Because of his success at Clemson, Dabo Swinney is influencing the next generation of college football coaches throughout the sport. Some call it the Dabo Way.

College football coaches get 20 hours per week to work with their teams, according to NCAA rules. Clemson rarely hits that number. Swinney gives his players two extra weeks of downtime in the offseason beyond what is required for offseason training. His defensive coordinator Brent Venables said about him, “He’s got a unique way of management and when to pull back and when to push, and it’s very profound.”

Swinney is not without his critics. Often, the criticism is because of his bold faith. It’s not uncommon for him to use his first press conference of the season or postgame interview to glorify God. Before one season, he said, “I know what my purpose as a man is. That’s to glorify God, to be a great husband and father, and use the game of football to equip young people for life.” Many coaches might use words like “victory” or “dedication” to describe the mission of the upcoming season, but “purpose” was the word he used—to glorify God.

Acts 4 – Speak Truth

As we move to Acts 4, we see the early life of the church experience at least five outbreaks of persecution. It all started with the Jerusalem church in Acts 4. The church is likely only weeks old and filled with new believers in desperate need of leadership.

Peter and John had many critics among the religious leaders who tried to find a reason to keep them from speaking about Jesus. Instead, they responded by saying, “We are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). Nothing stopped Peter and John from positively influencing the next generation of early church leaders.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete ignore any unfair ridicule and boldly proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior to the sports world. Nothing stops them from their mission and purpose to glorify God.

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – So the word of God spread. And the word of God kept on spreading, and the number of the disciples continued to multiply greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:7 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute on Witness