THE INCREASE: Citizens of Heaven - Matt Forte

Football The Increase

THE INCREASE: Citizens of Heaven – Matt Forte

By The Increase Jul 3, 2019

Photo courtesy of Matt Forte

Football

MVP candidate Drake Maye leads Patriots knowing platform is to ‘spread the Good News’

By Cole Claybourn Jan 21, 2026

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Drake Maye’s 2025 season already stands as one of the best by a quarterback in New England Patriots history.

In his second year as the starter, Maye finished the regular season fourth in the NFL in passing yards (4,394), third in touchdown passes (31) and first in completion percentage (72.0%), QBR (77.1) and passer rating (113.5). He earned his second Pro Bowl selection, was named second-team All-Pro, and is one of the top contenders to be named league Most Valuable Player.

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And he has the Patriots back where the franchise spent so many Januaries during the Tom Brady era — in the AFC Championship Game. New England’s 14 regular-season wins this season tied for the second-most in franchise history; every other such campaign came with Brady under center. This one belongs to Maye.

New England’s path to the Super Bowl now runs through a matchup on the road with the No. 1-seeded Denver Broncos, though it won’t feature the quarterback duel many anticipated. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix suffered a fractured ankle late in Denver’s overtime win over the Buffalo Bills, ending his season. (The Broncos will start Jarrett Stidham, who was actually a fourth-round pick by the Patriots in 2019.)

Both drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Maye and Nix developed a friendship during their pre-draft process, training together and spending time with one another’s families. Their friendship developed over their shared faith in God.

“I got to train with Bo [during] the pre-draft and got to know him well; him and his family and his wife,” Maye said during his postgame press conference on Sunday. “First off, they’re just great people. Great Christians. I’ve really enjoyed being around Bo Nix and his family. Obviously, the news was heartbreaking for the player he is, the guy he is. I’m just praying for Bo and I know he’s going to bounce back. He’s a great player in this league. I look forward to matching up with him.”

🔟earned this nod 🙂‍↕️@DrakeMaye2 | @FedEx

VOTE: https://t.co/oB3X81PJB1 pic.twitter.com/G6MR4o56gF

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 9, 2026

While the matchup changed, the stage did not. Sunday will be Maye’s first AFC Championship Game, and he’ll have a chance to bring the Patriots back to where the organization and its fans were so accustomed to being in the early and mid-2000s: playing for a Super Bowl. They won six from 2001-18.

Through it all, Maye has remained consistent in pointing to the foundation that steadies him amid the accolades and expectations — his faith. He’s not as outwardly vocal about his faith as some athletes are, but he has said it’s never been something he was necessarily hesitant to share about when asked or when the time is appropriate. He mentions Jesus in his Instagram bio as well.

“I think the biggest thing is using my platform to spread the Word and spread the Good News,” he said in December while appearing on WEEI in Boston. “That’s one of the biggest things that I’ve tried to work on in my career is using my platform to inspire young kids or inspire even older people that may not be into their faith as much. Just to know that it’s out there for everybody.

“One of the biggest things in my life that I’ve learned is that there’s purpose and there’s passion. My passion is football and my purpose is [being] a believer and being strong in my faith.”

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That perspective has helped Maye navigate the highs and lows of this season without losing sight of what matters most. After New England’s statement victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 21, a win that significantly helped Patriots’ chances of winning the AFC East, Maye made sure to redirect the moment.

“I’m looking forward to celebrating with these guys,” he said in his postgame press conference. “Just props to them, and I just thank the good Lord — what a position I’m in in my life. Just stay strong in my faith and good things happen.”

The Patriots and Broncos will kick off at 3 p.m. ET Sunday in Denver on CBS.

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Football

Fernando Mendoza, Indiana cap 16-0 season with CFP national title: ‘All glory and thanks to God’

By Kevin Mercer Jan 20, 2026

Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza lifts the national championship trophy as WR Elijah Sarratt (13) and LB Aiden Fisher (4) look on, Jan. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

On a brisk Monday night in Miami, Indiana tied a cream-and-crimson bow on its dream season.

The No. 1 Hoosiers staved off a game Miami Hurricanes team, 27-21, to capture the 2025-26 College Football Playoff national title, becoming the first team in modern major college football history to finish 16-0. It is the first national championship for a program that, for much of its history, was a bottom-dweller in the Big Ten.

