Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington, recently baptized and licensed as a minister, shared words of faith and encouragement with the University of Colorado Boulder’s football players last week. During this immersive experience, Washington, now 70, reflected on the struggles and triumphs of his faith, emphasizing the importance of having God-centered lives beyond their athletic achievements.
CU's head coach, Deion Sanders, who is also known for his outspoken Christian beliefs, set the tone for the meeting by playing a clip from Washington's 2000 film "Remember the Titans." The video served as both inspiration and introduction for the actor, who made his appearance via livestream, engaging directly with the team.
Opening his talk, Washington recited Psalm 19:14, asking God for his words to be pleasing. He described himself as "a man of God who’s been through every machination of faith, from faith to eff it.” Washington candidly shared his tumultuous relationship with God, declaring, “I rejected God. I hated God. I loved God. I appreciated God. I’ve had no patience with God, and God has had nothing but patience with me. That’s why they call it grace.”
Reliving his challenging upbringing, Washington reflected on the difficulties he faced early in life, including selling drugs and becoming addicted to heroin at age 13. These experiences, he explained, were foundational as he eventually came to find solace and strength through his faith. “It was only by God’s grace,” he noted, referring to how he navigated the rigorous demands of fame and fortune, stating, “Even after being filled with the Holy Spirit in the ’80s…I still wanted to go party.”
Washington made it clear to the players gathered virtually: “God did not put you here to play football. He gave you the gift, but that's not your purpose in life.” This poignant statement challenged students to dig deep and explore the essence of their existence beyond their roles as athletes.
Encouraging self-reflection, Washington alluded to Jesus’ parable of the seeds and the rocky ground as he read from the devotional book "Jesus First for Men." He shared his insights about how he himself encountered rocky places of doubt and denial throughout his life. “I had a rocky place in my heart and deserted God, but thank God he had mercy on me,” he admitted, underscoring his belief in redemption and the persistent invitation to turn back to faith.
Washington's talk acted not only as inspiration but also as guidance, as he urged the players to establish strong roots and foundations for their lives. He articulated how every individual possesses different platforms to reach people, yet they share one universal purpose defined by God.
The interaction left many players contemplating their futures, learning the significance of grounding themselves primarily through faith rather than accolades or achievements. Washington’s raw honesty about battling inner demons and seeking peace through spirituality seemed to resonate throughout the team.
Through stories and personal anecdotes, Washington imparted wisdom about leveraging their gifts for something greater than mere glory on the field. He beckoned the players to understand the importance of cultivating relationships and serving others as extensions of their faith.
For Washington, publicly declaring his faith empowers him to connect deeply with diverse audiences, especially young individuals at turning points, such as university athletes. His words, reminiscent of the transformative nature of mentorship, reaffirm how influential figures can spark change merely through their presence and experiences.
Concluding the session, Denzel Washington’s affirmations of faith, resilience, and purpose could linger with CU Boulder football players. Such interactions exemplify the crossover potential between sports and spirituality, showing how the two can inspire personal growth and lead athletes toward lives filled with service and fulfillment.
