: Uh, Jenna Ellis in the morning on American Family Radio.
: I love talking about the things of God because of truth and the biblical worldview, the U.S. constitution obligates our government to preserve and protect. The rights that our founders recognize come from God our creator, not our government. I believe that scripture in the Bible is very clear that God is the one that raised up, uh, each of you and God has allowed us to be brought here to this specific moment in time.
: Now here's guest Host Alex, Alex McFarland.
Alex McFarland: Good morning everybody. Welcome to the Jenna Ells program on the American Family Radio Network. This morning I want to talk about some of the verses in the Bible about how God gives us strength. Uh, you know, I want to break away a little bit from so much of the news and I mean the feed is just unrelenting, it seems like. And just for a moment, let's pull away from the noise of the world and remember some of the things that are eternal. You know, I've often said this. What's internal is eternal. And you know, the Bible tells us things like this, that Jesus Christ will never leave us nor forsake us. That's in Hebrews chapter 13. And that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Praise God. I remember when I was a young believer, uh, in college, uh, just trying to begin to figure things out. And with every passing day I seemed to realize more and more that my true identity was in Jesus Christ. And that uh, even in the late 80s when I was in college for uh, the first time, I remember so many of my professors, they just were very left leaning and they would trash America and say disparaging things about even Christianity. Pretty brazen. But I remember how, um, I would reflect on verses like 2 Peter 1, 16 and following where of the gospel, uh, Peter said this. We have not followed cleverly devised fables. In other words, this is reality. And this very same Bible tells us in Philippians 4:13 that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. And I just believe that's a message that we need to proclaim more urgently than ever and remind people of all ages that we are victors in Jesus, we are overcomers, and God put us here. No matter where you are in the journey, no matter when you, uh, shall we say, get on the train, the Jesus train, and you link your life to God. You give your heart to christ. Daniel, uh, 11:32 says that the people who know their God will be strong and do exploits. Friend, you are strong in Jesus. If you're a believer, you are secure In Christ, he knows what you need even before you ask. That's Matthew 6, 8. Isn't that awesome? So we are victors in Jesus. Well, I want to introduce you to somebody that we've got with us today who is, uh, quite a success story and a victor. Uh, Coach Leslie Frazier. Um, he, uh, has been a National Football League player, played in, uh, the 1985 Super bowl, uh, winning a Super Bowl. He served as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, and is, uh, currently assistant head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. And he is a casebook study of a victor and a believer. And, uh, he's with us now. It's a great honor to have him with us. Uh, Coach Frazier, thanks for being with us this morning on the American Family Radio Network. Um, we're going to try to pot him up here in just a minute. We have Coach Leslie Frazier of the Seattle Seahawks with us. Um, hey, guys, let me know when, uh, he's available when we've got his audio up, if you would. But Alex McFarland here sitting in for Jenna Ellis. Hey, by the way, while we get, uh, the coach online, um, let me just remind people I've got something coming up. Pretty exciting. Please keep us in prayer. By the way, we have in just a few weeks our summer youth camp start, and we begin in Montana. Uh, for the last, uh, three and maybe four summers, our youth camps, uh, equipretreat.org have begun in Montana. And I'm telling you, um, when the Lord builds, uh, the new Jerusalem, he might pattern it off of Montana. It is just that beautiful, honestly. But please keep that in prayer. And we still have some slots. We have a camp in western North Carolina, uh, in Brevard. We're going to be in Florida, Pennsylvania. The website is equipretreat.org equipretreat.org and, um, you know, I got to tell you, one of the things, it's kind of, kind of interesting that 20 years ago, kids were asking things like, you know, how do we know the Bible is really true? And, you know, the evidential apologetics. More and more kids are asking things that I would call emotional, existential. Um, I'm talking even Christian kids that have made a profession of faith. Very often they tell me that they're afraid, and I'll ask them, afraid of what? And they'll say, I don't know, just very anxious. So, as we go through the summer camps, equipretreat.org, um, send your kids. There are some spaces in some of our camps, but pray. We need a Holy Spirit movement among America's youth and this identity in Jesus, it's a truth they need to experience for themselves and get their lives on the solid ground of a relationship with Christ. Well, Coach, uh, Frazier, are you there?
: Coach Frazier, can you hear me?
Alex McFarland: Alex, I can hear you now. You sound great. Thanks for. Thanks for your patience with the, uh, technical, uh, challenges.
: No problem.
