Introduction
The NBA is a global stage for elite athleticism, intense rivalries, and superstar personalities. Yet behind the spotlight and fast-paced lifestyle, some players quietly follow a path rooted in spiritual discipline. Among them are NBA athletes who are Jehovah’s Witnesses—a Christian denomination known for its devotion to ministry, nonviolence, and separation from political or worldly affairs.
These players have made headlines not just for their performances on the court, but also for their strong commitment to faith. Some have even left the game entirely to serve their religious community full-time. Others found a balance, maintaining both their careers and spiritual values. This article explores the lives of notable NBA players who are or were Jehovah’s Witnesses, how their beliefs influenced their personal and professional decisions, and why their stories continue to resonate beyond sports. If you’re curious about faith in sports, these narratives offer unique and powerful insight.
NBA Players Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses
1. Darren Collison
Darren Collison made waves in 2019 when he announced his retirement at age 31 while still in peak playing condition. A reliable point guard who played for teams like the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers, Collison stepped away from millions of dollars to dedicate his life to his faith. He stated that being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses meant more to him than fame or money. Though he briefly returned for a short stint with the Lakers, his primary focus remained on family and spiritual work.
2. Danny Granger
Danny Granger, a former NBA All-Star, played most of his career with the Indiana Pacers. He was raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household and later reaffirmed his commitment to the faith by getting baptized after retirement. Known for his calm demeanor on and off the court, Granger has often credited his faith for giving him a sense of peace during the highs and lows of professional sports. His post-retirement life involves philanthropy and motivational speaking, aligning with his spiritual values.
3. Dewayne Dedmon
Dewayne Dedmon has one of the most compelling backstories among faith-driven athletes. Born to a devout Jehovah’s Witness mother, he was not allowed to play organized sports during his childhood. It wasn’t until the age of 18 that he began playing basketball. Despite the late start, Dedmon carved out a successful NBA career, playing for several teams including the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks. His story is a powerful example of resilience, and he attributes much of his mental toughness and patience to his religious upbringing.
4. A.C. Green
While not a Jehovah’s Witness himself, A.C. Green is often mentioned in discussions about faith in basketball due to his staunch religious values. Known as the NBA’s “Iron Man,” he played in over 1,000 consecutive games and famously remained celibate throughout his career, a commitment rooted in his Christian beliefs. Though his faith background is different, Green’s lifestyle paralleled that of Jehovah’s Witnesses in terms of personal discipline and moral conduct.
5. Dave Meyers
A top pick in the 1975 NBA draft, Dave Meyers played for the Milwaukee Bucks before retiring early at age 28. His decision wasn’t due to injury or declining performance—it was a spiritual one. As a devoted Jehovah’s Witness, Meyers chose to focus on his ministry work. His decision stood out during a time when few athletes spoke publicly about religious convictions, and it cemented his legacy as someone who prioritized faith over fame.
6. Michael Adams
Michael Adams, a former All-Star point guard, was known for his speed and sharp shooting. Although he was not vocal during his playing career about his beliefs, he later revealed that he had become a Jehovah’s Witness. Adams has used his platform post-retirement to promote values aligned with his faith and remains involved in his religious community.
7. Mark Jackson
A former NBA point guard and head coach of the Golden State Warriors, Mark Jackson is known for his strong religious views. He was raised in a religious household and reportedly became affiliated with Jehovah’s Witnesses later in life. His commentary and coaching often reflect his belief in maintaining a high standard of integrity, both professionally and personally.
8. Sam Perkins
Sam Perkins, a longtime NBA forward and Olympic gold medalist, was deeply influenced by his faith. Though not always publicly discussed, he lived according to spiritual principles similar to Jehovah’s Witnesses, including not standing for the national anthem during his playing years. His quiet defiance was based on religious convictions and garnered both criticism and respect.
9. Greg Ostertag
Greg Ostertag, a former Utah Jazz center, has been linked to Jehovah’s Witness circles due to his conservative and reserved lifestyle. Though not as public with his beliefs as others, those close to Ostertag have indicated that his religious views heavily influenced how he approached his career and life off the court.
10. Wayman Tisdale
Wayman Tisdale was a beloved NBA power forward and an accomplished jazz musician. In his post-basketball life, he became increasingly devoted to his faith. Though not confirmed as a Jehovah’s Witness by public record, he was known to associate with the community and adopt many of its teachings.
The Influence of Faith on Career Choices
1. Early Retirement
Faith often leads players to make unconventional decisions. Both Darren Collison and Dave Meyers retired in their prime to pursue full-time ministry work. This stands in contrast to the norm in professional sports, where athletes usually aim to maximize their careers for financial or legacy purposes.
2. Public Conduct
Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for their neutrality in political matters and focus on moral integrity. Players like Sam Perkins demonstrated this by not standing for the national anthem—a symbolic but powerful gesture rooted in belief rather than protest. Their choices have sparked dialogue about religious rights in professional sports.
3. Discipline and Lifestyle
The lifestyle required by Jehovah’s Witnesses demands personal discipline, abstinence from certain celebrations, and regular ministry. This can often conflict with the fast-paced, high-profile lifestyle of professional athletes. Nevertheless, players like A.C. Green and Danny Granger found ways to harmonize both, prioritizing integrity over indulgence.
Jehovah’s Witness Beliefs That Influence Athletes
- No Participation in Nationalistic Acts: Many Jehovah’s Witnesses refrain from activities like singing national anthems or saluting flags.
- Evangelism: Public ministry and evangelism are central, which can conflict with a busy NBA schedule.
- Strict Moral Code: Adherents are expected to avoid premarital sex, drugs, and violent behavior.
- Neutrality in World Affairs: They don’t vote or participate in political discussions, aligning more with spiritual life than civic identity.
Why Their Stories Matter
The presence of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA illustrates the intersection of personal belief and professional excellence. These athletes provide a different lens through which to view sports—not just as a form of entertainment or competition, but as a platform for expressing deeply held values. Their stories also remind us that behind every jersey number is a human being navigating life’s most personal decisions.
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Conclusion
Faith is often a private journey, but for these NBA players, it has become a defining feature of their public life. Whether stepping away from a multi-million-dollar career or subtly living out their values in a fast-paced league, Jehovah’s Witness athletes have made their mark through both performance and principle. Their choices reveal a different kind of courage—the kind it takes to prioritize spiritual fulfillment over fame, to walk away from spotlight for personal truth.
In a world that often measures success in trophies and accolades, their stories speak to a deeper pursuit: living authentically according to belief. For fans and fellow believers alike, their lives serve as a powerful reminder that success isn’t just what you do on the court, but how you live off it. These athletes continue to inspire—not only as basketball players but as individuals anchored in faith.
FAQs
- Which NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
NBA players known to be Jehovah’s Witnesses include Darren Collison, Danny Granger, Dewayne Dedmon, Dave Meyers, Michael Adams, and potentially Mark Jackson and Greg Ostertag. - Why did Darren Collison leave the NBA?
He retired in 2019 to focus on his faith as a Jehovah’s Witness, citing his spiritual life and family as greater priorities than his NBA career. - Is Danny Granger still a Jehovah’s Witness?
Yes, Danny Granger was raised in the faith and publicly reaffirmed it with baptism after retiring from the NBA. - What beliefs do Jehovah’s Witness NBA players follow?
They follow principles such as public ministry, political neutrality, nonviolence, and a strict moral lifestyle, often choosing to avoid events or behaviors that conflict with their faith. - Are there active NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses today?
While most known Jehovah’s Witness NBA players have retired, Dewayne Dedmon is one of the few who played in recent seasons. Active players may follow the faith privately.