NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck on Thursday shared the role that God has had in his life with about 1,200 attendees of the annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes fundraising banquet at the Nashville Convention Center.
Hasselbeck shared his testimony through a question-and-answer session with WSMV-TV sports director Rudy Kalis.
"God's plans were better than my plans," Hasselbeck said.
He elaborated on that by saying that he envisioned a different path to the NFL, perhaps one that included an invite to the scouting combine, being drafted earlier than the sixth round or spending his entire rookie season on the practice squad.
Hasselbeck quickly added that he was grateful for the experiences that led him to this point in his career and the relationships he's built along the way. He is expected to make his fourth consecutive start on Sunday in place of injured second-year pro Jake Locker and needs one touchdown pass to become the 32nd NFL player with 200 career TD passes.
Hasselbeck said he's been able to see God's work when he reflects from his time as a backup in Green Bay, to when he became the starter in Seattle and when he joined Tennessee in 2011 after 10 seasons with the Seahawks. He's also seen it in his strong relationship with Locker, who was named the starter during this season's training camp. Hasselbeck said he was initially disappointed about that decision but remained determined to positively impact Locker's development and the team.
In addition to Hasselbeck's testimony, Maplewood high school boys basketball coach Ty Wilson and one of his players shared their testimonies, and a Trevecca Nazarene University ladies basketball player shared her testimony. Another Maplewood player delivered a dynamic a cappella performance of Amazing Grace.
Hasselbeck said he was impressed and inspired by the testimony of others.
FCA is an interdenominational Christian outreach program through athletics that was founded in 1954.
Steve Robinson, director of the Middle Tennessee region of FCA, said the banquet builds on the organization's mission and raises money to provide opportunities such as scholarships for its sports camp.
"We always ask coaches and athletes to come and share their testimony," Robinson said, "and usually they're coaches or athletes that have been involved in FCA, and many times they've committed their life to Christ at an FCA camp."
