Fifteenth International Conference on Sport & Society

Abstract

“As I got to know God through Jesus Christ, my faith started to grow … Ever since I made this decision the Lord has been changing my life” – Ohio State Running Back Treveyon Henderson with @His Huddle. College athletes who boldly share their Christian faith in public are in many cases well respected, but they also receive criticism and backlash, especially on social media. Public scrutiny is perhaps more intense in this era of college sports than any other with the additional challenges of NIL (name, image, likeness) and branding for elite athletes. In navigating through this ever-changing landscape, many athletes have used their platforms to share how religion has impacted their lives both on and off the field or court. This study is a survey analysis of college athletes who will be polled through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Ohio. The survey responses will be examined along with comments made to athletes’ X accounts when they post about their faith and how it strengthens their character and influences their decision making.