Jon Ackerman, Author at Sports Spectrum

MAGAZINE: Wesley Woodyard is Tennessee's Captain Chaplain

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

MLB honors Roberto Clemente Award nominees who exhibit extraordinary character

Wednesday marks the 18th annual Roberto Clemente Day, which was established by Major League Baseball...

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger 'can only trust God's plan' with season-ending elbow surgery

Injured late in the second quarter of Sunday's loss to Seattle, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben...

Jaguars rookie Gardner Minshew's wild journey leads to starting NFL quarterback

When the Jaguars signed quarterback Nick Foles to a four-year contract in March, no one...

Patriots WR Phillip Dorsett leans on God as he battles in crowded receiver group

The New England Patriots are often in the news, and Week 1 of the 2019...

New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees: 'I live by two very simple Christian fundamentals'

Before talking about football or his team's season-opening game Monday against Houston, New Orleans Saints...

Washington Nationals' Anthony Rendon playing for the Lord, quietly having MVP-caliber season

All season long, the National League MVP race has been about two guys: L.A.'s Cody...

MAGAZINE: Building Up the Bears

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

Blake Bivens thanks God in heartfelt message to slain wife, son, mother-in-law

Two days after learning his wife, son and mother-in-law had been murdered, Tampa Bay Rays...

Texas QB Sam Ehlinger following God's plan as he leads Longhorns, honors late father

Sam Ehlinger is living a dream. The junior is the starting quarterback for the Texas...

MAGAZINE: 5 College Quarterbacks to Watch in 2019

This content appears in the Fall 2019 issue of Sports Spectrum Magazine. For more, subscribe...

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney's word for the year: 'Purpose'

Coming off a decisive 44-16 victory over Alabama to win its second national championship in...

Jeremy Lin signs deal to continue basketball career with CBA's Beijing Ducks

After nine years in the NBA, including "Linsanity" in 2012, Jeremy Lin will continue his...

Blue Jays prospect Jonathan Davis saves no-hitter with another diving catch

With one out in the bottom of the ninth Monday night, Buffalo Bisons pitcher T.J....

QB Josh McCown unretires, leaves ESPN to join Philadelphia Eagles

After losing two quarterbacks in the past two weeks, the Philadelphia Eagles went searching for...

Toronto Blue Jays rookie Bo Bichette enjoying MLB debut for the ages

The game of baseball is difficult. Don't let Bo Bichette fool you. >> Subscribe to...

Hall of Famer Kevin Mawae describes 'purposeful living' in Jesus' name during induction speech

Following 16 seasons in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets and Tennessee...

Mariano Rivera praises his 'good Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ' in Hall of Fame speech

Of the six players inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, legendary...

Golfer Kevin Streelman arrives at British Open after last-minute email invite

Taking the course Thursday at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland for the British Open is...

Longtime Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan thanks God in announcing retirement

At the age of 30 and intent to "leave the game on my own terms,"...

N.Y. Giants' Saquon Barkley thanks God after winning ESPY for 'Best Breakthrough Athlete'

Following a rookie season in the NFL that saw him win the Offensive Rookie of...

Tobin Heath glorifies God in helping U.S. women win another World Cup title

With its 2-0 victory over the Netherlands on Sunday, the U.S. women's national team secured...

Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. thanks God after election to start in his 1st MLB All-Star Game

Before he even completes a full season in the major leagues, Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald...

Heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury thanks his 'Lord and Savior Jesus Christ' after victory

British boxer Tyson Fury is a character. He entered the ring for his fight Saturday...

Kawhi Leonard earns Finals MVP as Toronto Raptors claim their first NBA championship

With 28.5 points per game in the NBA Finals, including 22 on Thursday night in...

Alex Pietrangelo captains St. Louis Blues to 1st Stanley Cup trophy in franchise history

On Jan. 3, the St. Louis Blues sat in the NHL basement at 15-18-4. Five months...

Life's trials and tests have helped Vanderbilt's Tyler Brown become one of NCAA's top pitchers

When the Vanderbilt baseball team finds itself in a tight situation, needing a steady hand...

Faf Du Plessis follows Christ as he leads South Africa into Cricket World Cup

One of the biggest sporting events in the world is set to commence Thursday —...

Jeremy Lin's faith-filled, rollercoaster career leads him to NBA Finals with Toronto

It's been seven years since "Linsanity" took over the NBA, but the first American of...

