I read an interesting article recently in the Daily Citizen, a publication of Focus on the Family. I will include a link to the article in the show notes. The article also includes a video of Gradishar’s complete 17-minute Hall of Fame acceptance speech. Gradishar’s speech illustrates two important biblical principles. Here are some excerpts from the article that describe that speech:
American former professional football player Randy Gradishar [GRAD-uh-shar] was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 3. He boldly used the opportunity to share the Gospel during his acceptance speech.
Gradishar was a vital member of the Denver Broncos’ “Orange Crush” defense of the 1970s and 80s... He is the franchise’s all-time leading tackler…
Additionally, Gradishar was the 1978 Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time first-team All-Pro who helped lead the Broncos franchise to its first Super Bowl appearance…
During the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony, Gradishar took two minutes to share his testimony and his conversion to faith in Jesus Christ.
“Today, I dedicate my Pro Football Hall of Fame 2024 induction to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave me His life so I could be built to last,” Gradishar shared. He said he was invited to a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bible study by legendary running back Archie Griffin while they were teammates at Ohio State University in 1974.
That invitation changed Gradishar’s life. “That evening, the Gospel was explained in four simple truths,” Gradishar said.
Let me pause his story for a moment here. At this point in his speech, he went on to share those four truths. For those of you who are listening to this episode, who have either never surrendered control of your life to Jesus, or who did so at an earlier time in your life but have wandered away from Him, I invite you to say yes to the following 4 truths and commit your life to Jesus. Now, back to Gradishar’s story, as he explained the Gospel (the Good News), which is really the greatest news ever!
1. “God created mankind in His image. God loves us and offers a plan for our life.
2. “But mankind has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Therefore, we cannot know and experience God’s love and plan for our lives, [because] ‘the wages of sin is death.’ (Romans 6:23).
3. “[So] God made a way. ‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life’ (John 3:16).
4. “[What is that way? Salvation.] Salvation requires turning to God – [Repenting] of our sins, [accepting] His forgiveness, and [asking] Jesus, by faith, to be our personal Lord and Savior.”
“This is the only way to be right with God and to live out His plans for our lives, not ours,” Gradishar added.
He then went on to directly address Griffin, who was in the audience for the ceremony. “Archie, you were an OSU sophomore at the time when you invited me to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting – the best invitation I’ve ever had,” Gradishar said. He goes on to state that “at age 22, I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.”
There’re two key points we can take away from the pro football player’s powerful remarks.
First, Gradishar epitomized Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (ESV).
Second, Gradishar’s testimony shows the great power of a simple invitation. His life was changed by an invitation to attend an FCA Bible study.
We are all called to live out the Great Commission, found in Matthew chapter 28:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)
So, here is the challenge I want us to accept today. We are all surrounded by people, in our various spheres of influence: work, school, family, neighbors, etc. Are we living as if we are not ashamed of the gospel? Are we willing to invite those around us to church, a Bible study, a Christian gathering, or a meal at our house? Are we willing to invite them to listen to a Christian podcast, or a YouTube video of someone’s salvation story? After all, as Randy Gradishar’s life shows us, there can be great power in a simple invitation.
Today, I encourage you to “Reflect on This.”
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Link to the article from Daily Citizen, which also includes a video of Gradishar’s complete 17-minute Hall of Fame acceptance speech: