{"id":2347678,"date":"2024-09-30T15:34:59","date_gmt":"2024-09-30T19:34:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/i-gave-up-basketball-to-follow-jesus-21-year-old-nba-player-quits-sport-to-pursue-full-time-ministry\/"},"modified":"2024-09-30T15:38:29","modified_gmt":"2024-09-30T19:38:29","slug":"i-gave-up-basketball-to-follow-jesus-21-year-old-nba-player-quits-sport-to-pursue-full-time-ministry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/i-gave-up-basketball-to-follow-jesus-21-year-old-nba-player-quits-sport-to-pursue-full-time-ministry\/","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I Gave Up Basketball to Follow Jesus&#8217;: 21-Year-Old NBA Player Quits Sport to Pursue Full-Time Ministry"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">32<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fi-gave-up-basketball-to-follow-jesus-21-year-old-nba-player-quits-sport-to-pursue-full-time-ministry%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2347678&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Former NBA player AJ\u200d Griffin has announced his decision to retire from professional basketball to become a full-time Christian minister. He\u200b revealed this\u2063 choice\u2063 in a \u2062YouTube video, stating that he felt \u2063compelled to follow Jesus after giving his life \u2064to Christ in 2020. Griffin recounted how his priorities shifted significantly, with basketball losing \u2062its allure as he embraced a mission to spread the gospel.<\/p>\n<p>Despite having a successful start in the\u2063 NBA, including being a\u200d first-round pick \u2062and showing promise \u2063in his rookie season, Griffin \u200dopted \u2064for a new path rather than pursuing his sports career further. Although he had a guaranteed contract\u200d worth over $17 million, he chose to leave it behind for what he perceives \u200das a greater calling in ministry.\u200b His choice is seen as commendable, as it highlights the contrast between \u200ca <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/he-won-a-super-bowl-and-then-joined-the-101st-airborne-division-the-incredible-true-story-of-jake-bequette\/\" title=\"He Won A Super Bowl And Then Joined The 101st Airborne Division: The Incredible True Story Of Jake Bequette\">professional sports career<\/a> and a devoted life of service, emphasizing the importance of \u2063spirituality over worldly success.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<section> <script>console.log(\"ad slot (AC1)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC1)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC2)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC3)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC4)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (REP_0)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (REP_1)\")<\/script><\/p>\n<p>God almost certainly uses stories to give us hope amid the world&rsquo;s creeping darkness.<\/p>\n<p>In a video posted to YouTube on Sunday, former NBA first-round pick AJ Griffin, who turned 21 last month, explained why he has chosen to walk away from a lucrative career in professional sports and pursue a new calling as a full-time Christian minister.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,&rdquo; Griffin said.<\/p>\n<p>The decision, it seems, came on gradually.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, only as a teenager living through the worst year in recent memory did Griffin fully embrace the relinquishment of self-will that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/amazing-jesus-revolution-reported-iran-mosques-close-muslims-turn-christianity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Christianity<\/a> requires.<\/p>\n<p>  <script> \t\t\t\tif( ! getCookie( 'ff_subbed' ) ) if( typeof FFADS.replace_ict !='undefined' ) if( FFADS.replace_ict ) eval( FFADS.replace_ict ); \t\t\t<\/script> <\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;This really has to start off with me giving my life to Christ in 2020,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I truly accepted Him back then. He found me.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>At that point, the now-former basketball star emphasized something that many Christians experience.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I know we say we find God, but He finds us,&rdquo; Griffin added.<\/p>\n<p>When <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/damar-hamlin-gives-glory-god-incredible-monday-night-football-moment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">God<\/a> found Griffin, basketball suddenly seemed less important.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;My values started to change. My heart started to change. I think before &mdash; I think basketball was my everything,&rdquo; he said.<\/p>\n<p>Accepting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/city-demands-pastor-take-jesus-sign-front-church-gets-epic-response-sermon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Christ<\/a>, however, convinced Griffin that &ldquo;we&rsquo;re all made to glorify God. We&rsquo;re all made with a purpose.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Later in the video, he explained that purpose.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I just want to continue to keep sharing the good news of the gospel to as many people as I can,&rdquo; Griffin said.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pOcpORH6zWQ?si=mDKsTObXunNmPPfV\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>A first-round pick of the Atlanta Hawks in 2022, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/griffaj01.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Griffin<\/a> enjoyed a very respectable rookie season, averaging nearly nine points-per-game as a 19 year old.<\/p>\n<p>In 2023-24, however, his playing time and production dropped off significantly.<\/p>\n<p>Thus, on June 27, the Houston Rockets acquired Griffin from Atlanta as part of a three-team trade.<\/p>\n<p>Along with other young players competing for 2024-25 roster spots, Griffin then played in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/2024-summer-league-player-stats?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NBA Summer League<\/a>. He averaged 11.6 points-per-game on a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/summer-league\/2024\/las-vegas\/team\/1610612745\/rockets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">team<\/a> that included other young players and first<a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/i-couldnt-leave-giannis-antetokounmpo-chose-to-stay-hands-milwaukee-first-nba-championship-since-1971\/\" title=\"\u2018I Couldn\u2019t Leave\u2019: Giannis Antetokounmpo Chose To Stay, Hands Milwaukee First NBA Championship Since 1971\">-round draft picks<\/a> like him.<\/p>\n<p>In other words, Griffin might have played well enough to earn a spot on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/rockets\/news\/houston-rockets-announce-training-camp-roster\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rockets&rsquo; training camp roster<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, however, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5782871\/2024\/09\/20\/aj-girffin-retirement-duke-rockets-hawks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Athletic<\/a>, Griffin decided to retire from the NBA for what the outlet called &ldquo;undisclosed personal and family-related reasons.