Former Atlanta Hawks forward AJ Griffin recently announced his decision to quit basketball and fully commit to his faith. Griffin, who became a Christian in 2020, revealed that this significant life change is driven by his desire to pursue ministry full-time. The 21-year-old announced via a video that his decision stems from a personal calling to serve God wholeheartedly. Griffin’s choice to step away from the sport shocked many, as he was seen as a promising player in the NBA.
A Personal Journey Toward Faith
Griffin shared that basketball was once his entire life, but that began to change after he found Jesus in 2020. He explained that his heart gradually shifted away from the game as his focus moved toward a deeper relationship with God. In the video, Griffin emphasized that everyone has a God-given purpose, and for him, that meant leaving behind basketball to pursue ministry.
Support from Fellow Athletes and Fans
AJ Griffin’s decision garnered support from fellow athletes like Jonathan Isaac, an Orlando Magic player and outspoken Christian. Isaac praised Griffin for his commitment to his faith, expressing both pride and sadness over the league’s loss of such a talented player. While some fans and observers have questioned why Griffin couldn’t balance basketball with ministry, Griffin made it clear that he feels a calling to fully dedicate himself to his new path.
Looking Ahead to Griffin’s Future
Though Griffin’s decision surprised many in the basketball world, he expressed excitement about his future in ministry. Having agreed to a $250,000 buyout with the Houston Rockets, Griffin now has the time and space to figure out his next steps, with a focus on growing spiritually and serving God.
Sources:
Rockets agree to buyout, waive 2022 first-round pick A.J. Griffin who may step away from sport
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