the Lord.
“When I first got here to Kansas City, I wasn’t a Christian beforehand,” Gray told Sports Spectrum on Tuesday during Super Bowl LIX media availability. “I became a believer when I got to Kansas City. But [Casey] was there, and he was helping me every step of the way, answering any questions that I had. Marcellus is just a tremendous leader in the faith, and we’re just super grateful to have him be part of this team.”
"It's the only reason I keep the anxiety off my shoulders and just give it to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Chiefs tight end Noah Gray spoke on how he has leaned on his faith at Super Bowl LIX media availability. pic.twitter.com/TVskgWz19M
— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) February 6, 2025
Gray, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in college, has used his platform to encourage and support aspiring athletes with the disease. It is one of the ways he shows his gratitude for all the ways God has blessed him.
“[I] thank God every single day that, you know, He put me in this position, and really just trying to give all that glory back to Christ is super important,” Gray said Tuesday.
When Gray takes the field Sunday in Super Bowl LIX, it will be his third time playing in the Super Bowl. He caught one pass in Kansas City’s 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles two years ago, and recorded two receptions for 22 yards in last season’s 25-22 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Speaking to Sports Spectrum ahead of his Super Bowl debut in 2023, Gray gave glory to God for being his source of peace and comfort.
“If it wasn’t for Him, I wouldn’t be standing here today,” Gray said. “He’s really lifted a lot of stress and weight off my shoulders, to know that I can go to Him whenever things are tough, or even when things are going well. It’s been an absolute blessing to really lean on Him.”
All that’s included in Gray’s Instagram bio is “Follower of Christ.” Following both of Kansas City’s previous Super Bowl triumphs, he has praised God in posts celebrating the victory.
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View this post on Instagram
As he and the Chiefs attempt to complete a three-peat, Gray will stay rooted in his relationship with Christ.
“I lean on my faith tremendously,” he said Tuesday. “All glory to God. It’s the only reason that keeps me grounded. It’s the only reason I keep the anxiety off my shoulders and just give it to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Standing between Kansas City and history is a familiar opponent in the Eagles. Kickoff from New Orleans is set for 6:30 p.m. ET.
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<
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