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Indiana’s star quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who in December won the first Heisman Trophy in Indiana history, etched his name into college football lore on what may be remembered as the play of the year. Leading 17-14 with less than 10 minutes remaining, the Hoosiers faced a 4th-and-4 decision at Miami’s 12-yard line. Either kick a field goal for a six-point advantage or put the ball in the hands of the nation’s best player. They chose the latter, running the already-battered QB on a delayed draw.

In true Heisman fashion, he survived numerous would-be tackles and dove into the end zone.

FERNANDO. MENDOZA.

THE PLAY OF A LIFETIME ‼️ pic.twitter.com/g3o5nNNslr

— ESPN (@espn) January 20, 2026

Monday night was truly a full-circle moment for Mendoza, who knelt in the end zone to pray minutes before the game kicked off. He grew up in Miami just minutes from the Hurricanes’ campus, and claims he was denied a walk-on offer from the school. He was lightly recruited out of high school and transferred to Indiana from the University of California in December 2024.

“I want to give all the glory and thanks to God,” Mendoza — who was named Offensive Player of the Game — told ESPN on the field as the confetti fell. He finished his interview by again giving glory to God, as he so often does.

“This is the most special moment of my life,” he said as he choked back tears. “I know my teammates, there’s no one else I’d rather [win a title] with. … God bless. Go Hoosiers.”

Mendoza has shared about his faith all season. At the players’ pregame media availability on Saturday, Mendoza was asked why his faith is important to him and why he often mentions Christ publicly.

“In today’s day and age, it can be very discouraging to talk about your faith, especially on national television,” he said. “However, I always want to stay true to myself and true to my authentic self. So, I know God has gotten me to this point, and I owe so much to Him. So I really can’t thank Him enough, and I give Him all the glory because He’s meant so much to myself and to my teammates and my family throughout this journey.

“Without Him, I would not be here. I wouldn’t have this opportunity that I have today without Him.”

As spectacular as Mendoza’s scramble was, however, it didn’t seal the game. Miami roared back with a touchdown of its own. Indiana then tacked on a field goal on the ensuing possession, made possible in part by a 19-yard back-shoulder grab on 3rd-and-7 by wide receiver Charlie Becker. He had a very similar catch on a 4th-and-5 play during the drive that ended with Mendoza’s heroic dive.

charlie becker; miami vs indiana pic.twitter.com/j3mOTmG0H6

— ◇ (@F0RGIAT0) January 20, 2026

Becker, who finished the night with four catches for 65 yards, is also a man of God.

“God is everything for me and my family,” Becker told the Christian Broadcast Network (CBN) at Saturday’s media availability. “The amazing things that He’s done, the gifts that He’s given me, it’s a blessing to be on this kind of stage and promoting Him.”

He also shared that Indiana had a large number of players attending team Bible studies on Thursdays this year. One of those players was presumably fellow wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., who led the Hoosiers with five receptions for 71 yards on Monday night.

“[Jesus] means everything,” he told CBN on Saturday. “That’s my Savior. That’s the Man that put His life on the line for us when He didn’t have to. One of the verses I remember a lot is, I believe, Romans 5:8 where it says, ‘Christ died for us while we were still sinners.’

“Christ already knew that, as humanity, we were born in sin. That we were going to sin. But He still did the will of the Father, and it just shows how much He loves us and what He’s willing to do for us.”

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Not to be overlooked in the aftermath of the title game was the performance by Indiana’s defense, especially in the first half. It held Miami and talented quarterback Carson Beck scoreless in the first 30 minutes, only allowing a CFP title-game record-low 69 yards. The unit has been led all season by two-time first-team All-American linebacker Aiden Fisher, who delivered once again with four tackles and the Hoosiers’ only sack.

DAHN GOES CARSON BECK

AIDEN FISHER GETS THE SACK#PMSBigCollegeGame pic.twitter.com/IbtOmy9NHc

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 20, 2026

Fisher was also asked on Saturday about his faith.

“My faith has been my everything,” he said. “[I’ve been] just going through a lot of ups and downs, trials and tribulations throughout my career, and my life, honestly. And I think coming to Indiana, I really learned that — how to walk in my faith a little bit better.”

Fisher shared that he has been heavily impacted by the Biblical story of Jesus calling the apostle Peter to walk on water with Him. While Peter’s eyes were on Jesus, he walked on water. When he diverted his eyes to the wind and waves, he began to sink before Jesus rescued him.

“When you think of it in a sense of how that translates to my life, it’s just, ‘Keep your eyes on Jesus. You’re going to be in big moments like this. You’re going to be in times that aren’t good, times that are great. It’s all those times that you need to just keep your eyes on Jesus. It will lead you in the right way. Just don’t look at the storm. Look at Jesus. Look at Him guiding you and leading you in the right direction.’

