Faith, Football, and Family: Demario Davis on His Journey
NFL linebacker Demario Davis discusses his faith journey, the impact of family, and the power of using sports as a mission field.
February 27, 2025
Demario Davis, linebacker for the New Orleans Saints, sat down with Faith on the Field host Marcus Smith to discuss how his faith intersects with his career in the NFL, his family life, and his mission to share the gospel.
Davis shared how his faith journey took a radical turn during his college years. Although he grew up in church, it wasn't until he found himself in a tough situation, including a jail experience, that he truly encountered Jesus. A teammate spent time with him, leading him to faith and discipling him. From that moment on, Davis began to see football not just as a game but as a mission field. He started using his position in the locker room to share the gospel with teammates.
Listen to the episode here:
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For Davis, preparing for a game isn’t just about hyping up with music or getting into a fierce mindset. He explained that it’s about living out his faith consistently. Rather than seeking to "get hype" on game day, Davis realized that his greatest strength on the field comes from spiritual armor, not from external influences. Before games, he tunes in to God, worshipping Him through his actions and trusting that God is in control of the outcome.
Family plays a vital role in Davis’ life, and he emphasized how important it is to train his six children in the ways of the Lord. He shared how the gospel is the true “generational wealth” that he aims to pass on to them, even though the material wealth from football is significant. Davis is committed to investing in his children’s spiritual growth, ensuring that they not only understand the gospel but live it out in their own lives.
Davis also reflected on how faith is becoming more visible in the NFL. He shared that when he entered the league, it was rare to openly talk about faith, but now, more players are proudly proclaiming their relationship with Christ. He encouraged fellow believers to use their platform to share not just the praise of God, but the gospel—the message that Jesus died and rose again to offer salvation to all who believe.
Davis’ story is one of redemption, purpose, and a deep commitment to using his influence for the Kingdom. Whether on the field or at home, he is striving to live out his faith boldly and teach others to do the same.