The Panini Senior Bowl, college football’s premier all-star game, returns to Mobile, Alabama, on January 31. The game is the culmination of Senior Bowl Week, an extensive showcase featuring the nation’s top college prospects, giving scouts and coaches from all 32 NFL teams a chance to evaluate talent through pro-level practice and game play.
As the event draws college football’s elite to the field, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) took the stage for the FCA Chick-fil-A Senior Bowl Student Rally, a Christ-focused outreach that incorporates a dynamic blend of fellowship, worship and testimonies from marquee players. The rally took place Monday, January 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Cottage Hill Baptist Church in Mobile.
According to Dennis Hayford, Southern Alabama FCA Multi-Area Director, “The FCA Chick-fil-A Senior Bowl Student Rally is an opportunity for FCA to impact thousands of students and coaches from all over Southern Alabama with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. We want to make a positive impact on the campuses in our area.”
“It is our hope that those who attended the rally will be inspired by the athletes’ testimonies,” remarked Executive VP of Pro and Elite Sports Mike Blanc. “This opportunity to hear about the transformative power of Christ in the lives of young people is a testament to how God is not just a part of our spiritual journeys, but our foundation on and off the field.”
The rally followed a sports-show-style format, highlighting conversations about faith and athletics with Division 1 players. Hayford praised the athletes for their willingness to carve out time from their packed schedules to take part.
“They are so busy during the week with interviews with NFL teams, practice and running the playbook,” shared Hayford. “For them to take two hours of their schedule to come to an FCA meeting is pretty astounding.”
Indeed, the rally frequently hosts some of today’s finest Christian athletes. Past guests have included Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles, Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons and Carson Wentz of the Minnesota Vikings.
During last year’s rally, seventeen Senior Bowl players, including Texas Christian University wide receiver Jack Bech and Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, talked about faith and football for the 1,700 students in the crowd.
At the rally’s close, FCA offered a Gospel presentation. Last year, 362 people indicated a commitment to Christ.
“The Senior Bowl garners a lot of media attention and builds anticipation,” commented Hayford. “To see these elite athletes utilize their God-given influence to share the transformative power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a wonderful thing.. It’s incredible to see how the partnership between FCA and the Senior Bowl has made such a lasting impact over 40-plus years.”