The National Basketball Association (How Many Ex NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses ) is one of the most prominent sports leagues in the world, with players from various backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. While most athletes prefer to keep their religious affiliations private, some NBA players have been openly associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses, a Christian denomination known for its distinct beliefs and practices. In this article, we will explore how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses, their journey in faith, and how their beliefs influenced their careers and lives.
The Connection Between the How Many Ex NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for their strong commitment to faith, evangelism, and adherence to biblical teachings. This belief system often requires significant lifestyle changes, including abstaining from political participation, military service, and certain holidays. Despite the rigorous religious guidelines, several former NBA players have been part of this denomination.
While the exact number of ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses is difficult to determine, a few notable names have publicly identified with the faith. Some players were raised in Jehovah’s Witness families, while others converted later in life. Regardless of when they embraced the faith, their religious beliefs played a significant role in shaping their personal and professional lives.
Notable Ex-NBA Players Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses
1. Darren Collison
Darren Collison is one of the most well-known NBA players associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses. He had a successful career in the NBA, playing for teams like the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, and New Orleans Hornets. However, in 2019, at the age of 31, Collison made a surprising announcement—he was retiring from professional basketball to focus on his faith.
Collison stated that his devotion to Jehovah’s Witnesses was more important to him than continuing his lucrative NBA career. He wanted to dedicate his time to ministry work and spreading the teachings of his faith. His decision shocked many basketball fans, but it demonstrated his deep commitment to his beliefs.
2. Danny Granger
Danny Granger, a former Indiana Pacers star, is another player associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Although he did not retire explicitly for religious reasons, he has publicly acknowledged his faith. Granger played in the NBA for over a decade and was known for his scoring ability and defensive skills.
Throughout his career, Granger balanced his basketball profession with his religious beliefs. While he was not as outspoken about his faith as Darren Collison, those close to him knew about his connection to Jehovah’s Witnesses. His quiet yet strong adherence to the faith exemplifies how some players integrate their spiritual beliefs with their professional lives.
3. Dewayne Dedmon (Partially Associated)
Dewayne Dedmon, a former NBA center who played for teams like the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks, was raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household. However, unlike Collison and Granger, Dedmon chose to pursue a basketball career despite his mother’s strong religious beliefs discouraging him from doing so.
His mother, a devout Jehovah’s Witness, was initially opposed to him playing basketball professionally. Nevertheless, Dedmon followed his passion and made it to the NBA. While he may not be an active Jehovah’s Witness today, his upbringing in the faith had a significant impact on his life choices and values.
The Challenges of Being a Jehovah’s Witness in the NBA
Being a Jehovah’s Witness in a highly competitive and demanding professional sports league like the NBA is not easy. The faith has specific practices that sometimes conflict with the expectations of a professional athlete. Here are some of the challenges these players face:
1. Avoiding Certain Celebrations and Practices
Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays, Christmas, or other holidays that are common in mainstream culture. This could lead to awkward situations in team settings where birthday celebrations or holiday festivities are a part of team bonding.
2. Prioritizing Religious Duties Over Career
As seen in Darren Collison’s case, some players choose to prioritize their religious commitments over their professional careers. This can be a difficult decision, especially when an athlete is at the peak of their performance and has financial security tied to their career.
3. Avoiding Political and Social Controversies
Jehovah’s Witnesses generally refrain from political involvement, nationalistic practices, and activism. In the NBA, where social justice movements and political discussions are common, a player following this faith might choose to stay silent on issues that other athletes frequently engage with.
Influence of Faith on Their Lives After Retirement
Many former NBA players who embrace Jehovah’s Witnesses continue their spiritual journey after leaving the league. Some become full-time ministers, while others engage in community service and religious outreach.
For instance, Darren Collison has remained actively involved in ministry work since his retirement. He dedicates his time to preaching and community service, showing that his decision to leave the NBA was deeply rooted in his faith.
Others, like Danny Granger, have maintained their religious beliefs while pursuing other ventures. Whether through philanthropy, mentorship, or business, faith continues to be a guiding principle in their lives.
Conclusion
The number of ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses is relatively small, but their impact is significant. Players like Darren Collison, Danny Granger, and Dewayne Dedmon (to some extent) have demonstrated how faith can shape personal and professional decisions.
While being a Jehovah’s Witness in the NBA comes with unique challenges, these athletes have shown that it is possible to balance faith with a successful career. Their stories serve as an inspiration to others who seek to remain true to their beliefs while excelling in their respective fields. Ultimately, their legacy is not just about basketball but about standing firm in their convictions, no matter the cost.
