Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons point to God after ACL injuries

NFL stars Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons point to God after ACL injuries: ‘I trust His timing’

By Joshua Doering Dec 16, 2025

Micah Parsons, left, and Patrick Mahomes, Dec. 14, 2025. (AP Photos)

The entire outlook of the NFL season took a drastic turn on Sunday afternoon. In the early time slot, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs were trying to keep their playoff hopes alive against the Los Angeles Chargers.

With Kansas City trailing 16-13 late in the fourth quarter, Mahomes scrambled to his right and was tackled by Chargers defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand as he threw the ball away. Mahomes grabbed his left knee right away and left the game. Initial fears were soon confirmed: It was a torn ACL.

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Mahomes is done for the year, and the Chiefs (6-8) were officially eliminated from playoff contention with the loss. For the first time since the Mahomes era began in 2018, they will not be playing in the AFC Championship Game. The last time the organization missed the playoffs was 2014.

Just a few hours later on Sunday, Green Bay Packers star Micah Parsons fell to the ground and grabbed his knee as he chased Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix. An MRI on Monday confirmed that he too had torn his ACL. Green Bay lost, 34-26, and had other players leave the game with injuries as well.

The Packers (9-4-1) are now behind the Chicago Bears in the NFC North, but still in possession of a wild-card spot. They acquired Parsons in a blockbuster deal right before the season, hoping he was the final piece of a Super Bowl team. He was justifying the four-year, $188 million deal Green Bay had signed him to with 12.5 sacks in 14 games for the team.

When his diagnosis was announced, Parsons took to Instagram to thank everyone within the Packers organization for their support and to declare his unwavering belief in God’s plan for him.

“I may be sidelined, but I am not defeated,” he wrote Monday. “This injury is my greatest test — a moment God allowed to strengthen my testimony. I believe He walks with me through this storm and chose me for this fight because He knew my heart could carry it. I’m deeply grateful to the Packers organization and my teammates for their unwavering support, love, and belief in me during this season. I trust His timing, His plan, and His purpose. I will rise again.”

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In a conversation with Hall of Fame cornerback and pastor Aeneas Williams back in August, Parsons shared that one of his goals is for people to see the Lord through him.

“I’ve had amazing success,” he told Williams. “I’ve had a great career so far, and I just hope I can continue to represent God and represent myself.”

Mahomes also turned to his faith in God when he posted on X after the game Sunday.

“Don’t know why this had to happen,” he wrote. “And not going to lie it’s hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back stronger than ever.”

Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it’s hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back…

— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) December 14, 2025

The three-time Super Bowl champion has publicly shared about his relationship with God throughout his career, especially while talking with the media during Super Bowl week. Before last season’s Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Mahomes told Sports Spectrum who Jesus is to him.

“Jesus is my Lord and Savior,” he said. “He’s someone that I look up to every single day to decide what I want to do with my life and how I want to live my life. So, Jesus is everything to me at the end of the day.”

Both Mahomes and Parsons will lean on the Lord as they begin their recovery. The timeline for athletes to return after tearing an ACL is typically between six and 12 months.

Green Bay visits the Bears (10-4) in a crucial divisional game Saturday night (8 p.m. ET) while Kansas City faces the Tennessee Titans (2-10) at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.

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Football

Indiana Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza wins Heisman Trophy while ‘always praising Jesus Christ’

By Kevin Mercer Dec 15, 2025

Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza holds his Heisman Trophy, Dec. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza entered the college football history books on Saturday evening, becoming the latest winner of the Heisman Trophy.

Mendoza is the first Hoosier ever to win college football’s highest award. The redshirt junior beat out Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin.

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“First of all,” Mendoza said during his acceptance speech, “I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to chase a dream that once felt a world away. Standing here tonight, holding this bad boy, representing Indiana University, still doesn’t feel real.”

He went on to thank his teammates and coaches, Hoosier fans, the University of California (where he got his collegiate start), and his family.

Fernando Mendoza's speech after winning the Heisman 👏 pic.twitter.com/l2xvqJzKju

— ESPN (@espn) December 14, 2025

“I want every kid out there who feels overlooked — underestimated — to know I was you,” Mendoza said as he concluded his speech. “I was that kid too. I was in your shoes. The truth is you don’t need the most stars, hype or rankings. You just need discipline, heart and people who believe in you. And you need to believe in your own abilities. I hope this moment shows you that chasing your dreams [is] worth it, no matter how big or impossible they seem.

“God bless, go Hoosiers, thank you guys.”

Later, in a press conference following the award ceremony, Mendoza expanded on his relationship with God.

