Sports Spectrum

Athlete Profiles:

Roger Neilson

"God knew there could only be one Roger Neilson," said one speaker at Neilson's memorial service in Peterbourough, Ontario, on June 28, 2003. When the iconic coach of the NHL died, he left an indelible imprint on the hearts and souls of the hockey world. He was perhaps the most beloved man in hockey. Four and a half months after Roger passed to the other side, his friend Mike Caluari said, "No one was more confident of his eternal reward."

Roger had a passion for spreading the word about Christ. "When I die, I know where I'm going, and it sure beats Philadelphia," Roger is known for saying. Gentle, real, and thoughtful, Neilson's way of bearing witness was never overbearing.

As a mentor, a father figure, coach, and friend, Roger Neilson is alive in the memories of the people whose lives he touched and through the message he worked so hard to convey.

"For his friends in hockey, Rog wanted to impart the great attributes he had: sportsmanship, love of the game," says Hall of Fame inductee Mike Gartner. "But what he desired most of all was for his friends to accept Christ."

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TEBOW / MCCOY
As the current quarterbacks for the last two national championship teams, Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow have taken center stage in two of the most intensely scrutinized college football programs in America. Even as sophomores, this concept is not lost on McCoy and Tebow. They know they are being watched. They also know that with the immediate access they have to so many people, the opportunities to be a model and a spokesperson for Jesus Christ are preeminent. "In some places it's not the cool thing to do or the popular thing to be and God is not No. 1," says McCoy.

Tebow and McCoy were both hatched from close-knit, deeply Christian upbringings that saw them come to faith at an early age. Tim Tebow's fater, Bob Tebow, heads the Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association, which claims to be the conduit of close to 9 million people coming to faith in Christ in the last 8 years.

An NFL career is a goal for both of these young quarterbacks, but they are realistic enough to know there are no guarantees. McCoy looks forward to what God has in store. "God willing, I'd like to be in the NFL, but the important thing to do is His will."

ALEXANDER
Whether Shaun Alexander spends his Sunday morning wearing a football jersey on a field or a suit in a pew, he's the same guy. "Shaun is a Christian 24/7," says close friend and teammate Mack Strong. "He's a great example. It's a testimony to him, to God."

Alexander has made a lasting name for himself in the NFL. The accomplishments and praises he's received are only dreams for many. He's not surprised by his success; he's always set lofty goals and worked hard. Now he's a household name, but he says, "This is no time to say, 'Look at me.'" That's because, for Alexander, it's not just about football. "I play football to make a difference in people's lives."

The difference he wants to make is a difference for Christ. He has a heart for providing hope, especially for youth, and giving to others as unto the Lord. That's the purpose of his foundation and the community center he started with his brother. "You can't outgive God," he says.

The best day in his life? Being valedictorian of his graduating class? Setting NFL records? Becoming 2005 MVP? No. "It was the first time I led someone to Christ," says Alexander. What else would we expect?