Redskins QB Case Keenum and wife Kimberly expecting their first child after years of infertility

Quarterback Case Keenum, who was traded in March from the Denver Broncos to the Washington...

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford thankful for prayers after his wife Kelly's brain surgery

Matthew Stafford spoke publicly Wednesday for the first time since his wife, Kelly, underwent brain...

Benjamin Watson unretires to join New England Patriots for 16th season

Benjamin Watson's retirement lasted just over four months. After announcing in December that his 15th...

Phoenix Suns name Monty Williams, 'a high-character individual,' as their next head coach

After just 19 wins in the 2018-19 season, tied for second-worst in the NBA, the...

Father thanks God for 49ers draft pick Dre Greenlaw, who saved his daughter at college party

When the San Francisco 49ers drafted linebacker Dre Greenlaw on Saturday in the fifth round...

Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright becomes adoptive father, gets 150 wins and a statue

Times are good right now for veteran St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright. On Wednesday,...

Wide receiver N'Keal Harry thanks God, is 'ready to get to work' for New England Patriots

Early Thursday afternoon, before an evening that would set the direction of his life, former...

Carolina Hurricanes' Jordan Staal shows resiliency in stunning upset of defending NHL champs

In yet another stunning result in the 2019 NHL Playoffs, the Carolina Hurricanes are moving...

Receiver D.K. Metcalf aims to spread 'the Gospel through football' when he gets to NFL

D.K. Metcalf's numbers from his time at Ole Miss won't get him drafted. In three...

Matthew Stafford's wife Kelly says prayers 'have worked' after coming out of brain surgery

Kelly Stafford, the wife of Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, is learning a "new life"...

Matt Duchene follows God as he leads Columbus Blue Jackets to historic sweep of Tampa Bay

With 19 goals in four games, the Columbus Blue Jackets completed an epic sweep of...

Former MLB pitcher Scott Sanderson, who 'walked so humbly in his faith in Christ,' passes away

Former major league pitcher Scott Sanderson, who spent 19 years in the big leagues, died...

Bubba Watson reflects on 'the blessing of winning the Masters' and joy of adoption

Bubba Watson is teeing it up this week in the Masters for the 11th time...

Virginia coach Tony Bennett thanks the 'Lord and my Savior' after winning school's 1st national championship

One year ago, Virginia wallowed in heartbreak. The Cavaliers became the first No. 1 seed...

Auburn coach Bruce Pearl says 'God's blessed us all year long' after heartbreaking Final Four loss to Virginia

Any defeat in the NCAA Tournament is tough. And the further a team advances, the...

Liberty University's Ritchie McKay given Jim Phelan Award for top Division I head coach

After leading the Liberty Flames to a school-record 29 victories this season, and an NCAA...

Coach Buzz Williams 'grateful and blessed' as he takes over at Texas A&M

After leading Virginia Tech to is finest men’s basketball season ever, head coach Buzz Williams...

Matthew Stafford's wife asks for prayers as she prepares for brain surgery to remove tumor

Kelly Stafford, the wife of Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, posted a message on Instagram...

Virginia coach Tony Bennett follows father's faith-filled footsteps into Final Four

Nineteen years ago, Wisconsin emerged from the West Regional as a No. 8 seed to...

Virginia head coach Tony Bennett finds peace and perspective in his faith in Christ

After earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year,...

Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz and wife visit Israel to walk 'where Jesus walked'

After missing five regular-season games and the playoffs last season due to a back injury,...

Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes named National Coach of the Year by USBWA

Fresh off leading his team into the Sweet 16 of the 2019 NCAA Tournament, Tennessee...

Liberty upsets Mississippi State to secure university's 1st NCAA Tournament victory

Coming back from a 10-point second-half deficit, Liberty rode the hot hand of Caleb Homesley...

Coach Tim Craft follows Christ while leading Gardner-Webb to 1st NCAA Tournament appearance

Gardner-Webb is not expected to win its first-round matchup against Virginia on Friday in the...

Linebacker Thomas Davis excited to showcase talents for Los Angeles Chargers in 15th season

A year ago, linebacker Thomas Davis planned on retiring after the 2018 NFL season. But...

Jason McCourty will return to New England Patriots alongside twin brother Devin

The first set of twin brothers to play in and win a Super Bowl will...

Jonathan Isaac helping Orlando Magic into playoff contention while also being bold for Christ

With 14 games left in its 2018-19 NBA season, the Orlando Magic sit just one...

