Cody Benjamin, Author at Sports Spectrum

'Emanuel,' from Stephen Curry, centers on truth, power, forgiveness found in Jesus

Almost 60 percent of Americans in 2019 think United States race relations are bad. More...

MAGAZINE: Tennessee men building something special in Knoxville

This story appears in the Spring 2019 issue of Sports Spectrum Magazine. To read the rest...

Rams' Brandin Cooks gives glory, honor to God after Super Bowl LIII loss

Brandin Cooks did what he could to help the Los Angeles Rams win. The former...

Former MLB pitcher Micah Bowie puts 'hope in the Lord' during fight for his life

Micah Bowie has always known that a decade of professional baseball might take a toll...

Super Bowl LIII color analyst Tony Romo: Jesus 'gives you everlasting peace'

Tony Romo never quite made it to the Super Bowl while starring for the Dallas...

Colts' Frank Reich named AFC Coach of the Year after improbable debut season

Six games into his NFL head-coaching debut, Frank Reich's team was a measly 1-5, good...

Quarterback Drew Brees plans to return to Saints, make 'another run' at age 40

The 2018 season had all the makings of a final go-round for Drew Brees. His...

Longtime MLB pitcher, World Series champion Jaime García retires after 10 seasons

Go back to 2004, and you may have been convinced that a young man named...

Eagles' Golden Tate surprises hospital patients day after game-winning catch

On Sunday, Golden Tate used his hands to catch the Philadelphia Eagles' game-winning touchdown pass...

National championship QBs Trevor Lawrence, Tua Tagovailoa rep Jesus on and off the field

There's no bigger stage in college football than the national championship. Trophies are won, names...

Eagles playing for Nick Foles say locker room will 'never be the same' without him

For all intents and purposes, the quarterback position in Philadelphia belongs to Carson Wentz. Wentz,...

Chargers QB Philip Rivers: 'I hope that God has used me'

Philip Rivers is plenty busy at home, where he and his wife, Tiffany, are expecting...

Faith in God drove Ohio State's own 'Rudy' to Rose Bowl moment

It was business as usual for Ohio State on New Year's Day, when the No....

Colorado Rockies land All-Star Daniel Murphy, who strives to be 'closer to Jesus'

For the second time in four months, Daniel Murphy is on the move. After landing...

Colts' Coach of the Year candidate Frank Reich says God is his 'top priority'

If you're looking for an example of a successful head coaching hire in the NFL,...

Trey Burton puts team first in helping Bears to first NFC North title in eight years

The Green Bay Packers get perennial love with Aaron Rodgers, and the Minnesota Vikings are...

Russell Wilson shows gratitude to Jesus during Seahawks' hot streak

Few pundits considered the Seattle Seahawks playoff material entering the 2018 season after the departure...

Here's what the Phillies' Andrew McCutchen believes, plus why he's worth believing in

Andrew McCutchen, at age 32 after moving between three teams in the last 11 months,...

Cowboys WR Amari Cooper: With God, all things are possible

When the Dallas Cowboys traded a first-round draft pick for wide receiver Amari Cooper in...

Former Ole Miss football coach Hugh Freeze to become Liberty's new head coach

Liberty University offered former Ole Miss football coach Hugh Freeze an opportunity to request forgiveness...

Tampa Bay Bucs safety Andrew Adams wears Philippians 4:13 on every game day

Andrew Adams entered this past weekend with one career interception. Undrafted out of Connecticut in...

Shaun Alexander prays for injured Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa in locker room

Tua Tagovailoa is perhaps best known for replacing his fellow Alabama quarterback — something he...

Broncos QB Case Keenum reps Fellowship of Christian Athletes with custom cleats

Week 13 in the NFL marks the return of "My Cause, My Cleats," an annual...

Giants' Nate Solder partners with Compassion to release children from poverty in Jesus' name

Nate and Lexi Solder did not have it easy with their son Hudson. At first,...

Broncos RB Phillip Lindsay says 'we need God in our lives'

Phillip Lindsay is pretty much humility exemplified on the Denver Broncos roster. On Sunday, in...