“My faith is a huge component (of this award),” he said. “It’s basically the sole reason why I got here. All the bumps and bruises and the path that God has laid out for me, I wouldn’t want it any other way. … Building that faith throughout college and now being able to share my faith with these amazing teammates, just the community of faith, having God on my side, always praising Jesus Christ, it’s incredible. And I can’t thank the Man above enough.”

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Mendoza originally committed to Yale as a three-star quarterback recruit out of Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, but he flipped his commitment to Cal before enrolling. After redshirting as a freshman in 2022, Mendoza became the Golden Bears’ starter halfway through the 2023 season. He continued to impress the following year, entered the transfer portal after the season, and committed to Indiana 12 days later.

Mendoza’s career truly took off in his first season with the Hoosiers this fall. He completed 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards with 33 touchdowns against only six interceptions. His 33 TD tosses led all of FBS while his total QBR (181.4) was No. 2, less than a point behind Sayin’s. Mendoza also carried the ball 69 times for 240 yards and six more scores.

He enjoyed immense team success as well in 2025. Indiana finished the regular season 12-0, winning by an average of 33.4 points per game. Then in the Big Ten Championship Game, Mendoza’s No. 2 Hoosiers bested Sayin’s No. 1 Buckeyes, 13-10, to capture Indiana’s first conference championship since 1967.

“I want to give all the glory to God,” an emotional Mendoza said on the field after the Big Ten title game. “We were never supposed to be in this position, but by the glory of God, the great coaches, the great teammates, everyone we have around us, we were able to pull this off.”

The sports world has seen Mendoza acknowledge his Heavenly Father after some of the biggest triumphs in college football. However, in a less-viewed media availability a day before the Heisman Trophy ceremony, he spoke of the challenges he’s faced as gifts from God too. The COVID pandemic disrupted his high school experience and hamstrung his college recruiting. Meanwhile, his mother, Elsa, lives with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and uses a wheelchair.

“I’m really happy that God put those bumps and challenges in my life,” he told the media. “… Evidently, those have been blessings because they’ve lit a fire underneath myself in order to make myself work harder and get to the point that I am today. Still a long way to go, however I really do thank God for all the bumps and bruises that my family and I have accrued in order to catapult us to this position right here today.”

Mendoza finds time in his busy football schedule to raise money for MS research.

“I believe that I would not be here without the path that my Lord, Jesus Christ, has put me on today,” he told the media. “And so that’s why I always try to give Him the glory and always give Him the thanks, as I know He has a plan for me. Whether it’s helping those raise awareness for MS, whether it’s praising His glory, or helping my teammates and coaches in service to them on the field. Whatever it is, I always try to give the glory.”

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Mendoza might not be done hoisting trophies just yet this season. He leads his team into the College Football Playoff as the No. 1 overall seed, hoping to direct the Hoosiers all the way to the program’s first national championship. Indiana has a first-round bye and will take on the winner of the matchup between No. 9 Alabama and No. 8 Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1 at 4 p.m. ET.

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Football Sports Spectrum Podcast

SS PODCAST: Former NFL receiver Mohamed Massaquoi on faith, football, amputation

By Sports Spectrum Dec 12, 2025

Mohamed Massaquoi in 2013. (AP Photo)

THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE, FEATURING MOHAMED MASSAQUOI

Mohamed Massaquoi is a former NFL wide receiver who played five seasons with the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars. He was selected in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft by Cleveland after a stellar career in college with Georgia, where he was a first-team All-SEC selection in 2008.

Today on the podcast, Matt Forte talks to Mohamed Massaquoi about his college choice of Georgia, lessons learned from playing with the Browns, his draft-day experience, transitioning out of the NFL, the accident that caused him to have four fingers amputated, and how God has remained constant in his life through the highs and lows.

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“The highest human act is to inspire.” – Nip pic.twitter.com/zhGXFhqalY

— Mohamed Massaquoi (@IronMassaquoi) May 3, 2025

PLEASE CONSIDER SUBSCRIBING, FOLLOWING AND LEAVING A REVIEW

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Football

Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia knows ‘Christ is real’ amid long journey to become Heisman finalist

By Cole Claybourn Dec 11, 2025

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)

Diego Pavia has always believed in himself, even when others might not have. All he needed was a chance — a theme that would resurface again and again on his way to stardom at Vanderbilt, and eventually, to discovering a faith that reshaped his entire life.

That journey began long before SEC stadiums or Heisman Trophy chatter. It started at junior college, where football was present but clarity wasn’t. Pavia carried big dreams, but also big questions.