MAGAZINE: Veteran pitcher Adam Wainwright sets the Cardinal standard of excellence

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

Jason Witten ends retirement to return to Dallas Cowboys for 16th NFL season

After 15 years as a standout tight end for the Dallas Cowboys, Jason Witten abruptly...

Broncos QB Case Keenum 'ready for whatever God has in store' after learning Joe Flacco trade news

In his first public comments since learning that the Denver Broncos plan to trade for Baltimore...

Isaiah Thomas praises God after returning from injury to debut with Denver Nuggets

After just 28 games for two different teams last year, Isaiah Thomas made his debut...

Harrison Barnes leans on Scripture after learning of trade to Sacramento Kings

After two and a half years with the Dallas Mavericks, forward Harrison Barnes was traded...

Patriots RB Sony Michel after scoring the only Super Bowl LIII touchdown: 'God is good'

The first postseason for New England rookie running back Sony Michel got even better Sunday...

Football Sunday 2019: Kirk Cousins, Case Keenum, Demario Davis share their testimonies with churches across the globe

Super Bowl Sunday has become one of the biggest days of the year on the...

Eugene Robinson sends heartfelt thanks to coach Dan Reeves for prayer after Super Bowl transgression

ATLANTA — Twenty years ago on the Saturday before Super Bowl XXXIII in Miami, Atlanta...

Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski reveals that a fallen tree nearly killed his wife

ATLANTA — Not many kickers have enjoyed the success and stability that has made up Stephen...

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney presents equipment manager with Super Bowl tickets

Fresh off winning the national championship, Clemson and head coach Dabo Swinney were in a...

Jaguars' Calais Campbell accepts prestigious Bart Starr Award at Super Bowl Breakfast

ATLANTA — When Calais Campbell left Denver's South High School for the University of Miami...

Los Angeles Rams All-Pro RB Todd Gurley at Super Bowl: 'God means everything'

ATLANTA — No one found the end zone more than Los Angeles Rams running back...

New England Patriots rookie RB Sony Michel at Super Bowl: 'Without Jesus Christ, there is none of this'

ATLANTA — The New England Patriots expected production out of running back Sony Michel when...

Rams offensive lineman Rodger Saffold baptized after growing closer to God and walking 'narrow path'

ATLANTA — Offensive lineman Rodger Saffold has spent his entire nine-year career with the Rams,...

VIDEO: Patriots' Matthew Slater always calls heads because 'Christ is always at the head of my life'

As the New England Patriots' special teams captain, Matthew Slater is in charge of calling...

L.A. Rams WR Brandin Cooks feels God redeeming him after Super Bowl concussion

Brandin Cooks' Super Bowl debut didn't go so well. The New England Patriots' top wide...

Indiana Pacers' Victor Oladipo aiming to 'stay positive' after season-ending injury

At 32-15, the Indiana Pacers are firmly among the best teams in the NBA. They...

New England Patriots RB Rex Burkhead to cap rollercoaster season in Super Bowl

The 2018-19 season has not gone as planned for New England Patriots running back Rex...

Kansas City Chiefs lineman Jeff Allen rewards Good Samaritan with AFC Championship Game tickets

En route to his playoff game Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs guard...

Colorado State coach Mike Bobo declines $100k raise after disappointing season

Following three consecutive bowl games in his first three seasons as head coach at Colorado...

Dabo Swinney coaches Clemson to 2nd national title, praises 'the good Lord'

With 30 unanswered points leading to a decisive 44-16 victory over Alabama in the College...

Justin Holiday traded to Memphis Grizzlies as NBA's brother trio continues to shine

In an effort to keep pace in the tight Western Conference, the Memphis Grizzlies traded...

Saints TE Benjamin Watson to retire at end of season, hopefully after Super Bowl win

Benjamin Watson's 15th season in the NFL will be his final season. The veteran New...

MAGAZINE: 'And That Is Our God' — Ben Malcolmson's powerful story of planting God's Word

This story appears in the Winter 2018 issue of Sports Spectrum Magazine. For more in-depth feature...

Carolina Panthers' Christian McCaffrey sets NFL RB reception record with 106

As the Carolina Panthers' slide continues, Christian McCaffrey's rise continues. Though the Panthers (6-9) dropped...

Saints LB Demario Davis provides wheelchair-accessible van for family in need

Demario Davis serving others is nothing new. Just in the past year, the New Orleans...