“And it’s been huge for me. I would not be sitting here without my faith in Jesus and the way that He’s been able to use me at a platform to glorify Him and show the testament.”

These Hoosiers are bonded for life by the perfect season they completed on Monday night. But for Mendoza, Becker, Cooper, Fisher and their other Christ-following teammates, they know their perfection was only a spotlight for the only One who is truly perfect.

“No one is perfect,” Mendoza declared during Saturday’s media availability. “The only Person I believe is perfect is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

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Football

‘Follower of Christ’ Omar Cooper Jr. uses Scripture to lock in during Indiana’s dream season

By Cole Claybourn Jan 15, 2026

Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) stiff arms a Penn State defender, Nov. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Win or lose, Indiana’s dream season will culminate Monday night as the undefeated Hoosiers (15-0) face Miami (13-2) in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. This Indiana unit already owns the most wins school history, but it could become the first major college team in the modern era to reach 16 victories (only Yale in 1894 has gone 16-0).

No single play defines a season, but if there’s one that was perhaps a catalyst for IU’s incredible run, it was Omar Cooper Jr.’s toe-tapping, game-winning catch on the road at Penn State on Nov. 8.

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Cooper snagged the pass from eventual Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in the back of the end zone, tapping his foot just inside the boundary as a defender tried to push him out of bounds. With just 36 seconds remaining, the catch kept Indiana’s perfect season alive and its hopes of playing for a Big Ten championship. The Hoosiers won out in the regular season, then defeated defending national champion Ohio State in the conference championship to earn the No. 1 seed for the College Football Playoff.

“That drive will go down in the annals of Indiana history as one of the most special moments that ever took place,” head coach Curt Cignetti told Hoosiers radio voice Don Fischer after the game. “Penn State was bringing everybody and we went into max protection. Cooper made an unbelievable catch. It’s a game of inches.”

On a team heavily comprised of transfers, especially those who came over from James Madison with Cignetti prior to last season, Cooper is one of the few who has spent his entire college career in Bloomington. The junior from Indianapolis has played in all 15 games this season and leads the Hoosiers in receptions (64) and receiving yards (866), and is second in touchdowns with 13.

In his first two years at IU, Cooper primarily lined up out wide, but he’s found success this season as a slot receiver. He told IUHoosiers.com that he likes the position because it gives him more route-running options.

“It allows my game to be more open and involved,” he said. “At first, I didn’t want to play slot, so I’m actually glad they made that decision.”

His team-high yards mark was aided by a career performance in Indiana’s 73-0 win over Indiana State on Sept. 12: 10 catches for 207 yards and four touchdowns. His next stat-heavy game came in a 38-13 win over Michigan State on Oct. 18, when he caught eight passes for 115 yards and a touchdown.

He’s come a long way since his freshman year, when he caught 18 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns. Speaking at an event on campus in November, he talked about how his faith played a pivotal role in his career, especially early on.

“Early in my college career, football wasn’t going well for me,” he said. “I just was expecting more and hoping for more. I just was spiraling bad after that.”

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Randomly, Proverbs 3:5-6 popped into his head. The verse says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

“In that moment, I was scared, but I felt peace,” he said at the on-campus event. “The fact that that just randomly happened — knowing that I wasn’t really living the life that I was supposed to be living, that God had planned for me, and I turned to the worldly things — it just sent a peace over my head and what I was going through. Ever since then, Jesus just truly changed the way that I see life.”

Cooper wears eye black in the shape of a cross as a statement of his faith in God and often uses his social media to proclaim his faith, with his Instagram bio stating that he’s a “Follower of Christ.” Many of his posts include Scripture.

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After his big game against Indiana State, he deflected any praise toward him and instead gave thanks to God.

“First, I just want to give all the glory and praise to God. I wouldn’t have been able to have that without Him,” Cooper said.

Cooper has another year of eligibility after this one, but he’ll have a decision to make following the championship game on whether to return to IU or enter the NFL Draft. With a sprint speed of nearly 22 miles per hour, he’s one of the fastest receivers in the Big Ten. Mendoza said Cooper’s combination of speed and catching skills will earn him a spot on an NFL roster.

Whichever level he chooses to play at, Cooper’s faith will remain at the forefront. Before he takes the field for a game, he recites Colossians 3:23-24: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

“I tell myself that every time I go on the field,” he told IUHoosiers.com. “It helps me push to the next level.”