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“I went to JUCO. I had questions about God. It was like God wasn’t really in my life, and it was like, where am I?” he said this week on “The Pivot Podcast” with Ryan Clark. “I met these two dudes — Dalton Bowles and Carson Sullivan. One’s a preacher right now and one’s a coach. These dudes led me to Christ. The first time I ever prayed, really, on my hands and knees, tears were dropping from my eyes. I got up and it was just tears of joy — coming to the Lord and Savior. Ever since then, it was like, this is what I needed. It was a relationship with God.”

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And as he moved on to New Mexico State in 2022, God kept placing people in his path. At NMSU, Pavia crossed paths with tight end Eli Stowers, whose faith wasn’t loud or performative, but steady and unmistakable. Stowers’ conviction and example through how he lived his life made an imprint on Pavia, so much so that Pavia believes they weren’t teammates by accident — both at New Mexico State and eventually at Vanderbilt.

“It was just like, Christ is real, and this is the reason why I am here right now,” Pavia said on the podcast.

But his belief in God didn’t mean his football path suddenly smoothed out. His road to the SEC was anything but easy. When he entered the transfer portal, interest was minimal.

“When I hit the transfer portal, no one wanted me,” he said. “My biggest offer was Washington State. No disrespect to Washington State, I thought I was better than that.”

He committed to Nevada at first, unsure he could complete the 21 credits Vanderbilt required for admission. But everything changed when Pavia received a phone call from Jerry Kill, his head coach at New Mexico State who had recently retired. Turns out, Kill wasn’t totally done in football yet. He told Pavia he was joining Vanderbilt’s staff as a chief consultant, and he didn’t mince words.

“You’re coming with me,” Kill told him.

That was all Pavia needed.

“I’m a loyal dude,” he said. “I feel like you took a chance on me coming from JUCO to New Mexico State, with this opportunity in the SEC, I’m going to take it.”

The chance he had long been waiting for had finally arrived — and he made the most of it.

He broke onto the scene last season, leading Vanderbilt to a 7-6 season and a win in the Birmingham Bowl. But this fall, Pavia became one of the most dynamic players in college football. He led Vanderbilt to a 10–2 record, claimed the 2025 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award last week, and was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year on Wednesday, two days after he was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, which will be revealed at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday.

Pavia amassed 4,018 yards of total offense with 36 total touchdowns while leading the SEC in pass efficiency (171.5), touchdown passes (27) and completion percentage (71.2%). He ranks second nationally in total offense (334.8 yards per game) and became the first Vanderbilt player ever to top 300 passing yards and 100 rushing yards in a single game (Nov. 8).

Yet for all the production, the statistics only reinforce the belief he’s carried his whole life.

“I was like, ‘I can win wherever I go. I just need a chance. I just need an opportunity,'” he said on “The Pivot.” “The NFL as well — just give me a chance. I just want an opportunity and I can show you that I’m going to play. That’s just who I feel I am deep inside. I’m a true competitor who, at all costs, I’m going to beat you out. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you do, where you came from, I’m going to win. That’s how I grew up being.”

His confidence and authenticity have never wavered — not when he was overlooked in recruiting, not when schools passed on him in the portal, and not even when he stumbled publicly. After Vanderbilt stunned No. 1 Alabama last year, fans stormed the field and emotions exploded. Pavia, overwhelmed by the moment, praised God on live TV.

“It’s literally all God’s timing,” he said on SEC Network. “Literally from the jump. God gave me a vision when I was a little kid, and He don’t let back any promises. It’s God’s timeline. I’m super thankful.”

Seconds later, caught up in the chaos, he blurted out a celebratory expletive.

“GAMES LIKE THIS CHANGE YOUR LIFE!”

DIEGO PAVIA AFTER UPSETTING NO. 1 ALABAMA 😤 @VandyFootball pic.twitter.com/IclRKTOjzw

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 5, 2024

By the next morning, he knew he hadn’t represented himself or his faith the way he wanted to. His apology came quickly and publicly:

“I’m sorry for cussing last night but, God you are the TRUTH AND ALL THE GLORY GOES TO YOU!! For yall that don’t know him, get to know him. HE IS MAGICAL!!”

Later that week, he thanked God again for His “guidance and patience,” hoping others might come to know Jesus the way he has.

Now, after finishing the 2025 season 10-2 and just outside of the College Football Playoff field, Pavia and the No. 14 Commodores will face No. 23 Iowa in the Reliaquest Bowl at 12 p.m. ET on Dec. 31.

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Saints veteran LB Demario Davis among NFL’s top 10 in tackles while ‘serving Jesus well’

By Kevin Mercer Dec 10, 2025

New Orleans Saints LB Demario Davis, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

In a sport that takes such a physical tole on a player’s body, in a league that prioritizes youth, at a position where dominance is rarely achieved past the age of 30, NFL linebacker Demario Davis stands apart. The New Orleans Saints’ star, who will turn 37 in January, is once again in the middle of one of the best seasons of his career.

