Purdue quarterback David Blough stresses unity, cites Bible verse in powerful speech

David Blough is a junior quarterback with the Purdue Boilermakers. As he gets ready to do battle in the Big Ten this college football season, the former Elite 11 QB looks to build off of 2016 where he started every game and threw for 3,352 yards and 25 touchdown passes.

On Tuesday at the Big Ten’s Kickoff Luncheon in Chicago, Blough was tasked to give the keynote speech in front of his fellow Big Ten players. In what was a very passionate speech, he shared about being a servant leader, representing his school and his conference well and being an active member in the community, giving back and helping those less fortunate.

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“I have football. And since I have football, since we have football, we have a platform,” said Blough. “A platform that should be used to impact this world for the better.”

Purdue QB David Blough gives a speech at the Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo Courtesy: Purdue Athletics)

In his message, Blough really focused on how being a football player can teach all of us about life and loving each other. He specifically cited scripture in the book of John, chapter 13 verse 34, where Jesus states: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

Blough then stressed the importance of unity and how college football really represents diversity in the way it is shaped.

“A college football locker room consists of roughly 105 members. Black, white, asian or hispanic. Rich, poor or from the middle class. Christians, muslims, atheists, jews … we even have players that affiliate with different political parties. And you know what, that’s the beauty of life,” he said. “On this stage with me are 14 of the finest football coaches in the country…each the leader of a team that is as diverse as any organization that the United States has to offer. And that’s the beauty of life.”

The redshirt junior quarterback finished his impressive speech with a plea to give and live in a way that is helpful to other people.

“My challenge today for myself, the Big Ten student athletes here and college football players around the country, is to not let it end at the locker room. Since football teaches life, may we go now and live that life fully, to the benefit of others.”

David Blough and his Purdue Boilermakers begin their 2017 season in Indianapolis on September 2nd vs Louisville.