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How does proclaiming Christ differ on the field versus the stage?

Utecht: When I get on stage, people are coming to a Christian concert. They understand what they are getting. On the field, everybody comes from different places, different faiths and different backgrounds, so there's more strategy to it. To be a Christian in the NFL, you are put under a magnifying glass where people are waiting, if not wanting, to see you fail. I need to make sure I'm doing the best that I can to practice what I preach.

What are some specific ways you do that?

Utecht: Being a part of our team Bible studies. Inviting guys to come and hear me sing. Just loving on my teammates—going around the locker room and listening to guys, to get to know them. That's been a major way to reveal my faith to my teammates. Leading by example is something I learned from Tony Dungy [former Colts coach]. He walked consistently with Christ.

Dungy has said that you're "a talented football player.  However, I always thought his real impact would be in Christian music."

Utecht: I was speechless when I read that. Tony's all about the Kingdom. He means the world to me and he's been a major mentor both on and off the field. It's given me a lot of confidence to continue walking in music.

I hear Dungy is the entire reason you ended up playing for the Colts.

Utecht: It's one of my miracle stories. Two months before the 2004 draft, I was doing an event with Dungy. We both went to the same college. I said, "You know Tony, University of Minnesota alum take care of each other. Once the draft rolls around I expect you to pick me up." Everybody kinda got a kick out of it.

He joked back, "Unfortunately, we drafted a tight end first round last year." But then he said, "I promise you this. If for some reason you slip through the cracks, I'll be the first one to call you." I let that go in one ear and out the other. Then I had a pretty severe sports injury, and didn't get drafted. But Tony called me, and the Colts offered me surgery and the first year off just to rehab. And they would pay me like a starting rookie. It was an amazing gift.

Ben Utecht

Sounds like a bit of divine confirmation for your calling as a player.

Utecht: At one point I didn't even know if I was going to play again. It was one of the hardest experiences I've had to go through. I told the Lord, "I'm going to trust you with everything." Three years later I'm a starting tight end in the Super Bowl.

Does it seem a bit serendipitous then that long-time Hoosier and Colts fan, Sandi Patty, would discover and sign you to her label because of team ties?

Utecht: [Laughs] I laugh every time because it's so amazing how these doors open. After I spoke in Anderson, Indiana, Sandi approached me for an autograph. I about fell on my face. I handed her back the paper and said, "Actually, you need to sign this for me."  She took my wife and me in, and became a home away from home.

I've noticed other artists have come out of the woodwork to support your music since Sandi.

Utecht: Bill Gaither has taken me under his wing and mentored me. Jeremy Camp and I met after a concert and really hit it off. It was like two, long lost brothers. We have very similar testimonies. He's become my best friend in the world. We also co-wrote a song together on the album.

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