COLUMBUS, Ohio. (K-LOVE) — Ohio State University is not shy from making headlines, but this time, it was not for football.
Leading by example, the Ohio State Football Team is using their platform to share the Gospel with their fans. Former and current OSU football players came together to bring a one-of-a-kind experience to the campus.
On Sunday, August 25, over a thousand students gathered in the heart of the Columbus city campus for an evening of a Christ-centered program.
Players like former running back, Master Teague, became an integral part of how this night came to life. Hear how it came together:
Growing up in Tennessee within a Christ-centered home, Master was always surrounded by those who taught him how to live a God-following life at an early age. He became baptized at eleven years old and says his faith has always been at the forefront of his life.
"I saw in my home of what it looked like to follow Christ and that rubbed off on me," he says.
But it wasn't until he embarked on his college journey that his faith grew stronger than it ever had before. "I had to make a decision for myself," Teague says.
He says about 70-percent of professing Christians that enter college actually neglect their faith, and he did not want to become one of those people. Because of this, Master felt inspired to write a book on this very topic. The Power Of Community At The Ohio State University: Shine God's Light Make Kingdom Impact, was written for entering college students, parents, and coaches who can benefit from Teague's key fundamentals on how to grow your faith through the college experience.
When entering his first year playing for the Buckeyes, Teague recalls a prayer that has certainly been answered.
"Lord, I want there to be some guys on this team that are truly devout to You, that are living for You each and everyday," he prayed.
Teague recognized the large platform he and his fellow players were given early on and they did their part to amplify a message stronger than football could ever do.
"People would be curious, listen to you, and want to hear what you have to say. We wanted to leverage that platform to share the Gospel while not being ashamed of it," he says.
Through their actions, the football players are putting their money where their mouths are and caught national attention with their latest Fall Kickoff event.
Master says he felt God put this event on his and other teammates' hearts to bring their mission full circle on the Ohio State campus. With the urge to provide fellow students with an event that shows their core values, the event did not disappoint.
This event was unlike any other where students of all backgrounds came together with athletes, on-campus ministries, and non-profits who all have one goal-- to keep Jesus at the forefront of their college experience.
Over 2000 students attended this event with over 50 baptisms taking place that same evening.
"We saw a tremendous impact and it was a night to remember," says Teague.
Master recalls being emotional as he watched an event he worked passionately on to help create come to life, and even says he had the opportunity to baptize some of his fellow classmates.
Soon after the event, the nation took notice and praised the D1 football team for their initiative, influence, and inspiration.
With so many reactions, what does Head Coach Ryan Day think of his team pursuing faith alongside football?
Master says Coach Day encourages his players to be leaders, and at this moment in time, the leaders are Christian. "He gets behind us," Teague adds.
With great talent comes great responsibility and the Ohio State Football Team is ensuring their platform only be used for good. Coach Day started his journey with the team in 2018 and since then has led young men to become some of the most notable leaders including Houston Texans quarterback, C.J. Stroud and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Justin Fields, whom are both outspoken about their faith.
"We were called to be bold and that is the understanding on this team," Coach Day says.
What is next for Master Teague?
After graduating in 2021, Master spent time as a practice squad player with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburg Steelers in 2022.
Although his heart beats for football, he believes he was called on for a greater purpose. Master currently serves on the youth ministry team at The Church Next Door in Columbus, Ohio. He says although he is active and remains ready for any athletic opportunities to arise, he is living a life for the Lord in this season.
"I am definitely content where the Lord has me in this moment," he says.
Master hopes to continue pouring into his communities youth through the gospel and says football comes and goes, but the Lord is forever.