As Carson Wentz began a new journey with the NFL Buffalo Bills team in 2021, he reflected on his unique bond with head coach Frank Reich, whom he first met before the 20-16 NFL Draft.

“Frank Reich took a flight to Fargo, North Dakota. Then the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, Reich wanted to get a first-hand look at their potential first-round draft pick—North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz. They rode around campus together, and in that first meeting, Reich wanted to know more about Wentz’s faith in Jesus. He began quoting a verse when Wentz interrupted him. ‘He just kind of looked at me sideways and then handed me his phone,’ Reich said in a video produced by the Indianapolis Colts, to whom Wentz was traded. ‘I’m like, what are you handing me your phone for?’ Wentz’s phone background displayed the same verse Reich was reciting to him — 1 Peter 3:15: ‘But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.’ It was a moment that to this day gives them both chills. ‘There’s a lot of Bible verses out there, and there’s a lot of really good ones,’ Reich said. ‘The fact that our first connection, we hit on that note, I think it meant a little something to both of us. It’s crazy circumstances that here we are working together again and I’m pretty fired up about it,’ Wentz said”

1 Samuel 19-20 – Devotion

Another strong bond was between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 19-20, which was based on more than just being on the same team. In the Great Commandment, Jesus taught loyalty and submission to God to be a priority in the life of a Christian, but this also includes loving others. Saul ordered David’s death because he was jealous of David. This put Saul’s oldest son, Jonathan, in a tough spot. Jonathan and David had solidified their friendship by forming a covenant of loyalty to one another and God.  

The Lord is pleased with those who are faithful. Jonathan and David were men of loyalty and faithfulness. Jonathan was loyal to his father but also devoted to David as a friend and future king. He and David were faithful to their word, and David kept his vow of friendship long after Jonathan died.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete are faithful to God and His priorities, even at the cost of their own goals. They always seek to glorify God.

Bible Memory Verse – “Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of Yahweh of hosts, the God of the battle lines of Israel, whom you have reproached.’” 1 Samuel 17:45 (LSB)