COVID-19 has forced college football teams to adjust nearly everything they do. On top of it all, the Memphis Tigers have had to transition from head coach Mike Norvell (now at Florida State) to Ryan Silverfield. Yet the results have remained the same.
The Tigers sit at 4-2 and are closing in on another winning season, which would be the program’s seventh consecutive. It all starts with senior quarterback Brady White.
>> Subscribe to Sports Spectrum Magazine for more stories where sports and faith connect <<
White was named the American Athletic Conference’s offensive player of the week for the third time this season after leading his Tigers to two touchdown drives in the final four minutes for a 34-33 win over South Florida on Saturday. He finished the game with 30 completions on 50 attempts for 437 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. On the season, he’s tossed 22 touchdowns with only five interceptions.
.@MemphisFB QB @BradyWhite223 has been named Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 437 yards and four touchdowns in the Tigers comeback win this weekend. #AmericanPow6r pic.twitter.com/CPSJstfg8R
— American Football (@American_FB) November 9, 2020
After spending his freshman season in 2016 at Arizona State, White is now in his third season leading the Tigers after following Norvell to Memphis. There, White has carved out quite the niche. He is the winningest quarterback in Memphis history with 24, is tied for the most touchdown passes with 81, and is second all-time in passing yards (9,438). Twelve of White’s wins came a year ago, as Memphis earned a spot in the Cotton Bowl.
Nationally in 2020, White is fifth in the country with 2,128 passing yards and a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, given to a player each year who best combines academics, community service and on-field performance.
And even as his star continues to rise in the national college football landscape, White has continued to share his faith. On his Twitter account, he says he is a son of God and references Romans 5:8 — “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
View this post on Instagram
When he announced in January that he was returning to Memphis for his final year of eligibility, he made sure to thank God for His steadfast love.
View this post on Instagram
“I thank God every day for who He is, all He has done in my life, and for bringing me to this amazing city, university, and program,” his Instagram post began.
Then, in the midst of heightened racial tensions after the killing of unarmed Black people earlier this year, White spoke out about the issue through the lens of his faith.
“For me, it’s about loving one another and treating everyone the way we would want to be treated,” he told the Memphis Flyer in September. “It’s a principle we’re taught at a young age. I was created in God’s image, a person who’s imperfect. I know He created everyone else the same. That’s common sense and natural to me.”
Later, he added, “I’m a genuine human being. With that comes belief and confidence. I’m a man of faith. I know who my Creator is, and I know who He created me to be. I play for an audience of One. I love my family, my friends and all of Tiger Nation, but I look to play for my audience of One, and that’s my Lord and Savior. It frees me up, because I have that peace and comfort as a player. I’m able to maximize the abilities I’ve been blessed with. I’m not perfect, but I’m my own unique and special player and quarterback. I know what value I have.”
Memphis was scheduled to play at Navy on Saturday but the game was postponed after a number of positive COVID-19 cases within Navy’s program. Next on the Tigers’ schedule is a home game against 5-3 Stephen F. Austin on Nov. 21. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET.
RELATED STORIES:
– Brady White living out ‘God’s plan’ as he leads Tigers to historic season
– From walk-on to starter, Purdue QB Aidan O’Connell seeks to glorify God
– NEW PODCAST: Herm Edwards – Arizona State head football coach
– MAGAZINE: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is stepping up in faith
– NEW PODCAST: Danny Wuerffel – Former Heisman Trophy-winning QB
