Appearing on CNN to speak with CNN host Anderson Cooper in January of 2023, retired NFL star tight end Benjamin Watson spoke about Damar Hamlin’s injury and spoke about his Christian faith. Watson also noted how fast one’s life can change and how precious life is, reminded of the shocks that can change those things by Hamlin’s on-field collapse.
Specifically, when discussing his faith and God, Watson told Cooper that God provides the answer, and that the tragedy of a situation might work to the ultimate benefit of those trying to spread the faith, as it gives people a reason to look to God and the answers that he provides.
In his words, “On the flip side, with such a tragic event, there is a tremendous opportunity. Part of my prayers right now, Anderson, is for the players in both of those locker rooms, for the chaplains who I know very well — who are right now counseling and comforting players who saw a brother in a near-death experience and who is still fighting for his life — because the questions about what happens after this life, where will you spend eternity … are coming up for all of us, not just for the football players. But thank God that he provides an answer through his son, Jesus Christ,”
Watson, who was on the New England Patriots team when they won the Superbowl in 2004, tweeted out a clip of the interview, commenting, “Life can change in the blink of an eye. Damar’s injury has made us all wrestle with this truth. It has served as a reminder of own mortality. While we pray for him as he fights for his life we must ask ourselves where will we spend eternity? Thanks for this convo @andersoncooper.”
Responding to the tweet, Twitter users shared their own messages of faith, saying things like “Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for all of my sins! Great job Benjamin!” and “I love that this is what you are doing with your life. God Bless you. And it appears our prayers have been answered.”
Others said things like “@BenjaminSWatson thank you for sharing the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. People don’t realize just how many men of faith are involved in football. Put your faith in the Lord Jesus and give your life into His hands” and “What a brave brother to speak the name of Jesus with such boldness and claim the gospel without shame. Praise God!”
Still others said “Way to take every opportunity you can to share the gospel. Keep up the good work brother” and “Good word bro. I asked my dad, as he lay in a hospital bed, “If you die today, will you go to Heaven”. His answer was stunning….he said “I think so”. We immediately prayed the sinners prayer. It was an honor to lead him to #Jesus. 18mos later he died unexpectedly. Be bold!!”
For those wondering, the “sinner’s prayer” referenced in that last tweet is “Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Your Name. Amen.”
Watch the interview here:
Featured image credit: By Tammy Anthony Baker, Photographer – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72828625