Eagles' Zach Ertz, wife Julie give away free meals for Thanksgiving

Forty million people, including 12 million children, struggle with hunger in the United States, according...

Tennessee men's basketball players get baptized as season gets into full swing

This week has brought more than a few reasons to celebrate the University of Tennessee....

Jets' Jermaine Kearse thanks God for reconnecting him with his brother

Jermaine Kearse went almost three decades without realizing he had a second brother. That changed...

Bobblehead of Purdue's Tyler Trent will raise money for charity, cancer research

There might not be a sports fan more inspiring than Tyler Trent, the former Purdue...

Rutgers' C. Vivian Stringer becomes first African-American to win 1,000 games

C. Vivian Stringer has been breaking barriers for years. She won a case against her...

Matt Barkley shines as Bills' unlikely standout at quarterback

The Buffalo Bills have had quarterback problems — among many others — all season. On...

Saints' Benjamin Watson announces he's expecting twins in touchdown celebration

And then there were seven. Not only did Benjamin Watson help the New Orleans Saints...

Steph Curry named producer for 'Emanuel' documentary on Charleston church shooting

In the wake of this week's Pittsburgh shooting, in which 11 were killed at a...

Washington Redskins' Josh Norman visited Israel twice to walk 'where Jesus walked'

Like most Christians, Josh Norman says he finds daily value in both prayer and the...

Russell Wilson, other athletes draw inspiration from Gospel artist Yolanda Adams

Music has a prominent role in professional sports, particularly among the athletes. Go to any...

GAWVI brings faith to the intersection of sports and hip-hop

Hip-hop isn't sports, and sports are not hip-hop, but nowadays, it's hard not to find...

Robert Covington Q&A on 76ers' title hopes, defending NBA superstars and living out his purpose

Robert Covington exists outside "The Process." The Philadelphia 76ers forward isn't a notable name just...

Dodgers' Brian Dozier: A 'foundation in Christ' is key to life

Brian Dozier is playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, against the Boston Red Sox, in...

Vikings' Kirk Cousins uses Biblical reminder to live in light of eternity

Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings are off to a promising start in 2018. This...

World Series umpire Ted Barrett finds worth in Jesus behind the plate

It all comes down to this. Then again, maybe it doesn't. There are no brighter...

Browns' Jarvis Landry keeps the Bible with him at all times, puts God 'before me'

If HBO's "Hard Knocks" taught us anything about Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry, it's...

Watch the new trailer for Tim Tebow's upcoming inspirational sports movie

In just four months, Tim Tebow will make his Hollywood debut. Well, sort of. As...

Rams WR Brandin Cooks: 'Jesus is the light of the world'

If anyone in the NFL has modeled consistency in 2018, it's been the Los Angeles...

Heisman candidates Tua Tagovailoa, Dwayne Haskins send Bible verses to each other

Dwayne Haskins starts for Ohio State, and Tua Tagovailoa starts for Alabama. Both quarterbacks are...

Nuggets' Michael Porter Jr.: Basketball doesn't matter as much as a relationship with God

Michael Porter Jr. is one of a select number of young men who get to...

Nearly 200,000 students to gather on sports fields and proclaim the Gospel

In an effort to challenge and pray for thousands of students across the nation, Fields...

ESPN's Ryan Clark: 'Jesus Christ gave His life for us to be free'

There was a time over the last two years when Ryan Clark, an ESPN analyst,...

Tim Tebow says departure from NFL was a 'come-to-Jesus moment'

Tim Tebow's professional sports career has been well documented by now. The former first-round NFL...

Ravens' Justin Tucker kicks Baltimore to victory over Steelers

On the same day Adam Vinatieri broke the NFL record for most career field goals,...

49ers QB C.J. Beathard tells injured Jimmy Garoppolo he'll be praying for him

Jimmy Garoppolo was supposed to be the one to turn the San Francisco 49ers around....

Celtics' Marcus Smart finds comfort on the court, thanks God for his abilities

As the Boston Celtics prepare to start their 2018-19 season as Eastern Conference contenders, one...

