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Former NFL Quarterback Shares His Christian Faith One would never guess by his charming, easygoing nature that Jay was a quarterback in the National Football League for eleven years and retired in1994. Eleven incredible years since he started only one college game at UCLA in 1980 before he was chosen in the 3rd round of the NFL draft in 1984 by the Washington Redskins. Jay's first NFL game experience came in 1985 when starting quarterback Joe Theisman's leg was brutally broken during a game against the New York Giants. Jay finished the year as the starter and the next year Jay passed for over 4,000 yards enroute to the Pro Bowl. Jay started 10 league games for the 1987 Super Bowl Champion Redskins. In 1988 the Redskins traded Jay to the Los Angeles Raiders with whom he played for 5 years. During those years he had many exciting games including a dramatic overtime win in Denver after trailing 24-0 at halftime, and a career-high four touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings. In 1993 Jay played for the Cincinnati Bengals and then the Arizona Cardinals in 1994. Jay finished his career with over 20,000 yards passing, over 100 touchdown passes, and an excellent .648 winning percentage. Jay enjoyed much success during his career in the NFL but he also faced many obstacles. One of Jay's greatest testimonies is that in both accolades and adversity he has always looked to the Lord for stability and has kept his perspective. In addition to his challenges on the field, Jay was challenged off the field by the unexpected discovery of a brain tumor in his then 6 year old son Christopher. Thankfully Christopher experienced a miraculous healing by the grace of God which provides for a wonderful story on family values, priorities, and the power of prayer. As a speaker, Jay draws from his extraordinary experiences to encourage everyone to live the abundant Christian life despite their circumstances. With sincerity and conviction, Jay communicates to audiences of every age and background that their relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important thing in life. Jay's messages range from motivational to inspirational to evangelical and address victorious Christian living, overcoming obstacles, prayer, and encouragement. Jay is especially effective at addressing outreach groups. Having personally seen miraculous answers to prayer he enjoys sharing at Prayer Breakfast meetings. With the experiences he has had with his son's brain tumor, he shares a wonderful story on family values, priorities and the power of prayer. Jay was drafted into professional baseball in 1979 while a senior at Palisades High School in Los Angeles by the Toronto Blue Jays. Because of his strong arm and all-around athletic ability Jay was selected in the first round as the 3rd overall pick. While excited about baseball, he decided to keep his options open and also played college football at UCLA. For two years Jay was a year round athlete, alternating college football and minor league baseball. Overwhelmed by both sports Jay decided to pursue baseball full-time since it was his first love. It was during his 3 years in the minors and attending Spring Training that Jay became involved with Baseball Chapel. Through Baseball Chapel Jay recommitted his life to Christ in 1983. Frustrated by his slow progress in the minor league baseball system Jay went back to football. Jay and his wife Debbie have been married 22 years. They have thee children. Brian, (21) plays baseball in the minor leagues and is married to Dianna, Christopher, (19) is studying automotive design, and their daughter, Katelyn Joy, is 8 and enjoying third grade. Jay treasures his time at home with his family and is committed to traditional family values. Jay was on staff with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in San Diego for 4 years. He coached football and baseball at Christian High for 6 years and has been involved with many Christian and/or charitable organizations including Pro-Athletes Outreach and Focus on The Family. He speaks regularly at schools, churches and FCA related events. Jay is currently enjoying life and golf in beautiful St. George, Utah. The Winning Edge
Cross
Training Treasures
in Heaven Blitzed!
Stressed but not stressed out.
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Watch a sample video by Jay
* * * * * * * What others are saying... "Jay
is an active member of Shadow Mountain Community
Church. As his Pastor I recommend Jay to speak at
any Church event." "It
was my privilege along with several members of the
church I pastor, to hear Jay speak at the 2001
National Day of Prayer Breakfast. We left the
breakfast blessed and inspired. I highly recommend
him." "Jay
speaks frequently for the Fellowship of Christian
Athletes and always delivers a powerful
life-changing message. "Jay
shared his life and experiences with our church and
friends in such a way as to simply put the Gospel
in people's hands. I would encourage you to invite
Jay to give out the Good News." "I
highly recommend Jay as a speaker. His easy going
style of communicating is extremely effective. He
has a unique ability to communicate from the heart
to a variety of audiences." Are
you planning an upcoming event? Need some help in
the planning and details? |
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