The life of an elite athlete is understandably hectic. They have top games to play. Yes, we are talking about high-pressure games with millions of global spectators. What is more?
These are high-stake games with thousands of punters betting on top bookmaker apps like Betway after they have read about it and the amazing bonuses they offer on top sports fixtures featuring elite athletes.
Faced with this overwhelming pressure, how do these athletes cope and maintain high performance levels? Well, some use gospel music for spiritual succor and motivation.
This article discusses some of the world’s best athletes who have a special relish for gospel music.
Max Garcia
The American, Max Garcia, is one of the most recognized faces in the National Football League (NFL). Garcia started his professional career in 2015, playing for Denver Broncos.
He would become an honorable mention in Class 5A at Norcross High School and became the team captain in Florida.
Everyone could see the love Garcia had for American football and how much passion he had put into it.
Another thing we could see is his love for gospel music. Garcia is one of the few athletes who openly expressed his faith and showed how much he appreciates gospel music.
Max Garcia is among the few active NFL players in the NFL Players Choir. While singing in the NFL Choir, Garcia has collaborated with gospel singers.
The NFL Players Choir has also performed gospel songs in popular events like the Super Bowl and the BET Awards.
Simone Manuel
The American professional swimmer Manuel is known for her notable appearances in freestyle swimming events. Swimming for Stanford University, Manuel has bagged many gold, silver, and bronze medals.
Manuel leverages gospel music as her unique source of motivation. You could spot her blasting some music through her earphones before a race.
And about the songs on her prerace playlist, ‘Victory’ by Yolanda Adams also takes the top spot.
Also, Manuel listens to various other song genres from artists like Beyonce, Drake, and Rihanna. But she had explicitly said that the song, ‘Victory’ by Yolanda Adams, speaks to her about her victory in God. And we would say it is just the right pick for a competition.
Tully Banta-Cain
The former American footballer Banta-Cain started his career with New England Patriots in 2003.
During his playing career, Banta-Cain was deployed as a linebacker and was a 2x Super Bowl Champion. Banta-Cain walked his way up to popularity until his resignation in 2010.
Of course, Banta-Cain had a great time playing for the New England Patriots and the San Francisco 49ers. But after his retirement, we saw a new side of him open up—joining the NFL Players Choir.
Featuring as one of the many retired NFL players in the choir, Banta-Cain has gone out to perform gospel songs at the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. Banta-Cain also sang gospel and soul music at the ATG audition and the BET awards.
Stephen Curry
Starting his professional basketball career in 2009 playing for the Golden State Warriors, Curry has worked his way into stardom.
Curry is currently one of the most seasoned American basketballers in the NBA. This point guard has amassed a long list of awards and titles.
Aside from setting career records and winning awards, Curry is also known to be strong in the Christian faith. Coming from a solid Christian background, Curry is one of the athletes with very expressive religious beliefs.
Curry has tons of videos of him and his family singing gospel songs. He was often spotted in Christian gatherings, on the stage, dancing to gospel music. He has also been featured in gospel shows where he would also have to sing some gospel songs.
Hurdler Dawn Harper-Nelson
Specializing in track and field 100-meter hurdles, Harper stands as one of the best female athletes in track and field events.
Harper has won enviable medals and titles, competing in events like the Olympic games, World Champions, IAAF Continental Cup, etc. She holds career records and is a member of the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame.
Another thing about Harper is that she has always referenced God for her successes. Coming from a Christian home, she has held on to her beliefs and has always expressed them in interviews.
Harper loves listening to gospel music, and she appreciates a broad genre of christian music. She also has a preparational motivation playlist with ‘God In Me’ by Mary Mary on repeat.
Austin Carr
The former professional American football player Carr is known for covering the wide receiver position. During his playtime from 2017 to 2020, Carr showed excellent skills on the pitch, earning him a few awards like the 2016 Richter–Howard Receiver of the Year and the First-team All-Big Ten.
After quitting his professional American football life at New Orleans Saints, Carr dived into the Players Choir. The Players Choir comprises retired and current NFL players.
Featuring in the NFL Players Choir, Carr has been spotted performing gospel songs in popular events and auditions.
Russell Wilson
Wilson is known to be one of the best Quarterbacks in the NFL. Having played for Seattle Seahawks and currently playing for Denver Broncos, Wilson has proved his worth by earning a list of awards and titles to his name.
Aside from his outstanding career performance, Wilson is known as a vocal Christian. He features in casual online Christian meetings where he joins in worship songs alongside gospel artists.
Wilson is also known for his prison outreaches, singing gospel songs with inmates. Other small things he does to show his love for gospel music include doing short videos of him singing a gospel song and listening to gospel music before a match.
Conclusion
From Max Garcia to Stephen Curry and Russell Wilson, these athletes have shown us that gospel music can be sustainably deployed for entertainment and spiritual nourishment.
Plus, they have shown us how to express our beliefs. Are there more athletes vibing to gospel music that we don’t know about?