Chiefs WR Chris Conley on hot 3-0 start: 'Win or loss, God is good'

The Kansas City Chiefs might be both the most surprising and exciting team of the...

Saints' Benjamin Watson to donate $5000 to a different charity every Friday

Benjamin Watson has been invested in his community ever since his NFL career began in...

Erik Kratz's crazy baseball journey brings him to Milwaukee and a playoff push

If you want an example of perseverance in baseball, look no further than Erik Kratz....

Wide receiver Brice Butler after return to Cowboys: 'God's will always wins!'

Brice Butler is back with the Dallas Cowboys after re-signing with the team on Monday....

Bills' Vontae Davis after sudden retirement: 'I choose to be grateful to God'

Vontae Davis went out on his own terms Sunday, and he did it unlike most...

Bengals QB Andy Dalton: 'I'm not perfect ... Nobody's perfect except Jesus'

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton was spot on in the first half of his team's...

Boise State QB Brett Rypien off to career start for 2-0 Broncos

Saturday is a big day for Boise State football, as the No. 17 Broncos will...

MAGAZINE: Minnesota's Kirk Cousins flexing that faith muscle

This story appears in the Fall 2018 issue of Sports Spectrum Magazine. To subscribe, click here. Kirk...

Kirk Cousins and his wife, Julie, announce they are expecting a second son

Kirk Cousins announced himself as the new Minnesota Vikings quarterback with an efficient and victorious...

Longtime Utah Jazz chaplain Jerry Lewis passes away at age 80

The Utah Jazz said goodbye to their longtime chaplain this weekend, as Jerry Lewis passed...

Case Keenum, Kirk Cousins star in Broncos, Vikings Week 1 wins

The 2018 NFL season kicked off with a bang on Sunday, and a pair of...

Nate Peterman thanks God for his rebound as Buffalo Bills' starting QB

The Buffalo Bills begin their 2018 season on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, and when...

Jordan Hicks headlines Eagles' stout defense in 2018 NFL opener

The defending Super Bowl champions started slow on Thursday night, but they never once looked...

Oregon State baseball coach Pat Casey announces retirement: 'I've truly been blessed'

After 900 wins, six College World Series appearances and three championships, Pat Casey has called...

Demario Davis tackles bail reform in kickoff of Players Coalition campaign

After a summer of serving communities around the nation, Demario Davis has laid the framework...

Eagles coach Doug Pederson says football isn't the most important thing in his life

When Doug Pederson and the Philadelphia Eagles take the field for the kickoff of the...

Seahawks' Russell Wilson lands on Wheaties cover, visits Seattle Children's Hospital

The Seattle Seahawks may be in transition as they enter 2018, but Russell Wilson remains...

'The Biggest Win' author uses new book on Eagles, faith to glorify God

The Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl in the 2017 season, but they also used...

Broncos QB Case Keenum releases book highlighting faith in football

Who is Case Keenum? He's the quarterback of the Denver Broncos. He's an author of...

Kristen Gillman, Team USA golfers win first World Amateur Team title in 20 years

Less than a month after Kristen Gillman conquered the United States, she's helped the United...

Carson Wentz's food truck to begin providing free meals in Philadelphia

Carson Wentz's AO1 Foundation food truck will hit the city of Philadelphia for the first...

Managers On A Mission: 'If you have Jesus, you don't need anything else'

Managers On A Mission (MOAM) is an organization striving to "develop uncommon individuals of character,"...

Seahawks' Tyler Lockett says God gets all the glory for his new contract

The same week Odell Beckham Jr. landed a lucrative new deal with the New York...

Premier League, U.S. National Team star Clint Dempsey retires from pro soccer

A face of professional soccer has called it a career. As the Seattle Sounders announced...

Ben Zobrist stays hot for Chicago Cubs on path to postseason

The Chicago Cubs are the talk of the town as September draws near and October...

Odell Beckham Jr. says God helped him spiritually on the road to new deal

Odell Beckham Jr. has something like 90,000,000 reasons to be happy entering the 2018 season....

