Mar
11
2012
Star QB Humbled, God Glorified
The Story: Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy recently talked with Austin Stone Community Church pastor of preaching and vision Matt Carter about the most disappointing game of his football career. His University of Texas Longhorns lost the 2009 BCS National Championship Game to the University of Alabama Crimson Tide after McCoy suffered a game-ending injury in the first half at the Rose Bowl.
The Background: During his senior year at Texas, McCoy finished second in the Heisman Trophy balloting. McCoy led Texas to a quick start against Alabama and believed a solid game plan would lead the Longhorns to victory. But a crushing hit from Alabama defender Marcell Dareus, later taken in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, knocked McCoy out of the game. Dareus later returned an interception by McCoy's replacement for a touchdown and was named defensive Most Valuable Player in the game. McCoy, visibly distraught by the injury that prevented him from fulfilling a lifelong dream, nevertheless gave all glory to God in post-game interviews.
"I always give God the glory," McCoy said. "I never question why things happen the way they do. God is in control of my life. And I know that if nothing else I am standing on the Rock."
Why It Matters: We exalt our athletic heroes when they're winning and giving thanks to God. Linsanity and Tebowmania fill us with pride as we pray for God to protect the integrity of their witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. But sports humble even the most accomplished athletes, let alone the suddenly successful. Lin's New York Knicks have lost five straight. Tebow's general manager is recruiting a future Hall of Fame quarterback to take his starting job. McCoy's employer recently tried to trade up and draft his replacement. Injuries and age catch up with everyone. So what does Christian witness look like amid inevitable failure? McCoy's testimony to God's goodness even when your hopes have been dashed sends a powerfully counterintuitive message to a culture obsessed with building up and then tearing down celebrities. McCoy has wisely learned from the Lord's message to the apostle Paul: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
10 Comments
So encouraged by Colt's testimony and perspective on suffering and the glory of God.
Very encouraging word from my brother in Christ. A very timely word for me today. Thanks for sharing!
[...] what does Christian witness look like amid inevitable failure?” An awesome interview with Cleveland Browns quarterback, Colt McCoy, about his faith, successes, and [...]
We often ask "Why me?" and to come to a place to say "Why not me?" is the power of the Holy Spirit allowing us to go through something that He can use to glorify His name. So if this did not happen would we be hearing from Colt this testimony of God and how only He can bring contentment in want or need?
What a great interview and like Matt I too thought that Colt saying he was standing on the Rock during that difficult time was amazing.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing this.
[...] Colt McCoy Humbled, God Glorified On 03.14.12, In Around the Web, by Tim Briggs What a great video and testimony from former Texas QB, and current Cleveland Brown QB, Colt McCoy. Below is Collin Hansen’s [...]
Great interview, Collin!
As a Texas Ex (I have two degrees from UT), I'm proud of Colt. I remember watching that postgame interview live on TV and I was really stunned by how he gave God the glory. One thing I would say to Colt is this: God was in control of the outcome of the game, and who's to say he didn't want UT to lose? Maybe we can't know for sure this side of heaven, but God is certainly able to make a football team lose for his glory.
[...] gets all the crazy pub, but I’ve heard continually that Colt McCoy is a solid Christian [...]
[...] Star QB Humbled, God Glorified. [...]