In basketball, jersey number 23 is the most well-known jersey in the game. Worn by the two best players of all time, Michael Jordan and Lebron James, anyone who wears 2-3 will immediately be compared to the two, unfairly or not.
23 is the only number in the NBA retired by two teams (The Heat and the Bulls).
So when the Phoenix Suns’ Cameron Johnson picked the number 23, everyone immediately went to MJ. But the third-year man out of North Carolina had a different reason for choosing 23.
His faith in God.
Cameron Johnson was a big Jordan fan growing up but there’s a bigger reason why he decided to wear the number 23 on his back.
Another question, I got to ask during @Suns media day. ?☀️#Psalm23 #Psalm #Psalms #Suns #PhoenixSuns #RallyTheValley #michaeljordan #Jordan pic.twitter.com/Bej96YVFxw
— Marco “Thee Alta” Peralta (@TheeAltaPeralta) September 29, 2021
Related: Steph Curry Reveals How The Golden State Warriors Honor God On Game Days
Cameron Johnson and Psalm 23
Cameron Johnson says that he not only wears the number 23, he also recites it constantly.
When preparing for a game or significant moment, Johnson recites the Bible passage as a way to connect with God and his grandmother.
He said, “My grandma is a prayer warrior.”
Psalm 23 (NIV) reads:
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever
I love it when a professional athlete is unafraid to share their faith.
The media denigrates Christians constantly, especially those who are out and open in their faith.
Being honest about your faith in Jesus Christ is a brave message and one I hope more Christian athletes will follow.
Related: NFL Player Fined For Christian Headband Honored At Super Bowl, Gives Thanks To God
Other Athletes of Faith
Cameron Johnson is far from the only faith-filled athlete.
Many others share their faith with pride. Athletes often use their platforms to promote causes that they are passionate about.
Many of them chose to use their fame to promote their Christian values and how important it is to be an excellent example of love to those around them.
Of course, the first athlete that comes to mind is Tim Tebow.
Related: Christian Sports Hero Tim Tebow Gives Homeless Person Shoes Off His Own Feet
Regularly attacked in the media for his faith, Tebow never waivers in his commitment.
Retired quarterback and future Hall of Famer Phillip Rivers is a devout Catholic. The father of nine is famous for refusing to cuss on the field, often leading to some hilarious quips:
@chargers HORSE MESS.
And my personal favorite, Kurt Warner who credits his faith with bringing him through adversity and into the NFL:
Related: Watch: New Trailer Drops For Kurt Warner Biopic ‘American Underdog’
What do you think of athletes like Cameron Johnson being open about their faith? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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