No one thought that Cleveland Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins had the height to excel in the NFL. But his God-given abilities combined with his work ethic proved to be vastly more important than his size. Hawkins opens up to the Liberty Flames Sports Network about the unlikely journey that he says God has authored in his life…
Video of the Week: Browns WR reflects on his faith-filled journey (by the Liberty Flames Sports Network)
By Sports Spectrum May 15, 2015SS PODCAST: CFB Hall of Famer David Pollack on wife’s brain cancer battle, current state of college football
By Sports Spectrum May 16, 2025THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE, FEATURING DAVID POLLACK
David Pollack is a former University of Georgia All-American linebacker, who was a first-round draft pick in 2005 by the Cincinnati Bengals. After his playing career, he spent more than a decade at ESPN as a college football analyst. He is also the co-host of the “Family Goals” podcast and the host of the “See Ball Get Ball” podcast.
Today on Sports Spectrum, David Pollack discusses his wife’s brain cancer battle, trusting God in the storm, carrying your cross, and the current state of college football.
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<
My Babydoll’s morning after a 6+ hour surgery. I mean ain’t God good? pic.twitter.com/0GShMdyNr9
— David Pollack (@davidpollack47) March 13, 2025
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Two ministries come together for one mission at Christians Working in Sports Conference
By Noah Weiss May 13, 2025On July 11-12 in Atlanta, Georgia, at Passion City Church’s Cumberland campus, Uncommon Sports Group and ADs4Christ will host the third annual Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference. Launched in the summer of 2023, the CWS Conference was created to give Christians in the college and professional sports industry a space to connect, be encouraged, and leave equipped to live out their faith with confidence.
Since its launch, the Lord has moved in incredible ways, growing the event’s reach and deepening its sense of community. The plans for this year’s conference clearly show that continued momentum.
One of the biggest challenges for Christians working in sports is the sense of isolation. Many believers struggle to find coworkers and peers who share their faith. This isolation leads not only to loneliness but to a lack of accountability. This is what makes the CWS Conference so significant.
This event is intentionally designed to gather believers working in all areas of sports by fostering meaningful relationships, sharing stories, and encouraging one another. While many conferences support professional networking, few offer the kind of spiritual community found at the CWS Conference. Attendees walk away with new friendships and Gospel-centered relationships that continue to provide encouragement and support long after the event ends.
In addition to building community, the CWS Conference seeks to equip attendees through impactful teaching and discussion. This year’s lineup includes faithful, seasoned speakers and panelists who bring industry insight and Gospel-centered wisdom. Featured speakers include Louie Giglio, pastor of Passion City Church; Jamie Boggs, Vice President of Athletics at Grand Canyon University; and Moses Ehambe, Player Development Coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves. With this powerful lineup — and more to be announced — attendees can expect to be challenged and equipped to live boldly for Christ in their careers.
This year’s conference also marks an exciting new partnership. While the CWS Conference was launched by Uncommon Sports Group in 2023, it has partnered with ADs4Christ, a ministry dedicated to developing Christ-like leaders in college athletics. In previous years, ADs4Christ has hosted its own annual convention. For the first time, the ADs4Christ community will gather alongside the broader CWS network, uniting Christian leaders across all of professional and collegiate athletics. Both ministries are excited about their shared vision and trust God to use this collaboration for His eternal impact.
Why does a conference like this matter? Christians working in sports often lack fellowship, feel isolated in their faith, and aren’t equipped to navigate the unique challenges of this profession. The CWS Conference meets those needs head-on, fostering Gospel-centered relationships and building up the Kingdom of God in one of the most influential spaces in our culture.

NFL agent Kelli Masters, left, speaks at the 2024 CWS Conference. (Photo courtesy of Uncommon Sports Group)
The impact of this conference can be felt not only in its programming but in the lives of those who attend. Here are just a couple of reflections from past participants:
“I have a renewed spirit, and I’m filled with a lot of hope after interacting with so many impressive people across the sports industry who chose to spend a weekend pouring into each other and getting closer to God. Our industry is competitive and tiring, but when we do it with and for God, incredible works get done. I’m inspired by how much humility was in the room and that in the midst of summer, so many chose to be here.” — Molly McManimie, NFL Agent
“My biggest takeaway from this conference was to make an advanced decision on how you will handle trials and adversity. It has shaped my view on my time in the sport industry, broadened my support system, and reinforced my purpose and calling to this career.” — Nick Peterson, Sporting Kansas City
If you’re a Christian working in college or professional sports, the CWS Conference is a can’t-miss event. Join us in Atlanta on July 11-12 at Passion City Church’s Cumberland campus. Registration is just $79 until May 15 — after that, the price increases to $99. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something truly meaningful. Register today!
