This week’s Faith, Family, & Football feature is: Jason Avant, Current Philadelphia Eagle.
Jason is currently in his 7th NFL season with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was drafted in the 4th round of the 2006 draft and has been an integral part of the Eagles success on and off the field. Jason is a prominent figure in the Eagles locker room and held in high regard throughout the organization. He is one of the most humble and dedicated players in the game and is very involved with social work through his church. Jason was kind enough to take time out during his game week preparation and chat with NFLPE about his Faith, Family, & Football.
PE: Why is faith important to you?
Avant: It’s not just important; it’s my passion in life. I think a lot of times people have the idea that faith is just something you exercise at church or before games, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a day to day thing. Every decision I make is grounded in my faith. The bible says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” This serves as the crux of my life, and no matter what I am doing I am doing it to please and glorify him.
PE: Tell us about your family and the impact they’ve had on your life?
Avant: When you get married the bible says “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” So I view marriage and family as my responsibility to do everything in my power to provide, protect, and love my wife and children. God has made me the priest of my house and I am committed to loving and leading my family in Christ just as God did for his church.
PE: How has your faith and family helped you develop off the field?
Avant: It is very important to have a spiritual relationship with your family. The bible says that you and your wife should be equally yoked. I have that in my wife, and she is a huge compliment to my walk with Christ. We share the same values, she knows what I am feeling, she is an amazing mother, and she makes it easier to deal in life. It is also important for our kids to see our walk and love in Christ. My wife plays a huge role in making our household function smoothly and supporting our kids. No matter what I am going through I have that safe haven knowing that I have them as my support system.
PE: How do you balance faith, family, and football?
Avant: I balance my faith, family, and football by making sure my work and family fall in line with my faith in God. God does things in order, and in order for me to please him I must always make sure my decision making comes through the cross. If my vertical relationship with God is right, my horizontal relationships will fall into place. The bible says it is easier to please man than it is God. So if I am living to please God and constantly right in prayer with him, then I will have the strength from him to love my wife, be a father to my children, and play this game.
PE: What advice would you give to student athletes and current professional athletes in regards to their faith, family, and football?
Avant: The biggest advice I could offer players is not to compromise your faith. In Christianity we have such a great gift to live a life that is pleasing to God. When you are an accomplished athlete people often give you favor and it is important not to get caught up in the worldly things that are given to you. You have to stand up for God in all things that you do, and God will always stand up for you and give you a platform to glorify him. Don’t forget your purpose!
Check out Jason’s testimony here.
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