Kevin Mercer, Author at Sports Spectrum

Ohio State wrestling coach receives eternal victory through unimaginable tragedy

Tom Ryan remembers well the day a two-word question became the most difficult he had...

Fields of Faith helps thousands encounter God on football fields around the country

This past Wednesday, thanks to a student-led ministry outreach program called Fields of Faith, football...

Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin embraces fatherhood at home, fame on the ice

Defenseman Jaccob Slavin has been busy helping the Carolina Hurricanes jump out to a 4-0...

Nationals' Anthony Rendon wants to be 'more Christian than baseball player'

The National League MVP award will likely be given to Cody Bellinger of the L.A....

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson on pace for career year, praising Jesus all the while

The Seattle Seahawks squeaked by the Los Angeles Rams, 30-29, on Thursday Night Football this...

Tampa Bay Buccaneeers RB Peyton Barber prays with family before every game

Many professional athletes have unique, and sometimes quirky, pregame routines that help them prepare mentally...

Washington Nationals second baseman Brian Dozier plays for Christ in third straight postseason

Brian Dozier of the Washington Nationals hasn't produced on the diamond this year the way...

L.A. Dodgers pitcher Casey Sadler finds peace in Christ during 'yo-yo' season

Casey Sadler has had a busy summer. The Dodgers' relief pitcher began the season with...

Florida H.S. coach glorifies God as she nears 500 wins in both volleyball & basketball

To be sure, head coach Karrmayne King keeps track of all the wins: 571 in...

Washington great London Fletcher inducted into Redskins Ring of Fame

Linebacker London Fletcher spent 16 seasons terrorizing NFL offenses, his last seven with the Washington...

South African captain Siya Kolisi trusts in God as 2019 Rugby World Cup begins

For the next month and a half, the best rugby players in the world will...

Chicago Bears kicker Eddy Pineiro nails 53-yard game-winner, says Jesus is real

Questions have swirled around the Chicago Bears' kicking situation for months. On Sunday in Denver,...

Buccaneers punter Bradley Pinion's incredible story of the 'angel' who influenced him to attend Clemson

Bradley Pinion, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' punter, has felt God's guiding hand on his football...

MAGAZINE: Ravens DT Brandon Williams is accepted and acknowledged

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

Nationals pitcher Aaron Barrett credits 'faith in the Lord' after 4-year battle to get back to big leagues

Saturday's 5-4 win for the Atlanta Braves over the Washington Nationals in Atlanta may have...

Atlanta Falcons rookie RB Qadree Ollison changes jersey number in memory of brother

Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Qadree Ollison already honors his brother with every snap he...

Baltimore Ravens' coach John Harbaugh inspires team with custom-made T-shirts

John Harbaugh had no prior experience as a head coach when he expressed interest in...

Georgia QB Jake Fromm follows God, embraces pressure as he chases elusive title

Georgia football hasn't won a national championship in 39 years. Jake Fromm is on a...

QB Deondre Francois 'lost sight of God' at Florida State, grateful for opportunity at Hampton

Deondre Francois is now the starting quarterback for Hampton University. It's probably not where he...

Mark Richt might still be coaching had he better listened to 'what God has to say about rest'

The first weekend of college football is almost here, and for the first time since...

MAGAZINE: Devin McCourty lives for something way bigger than Super Bowls

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

Steph Curry offers large donation to bring golf programs back to Howard University

Steph Curry is known more for sinking threes in the NBA than sinking putts on...

Letter by 9-year-old Red Sox fan inspired Orioles' Chris Davis to break out of historic slump

The 2019 MLB season didn't begin quite like Baltimore Orioles' first baseman Chris Davis had...

L.A. Angels' Albert Pujols sets MLB record for most hits by foreign-born player

In the fourth inning of Wednesday's game between the Los Angeles Angels and Pittsburgh Pirates,...

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston enters contract year with his identity in Christ

The 2019 NFL season will be one of adjustments for fifth-year quarterback Jameis Winston and...