Alex McFarland: Good to have you on. You know, um, Um, a minute ago I was kind of queuing up your bio a little bit, and I want to hear your story. Um, Chicago Bears, the NFL, um, you know, the. The Seahawks. This is, uh, you know, 95% of American, uh, guys. This is their dream. Coming up, what's it been like to be out there and not only to get to, uh, play, but just to distinguish yourself and. And experience all that you have in the NFL? Tell us about it.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Well, Alex, I was a part of 95% growing up. You know, that was a dream of mine as a kid, um, to one day be an NFL player. I can remember being on the playgrounds with my friend and imitate my. My favorite players, and you never know, you know, where life is going to take you. But, uh, by the grace of God, you know, I've been able to accomplish that goal of both playing in the National Football League. I didn't really think about coaching. Uh, that came afterwards. But, um. But it's. It's been such a blessing, man, to play on one of the greatest teams in NFL history. The Chicago Bears.
: Yeah.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Winter Super Bowl. And now, as a coach, to have been a part of two super bowl champions, it's, uh, it's been. Been quite a ride and, uh, a blessing for sure.
Alex McFarland: Uh, indeed. Indeed. Uh, let me ask you this. As your life elapsed and you experienced these things and went from one benchmark to the next, did you have a sense that God was guiding you? It wasn't just, you know, uh, raw athletic ability, but it was God's hand upon your life.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Absolutely. Um, I can share some incidents where I. I just know it wasn't because I was a good athlete. There are so many good athletes across our country, so many guys who want to get to, uh, some of the places and. And experience some of the things I've experienced, but for whatever reason, it. It doesn't happen. But I'll give you an example, Alex. When I came out of college, um, I was. I ended up being in a free agent. And what that means is you go undrafted, and for your listeners that follow the NFL, uh, you see how big of a, uh, extravaganza that the NFL draft has become. It's a three day process. Teams, uh, pour a lot of money into that process. And if you go unchosen, it's very difficult to make an NFL team. And I was one of those guys who didn't get chosen. Uh, this is in 1981 was uh, my rookie year in the NFL and I had gotten injured in college my senior year and I played some, but I was, you know, hobbled by a hamstring injury where I couldn't really run and sprint and do some things that I needed to do to play my position, which was a defensive back, a cornerback. And so when the draft came around, teams uh, and think that I was healthy enough and so I didn't get drafted. Well, the Philadelphia Eagles called me after the draft. They had uh, my college roommate, they uh, had drafted him the year before. He was a first round pick, a guy named Royll Young, who had a great career with the Eagles. And so they wanted to pair us together. Um, we were both, uh, star players in college at Alcorn State University. And they just thought that this would be ideal where I go up to Philadelphia and I can't pass the physical because of, ah, my injury to my leg. And so they said, you take a year off and then come back the next year. But in my heart I was like, um, I just need to be with the right team, uh, and things could work out now. And that's what I was praying about. So I go back to Alcorn. Uh, this is in the month of April. Uh, I have one more class I needed to graduate and so I'm taking that class. And my agent calls me and he tells me that the Chicago Bears wanted to, uh, bring me up. And now this is, this is where, where God comes in. He's, he's orchestrating this all the way through the way. My agent was able to get them to work me out. Alex?
Alex McFarland: Mhm.
Coach Leslie Frazier: They wanted to work out a client of his who played, who had gotten drafted in basketball in the second round of the NBA draft. And my agent told him the only way you can work out our client, who was a good athlete evidently. And they thought he had a chance to be a professional, uh, defensive back. He said the only way you can work him out is if you bring Leslie Frazier in with him. And they told him, well, he's hurt, you know, why would we bring him in? He said, well that's, that's the prerequisite. You can't work out my client without bringing Leslie Frazier in and taking a look at him. And, and, um. And I knew, Alex, when I got on that plane from Mississippi, I said, you know what? That's where God wants me in Chicago. Just because of the way the circumstances had occurred and the way things came. I just knew this was not just a happenstance. I just could see God's hand in that entire situation. And so.
Alex McFarland: Amen.
