ESPN Faculty play day Host Rece Davis talks about her Christian religion Sports activities podcast that he grew up within the church and has been blessed all through his profession to be surrounded by “large males of God” who assist maintain him accountable.
Davis is without doubt one of the most recognizable faces in school sports activities because the host of the Emmy Awards Faculty play daywhich travels from campus to campus in the course of the fall for varsity soccer after which within the winter for varsity basketball.
Davis, who grew up in Alabama and graduated from the College of Alabama, advised Sports activities Spectrum Podcast host Jason Romano that he was “actually fortunate” to develop up in a Christian residence the place Bible examine and church attendance have been required.
“I'd like to observe Monday Evening Soccer, a minimum of for some time earlier than I’ve to go to mattress. And I couldn't — we didn't till we did our devotional that night time,” he stated.
Davis' father was a deacon within the native Church of Christ congregation. His dad and mom, he stated, have been a mannequin of religion for him.
“I've been blessed in that regard,” he stated. “However there's all the time that second whenever you notice your religion isn't going to remain grandfathered in. I used to be baptized once I was 13 and 14 and stayed energetic.”
As soon as in school, he stated, he realized individuals have been watching him to see if he was dwelling his religion.
“Persons are watching you – no matter your station in life, they’ll discover the way you deal with them. And it’ll mirror who you say you’re,” he stated. “… There might be somebody listening who says, 'Properly, I may give you 15 examples the place Rece Davis wasn't what he says he’s' — and he'd most likely be proper.”
The ESPN host stated his story of religion is just not considered one of radical transformation, however considered one of “consistently attempting to repent and make it proper.”
“I've been blessed to have some guys that I've labored with who’re simply large males of God and affect,” he stated, referring to Hubert Davis, LaPhonso Ellis, David Pollack and Kirk Herbstreit. He and these males usually textual content forwards and backwards — “checking one another, difficult one another.”
“I feel all of it helps whenever you begin getting off monitor,” he stated.
When co-host Lee Corso as soon as suffered a well being downside, Davis stated, “There have been a number of of us who privately stepped apart and prayed for him collectively.
“And having individuals like that round helps.
Photograph courtesy: © Getty Photos/Wealthy Barnes/Stringer
Michael Foust has coated the intersection of religion and information for 20 years. His tales have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Right now, The Christian Publish, Leaf-Chronicle, Toronto Star and Knoxville Information-Sentinel.