Twins pitcher Kyle Gibson enjoying strong season as he fulfills 'duty for evangelism'

The 2019 MLB season has been good to starting pitcher Kyle Gibson and his Minnesota...

New England Patriots' Matthew Slater reflects Christ as he prepares for 12th NFL season

Longtime New England Patriot Matthew Slater has built an 11-year NFL career by chasing down...

Cardinals' Paul Goldschmidt wins Player of the Month, finds his foundation in Christ

As Paul Goldschmidt goes, so go the St. Louis Cardinals. Goldschmidt was named the July...

Pro Football Hall of Fame President David Baker, a 'sinner saved by grace of Jesus,' prepares for Hall Of Fame Weekend

As the summer of 2019 hits the backstretch and the fall comes into focus, football...

Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz gives young boy a chance to meet his hero

There were tears Friday morning at the Philadelphia Eagles' training camp, but these were tears...

Michigan State forward Xavier Tillman trusts in God as he leads preseason-No. 1 Spartans

It's only July, but many college basketball experts have already decided who they think next...

Golfer J.B. Holmes among British Open leaders, thankful to God for surviving two brain surgeries

Through two rounds of golf's British Open in Portrush, Northern Ireland, J.B. Holmes was tied...

Surfer Bethany Hamilton is 'Unstoppable' in newly released documentary

A new documentary produced by Entertainment Studios titled “Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable” is making waves across...

St. Louis Cardinals' Paul Goldschmidt excited as spiritual journey continues in St. Louis

The St. Louis Cardinals held their annual Christian Family Day on Sunday after beating the...

Matt Cullen's faith-filled, 21-season journey through the NHL comes to an end

Pittsburgh Penguins center Matt Cullen on Wednesday announced his decision to retire in a lengthy...

Miami Dolphins DT Kendrick Norton praises God after car accident leads to arm being amputated

Early on Thursday morning, Kendrick Norton, a defensive tackle with the Miami Dolphins, was severely...

White Sox catcher James McCann overcame odds at birth to receive 1st All-Star Game berth

James McCann seems to have adjusted well to life in Chicago. >> Subscribe to Sports...

Timberwolves rookie Jarrett Culver ready for NBA Summer League with God 'the priority in my life'

For Jarrett Culver and the other 59 players selected in the 2019 NBA Draft, the...

MLB umpire Chris Guccione invited 13-year-old umpire caught in youth-league brawl to Rockies-Dodgers game

MLB umpire Chris Guccione is used to making tough calls. This one, however, was easy....

Four-star QB Chubba Purdy commits to Louisville, thanks his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Chubba Purdy, a four-star quarterback in the class of 2020 at Perry High School in...

UNC's Cameron Johnson says 'isn't God good' after being selected 11th overall in NBA Draft

The 2019 NBA Draft will be remembered mostly for the raw emotion of so many...

North Carolina's Coby White looks to God in midst of pain as NBA Draft approaches

Ask anyone who's ever been drafted and they'll say there's nothing in this world quite...

Toronto Raptors' Jeremy Lin after NBA Finals: God is 'just as good at the mountaintop'

Jeremy Lin recorded only one minute of action in the NBA Finals (Game 3). But...

Kevin Durant's mother 'thankful for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ' after son ruptures Achilles

Golden State Warriors superstar Kevin Durant announced via Instagram that he underwent surgery to repair...

Oregon QB Tyler Shough gets baptized, excited for what God has planned

Tyler Shough watched from the sidelines last season as Justin Herbert quarterbacked the Oregon Ducks...

NCAA baseball Super Regionals underway as numerous coaches live out faith in Christ

It's the most exciting month of the college baseball season. The Super Regionals are taking...

Boston's David Backes putting friendships with former teammates aside during Stanley Cup Finals

David Backes is with the Boston Bruins now, but he spent the first 10 seasons...

Toronto Raptors' longtime PA announcer, co-chaplain uses voice 'to bring joy to people's lives'

Herbie Kuhn won't garner many national headlines. His face blends in with the rest of...

Former MLB player Bill Buckner passes away, now 'in the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'

Bill Buckner, who spent 22 years as a first baseman and outfielder in the major...

Former Olympic volleyball player Danielle Scott finds refuge in God after domestic violence tragedy

When Danielle Scott looks down at her hands, it's hard to ignore the scars from...

Tim Tebow belts his first Triple-A home run, gets silent treatment from teammates in dugout

It took 34 games as a member of the Syracuse Mets (24-18), but Tim Tebow...

How NBA Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady influenced Judah Smith to become a pastor

Look at Tracy McGrady's long list of career accomplishments, and you'll find something surprising. I'm...

Top-seeded Oklahoma softball team finds strength in Christ as NCAA Tournament begins

Starting Thursday, the nation's 64 best softball teams will begin the chase for the NCAA...

Brothers Steph and Seth Curry set for showdown in NBA Western Conference Finals

It'll be a family reunion of sorts when the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden...

Toronto's Kawhi Leonard says 'God is good' after his buzzer-beater sends Raptors to East finals

With 4.2 seconds left in a tied Game 7 of the Toronto Raptors' second-round playoff...

Atlanta Falcons rookie RB Qadree Ollison chooses forgiveness over hatred after brother's murder

It was 10:20 on the morning of October 14, 2017, and Qadree Ollison was preparing...

Dallas Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott pays for funeral of 8th-grade football star struck by stray bullet

The heartbreaking story of Jaylon McKenzie touched the hearts of millions around the country, and...

Boston Bruins forward David Backes bounces back in NHL playoffs as he leans on God

Boston forward David Backes all but shut the door on the Columbus Blue Jackets and...

San Antonio's LaMarcus Aldridge finds strength in his faith as Spurs do battle in NBA playoffs

The No. 7-seeded San Antonio Spurs and No. 2-seeded Denver Nuggets have traded wins throughout...

Philadelphia 76ers' Tobias Harris gives 'all glory to God' after perfect 3-point shooting night

The Philadelphia 76ers regained control of their first-round playoff matchup against the Brooklyn Nets on...

QB Russell Wilson gives glory to God after signing 4-year extension with Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks just made quarterback Russell Wilson the highest-paid player in the NFL. The...

Retired NFL tight end Benjamin Watson supports rebuild of 3 Louisiana churches

Former NFL tight end Benjamin Watson retired this offseason, but that doesn't mean he's taking...

Duke freshmen RJ Barrett, Cam Reddish thank God as they declare for NBA Draft

Duke freshman Cam Reddish announced Thursday he was declaring for the upcoming NBA Draft —...

Pittsburgh Penguins center Matt Cullen trusts in the Lord's plan as team enters NHL playoffs

Pittsburgh Penguins' center Matt Cullen is no stranger to the postseason. He's been there 11...

Faith-filled college coaches Dabo Swinney, Tony Bennett are champions for the Lord

Virginia men's basketball. Clemson football. These two programs have more in common than the color...

Hall of Fame inductee Bobby Jones says basketball has 'given me a platform to share my faith'

In the midst of the Final Four festivities in Minneapolis on Saturday, the Naismith Memorial...

PGA Tour golfer Cameron Tringale donates earnings to aid children with Compassion International

Content for this story was provided by our partner, Compassion International. For just $38 a month,...

Virginia guard Kyle Guy relying on his faith in the Lord as he leads Cavaliers to Final Four

The Virginia men's basketball team earned more than just a spot in the Final Four...

MAGAZINE: Oregon's Sabrina Ionescu is the Walking Triple-Dub

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

Auburn, head coach Bruce Pearl 'put the Lord first' as team competes in NCAA Tournament

As head coach Bruce Pearl and his fifth-seeded Auburn Tigers prepare for their Sweet 16...

Nate Oats leaves Buffalo to take over as head men's basketball coach at Alabama

Alabama announced Wednesday that it has hired Nate Oats as its new men's basketball head...

