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We’re all in the middle of a story, and whether we admit it or not, we want our stories to matter. It’s those stories of deep and lasting impact that come to life when a person encounters Jesus, and responds to Him by faith. “I Once Was” invites professional athletes to share their own transformational stories, describing the very moment that changed their lives forever.
On today’s episode of Sports Spectrum’s “What’s Up” podcast, we have Matt Freese!
Matt joins the show ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to talk about his faith in Christ, the U.S. men’s national team, and his soccer journey.
“What’s Up” is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<
🇺🇸 0-0 🇵🇹
Matt Freese denies Bruno Fernandes 🧤
pic.twitter.com/g4dHlFUQnB— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 31, 2026
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– Josh Cameron, Former Baylor Wide Receiver
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Mark McKenzie is a defender with Toulouse in France’s top league, and a member of the U.S. men’s national team preparing for the 2026 World Cup. He played college soccer at Wake Forest in 2017, and then turned pro, signing with the Philadelphia Union of MLS in 2018.
Today on the podcast, Mark McKenzie shares his God-story, takes us inside his preparation for the FIFA World Cup, and talks about what it means to represent the U.S. in the biggest soccer tournament in the world. He also shares how soccer became his sport of choice and why he places his identity in Jesus Christ.
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<
"Any time you get the chance to put on the shirt, it has a weight and privilege to it."
We met up with Mark McKenzie in France to look at what lies ahead in 2026. @ToulouseFC | @Ligue1_ENG pic.twitter.com/Nq9ip1AKtN
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) April 28, 2026
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– Elvis Amoh – Pro Soccer Player
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On today’s episode of Sports Spectrum’s “What’s Up” podcast, we have Tanner Tessmann!
Tanner joins the show to talk about playing for Lyon (Olympique Lyonnais) in France’s top league, his soccer journey, and his relationship with Christ. (This conversation was recorded prior to the U.S. men’s national team World Cup roster announcement on May 26.)
“What’s Up” is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<
The FC Dallas Agenda is peaking at the right time.
Tanner Tessmann’s first international goal! 🥹🇺🇸
pic.twitter.com/XO4o6PaUfV— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) November 19, 2025
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– Ryan Farber & Christian Chatterton, Auburn Baseball
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– Josh Cameron, Former Baylor Wide Receiver
– Tanner Koziol, Former Houston Tight End
– Malachi Fields, Former Notre Dame Wide Receiver
– Jalen Sundell, Seattle Seahawks Center
– DeAmez Ross, UCF Baseball
TreVeyon Henderson is a running back with the New England Patriots. He was a second-round draft pick in 2025 and in his rookie season helped New England to an AFC championship and a trip to Super Bowl LX. In college at Ohio State, he led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2024.
Today on the podcast, TreVeyon joins Matt Forte to talk about his rookie season in the NFL, being bold for Jesus, proclaiming his faith at the Super Bowl, and the importance of keeping Christ at the center of his marriage.
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<
Jesus came to set us free, let’s walk in freedom 🙏🏽
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
John 8:36 pic.twitter.com/BH92GuXfjF— TreVeyon Henderson (@TreVeyonH4) April 15, 2026
RELATED PODCASTS:
– TreVeyon Henderson on Sports Spectrum in 2024
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