Managers On A Mission: College basketball director serves Malawi

Managers On A Mission (MOAM) is an organization striving to "develop uncommon individuals of character,"...

Liberty Flames 'fired up' for FBS football debut vs. Old Dominion

Liberty University's longtime goal of competing at the highest level of college football came true...

Former D-II, NAIA powerhouse California Baptist University moves to Division I

California Baptist University has skyrocketed its way up the collegiate ranks, and its latest jump...

Managers On A Mission: South Carolina basketball coach wants to exemplify holiness

Managers On A Mission (MOAM) is an organization striving to "develop uncommon individuals of character,"...

Managers On A Mission: Notre Dame football manager serves Ghana

Managers On A Mission (MOAM) is an organization striving to "develop uncommon individuals of character,"...

Andre Ward Q&A on 'Creed II,' humility in boxing and 'The Contender'

Pick a year, and Andre Ward has been a celebrity. In 2001, he won the...

Managers On A Mission: College basketball coach serves Uganda

Managers On A Mission (MOAM) is an organization striving to "develop uncommon individuals of character,"...

Tony Dungy: Media 'cannot begrudge' athletes who share faith in Christ

Tony Dungy isn't going to apologize for talking about athletes' Christian faith. That's exactly what...

Jaguars' Jalen Ramsey keeps Bible verses in his wallet: 'Faith is big for me'

If you were to look inside Jalen Ramsey's wallet, you'd probably find a good amount...

Jets LT Kelvin Beachum fasted before training camp to 'dive into Christ'

If you listen to Kelvin Beachum and countless other NFL veterans, training camp can be...

Nate Sudfeld, Teddy Bridgewater among NFL's Week 2 preseason stars

Backup quarterbacks are all the rage in the NFL preseason, and the first night of...

Russell Wilson, C.J. Spiller pay tribute to late Gospel singer Aretha Franklin

The world lost one of its most popular R&B voices, one of its top-selling artists...

Tim Tebow enlists 'Forrest Gump' actor in production of inspirational sports movie

Even after Tim Tebow suffered a season-ending hand injury that cost him a shot at...

Tennessee Volunteers hit church before scrimmage: 'It's Sunday, right?'

When first-year head coach Jeremy Pruitt began evaluating performances from the University of Tennessee's first...

New Broncos LB A.J. Johnson says God 'took care' of him during criminal trial

A.J. Johnson has not played football in three years, but he's now an official member...

From an orphanage to the NHL, Dallas Stars rookie was 'meant to be'

Jermaine Loewen made history this year as the first Jamaica-born hockey player to be taken...

USA Softball's Aubree Munro prayed in batter's box before clutch hit helped U.S. win world championship

Aubree Munro is coming off one of the most unbelievable softball games of her career....

Kristen Gillman claims second U.S. Women's Amateur Championship

For the second time in four years, Kristen Gillman has captured the U.S. Women's Amateur...

Eagles' Zach Ertz, wife Julie, donate $10K to high school that had equipment stolen

If Zach and Julie Ertz were serious about bringing hope and help to children in...

Royals prospect Carter Hope says God's love helped him overcome addiction

In 2016, Carter Hope desperately longed for freedom. A 6-foot-3 pitching prospect who made his...

Jennie Finch says God is 'so much more than' her Olympic gold medal

If anyone knows what it's like to win, it's Jennie Finch. At the height of...

Bobby Bowden defends coach fired for praying: 'I'm proud of him'

It's been years since former high school football coach Joe Kennedy was first put on...

Saints' Benjamin Watson cites Hebrews 13:3, asks for prayer for Nigeria

More than 6,000 Nigerian Christians — women and children included — have been murdered this...

High school athlete strives to use baseball as a platform for sharing faith

Proud and faithful Christians can be found all across Major League Baseball. But who said...

Former Pro Bowl WR Steve Smith opens up about mental health battles

Steve Smith Sr. was as outspoken as they come. The former Pro Bowl wide receiver,...

Lane Kiffin says God is better than 'success, fame and money'

Lane Kiffin had it all, and he had it early. The son of longtime defensive...

