In the NFL, it’s common to hear players praise God in post-game interviews, but the Christian commitments of both teams in this year’s Super Bowl go beyond mere words. Faith is deeply woven into the culture of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, influencing not only individual players but also team traditions.
Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker detailed the team’s spiritual routine, sharing that they pray together before every game, hold Bible studies on Fridays, and attend chapel or mass on Saturday evenings. Head coach Andy Reid even leads the team in reciting the Lord’s Prayer after every game.
Unlike international football, where overt religious discussions are less common, NFL players frequently speak about their faith. Both starting quarterbacks—Jalen Hurts of the Eagles and Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs—have been open about their Christian beliefs throughout Super Bowl week. Hurts emphasized that his faith is the foundation of his life, while Mahomes described his relationship with God as central to his purpose.
“It’s not about football,” Mahomes said. “It’s just about giving glory to God for being able to live my life, have a beautiful family, and be able to have an impact on others.”
NFL teams often have chaplains to support players spiritually, and both the Chiefs and Eagles are no exception. While many players focus on how faith helps them navigate challenges on and off the field, religious discussions have occasionally sparked controversy when they intersect with social issues.
Regardless of the outcome on Sunday, faith will remain a driving force for many of the athletes taking the field—win or lose, they give glory to God.
