Vincent Frank
In reacting to Russell Wilson’s claim that his four interceptions in the NFC Championship game were God’s plan to set up a dramatic finish, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers seemed to question that idea.
In his weekly radio show interview with ESPN personality Jason Wilde, Rodgers responded to a reader’s question/point that read…
I always find it a little off-putting when athletes, actors and anybody says, “This is what God wanted,” or “I want to thank God for helping us win today,” anything along those lines when a game or award is won. I’m paraphrasing here, but you get the gist. Personally, with all the chaos in the world, I’m not sure God really cares about the outcome of a game or an awards show. What do you think of statements such as these? You’ve obviously got your faith. Does what happens on Sunday impact your relationship with God or your faith at all.
God’s hands playing a role in the outcome of sporting events has been a long-standing controversy of sorts throughout the decades, but the proliferation of athletes pointing to their deity (whoever he/she may be), has brought this to the mainstream in recent years.
In responding to the reader’s question, Rodgers had this to say (h/t Sports Illustrated).
I agree with her. I don’t think God cares a whole lot about the outcome. He cares about the people involved, but I don’t think he’s a big football fan.
This is a stance that he mainstream may in fact agree with. It’s my personal belief that God has better things to do than worry about potential outcomes of football games. Be that as it may, we are all entitled to our own beliefs on this topic. It’s just interesting that Rodgers would address this the very same day that Wilson’s remarks were made public.