Odubel Herrera: Little Bull, lot of faith and exactly what MLB needs

It's a late-April night in 2018, and Odubel Herrera is up to bat against Ivan...

Brian Dawkins: 'Heavenly Father' guided my Hall of Fame career

Brian Dawkins will forever be remembered as one of the greatest leaders in the history...

Tony Dungy says Bible is necessary part of his Hall of Fame locker

You'll find plenty of relics at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. There are busts...

Eagles extend Super Bowl-winning coach Doug Pederson through 2022

It turns out that one Lombardi Trophy will earn you a whole lot of trust...

Robert Griffin III passed up path to 2020 Olympics for God's calling in NFL

When the Cleveland Browns released Robert Griffin III in March 2017, most people may have...

Former world champ Peter Quillin returns to the boxing ring a renewed man

On Dec. 5, 2015, Peter Quillin was an unbeaten middleweight champion. He was a prototypical...

Dodgers land Brian Dozier from Twins on MLB trade deadline day

Brian Dozier has been a staple of the Minnesota Twins for the better part of...

ESPN's Sam Ponder says God 'provided real peace' during baby's emergency surgery

Less than a week after she announced the birth of her daughter, Price, ESPN's Samantha...

Nebraska WR Jaevon McQuitty declares Jesus as Lord of his life

It's no surprise Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Jaevon McQuitty has his sights on the NFL...

Arizona Cardinals' David Johnson flaunts T-shirt saying he's 'approved' by Jesus

Forget the money. David Johnson is more concerned about Jesus. The Arizona Cardinals running back,...

Cole Hamels ready to 'chase for the World Series' with Chicago Cubs

As August approaches, so does the 2018 MLB postseason. That's good news for Cole Hamels,...

Baseball Hall of Fame Flashback: Gary Carter, Paul Molitor honor Jesus

Six former MLB players will be honored as 2018 inductees to the National Baseball Hall...

Ex-NFL RB Danny Woodhead named to Nebraska Football Hall of Fame

Four months after retiring from the NFL, Danny Woodhead is headed to the Hall of...

Saints LB Demario Davis honored by Time magazine for 'Changing the South'

Demario Davis plays football, and he's played it well enough to enter 2018 on a...

Lamar Odom credits God for second chance, announces return to basketball

Five years after last playing on an NBA court, Lamar Odom is returning to basketball....

Odell Beckham Jr. gets baptized in the Jordan River, says he's 'forgiven'

For all his on-field talent, the New York Giants' Odell Beckham Jr. has been linked...

Indiana Wesleyan women's basketball team serves the Dominican Republic

The Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats were far from Indiana during the week of July 17-24, but...

Tim Tebow out for season, but Mets say 2018 was 'nothing but a positive'

Just weeks ago, Tim Tebow was living it up. The former Heisman Trophy winner and...

How faith drove a former D-I basketball coach to broadcasting

They say there are three different answers to prayer. A. God says yes. B. God...

Matt Millen: The 'sovereign power' of God is what gives me peace

If you've followed Matt Millen's career since his days as a four-time Super Bowl champion...

ESPN's Sam Ponder announces her baby daughter's birth with a Bible verse

Sam Ponder, of ESPN's "NFL Sunday Countdown" crew, announced the addition of a baby daughter...

Zach and Julie Ertz's foundation raises more than $200K to share faith, aid students

A month after they announced the start of their foundation, Zach and Julie Ertz have...

Arizona Cardinals RB David Johnson says he's 'in God's hands' returning from injury

It's been almost an entire year since David Johnson took the football field for an...

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Daniel Poncedeleon cites Bible inspiration as he returns from brain surgery

The last 14 months have been a whirlwind for Daniel Poncedeleon, who, before May 2017,...

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney: Jesus helps me 'survive and thrive'

Ask Dabo Swinney about his faith, and he will not be afraid to share it....

Stephen Curry's new media company starts production on Christian movies

Stephen Curry has had a busy couple of months. Since April, the Golden State Warriors...

Jim Kelly emphasizes his 'faith in the good Lord' during 2018 ESPYS speech

There could not have been a better recipient for ESPN's Jimmy V Award for perseverance...

