NFL quarterback Case Keenum rolled back the clock this week, leading the Chicago Bears to a dominant 27–7 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Making his first start in nearly three years, Keenum threw for 247 yards and 2 touchdowns while adding a rushing score.
According to Crosswalk, Keenum was a third-string quarterback who was thrust into the starting position because lead first- and second-string quarterbacks, Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent, were suffering from injuries.
For the veteran signal-caller, the spotlight was also a platform to live out his deep Christian faith — a commitment he says has always guided his career.
“All glory to God. I’m not here without Him. He’s put me here. He’s made me for this. I’m so thankful for Him,” Keenum said, posted on X by John Root.
Keenum credits his lifelong involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) for helping shape that perspective.
“There are people who look at you and want to be like you, and you have the ability to promote whatever it is you want to promote. You can promote yourself. You can promote your team. But if you are a Christian, you can choose to promote Christ, and that's been what I've strived to do ever since I stepped on the field,” Keenum told the FCA back in 2010, having worked with the organization for years.
AFN spoke with Mike Blanc, executive vice president of pro and collegiate sports for the FCA, about Keenum’s impact.
“I know Case, and he's just one of the most solid people out there. It was no surprise to me that the way he performed, and what he said and who he gave credit to — which was God — that's his character. That's who he is. It was really a beautiful moment,” Blanc states.
He notes that Keenum's public expression of faith continues to inspire young athletes nationwide. And while headlines often gravitate toward controversy in professional sports, he says quiet examples of character run deep through the league.
“There are quite a few leaders in the professional sports realm that do have a personal relationship with Jesus, that are really active and doing a lot of positive things throughout the community — not just back home where they're from, but also in the community where they play,” Blanc says.
He encourages fans to keep these athletes in their prayers as they navigate a unique platform of influence reaching locker rooms and young fans worldwide.
Locally, chapters like FCA Chicagoland continue that mission—using campus programs, leadership camps, and sports leagues to combine faith and athletics, helping build character and community for the next generation.
