D.J. Dozier: Kneeling in the End Zone for Christ
D.J. Dozier reflects on bold faith, public witness, and God-given purpose from college football to the NFL and beyond.
March 24, 2025
For former Penn State star and NFL running back DJ Dozier, faith has always been more than a private belief—it’s a public posture. In a candid conversation with Marcus Smith on Faith on the Field from Radio Row at the Super Bowl, DJ shared how kneeling in prayer after touchdowns wasn’t a gimmick but a spiritual declaration that began his senior year at Penn State. It was during the national championship game, after scoring the winning touchdown, that his simple act of kneeling resonated far beyond the stadium.
DJ reflected on how that moment sparked letters from fans—including a high school girl who said his boldness helped her stop feeling ashamed of her faith. "I'll never be ashamed again," she wrote. For DJ, it was a reminder that obedience to God, even in small gestures, can impact lives in ways we’ll never fully grasp.
Listen to the episode here:
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Raised in a home with a churchgoing mother and a non-attending father, DJ admitted early struggles in owning his faith. But at 10 years old, he encountered Christ at a Christian camp. Like many, his path wasn’t linear, but a rededication at age 20 while in college ignited a deep and enduring relationship with God.
That decision shaped his football career and life beyond the field. Today, DJ runs a company that helps sports tech businesses grow, and he also uses his platform to host interviews with other athletes, talking openly about faith, transition, and purpose. “One of the most productive parts of walking with the Lord,” DJ shared, “has been spending time in worship.” Whether morning or evening, DJ sees worship as his anchor—a source of peace and strength that keeps him grounded.
To young athletes chasing dreams across multiple sports, DJ offers this wisdom: God has given each of us “TAGS”—Talents, Abilities, Gifts, and Skills. “You were created on purpose, with purpose,” he said. “Don’t ever discount your significance.”
DJ Dozier’s story is a powerful reminder that moments of quiet obedience—like kneeling in the end zone—can echo across generations, pointing others to the One who gives us purpose.