Stephen Curry's Unanimous Media production company to release 'Emanuel' June 17 and 19

Stephen Curry's production company, Unanimous Media, has announced the release of "Emanuel," a documentary film...

Marquette's Markus Howard plays for God while leading Golden Eagles to NCAA Tournament

Markus Howard has had quite the season. The junior guard is averaging 25.0 points, 4.0...

No. 1 seed Mississippi State leans on women's head coach Vic Schaefer as he leans on the Lord

Owning a 30-2 record and a Southeastern Conference title, Mississippi State joined Baylor, Notre Dame...

North Carolina earns No. 1 seed behind Godly seniors Cameron Johnson, Luke Maye, Kenny Williams

North Carolina is no stranger to No. 1 seeds. In fact, its men's team has...

Odell Beckham Jr. thanks N.Y. Giants for allowing him to do 'what God put me on this earth to do'

Odell Beckham Jr. posted a message on his Instagram page Thursday thanking the New York...

Wofford basketball's Fletcher Magee breaking records and following Christ

It happens every March. Someone captures America's heart while they lead a team deep in...

Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins and his wife Julie welcome their second child

Make room, Cooper, there's a new addition to the Cousins household. On Sunday, Minnesota Vikings...

Baylor's Jake Lindsey leans on God's promises as he's forced to end basketball career

The athletics program at Baylor University periodically releases in-depth, personal articles about its athletes on...

Oregon's Sabrina Ionescu wins PAC-12 Player of the Year while playing for Christ

Oregon guard Sabrina Ionescu was named PAC-12 Player of the Year this week for the...

Quarterback Nick Foles expected to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars

Nick Foles appears to be headed to Jacksonville. The Jaguars are expected to sign the...

Liberty men's basketball eyes NCAA tourney after school-record 24th win

With its defeat of Kennesaw State 76-59 on Tuesday, which was Senior Night, the Liberty...

Colorado Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado signs 8-year contract extension

Rest assured Rockies fans, Nolan Arenado won't be leaving Colorado any time soon. ESPN's Jeff...

Pro golfer Zach Johnson participates in St. Louis Cardinals' batting practice

A new face stole the show at batting practice for the St. Louis Cardinals on...

Buddy Hield 'trusts in God' as Sacramento Kings seek return to NBA playoffs

Buddy Hield of the Sacramento Kings did not hide his feelings when asked about his...

MAGAZINE: North Carolina's Luke Maye is headlining the Heels

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

Top-5 Daytona 500 finisher Michael McDowell drives to 'glorify God'

Sunday marked the 61st running of the Daytona 500 — by far the most prestigious...

Wisconsin's D'Cota Dixon accepts Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award

Wisconsin Badgers safety D’Cota Dixon took home the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year...

Rising NBA broadcaster Kristen Ledlow aims 'to shine a light in the dark places'

Many NBA fans have heard of Kristen Ledlow from her work with NBA TV and...

Daniel Jeremiah says journey to NFL Network has been guided by faith in Christ

Ask Daniel Jeremiah about virtually any NFL draft hopeful, and he’s quick to rattle off...

'Death Row Chaplain' Earl Smith a source of inspiration as he ministers to Warriors, 49ers

Getting shot six times from point-blank range usually marks the tragic end to life. But...

Bengals chaplain LaMorris Crawford overcomes incredible odds to impact lives for Christ

LaMorris Crawford knows pain. He knows struggle. He knows what it’s like to live a...

MAGAZINE: Preach It, Dabo Swinney — Clemson's coach is unashamed of the Gospel

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

Two-time Super Bowl champion, former college football coach Bill Curry eternally grateful for God's love and mercy

Sit back and think for a moment about some of the most memorable names in...

CBS Sports Radio Host Amy Lawrence lives for Jesus first

It is often said that nothing good happens after midnight. But that’s not quite true....

Kings forward Justin Jackson embraces role as spiritual leader in unpredictable NBA

On Thursday night, the NBA landscape changed ever so slightly as it welcomed a brand...