Coach Leslie Frazier: I get on the field and I go through the workouts, and the head coach at the time, uh, a guy named Neil Armstrong, the general manager, uh, for Bears fans, they'll remember, remember these names. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah, yeah. Ah, Jim Finks. And so they worked me out. Bill Tobin, who's the college director, worked me out and there. And, and I, I couldn't still, at that point, I couldn't run a 40 because every time I would try to run, I would hurt my hamstring. And I knew they were going to ask me to run a 40 yard dash, which is part of the requirement when you're trying to determine if you want to draft a guy. And it's still the same today. You know, we're looking at guys and we, we always want to know. And for your listeners who watch the combine, they see us timing guys in the 40. So we get to that question, which is a big question. They say, okay, we want to time you in the 40. I had already prayed about it. I said, I'm not. I know in my mind I can't do it. If I do it, I'm a, I'm gonna hurt my hamstrings. So I, Yeah, I told them, I said, I'm, I'm not going to be able to, to run. Uh, I'll do the drills. They like the drills. And so they called my college coach and they were just wondering, what's, what's this? Is he a bad person? Was the problem? Why would he not run? And he explained to him the injury or whatever. And to make a long story short, uh, they end up signing me to a contract, uh, without me running a 40. Uh, helped me get my hamstring healthy and ended up becoming a starting cornerback for the Chicago Bears. Wow, that's an example. Uh, that's nothing but God, to work that out the way it happened.
Alex McFarland: You know, folks, we're talking with Coach Leslie Frazier, NFL legend. Um, hey, I read that since 1920-21, uh, and I'm sure these stats could be updated. Like, 26,000 people have played in the NFL. Only 29 people have, uh, been in a winning super bowl, both as A player and As a coach, 29, you're one of them. That's pretty, pretty elite club, isn't it?
Coach Leslie Frazier: Oh, absolutely. You know, someone told me that, um, when we were at the super bowl and as, ah, we were preparing for the game instead of you and unique company, um, in the history of the NFL and they gave me another stat that really surprised me too.
Alex McFarland: Uh, hey, forgive me. Hold that thought. We got a break. We got a break and I, ah, want to come back. Hold that thought. Life lessons from a champion player. Coach Leslie, uh, Frazier. Uh, this is Alex McFarland on the Jenna Ellis show, the American Family Radio Network. Stay tuned. We got a break. We're going to come back with more. Stay tuned.
Jenna Ellis: Welcome back to Jenna Ellis in the Morning on American Family Radio.
Alex McFarland: Welcome back to the program. Alex McFarland here. Uh, we're going to resume our conversation with Coach Leslie Fish. Hey, um, if you would check out my calendar on AlexMcFarland.com, got a lot of great things coming up over this summer, uh, not to mention our youth camps that I, uh, alluded to in the first segment. And the website for the Biblical Worldview youth camps is equipretreat.org. uh, a lot of things on the calendar, but coming up, May 17, morning and night, I'm going to be in South Carolina Socastee Baptist Church Pastor Micah Laine. We're going to have a day of revival and prayer for America. And I, uh, would invite you, if you're down that way, if you happen to be in that part of the world, come out and see us. I'm going to be at the COVID the Billy Graham Training center in western North Carolina. And, uh, twice this summer, I think the first session in early July is full, but, uh, July 27 through 31, I'll be back with, uh, Gary Habermas. He is one of the world experts on the resurrection of Christ. And we're going to be doing a session on defending the Christian faith. And if you would check out thecove.org that's t h e c o v e thecove.org and we'd love to see you there. And, uh, many, many things coming up. And then, uh, finally I would encourage you. Tomorrow is NDP National Day of Prayer all around America in hundreds and hundreds of locations. Churches will be open. And uh, hey, it doesn't have to be your church where you're a member, no matter where you are. Find a church, go in and devote some time tomorrow on the National Day of Prayer to please pray for Our nation. Pray for our families, pray for our young people especially. And may God bless you as you do that. Well, what, what a great honor, um, as we resume our conversation with coach, uh, Leslie Frazier, uh, before the break, you had another stat. I mentioned the fact less than 30 people have ever been in winning super bowl teams, both as a player and as a coach. You're one of them. And I gotta say this. Um, you know, there are iconic franchises and teams like the NewSong York Yankees. I love baseball. My dad was a big Yankees fan. I think about like the 95 to 96 Chicago Bulls with that classic lineup of Scottie Pippen and Micah Jordan and so many. But you played in the 85 Chicago Bears, am I right? Um, that's got to be. I mean everybody knows, uh, Coach Ditka, the Bears, and that's your ah, resume. Man. That's pretty awesome, brother.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Well, we had some, some great players and one of the things that distinguished that team, Alex, and I'm sure they're some Bears fans listening to this broadcast.
Alex McFarland: No doubt.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Yeah, the characters on that team, I mean my roommate on that team was William the Refrigerator Perry and many bigger characters than him. And of course we had Jim McMahon and um, Mike Singleton. There's so many great players, but great personalities as well and really captured uh, our country. You know, whether you were a football fan or not, people were following that team. And it's amazing when I do go back to Chicago, even now, uh, you know, people still talk about that team and they treat you like we just, we just played that game a few months ago. You know, it's incredible. Great sports fans in Chicago.