Texas Rangers' Tony Beasley recounts cancer fight to give glory to God

When Tony Beasley, third-base coach for the Texas Rangers, was diagnosed with rectal cancer in...

Former Super Bowl champion safety James Ihedigbo ordained in ministry

It's been less than four months since James Ihedigbo announced his retirement from the NFL....

For ex-NFL LB Emmanuel Acho, serving Nigeria is an affair of faith and family

"Everybody wants to be the Black Panther until it's time to actually save lives in...

MLB All-Star Futures MVP Taylor Trammell is a 'follower of Christ'

There could soon be a day when Taylor Trammell is starring as a face of...

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins uses 'Christian conviction' to prioritize giving over spending

No one is going to say Kirk Cousins doesn't have money. The newly minted Minnesota...

Spurs legend David Robinson honored for his humanitarian work

David Robinson already has a place in NBA history as one of the game's best...

Stephen Curry raises $5K for charity, invites fan to be his caddie at golf tourney

Former NFL quarterback Tony Romo may have won 2018's American Century Celebrity Golf Championship, but Stephen...

Patriots WR Jordan Matthews fights domestic abuse with charity softball game

New England Patriots wide receiver Jordan Matthews has made it abundantly clear that his life...

Former Wimbledon doubles champ Mary Pierce found calmness in Christ

Whenever tennis season heats up, Mary Pierce's name is bound to resurface. Not only is...

49ers' Marquise Goodwin buys a new house for his mother and sister

In 2017, even amid the heartbreak of losing his own child, Marquise Goodwin gave thanks...

Phillies ace, Cy Young candidate Aaron Nola says Jesus is 'everything you need'

A few years ago, Aaron Nola needed quite a few things — a confidence boost,...

Braves pitcher Daniel Winkler: 'The creator of Heaven and Earth pursues me'

There are many reasons the Atlanta Braves sit atop the National League East just about...

Former Oakland A's prospect Grant Desme returns to baseball after seeking God's guidance

If it weren't for God, Grant Desme may not have left baseball. And if it...

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins: 'The foundation of my life is the Bible and the Gospel'

When Kirk Cousins held his first offseason youth football camp as a member of the...

Steelers' Mike Tomlin says he has a 'bigger calling' than coaching

Mike Tomlin knows a thing or two about coaching. Patrolling the sidelines since his early...

Seahawks' Kam Chancellor shares heartfelt Instagram message hinting at retirement

For the better part of a decade, Kam Chancellor has been one of the NFL's...

Former NFL RB Isaiah Pead following God's plan after losing his leg

When Isaiah Pead lost his left leg during a November 2016 car crash, he also...

Tim Tebow earns All-Star honors for Mets' Double-A team

Tim Tebow has plenty of skeptics on his journey to a professional baseball career, but...

Eagles' Chris Long: Love is 'the most powerful drug in the world'

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long has made a career not only out of timely...

'Absolutely blessed' Oregon State coach Pat Casey wins College World Series

If it weren't for some last-inning heroics in Game 2 of the 2018 College World...

NFL players Josh Norman, Demario Davis team up to help children detained at border

Although President Donald Trump's recent order to reunite families separated by criminal prosecutions for illegal...

Michael Vick: 'Keeping God first, you can see life in a different frame'

The Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks have long been touted not only for their production on the...

Carson Wentz pledges free food for Philly, raises $850K in the name of Jesus

PHILADELPHIA -- Zach Wentz, the older brother of the Philadelphia Eagles' beloved quarterback, once said...

Lecrae, Vikings team up with PULSE to fill U.S. Bank Stadium for Jesus

MINNEAPOLIS -- Before Friday night, a Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist, an Olympic gold medalist, a...

Eagles after Jesus: Carson Wentz, five teammates speak through the Bible app

[caption id="attachment_19855" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Carson Wentz in his YouVersion Bible devotional "Audience of One."[/caption] In...

Vikings’ Sam Bradford: God has been ‘the one constant in my life’

If any professional athlete knows the importance of trusting God's plan rather than his own,...