The “F-Bomb”

It is reported that an estimated 75% of NFL starting Quarterbacks are openly and boldly professing Christians. I find it hard to believe a league whose stars often point to Christ Jesus is dead set on Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime shows. That is a post for another day. Today it is a bomb I want to try and defend. My least favorite bomb – the “F-Bomb”.

This four letter word seems to have become America’s favorite motivational cuss word. One F-Bomb is the measuring stick deciding whether a movie is rated PG 13 or Restricted. I am surprised the movie industry didn’t see the need to throw using Jesus or God’s name in vain just once in as well. The question today is why the obvious need to drop the F-Bomb?

I have been a Trinidad Chambliss fan since watching him carve up my OU defense a year ago. I went back and studied his career winning a D2 Championship and his climb up the ladder becoming arguably the best college football QB in the business today. What set Trinidad apart to me, which is the definition of Holy (set apart) by the way, was his bold faith. He was joining my favorite QB list always praising Jesus with uncommon humility.

Saturday, after leading Ole Miss to another big-time victory over LSU, Chambliss once again praised God boldly in a post game interview. I was loving it, but then as he ended the interview and began to run off in excitement, he throws down an F-Bomb along with the Ole Miss rally cry “Hotty F—- Totty”.

First I want to say, we all fall short and I was very impressed that Trinidad followed that up in his post game press conference with an apology “saying that is not who he is” while wearing a Jesus Won FCA shirt. I seriously doubt that Trinidad is getting any FCA NIL money for wearing the shirt or for apologizing publicly. His mom, dad, or grandmother might have encouraged him a bit, but I give Trinidad kudos for his apology.

I believe there are a number of interesting subjects we could consider discussing here. Such as:

Why are so many big name QB’s bold in their faith?

Why do athletes feel profanity is needed to motivate?

If you do not use God’s name in vain, then is it really that big of a deal to cuss or curse?

Who are the cussing police and who gets to say what words are ok and not ok to use?

What should people think about professing Christians who regularly use profanity?

Are many of these athletes professing their faith only hoping God’s favor will help them win?

The Bible says that you will know a true follower of Jesus by his fruit. I agree that is true, but we do all fall short. Moses and David were murderers. So where is the line and is the jury out on what we should do as Christians regarding this subject?

First we should always look at the Bible and seek the answers. There is lot to read on the subject. Things like the tongue is like a two edged sword. I have often heard it said that what is truly in your heart will boil or bubble out when you least expect it.

We are all a work in progress, but what about that little kid or teenager watching tv? You cannot deny the fact that he or she is being influenced by your every word and action.

Is it as simple as telling a child to never idolize a human being, because they will all fail? Should we encourage athletes to take the Charles Barkley’s approach and claim you’re not a role model?

I admit that I watch and follow my heroes closely and NFL hall of famers like Kurt Warner and Reggie White have thoroughly impressed me with their effort to shine bright daily, but I have found neither to be perfect.

What about guys like Ray Lewis, Deion Sanders, and Baker Mayfield, who have found Christ while battling through their NFL careers. Do they deserve a few more mulligans than the rest of us? Currently, I am very impressed by the effort that Kirk Cousins, Bo Nix, and Tua Tagovailoa seem to give in order to make sure their lights shine bright.

One player said they were impressed with another player’s ability to use non-cussing intimidation. One person commented on social media about the Trinidad Chambliss F-Bomb. “He is one of them kind of Christians.” It sure seemed like Trinidad wanted everyone to know that this was not the case in his post game interview.

According to numerous reports many NFL QB’s boldly profess their faith yet choose to use profanity on occasion to talk smack or motivate. I have no idea where any of these men are at in their walk with Jesus and only God knows their heart. I am still very thankful for their boldness in professing Jesus Christ as their Savior. I just hope it doesn’t trickle down to youth and encourage a watered down version of Jesus or what these young followers strive to be.

We are called to be image bearers of Christ and Jesus said it best to the men planning to stone the young lady caught in adultery, “Ye without sin cast the first stone.”

Reggie White famously responded to an opposing player’s profanity by telling him, “Here comes Jesus” and politely asking him to stop. As an ordained minister known as the “Minister of Defense”, White stuck courageously to his Christian faith on the field.

Kirk Cousins is known for avoiding traditional profanity, instead using mild, wholesome expressions like “dang it,” “golly,” “oh boy,” or “frick” when he is angry or mic’d up on the field.

That brings up the question. Is it any better to drop a “Frick”, “Freaking”, “Flippin”, or “F in”, instead of a straight F-Bomb? I was once called out by a mom after coaching a T-Ball practice. I had randomly used “freaking” when coaching. She let me know, and rightfully so, that she was not ok with that.

Just like Chambliss, I apologized and let her know I was sorry. I chose words to replace what I considered cuss words growing up. Words like “shoot” and “dang”. You know though, when I heard my own children use the word “freakin” or “f in”, it just didn’t sit as well in my soul.

I don’t pretend to have all the answers on this, and as I just mentioned, I failed and continue to fail when it comes to being a perfect example for anyone.

It seems to boil down to a person’s heart. David messed up, but God saw his heart and chose to forgive him. There were painful consequences for David’s failure.

If we are men and women after God’s own heart, then I believe we will strive daily to die to sin and by doing so draw others to Jesus through our choices, words, and actions. Lord help us!

The greatest action you can demonstrate is forgiveness and as a result avoid judging others for their failures. Instead fight with love and give everyone the grace you would hope to recieve after falling short. Encourage in love by being the best example you can be of Jesus. I also believe there is power in holding each other accountable in our daily walk.

I hope this post encourages you and I hope Trinidad Chambliss goes on to be an NFL MVP praising God at a level never seen before! I will be without a doubt be rooting him on!