Broncos RB Phillip Lindsay becomes first undrafted offensive rookie to make Pro Bowl

Despite being a semifinalist for the 2017 Doak Walker Award, which goes to the nation's top...

Taylor University runner suffers seizure, becomes All-American the next day

Heading into the 2018 women's cross-country NAIA national championships last week, Taylor University — a...

Déjà vu? QB Nick Foles leads Philadelphia Eagles to big late-season victory

In 2017, Nick Foles took over starting quarterback duties for the Philadelphia Eagles in Week...

Edwin Encarnacion aims to 'pass along the blessings' wherever he goes

The hot stove is heating up this MLB offseason, and it has a lot do...

76ers assistant coach Monty Williams: 'I need the Lord because I don’t have it together'

With 52 wins last season, good for third in the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers...

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts signs extension, driven 'to achieve ultimate goal'

Manager Dave Roberts has led the Los Angeles Dodgers to two straight National League pennants,...

MAGAZINE: Denver Nuggets' Michael Porter Jr. finds wisdom in waiting

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

Numerous stars shine in L.A. as Rams top Chiefs in instant-classic Monday Night Football game

The build-up surrounding Monday night's matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs...

Tim Tebow earns promotion to start 2019 baseball season in Triple-A

After hitting .273 with six home runs and 36 RBIs in 84 games for Double-A Binghamton...

Sports chaplain Chad Johnson stars in reality show with fiancée from Destiny's Child

Chad Johnson is a familiar name around the NFL. But not only for the receiver...

Simone Biles relies on faith as she continues setting gymnastics world records

Simone Biles is back in gymnastics, and back as the best in the world. The...

Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton aims to 'carry his cross every day' as a new starter

As the NFL trade deadline passed this week, among the biggest deals involved the Denver...

Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel 'couldn't feel more blessed' to celebrate World Series with healthy daughter

The World Series win for the Boston Red Sox on Sunday capped another stellar year...

Gyasi Zardes nets 1st career hat trick as Columbus Crew clinch MLS playoff spot

Columbus Crew striker Gyasi Zardes picked a great time to score his first MLS hat...

Colorado State QB Collin Hill says 'relationship with Jesus' helped him through two ACL tears

With four games remaining in its 2018 season, the 3-5 Colorado State football team still...

Wrestler Kyle Snyder says he's 'defined by my faith in Jesus' after loss in 'Rematch of the Century'

When American Kyle Snyder faced Russian Abdulrashid Sadulaev in the 97kg final at the 2017 World...

Dodgers hitting coach Luis Ortiz makes it to World Series 25 years after MLB debut at Fenway Park

After crushing 58 home runs in three years at Union University in Jackson, Tenn., Luis...

Jets lineman Kelvin Beachum helped raise $70K for meals on World Food Day

Tuesdays are typically off days in the NFL (unless a team plays on Thursday or...

Vikings' Adam Thielen on record-setting pace as NFL's league-leading receiver

Coming off his first Pro Bowl season in 2017 — in which he caught 91...

Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young settling into NBA, drains deep 3 to win preseason game

It's only preseason, and only four games so far, but Trae Young is looking like...

Dodgers return to longtime ace Clayton Kershaw to start Game 1 of NLCS

Many around baseball were surprised when Dodgers manager Dave Roberts elected to start Hyun-Jin Ryu on the...

Drew Brees becomes NFL's all-time passing yards leader: 'I'm just so grateful'

Drew Brees is the new all-time leader in NFL passing yards, as he passed the...

Broncos join LB Brandon Marshall in donating $50,000 to feed, educate, empower leaders

NFL linebacker Brandon Marshall has long been an advocate for helping his community, and this...

Matt Millen to step away from broadcasting to focus on his health

Matt Millen is taking a break from broadcasting for the rest of 2018 to focus...

Broadcaster Ernie Johnson announces he will miss MLB postseason due to blood clots

Arguably the face of Turner Sports, Ernie Johnson will not be contributing to the network's...

Sports world sends prayers after shocking death of LSU basketball player Wayde Sims

The Louisiana State community woke up to the heartbreaking news Friday that LSU basketball player...

On this date: Tim Tebow delivers emotional "promise" speech

On Sept. 27, 2008, Florida faced fourth-and-1 at the Ole Miss 32-yard line with 41 seconds...

Miami's Malek Young believing 'God has a better plan' after career-ending neck injury

After a season opening 33-17 loss to LSU, No. 21 Miami has scored 126 points...

