Broncos Legend Randy Gradishar Shares Gospel during Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Speech
- Milton Quintanilla Crosswalk Headlines Contributor
- Updated Aug 06, 2024
Former Denver Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar dedicated his Pro Football Hall of Fame speech to Jesus Christ and delivered the Gospel to those in attendance. As reported by Sports Spectrum, Gradishair spoke much about his Christian faith at the Pro Football HOF Class of 2024 enshrinement ceremony. He shared that his introduction to Christianity began during his senior year at Ohio State University through an invitation to Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bible study by two-time Heisman Trophy Archie Griffin.
“Growing up, I attended church. But the Gospel of salvation wasn’t taught that evening in ’74,” said Gradishair.
He went on to describe the Gospel in “four simple truths,” along with biblical citations for each point. The first point is that God created mankind in his image (Gen. 1:27), followed by the second point, which is that mankind’s problem is sinning and falling short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Thirdly, despite mankind’s sin, God made a way through Christ (John 3:16), and the fourth point is that salvation requires turning to God, accepting forgiveness, and accepting Christ as savior.
“This is the only way to be right with God and to live out his plans for our life, not ours,” Gradishair continued.
The former linebacker noted that he gave his life to Christ when he was 22 years old and owed it to “my key prayer warriors, Beth and Pastor Jeff and Kim, cousins Joe and Annie, men and my Bible study Bob and Diana Blake, Dale Morris, Linda Rogers and her late husband Roger.”
“The greatest gift we can give and receive really is prayer,” he said.
At the conclusion of his speech, Gradishair dedicated his Hall of Fame induction to Christ.
“And so today, I dedicate my Pro Football Hall of Fame 2024 induction to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave me his life so I could be built to last. Thank you, and God bless,” he concluded.
According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website, Gradishair was selected as the 14th overall pick in the 1974 NFL Draft. In 1978, he received numerous accolades, including AP NFL Defensive MVP/Player of the Year, first-team All-Pro status, All-AFC, and selection to the Pro Bowl.
“At age 22, I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.”
— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) August 4, 2024
Powerful words from Broncos legend Randy Gradishar as he shares the Gospel during his @ProFootballHOF induction speech on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/9Z7vXYTZ3B
He is also one of only ten linebackers with at least seven Pro Bowls, 20 interceptions, and 10 fumble recoveries.
Gradishair has the most unofficial tackles in Broncos history with a total of 2,049, placing him second all-time behind Hall of Famer Ray Lewis for most in the NFL.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Tom Cooper/Stringer
