In the latest episode of Faith in the Field, “Resilient Spirit”, Rob Maaddi delved deep into the inspiring journey of former NFL player Mark Herzlich. From his college days at Boston College to his battle with bone cancer, Herzlich shared how faith became the cornerstone of his life.

Reflecting on his college years, Herzlich admitted, "I didn't have any faith really." However, a diagnosis of bone cancer during his senior year changed everything. With a mere 5% chance of survival, Herzlich turned to prayer as a last resort. "I had someone reach out to me really randomly... and encouraged me to pray," he recounted. This pivotal moment began his journey toward a profound relationship with Christ.

Herzlich emphasized the transformative power of prayer, stating, "The prayer went from habitual to a relationship pretty quickly with Christ." Yet, his newfound faith sparked a hunger for knowledge. "I didn't know anything about God, didn't know thing about Jesus... And so that's when my education fee started," he explained. Through reading books like "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis and delving into the Bible, Herzlich found himself fully committing his life to Christ.

Central to Herzlich's journey were the mentors and fellow players who guided him along the way. He mentioned David Carr, a veteran quarterback with the Giants, who lived out his faith and provided invaluable counsel. "He was the guy that I just... consistently asked," Herzlich said, highlighting Carr's role in clarifying his faith amidst doubts.

Moreover, Herzlich found support and mentorship through his involvement with the NFL Players Association (NFL PA). Sitting on the board alongside influential figures like Ben Watson and Matt Hasselbeck, Herzlich continued to grow in his walk with Christ, drawing wisdom and encouragement from these seasoned mentors.

Ultimately, Herzlich's journey serves as a testament to the power of faith amidst adversity. From battling cancer to navigating the challenges of professional football, his unwavering belief in God has been a guiding light. As he and his wife now prioritize faith in their family life, Herzlich's story stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all those facing their trials.