Michael Jordan, Steph Curry, UNC football donate to Hurricane Florence relief efforts

The worst of Hurricane Florence has passed, but many lives have been left in tatters...

Tigers pitcher Matthew Boyd and wife launch Kingdom Home, donate $100,000

In the midst of his best season as a pro, Tigers pitcher Matthew Boyd (career-high...

Adam Wainwright posts 'vintage' performance as St. Louis Cardinals battle in playoff race

Pitcher Adam Wainwright is back in the St. Louis rotation, showed "vintage Wainwright" form on...

Boston Celtics' Gordon Hayward says he's essentially back to '100 percent'

Gordon Hayward was a huge addition to the Boston Celtics ahead of the 2017-18 NBA...

Gyasi Zardes enjoying resurgent season, earns another call-up to U.S. national team

The U.S. men's national soccer team is looking to close out 2018 on a strong...

Adam Wainwright's Big League Impact organization is serving communities through fantasy football

It's been a tough year for St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright, the 37-year-old three-time All-Star...

Nate Solder, New York Giants visited Puerto Rico to aid hurricane relief efforts

Offensive lineman Nate Solder and the New York Giants kick off their 2018 season with...

Matt Holliday receives standing ovation in return to Colorado Rockies lineup

When it comes to his time with the Colorado Rockies, Matt Holliday might be best...

Josh McCown trying to 'help as many people' as he can in midst of Jets QB battle

Josh McCown made a case on the field last season to be the starting quarterback...

Daniel Murphy traded to Chicago Cubs as NL's best team builds for postseason

Though the Chicago Cubs own the best record in the National League (71-53 through Tuesday),...

St. Louis Cardinals' Matt Carpenter credits salsa as secret behind incredible season

On May 15, Matt Carpenter was hitting .140. He had three home runs and only...

Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw's foundation breaks ground on school in Africa

It hasn't been the best of seasons for Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, who's only pitched in 16...

Brian Dawkins overcame depression, suicidal thoughts to become Hall of Famer

Nine-time Pro Bowler Brian Dawkins is part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of...

Goalie Brad Guzan follows Christ as he leads Atlanta United and MLS All-Stars

The best of the MLS take the pitch Wednesday night against one of Europe's elite...

Denver Nuggets rookie Michael Porter Jr. surprises mother with new car

Michael Porter Jr. has yet to play an NBA game, but the 14th overall pick...

Colorado Rockies sign Matt Holliday with hopes of making postseason push

Matt Holliday is getting another shot at returning to the majors, and he's getting another...

Pittsburgh's Sean Rodriguez is in collision with God's will

This story appears in the special 2018 MLB Faith Events issue of Sports Spectrum Magazine, which is...

Jarome Iginla set to retire after 20 years in the NHL

After 20 seasons in the NHL, 41-year-old forward Jarome Iginla is hanging up the skates. He...

Rain or shine, Faith Night prevails in Pittsburgh

This story appears in the special 2018 MLB Faith Events issue of Sports Spectrum Magazine, which is...

Hall of Fame QB Jim Kelly is once again cancer-free

Legendary quarterback Jim Kelly is cancer-free. There was "no evidence of cancer" in his latest...

Zach Johnson says God's peace allows him 'to play free golf'

With a 4-under 67 on Friday in Carnoustie, Scotland, Zach Johnson heads into the weekend atop...

Former NFL QB Dan Orlovsky to join ESPN as football analyst

Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky announced Tuesday that he will be joining ESPN as an...

19-year-old French star Kylian Mbappe to donate his World Cup earnings to charity

Kylian Mbappe is just 19 years old, but scored four goals in his FIFA World...

Christian organizations utilizing World Cup to reach and preach to Russia

As the 2018 FIFA World Cup enters its final weekend — France and Croatia will...

Isaiah Thomas says 'God is so good' after signing with Denver Nuggets

Isaiah Thomas is moving to the Mile High City. The 29-year-old point guard will sign...

Tampa Bay Buccaneers DB Josh Robinson and wife follow God's prompting to adopt twin boys

Two weeks remain until the Tampa Bay Buccaneers open training camp on July 25. That...

St. Louis Cardinals' Matt Carpenter among candidates for All-Star Final Vote

Rosters for the 2018 MLB All-Star Game were announced Sunday, but those aren't the only...

U.S. goalie Tim Howard reflects on remarkable World Cup performance vs. Belgium, relied on his faith foundation in aftermath

Four years ago, U.S. goalie Tim Howard was making save after save against Belgium in...