Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers for winning their all-time leading record 6th Superbowl. As an official member of the Steeler-nation, I am so proud of the Steelers for this historic win.What's more important that a single victory are the men of faith that were on the field last night that I'm sure will leverage this game for the Kingdom of God. Check out this article below.
Faith In Football: A Time To Reflect
Friday, January 30, 2009
ANN ARBOR, MI — This Super Bowl week has not only focused on the physical prowess of the playmakers, but has also highlighted the Christian faith that is the bedrock of not only the team owners, but also many of the players.
The Thomas More Law Center, a national public-interest law firm, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has for the past three years given away (raffled) two tickets to the Super Bowl courtesy of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ ownership by the Rooney Family. This is the first time in those three years that the Pittsburgh Steelers will be going to the Super Bowl themselves.
Brian Rooney, the Law Center’s Director of Communications and Development, is also a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers Board of Directors.
Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Law Center, observed that faith and football seem to go hand in hand: “The Rooney family’s generous support of the Law Center’s mission through donations and Steelers’ items for auction is indicative of their patriotism and Christian faith, a faith foundation that obviously began with Art Rooney, Sr. — the founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
The Arizona Cardinals are owned the Bidwell family. The Bidwells also have a strong Christian faith, and have been friends with the Rooney family literally since the founding of the NFL.
Kurt Warner, the quarterback of the Cardinals is known for starting every interview by thanking God. Troy Polamalu, the long-haired free safety for the Steelers said at Super Bowl media day, "I feel like faith is the foundation of everything I do on the field and off. It determines how you live your life when you love God." Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith said he relies on his faith and prayers to God, along with a men's ministry book, "The Sampson Syndrome, " as his 5-year-old son Elijah battles leukemia. "My prayers are thanking the Lord for every minute I get to raise him, " Smith said. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said, "First and foremost, I want people to know who I am and what the most important thing is in my life, my relationship with Jesus Christ. Football is what we do; faith is who we are all the time."
Brian Rooney commented, “My grandfather, Art Rooney, went to church service everyday — no matter where he was or how important any single game may be. He was always interacting with the players, coaches, and everyone else in the organization. His faith was infectious and still sets the tone for the team today. Before every game we have a family Mass. In fact, when I get to Tampa on Saturday, the first place I will be is the Saturday family Mass before the big game.”
Rooney went on to say, “I remember as a young boy, after every game — no matter how big — the team would come into the locker room, take a knee, and recite the Lord’s Prayer. Only after the prayer would Coach Chuck Noll, another man of great Christian faith, say his post game comments. Former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy was a Steelers player and assistant coach then, and Noll’s quiet faith and leadership style shaped Coach Dungy’s. It’s no accident that Coach Mike Tomlin, a protégé of Coach Dungy, leads the team in line with how Noll and Dungy led. This has always been the Steelers’ way, the Rooney way, which is really founded upon the rock of our Christian faith. No matter who wins the game on Sunday, the Bidwell’s, Rooney’s, and many players on both sides will give thanks to God after, and this says more about out country then the game itself.”
The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through education, litigation, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.