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Injury & transfer led QB Carson Beck to Miami, now in title game: ‘God has a plan in everything’

By Cole Claybourn Jan 14, 2026

Miami quarterback Carson Beck scores the game-winning touchdown against Ole Miss, Jan. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

If Carson Beck could offer just one lesson from the past 12 months of his life, it’s to trust in God and His plan. Easier said than done, sure, but as he prepares to help Miami vie for a national championship on Monday, he offers his football career as an example.

Before transferring to Miami a year ago, he was a two-year starter at Georgia, where he went 24-3 and was a part of two national championship teams in 2021 and 2022. He entered the 2024 season as one of the top overall prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, and he played like it — throwing for 3,485 yards and 28 touchdowns with 12 interceptions as Georgia went on to win the SEC title.

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But his season was cut short after injuring his elbow on the final play of the first half in Georgia’s SEC championship game win over Texas. He had surgery a few weeks later to repair his ulnar collateral ligament, and just five days later on Dec. 28, he declared for the NFL Draft.

But the surgery meant he’d need to recover and not throw a football for about three months. Then he’d need to rebuild strength in his arm before throwing. Any hopes of working out at the NFL Combine were gone, as were any other pre-draft workouts. ESPN reported that Beck was told to expect to be drafted anywhere from the first to third round, and that some teams may be hesitant to take him with an early-round pick if they couldn’t see him throw ahead of time.

He told ESPN in a recent interview that he was “in a very dark place” and it was hard to see any future in football. So he went to God in prayer and sought advice from others close to him.

“I was just trying to accept what had happened,” he said in April 2025 on the “Built 4 More” podcast with pastor Joby Martin and Denny Thompson, a quarterback coach who has also served as a Godly mentor for Beck. “Just working through my mental and trying to make decisions on what my future was going to look like, we ultimately came to the conclusion that coming back to college was going to be the best idea for me.”

He immediately became one of the top prospects in the transfer portal and signed with Miami shortly after. He played high school football at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, so returning to Florida provided some level of familiarity. But effectively, it was a fresh start for Beck, who has said on several occasions that since he arrived at Miami, he’s found joy in playing football again.

“Going to a new place with new people and new coaches and kind of revitalizing everything — obviously leaving that behind and moving on to something new created new energy and good energy for me and my mental space,” he said on the podcast. “Ultimately, I do think it was the best decision for me.”

With Beck at the helm, the Hurricanes opened the season as the No. 10 team and quickly knocked off then-No. 6 Notre Dame, 27-24, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami in their first game. Miami finished the regular season 10-2 and snuck into the College Football Playoff as the No. 10 seed, which led to some debates on whether or not they belonged.

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But the Hurricanes have handled the criticism on the field, defeating No. 7-seed Texas A&M, 10-3, at Kyle Field, and then beating defending-national-champion and No. 2-seed Ohio State, 24-14, in the Cotton Bowl. Miami then out-dueled No. 6 Ole Miss, 31-27, in the Fiesta Bowl, with Beck’s touchdown run late in the fourth quarter proving to be the game-winner.

“I feel like God has a plan in everything He does and everything ultimately comes into fruition for A, B or C reason,” he said on the podcast. “You end up figuring that out in time. Even after the injury, it wasn’t even in my thought to go back to college.”

Now, he’ll not only get to play for a national championship for the first time as a starter, but he’ll get to do it at home, with Monday’s game being played at Hard Rock Stadium. The Hurricanes have a tall task again in facing unbeaten and No. 1 Indiana, led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza — who grew up in Miami and will be enjoying a homecoming of his own.

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“Throughout this year, the biggest thing that God has taught me is to trust in Him and His plan. Although I might not understand what the end of all of this might look like, His plan will come into fruition no matter what I might be in in the moment,” Beck said ahead of the Fiesta Bowl. “Obviously that can be hard when, you know, back in March I’m sitting there and I’m in a brace and going through rehab, and I can’t throw a football yet, and I can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. I don’t know what the season’s going to look like. There’s so many question marks and unknowns. It’s in those moments that you have to lean into that the most.

“Even with that, things aren’t going to be perfect. Things are never going to be perfect. Continuing to lean into that and focusing on my identity in Christ and my faith is something that has really pushed me through. It’s gotten me through everything that I’ve been through.”

Beck — who plays with a cross symbol on his right thigh pad and draws crosses with eye black on his face for games — will lead the Canes against Indiana in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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