Who Said It
Shaun Alexander

The Seattle Seahawks' running back is a winner on two fronts. In eight years with the Seahawks, he's maintained his spot as the club's Most Valued Player. But Shaun hasn't allowed his life to revolve around his NFL career. He's a child of God first, and a husband and father second. In Shaun's recently published autobiography, Touchdown Alexander, he tells this larger story of trust in and obedience to God.

What He Said
"Going Off"

In November 2001 our ball club needed more wins. The night before we played the Oakland Raiders, I called my family and said, "Make sure you watch the game. I'm going 'off'" (meaning I was going to do something outstanding).

Then I went to bed, but sleep didn't come. I kept thinking about Michael. This kid had attended a Fellowship of Christian Athletes camp where we'd pushed him to make a decision to follow God. I got out of bed and wrote him a letter about stepping up to his faith challenges. I became so involved I could not put it aside. Finally finished, I rolled into bed and slept for maybe four hours before breakfast and team meetings. I should have been wiped out, but felt rested and alert.

That night, I broke several Raiders tackles and made an 88-yard touchdown run. I finished with 266 yards and two more touchdowns. Remembering how I'd stayed up late in obedience to God, I felt Him smiling on me as if to say, "I'm with you, Shaun. I'll bless your playing."

Adapted from Touchdown Alexander (Harvest, 2006) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Give me the resolve and strength, Lord, to take a definite stand for You and consistently live it out.

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