WATCH: ‘I ONCE WAS’ – NFL Tight End Tyler Mabry
By Jon Ackerman Jun 18, 2025I ONCE WAS
Stories of life transformation from the pro sports world
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Tyler Mabry was raised by parents who regularly brought him to church, but when he got to college, he realized they weren’t there to do that anymore. He couldn’t rely on their faith; he had to develop his own. What he discovered was that following Jesus wasn’t just for church; he had to walk with Him daily. Tyler has since surrendered his life to God, discovered how to live a repentant lifestyle, and experienced being a new creation in Christ. He now continues to grow his faith by living in community with believers, and aiming to bring others to Christ so that they too can know He’s the lover of their souls.
Watch the video above to hear Tyler Mabry tell his “I Once Was” story.
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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 those in the pro sports world to share their own transformational stories, describing the very moment that changed their lives forever.
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– View videos on YouTube
SS PODCAST: Matt Forte’s dad Gene on Father’s Day, parenting, discipleship, legacy
By Sports Spectrum Jun 13, 2025THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE, FEATURING GENE FORTE
Gene Forte is the father of our Sports Spectrum host, Matt Forte. Gene was a defensive tackle at Tulane University from 1974 to 1978, and Matt played as a running back there from 2004 to 2007.
Today on the show, Gene joins his son Matt on a special Father’s Day edition of the Sports Spectrum Podcast. The conversation touches on the impact of fatherlessness in society, the power of forgiveness, and redemption in parenting. Gene shares valuable insights on how to be a good father, emphasizing love, discipline and the importance of spiritual guidance.
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<
Matt Forte and his father, Gene. One family, 2 generations of football players… 2 different takes on hairstyles. pic.twitter.com/wkAPshOhvt
— E60 (@E60) November 4, 2015
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SS PODCAST: SMU football head coach Rhett Lashlee on coaching as a calling, Godly leadership
By Sports Spectrum Jun 10, 2025THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE, FEATURING RHETT LASHLEE
Rhett Lashlee is the football head coach at SMU. He joined the program in 2022 after serving as an assistant coach for more than a decade with programs like Miami (Florida), Auburn and Connecticut.
In 2018 and 2019, he was SMU’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, before taking the same roles at Miami for 2020 and 2021.
Today on the podcast, Rhett Lashlee shares insights on building a winning culture in college football, navigating the challenges of modern college athletics, leading his team to the College Football Playoff, and the significance of discipleship and community in maintaining spiritual health.
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<
It’s simple, Christ died so that I, an unworthy hypocrite and a sinner, could LIVE. Love in its purest form. The Ultimate Sacrifice. #GoodFriday pic.twitter.com/CxRcWFnRY9
— Rhett Lashlee (@rhettlashlee) March 30, 2018
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SS PODCAST: NFL receiver K.J. Osborn on faith, football, rescuing a man from a burning car
By Sports Spectrum Jun 6, 2025THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE, FEATURING K.J. OSBORN
K.J. Osborn is a wide receiver in the NFL with the Washington Commanders. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by Minnesota. He spent four seasons with the Vikings (2020-23) before signing with the New England Patriots for 2024 and Washington for 2025.
In today’s conversation, K.J. Osborn shares about his experience as an NFL player, discussing the unique challenges he faces, including mental health issues, financial pressures, and the importance of faith. He recounts a heroic incident where he saved a man from a burning car, reflecting on the impact of that experience on his life and faith.
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<
Welcome back @KJ_Osborn! pic.twitter.com/tdiGaMF6MJ
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) March 14, 2025
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