BIO

Justin is a sixth-year pro who sees action at RB and also as a return specialist. He has played in 78 career games with seven start and has spent time with Seattle, Indianapolis and Houston. Justin was born in Lakeland, FL and his father, Rodney, is a minister and coach. He currently resides in Jacksonville, FL with his wife Angela and son Judah.  His wife was a former standout volleyball player at California and participated on the U.S. Women’s Volleyball team.

INTERVIEW

Tell us a little bit about the path to where you are today.

I grew up in the small town of Mulberry, Florida. I lived in a house with both my parents and two brothers. My dad is a preacher so we were a family rooted in faith. I got saved in middle school at a service my dad was preaching and ever since then my life has been changed. Also, I was actively involved in sports at an early age so I knew I wanted to be a professional football player. I was never the biggest, strongest, or fastest on any team I was on so I knew I would have to put in a ton of work and make a lot of sacrifices at a young age. My family and I moved to Texas my junior year in high school where I attended a college prep school. Upon graduating there, I was offered a full athletic scholarship to the University of California at Berkeley. After completing my four years at UC Berkeley, I was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2008. In 2012, my contract expired in Seattle so I was signed by the Houston Texans, with whom I played only one season. Now I’m standing here in year six of my NFL career playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Lord has truly blessed me with the opportunity to do what I love to do and I’m very grateful.

What does a typical day of work look like for you?

I usually wake up and start my day around 6 am. From there, I drive to the stadium because weightlifting begins at 7:15. At 8 o’clock, meetings begin. At 11:00, the team goes out to the practice field for a brief walk-thru to go over everything we just studied in meetings. 12pm is lunchtime. At 1pm, practice begins and lasts for about 2 ½ hours. At 4pm, we have our last meeting of the day, which consist of watching the film of practice. At 5pm, I leave the stadium and return home.

Did you have a specific moment when you realized that you wanted to play in the NFL?

At age seven I realized that I wanted to play football in the NFL. I was inspired by the play of Hall of Fame Running-Back, Barry Sanders.

What risks or hard decisions have you had to make to live unashamed?

The only risks I really had to endure to live unashamed are rejection and my comfort level. God is constantly pushing me to do more and reach deeper. Being a relatively shy person, the idea of me speaking in public and facing rejection is a tough battle for me but God has been faithful in keeping me in perfect peace through it all. He has helped me realize that the failure is not in the rejection but the act of not doing what He has called me to do. So even though I may face some rejection and I may be pulled out of my comfort zone on some of the things that I am called to do, but God has been molding me, which has caused me to grow in ways I never thought I would before.

What does the unashamed life look like in your context?

Living unashamed in my life is about surrendering to God’s divine authority. So I am constantly fighting to die to myself daily and get out of my comfort zone. While I’m in the locker rooms, the meeting rooms, and the practice fields I realize that my purpose is to do the will of God and glorify Him in all I do. So even when I’m tired and my body doesn’t feel good I make sure that I am representing the love of Christ. This means encouraging teammates on and off the field; being an ear to those with a heavy heart that may be battling injury or work related stress, and initiating team bible studies or discussions to encourage spiritual growth.

How have you worked through success? Failure?

I have worked through success and failure the same way by staying in close relationship with God. When I reached my goal of becoming a starting running back in the NFL, I stayed in constant prayer and read the Bible daily to receive constant direction from God so I could use this success for His glory. Also, when I was cut from a team, demoted in position, or injured I would remain steadfast in my Bible reading and prayer time, as well as, stay in constant connection with fellow believers for guidance.

Have you had any mentors along the way?

In this walk of faith, I’ve had many mentors along the way. My mentors on this journey range from coaches, team chaplains, and pastors all whom inspired me to grow and get out of my comfort zone.

Do you have any favorite books?

Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller.

What verses or passages in Scripture have sustained or encouraged you?

1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Romans 5:3-5, & Romans 8:28

Can you offer some encouragement to other unashamed believers out there?

Because of my job as a professional football player I have a huge platform to share the gospel and impact people in a positive way. I know that I may have a bigger platform than some but we all have a platform wherever we are. So I would encourage the Unashamed Believers to use their platform to make a difference, not just in your speech, but also in how you live your life. Additionally, in this walk of faith you will come up against various trials and obstacles, so it is key to stay connected with the local church and other unashamed believers so that you will remain sharp and accountable. Remember it is not wise to walk alone.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 

1 Corinthians 15:58

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