The backup quarterback who led Green Bay to a victory Sunday says he is "thankful for another opportunity to glorify God" and is eager to support the team in the future however needed -- whether on the field or from the bench. Packers QB Malik Willis, filling in for injured starter Jordan Love, completed 12 of 14 passes for 122 yards and one touchdown and ran for 41 yards in his team's 16-10 victory over Indianapolis at Green Bay. The Packers evened their record at 1-1.
"It feels awesome," Willis told a national television audience on Fox. "I've just got to give all the glory to God for giving me this opportunity."
He added that the Packers coaches "put me in an environment where they can help me not only get ready for the game but just instill confidence in me and help me be the best that I can be."
Asked by Fox if he was proud of his performance, Willis responded, "I don't get proud. We've got a lot to work on, obviously, and we've just got to continue to get better and work hard, and we'll see where Jordan's at [health-wise] and continue to prepare."
Willis was drafted in 2022 by the Tennessee Titans out of Liberty University before being traded to Green Bay.
He is vocal about his Christian faith. His X bio says, "Glory to God."
"Thankful for another opportunity to glorify God," he wrote on X Sunday, adding "TGFE" -- an acronym for "thank God for everything."
Thankful for another opportunity to glorify God 🙏🏾 💯TGFE
— Malik Willis (@malikwillis) September 15, 2024
The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. Nahum 1:7
Willis also cited a Bible verse in his X post. "The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. Nahum 1:7," he wrote.
His faith-focused comments continued during a postgame news conference.
"I'm just grateful for God giving me another opportunity -- somewhere different, a clean slate," he said, referencing the trade.
Asked in 2022 why he plays with so much joy, Willis pointed to his Christian faith.
"I'm blessed to do it. God's put me in a position where I can use my platform to glorify Him and just bring people closer to Him -- and just give joy to other people," Willis told Titans broadcaster Mike Keith in an interview. "So I enjoy playing the game because I'm blessed with the ability. So I get to go use what God blessed me with and impact other people and just make them happy."
WATCH: Packers QB Malik Willis after Win Vs. Colts: 'Go Out There and Just Play Ball' | NFL on FOX
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Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.