He’s eighth in the NFL in total tackles with 118, and all players in front of him are in their 20s except for Washington’s Bobby Wagner (aged 35). With four games remaining in the 2025-26 season, Davis could set a new career high in tackles; his current career high is 136, set just one season ago. Davis also has two pass deflections, two forced fumbles (tied for a career high), a fumble recovery, and five tackles for loss this season.

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As a team, the Saints are 3-10 and in the middle of a rebuilding year. However, New Orleans did beat the division-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road on Sunday, 24-20, in a game where Davis tied for the team lead with seven tackles.

Another 4th down STOP!

Our Man of the Year @demario__davis #ProBowlVote | 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/7Vq2O238nU

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 7, 2025

Spirits remain high inside the New Orleans locker room, and it all starts with the team’s veteran leader.

“It really shows our culture. I think nobody wants to be 3-10. Nobody wants to be there. But not all 3-10s look the same,” Davis said after the game. “… You would not think you’re looking at a 3-10 defense. That’s a testament to our front, that’s a testament to our second-level guys, that’s a testament to our back-end guys, that’s a testament to our coaches, that’s a testament to the culture that is being built here, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Originally a third-round pick of the New York Jets out of Arkansas State in 2012, Davis became a solid starter in four seasons with the team. But after one year with the Cleveland Browns and another back with the Jets, he signed with the Saints in March 2018. He was 29 at the time his contract was signed, and he’s only gotten better in New Orleans.

Davis has surpassed the 100-tackle plateau in each of his eight seasons in the black and gold, earning a first-team All-Pro selection in 2019, second-team All-Pro selections in 2020-23, and Pro Bowl selections in 2022 and 2023. He’s proven extremely durable as well, very rarely missing games, and he’s become one of the most respected and inspiring leaders in the NFL. He’s been a team captain since his signing.

Davis has excelled off the field in New Orleans as well. He won the Bart Starr Award in 2021, “created to honor the NFL player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field, and in the community,” according to the award’s website. On Tuesday, another distinction came Davis’ way, when he was named a finalist for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.

Davis has also been nominated three times while with the Saints (including this season) for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, given annually to recognize a player for his community impact and on-field performance. The winner will be announced at the NFL Honors on Feb. 5.

“Man, it’s a tremendous honor,” Davis told the media after news broke. “I think every time you get a recognition of this stature, it takes you back to your ‘why.’ And for me, my ‘why’ will always be centered around my faith. I think we’re called to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth, and I’m so grateful to this organization because of the platform that I have here.

“… To be able to live out your ‘why’ is so rewarding.”

⚜️ Demario Davis on Giving Back to the Community & His WPMOY Nomination 🙌

Demario Davis said being nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is one of the greatest honors of his career, because of what it represents — leadership, service, and making an impact beyond… pic.twitter.com/Rv11bQ8t9O

— Adrian Heart of Gaming (@AdrianHeart504) December 5, 2025

Later, Davis explained that he involved himself much more in his community once he saw and understood God’s love for those who’ve been beaten down by life.

“I became a lot more community-oriented in college when my life changed,” he said. “Once I gave my life to Christ, it became more about living for something that was greater than myself. I had always been about the glory that I could get on the field, and once my life changed, it became, ‘How can I serve?’ Or, ‘How can I use the platform to impact the locker room and how can I use the game to impact the community?'”

For years, Davis has been one of the most outspoken followers of Christ in the NFL. He calls himself a “servant of Christ” on his X account and points to Christ frequently in interviews and press conferences. He has been known for his “Man of God” headband, faith-based celebrations, and eye black that references Bible verses.

During his most recent appearance on the Sports Spectrum Podcast in November 2024, Davis said all of the things he does to serve others and proclaim the Gospel stems from a heart that has been transformed by the love of Christ. It’s obedience to Him that impels Davis outward.

“It really wasn’t about all that extra stuff and going out and serving Jesus well with my life,” he said. “It was about loving Jesus well with my personhood, and just sitting before Him and sitting at His feet. … ‘Whatever You do with this platform — however great You make it — I’m gonna represent You.'”

Grounded in Christ, Davis will seek to continue to provide veteran leadership while anchoring an improving Saints defense. New Orleans will have an opportunity to win back-to-back games for the first time this season when the team faces another division rival, the Carolina Panthers (7-6), on Sunday. Kickoff is set for New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome at 4:25 p.m. ET.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<