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>The Rockets, therefore, did not waive Griffin for poor performance. The player made the choice to retire.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, according to the sports-salary-tracker <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/78119\/aj-griffin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Spotrac<\/a>, the 21-year-old former first-round pick had a total guaranteed contract worth more than $17 million. He walked away from some of that.<\/p>\n<p>Athletes, of course, can compete in the sports they love while still following Jesus.<\/p>\n<p>In the NBA, for instance, no one has better exemplified the Christ-centered playing career than Orlando Magic forward <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/watch-fatherless-kids-look-scripture-receiving-free-shoes-christian-nba-star\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jonathan Isaac<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Likewise, reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/cj-stroud-becomes-first-texans-qb-win-offensive-rookie-year-gives-credit-jesus-historic-season\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">C.J. Stroud<\/a>, quarterback of the Houston Texans, has proclaimed his Christian faith. So, too, have star football players at Stroud&rsquo;s alma mater, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/ohio-state-football-stars-preach-gospel-thousands-students-leading-many-baptisms-incredible-night\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ohio State University<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Nonetheless, one cannot maintain both a full-time playing career and a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/report-pro-life-fr-frank-pavone-removed-from-priesthood-by-vatican-responds-with-defiant-message\/\" title=\"Report: Pro-Life Fr. Frank Pavone Removed From Priesthood By Vatican; Responds With Defiant Message\">full-time ministry<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Griffin, therefore, deserves credit for giving up the former and finding his new purpose in the latter.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, for blessing us with timely and uplifting stories in which He finds His followers and touches their hearts with a desire to abandon worldly pursuits, all glory belongs to God.<\/p>\n<div style=\"position: relative;\">\n<div class=\"ff-fancy-header-container\">  <\/div>\n<div class=\"entry-submit-correction inner-content\">\n<div class=\"correction-form\">\n<form style=\"display: none;\">\n<div class=\"sc-name-field\"> <label>* Name<\/label> <br \/> <input type=\"text\" name=\"name\" required> <\/div>\n<div class=\"sc--field\"> <label>* <\/label> <br \/> <input type=\"text\" name=\"\" required> <\/div>\n<p> <label>* Message<\/label> <br \/> <textarea name=\"message\" required><\/textarea>  <\/p>\n<div class=\"required-message\" style=\"display: none; padding-bottom: 15px;\">* All fields are required.<\/div>\n<p> <input type=\"submit\" value=\"Submit\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); firefly_sc();\">  <\/p>\n<div class=\"firefly-sc-confirm\" style=\"display: none;\">Success!<\/div>\n<\/p><\/form>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <script> \t\t\tfunction firefly_sc() { \t\t\t\tif( typeof window.captchaPublicKey==typeof undefined ){ \t\t\t\t\tconsole.error('window.captchaPublicKey is not defined'); \t\t\t\t} \t\t\t\tgrecaptcha.execute( window.captchaPublicKey, { action: 'submit_correction' } ).then( function( token ) { \t\t\t\t\tvar opts={ \t\t\t\t\t\taction:    'firefly_sc_submit', \t\t\t\t\t\tname:      document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"name\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\t:     document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\tmessage:   document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"message\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\tpost_id:   firefly_post_id, \t\t\t\t\t\tcap_token: token \t\t\t\t\t}  \t\t\t\t\tvar inputs=[ 'name', '', 'message' ];  \t\t\t\t\tfor( var i=0; i <inputs.length; i++ ) if( ! 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In a YouTube video released on Sunday, AJ Griffin, a former NBA first-round pick who recently turned 21, shared his decision to leave behind a promising sports career to become a full-time Christian minister. &#8220;I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,&#8221; Griffin stated. His choice evolved over time; it was during his challenging teenage years that he fully embraced the selflessness required by Christianity. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This really began when I dedicated my life to Christ in 2020,&#8221; he explained, emphasizing that while many say they find God, it is actually God who finds them. Once Griffin felt this divine connection, basketball lost its significance for him. &#8220;My values and heart changed; basketball used to be everything for me,&#8221; he reflected. Accepting Christ led him to believe that everyone has a purpose meant for glorifying God.<\/p>\n<p>In the video, Griffin expressed his desire: &#8220;I just want to keep sharing the good news of the gospel with as many people as possible.&#8221; Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2022, he had an impressive rookie season but saw reduced playing time and performance in 2023-24. After being traded to the Houston Rockets on June 27 as part of a three-team deal and participating in Summer League games where he averaged 11.6 points per game alongside other young talents, Griffin chose retirement from the NBA due to personal reasons rather than poor performance.<\/p>\n<p>Despite having over $17 million guaranteed left on his contract with Houston, he opted out of professional sports entirely\u2014a commendable choice given that one cannot fully commit both to athletics and ministry simultaneously. While athletes can pursue their passions while following Jesus\u2014like Jonathan Isaac or C.J. Stroud\u2014Griffin deserves recognition for prioritizing his new calling over basketball<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2347679,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/AJ-Griffin.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[7142,5250,20217,17873],"class_list":["post-2347678","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-basketball","tag-faith","tag-inspiration","tag-ministry"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/AJ-Griffin.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2347678","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2347678"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2347678\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2347679"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2347678"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2347678"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2347678"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}