The Philadelphia Eagles soundly defeated the Minnesota Vikings 38-7 Sunday, and heads to a Super Bowl LII showdown with the New England Patriots. For many on the team, the win was an opportunity to share their faith.

“First and foremost, all glory belongs to God,” said quarterback Nick Foles. “I wouldn’t be here without Him and this is just very humbling and unbelievable.”

“I’m blessed to have amazing teammates, amazing coaches,” he added.

Foles took over the starting job in December when star quarterback Carson Wentz went down with a knee injury. Like Wentz and several other teammates, Foles has been very vocal about his faith. He describes himself on Twitter as a “Believer in Jesus Christ, husband, father, son, brother.”

Team Unity

Members of the Eagles released a video in November titled, “The Locker Room’s Binding Force,” about how Christianity is a “big part of the team’s unity.” Wentz, safety Chris Maragos and wide-receiver Torrey Smith shared what their faith means to them.

“I think the biggest thing that we’re always challenging each other with is just to not lose sight of the bigger picture,” said Wentz. “I think wins, losses, highs, lows, everything that comes with this game, it’s so easy to take your mind and your eyes off of the ultimate prize, and that’s living for the Lord.”

Maragos said he came to know the Lord in high school. He’d been in a “downward spiral,” and realized that what he was seeking only provided temporary satisfaction. “I was really at a crossroads at that point and had to make a decision on where I was going,” he said. “And that’s when I gave my life to Christ, and really He supplied that satisfaction and that joy for me.”

Maragos said the Eagles want to be united. “We want to support each other; we want to support each other in our lives through the difficulties off the field as well as on the field.” 

So they started having Bible studies. “On every Monday night, we have a couple’s Bible study. We have a Thursday night team Bible study,” Wentz explained. “And then Saturday nights, we actually get together the night before the game and just kind of pray; talk through the Word; what guys have been reading, what they’re struggling with, and just kind of keep it real with each other.”

Smith said although it isn’t always easy to share struggles with the guys, having Bible studies is really special. “When you’re able to talk about [struggles] amongst your brothers, amongst your family, it helps you grow,” he said. “And when you realize that you can apply Biblical principles to it, it helps us all grow.”

“And so I think it’s really kind of something to where we’re all just kind of binding together to kind of keep each other sharpened and keep pushing forward,” Maragos said.

Wentz, Trey Burton, Foles, Zach Ertz, Maragos and Jordan Matthews have started an online Bible study called “Professional Football Players on Humility and Surrender.” According to the website, the athletes “discuss scriptures about staying humble and walking in surrender to the Lordship of Jesus.”

Wentz Determined to Turn His Injury into a Testimony

Wentz’s dream season came to a sudden end with a torn ACL in game against the Rams December 12. He has not let the disappointment make him despondent.

Wentz said on a Twitter video post: “I just know the Lord’s working through it, and I know Jesus has a plan through it. I know he’s trying to grow me in something, teach me something, use me somehow, some way. This will just be a great testimony as I go forward.” 

“As a follower of Jesus, I have the utmost confidence in His plan. His plan is perfect,” he added.

Some quick thoughts for everyone. Can’t thank my family, friends, teammates, and fans enough. Love y’all! #AO1 pic.twitter.com/vBwxG4So5N

— Carson Wentz (@cj_wentz) December 11, 2017