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— CWS Conference aims to ‘activate and connect’ the sports industry
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NFL Pro Bowl QB Derek Carr retires, knows he’s been ‘radically transformed’ by Christ
By Kevin Mercer May 12, 2025Four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Carr announced Saturday that he is retiring from the NFL after 11 professional seasons. The 34-year-old former New Orleans Saint and Oakland/Las Vegas Raider ends his career with 257 regular-season touchdown passes and 41,245 passing yards while completing 65.1% of his throws.
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“Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with (my wife) Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League,” Carr said in a statement released by the Saints. “For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience. It’s difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials and especially the fans who made this journey so special. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.”
In a post on his Instagram account, Carr wrote, “Through it all, I gave this game everything I had every single day. I sleep well knowing that I gave my teammates, my coaches, and my cities my all. Now, I look forward to whatever God has next and I’ll pursue it with the same fire I brought to the field.”
He also posted a video of Heather documenting her husband’s activities on the first day of his retirement.
In late March, while preparing for the 2025 season, Carr and his doctors discovered he had a labral tear and significant degenerative changes to the rotator cuff in his right (throwing) shoulder. He ultimately opted for retirement rather than undergo surgery and miss most, if not all, of the season.
Carr spent the last two years with the Saints after nine with the Raiders, the franchise that drafted him 36th overall out of Fresno State in 2014. He is the all-time leader in completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns in Raiders history.
Throughout his career, Carr has boldly proclaimed his faith in Jesus. He has a tattoo of a Chi Rho (an early Christian symbol) on his right wrist and one referencing the Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11 on his left.
“All the self-glory, that stuff is fleeting. I’ve already been through that,” Carr said after a 2021 win with the Raiders. “God took me to a place that all I want to do is glorify Him, and wherever He’s going, that’s where I want to go. So if it’s a win, awesome. If not, I’m still gonna glorify Him.”
In a Sports Spectrum video from 2014, Carr explained how he first became a believer. He was claiming to love God while in college at Fresno State, but his actions weren’t reflecting it. It was then that Heather (just a friend at the time) wrote him a letter to challenge him in his faith. He apologized to Heather, repented and trusted anew in Christ.
“That next week, we had a game at the University of Ole Miss. I got up in front of my whole team and I told them, ‘Guys, I’ve been calling myself a Christian, and I haven’t been living it. You guys know what I’ve been doing. I’m a Christian now, and I’ve asked God for His forgiveness. Now watch how I live my lifestyle.'”
Later, he added, “That’s how I know He’s with me — because I have a peace and a joy. I can’t describe it, but I have it and I know it’s real.”
Carr is a gifted speaker and has accepted many invitations to speak at churches throughout his time in the football spotlight. In fact, he nearly quit football years ago to become a pastor before ultimately realizing God had called him to the gridiron.
“It was in that moment where I think the Lord knew that my heart was His, and I’ve been able to minister to thousands of people,” Carr said in 2022 on “The High Note” podcast, hosted by Christian musician Tauren Wells. “I’ve been in stadiums — 15,000, 18,000 people — preaching the Gospel and watching thousands of people get saved. I’ve seen healings take place. I’ve seen people set free. I’ve seen marriages reunite. I’ve seen kids come back home. All while playing football.”
As he said during a Night of Worship event with the Saints last year, “God did something in my life. He radically transformed and changed my life and I can’t help but tell people about Jesus.”
Now, as Carr’s playing days have come to a close, he knows that God’s call on his life to proclaim the Good News of Christ never will.
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<
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— Saints QB Derek Carr shines in win, seeks to ‘tell people about Jesus’
— Derek Carr introduced as new Saints QB, says ‘my faith is No. 1’
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— Raiders QB Derek Carr nearly quit football to become a pastor
WHAT’S UP PODCAST: Mallory Hasselbeck – Boston College Lacrosse Player
By Sports Spectrum May 12, 2025THIS IS SPORTS SPECTRUM’S WHAT’S UP PODCAST
WITH ANNABELLE HASSELBECK
On today’s episode of Sports Spectrum’s “What’s Up” podcast, we have Boston College lacrosse player Mallory Hasselbeck.
Mallory shares about her journey to Boston College, overcoming injuries, winning the national championship, and how she’s held onto the Lord through it all.
“What’s Up” is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<
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