Alex McFarland: Indeed. Uh, I've got to ask you tell uh, us about Coach Ditka because I mean, you know, he has become a larger than life cultural figure, hasn't he?
Coach Leslie Frazier: Oh yeah, no doubt. I mean there were people who were, you know, imitating him on TV and everywhere else. He just became a, an icon and you know, he was a great player as well. And um, he's one of those 29, you know, he, he played in a championship and not uh, a Super Bowl. They didn't have Super Bowls when he was playing. But he played in a championship and uh, ended up winning a Super bowl as a head coach. But he was such a fierce competitor. Much uh, like when he played he was just a hard nose coach who was uh, tough and really embodied everything that Chicago stands for. And um, when he came in, Alex, it was, you knew things were going to be different. He, he got our attention right away. Uh, and he told some of some of our players that, you know, you're here today, uh, but that doesn't guarantee you're going to be here tomorrow. Because I'm looking for a certain type of guy to be on our team. And that really kind of put everybody on notice, and the roster really changed. And I wouldn't have that super bowl ring with the Bears if it weren't for Coach Ditka coming in and really setting a plan and having a vision, uh, for our football team. Great coach, very intense person. Great coach.
Alex McFarland: What do you think, a lot of people, um, regarding the spiritual lives of coaches and players? Because more and more I've been hearing about, uh, a lot, a lot of devout Christians in the NFL and coaches reading Scripture and praying and players that even though they're, um, superstars in the sports world like yourself, many players that are really grounded in Jesus and, um, I think many, many people don't realize this. Talk to us about this, if you would. Very exciting reality.
Coach Leslie Frazier: I'm glad you asked that question because, uh, for some fans, they see us on Sundays and, you know, it's a very physical game. It can be a violent game at times. Uh, but there's another side to our game. And, uh, for instance, on our staff here, we have some believers on our staff that love the Lord. I'm a part of a group, uh, that Tony Dungey started, uh, maybe about 25 years ago. Uh, it's a coach's fellowship where we come together every other Tuesday, Alex, uh, coaches from around the National Football League, and we do a zoom call. Matter of fact, we did one just, uh, yesterday. And we're going through scripture and we use a booklet, a daily devotional called Encounter with God from Scripture Union. And some of your listeners, they're interested, they can pull it up on scriptureunion.org but that devotional kind of ties us together, uh, across the league and to, uh, come on a zoom. And you're sharing about your faith. We're sharing about some of the things that we're reading during the course of that, that week over, uh, our time, and also praying for one another, you know, just lifting each other up, uh, and trying to encourage each other, each other as well. And when Tony first got this started, one of the purposes was in our league, there's a lot of movement when it comes to coaches, and that's a very pressurized, uh, job. Uh, the pressure to win can be overwhelming. And there are a lot of changes at the end of seasons when teams don't win. And uh, there was a Monday after one of the seasons where there were a ton of guys getting released from their jobs because their teams had not achieved a certain level of success. So if your identity is tied to your job, Alex, like so many people's identity is or is tied to material things. What do you do when that's taken away from you? And when Tony established uh, this coach's fellowship where we would meet, you know, every other Tuesday, uh, each month, it really kind of brought us together in a way that has encouraged all of us to continue to pray, to learn about each other, uh, to lift each other up, uh, uh, but to grow closer to Christ. So when those moments do come where we're challenged spiritually, where we're challenged, uh, uh, in any way, that we turn our attention to God and we realize that we're not in this battle alone. Uh, God is still with us no matter what situation we're facing. And Gail Martin, who's the president of uh, Scripture Union, she's the person that sent us these, sends us these devotionals each, each month that we're able to go through. And it's been a blessing, man. It's for me after a game, Alex, to be able to go across after we just beat somebody or they defeated us and to be able to go high five a guy, you know, shake his hand and say, hey man, appreciate you, love you, thank you for your prayers. I mean that's the side that the fans may not see, but there are some brothers in Christ on these various staffs around the league. And I would encourage the listeners to uh, continue to pray for the coaches, uh, that are trying to be examples for their players, uh, trying to be examples for others in their organization. Because usually you're in the minority as a Christian coach. You're not. It's not like the majority of the building is going to be Christian employees. So you need to have your full armor on every time you walk on the field, every time you walk in the building and, and you want to be spirit led so that you can uh, be an example of Christ in everything that you do. And we have a ton of players, Alex, that they're looking for father type figures. They're looking for uh, leaders that are people of integrity. And that's where uh, those, those, those those weekly meetings where we come together as coaches and encourage one another. That's our chance to kind of get rejuvenated and get re engaged and recharged as well, to be able to be examples for our players.
Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. And, you know, uh, Coach Frazier, uh, so many of the young people that we interface with. And over the last nearly 30 years, it's been a quarter million teenagers that I give God the glory we've been able in camps, conferences, uh, campus events, and very often you ask, you know, who's important to you, and it could be a parent or a grandparent or a youth, uh, pastor. But especially among young guys, over and over and over, they talk about coaches. They'll say, you know, I was in high school or middle school, didn't know where I was going. And there was a coach, and he took up time with me and he encouraged me. And this coach saw things in me that I couldn't even see in myself. It's a great, great, um, legacy that you've invested in people. But, um, if you would say a word to people out there that in their community, really for, yes, for young people, but ultimately for the Lord, people could invest in young people and just be a coach, be a mentor, be a volunteer. Um, this is a great thing we can do to give something back by investing in young people, isn't it?
Coach Leslie Frazier: Absolutely. It's funny you bring that up. Um, yesterday, Sam Darnold, uh, who's our starting quarterback here with the Seahawks, and he, he has a great story as well. Alex. And we were in here talking and he said, um, you know, coach, people think that what we have accomplished is all about us. And there's usually somebody along the way that's kind of encouraged us. And I was sharing with him one of my coaches. Uh, growing up was really like a father figure to me. I didn't, I didn't. I didn't grow up with a father in the home. Um, my mother was having some things that she was dealing with, and so my grandmother raised me and my two younger brothers. And Sam and I were talking about how, uh, coaches or someone in our lives have influenced us in our youth to help us to get to where we are. And in my case, it was one of my first coaches who saw something in me at around 8 or 9 years of age and really began to encourage me, um, mentor me, um, and really helped me. Even though my grandmother was doing everything that she could to have a male figure in my life to guide me and to really encourage me in my walk as a believer, as a young believer, trying to grow in my faith and really pouring into me as an athlete and as a person, I mean, it changed my life. I know for a fact, without God bringing his name was Charles, uh, Brown. He. Since Passed away. Without God bringing Mr. Brown in my life, it would have been very difficult for me to navigate, uh, those teenage years. But his guidance, uh, was, was a, was a huge difference. Uh, even though my, as I mentioned, my grandmother did everything that she could, uh, but it's, there's something about as, as a, as a young boy, uh, to have a man, a godly man, uh, to influence you and encourage you, uh, and so I would challenge any of the listeners out there, no matter where you are, what your profession is, to, uh, maybe go to your local boys and girls club. Um, I remember, I remember growing up and going to the YMCA and really learning things about, uh, other things other than what was happening in my neighborhood that really helped me to uh, be the type of person that God wanted me to be. So, uh, if you can volunteer at a boys and Girls club or YMCA or some other organization, uh, to help some young, uh, man or girl to really, uh, grow and encourage them from a spiritual standpoint, you have a chance to change a life. You don't. You don't.
Coach Leslie Frazier: They may not become a professional athlete, but to be able to change the life of Jesus Christ, isn't that what it's all about?
Alex McFarland: Amen.
Coach Leslie Frazier: I mean, that's what God has called us to do. Yeah. And it, it would do me no good to, uh, have the success that we've had in athletics and we, we hide that, uh, under a, a basket and not proclaim the name of Jesus Christ. We, uh, have a chance to influence others. And you don't have to be a pro athlete to do that. I mean, some of your listeners can do the same thing, but you do have to be intentional and you do have to pray and ask God to guide you. And he will, he'll put you in a position where you can make a difference in someone else's life.
Alex McFarland: Hey, you know, in the next segment, we're going to take some phone calls, folks. Uh, Alex McFarland here talking with Coach Leslie Frazier, NFL legend to say the least. And the number is 8885-8988-4088-8589. 8840. Rare opportunity, folks. How often have you ever talked to a Super bowl winner? Well, you have a chance this morning and uh, uh, Coach, before we have a commercial break, do you have a website, um, any website you'd like to direct people to?
Coach Leslie Frazier: Yeah, I would encourage, um, uh, your listeners to go to scriptureunion.org and you'll be able to pick up that devotional That I talked about. As a matter of fact, uh, there's a podcast coming up starting May 18th where Gail Martin, who I mentioned earlier, who's the president of Scripture Union, uh, she's going to be interviewing, uh, different coaches from around the league, including, uh, our former offensive coordinator here, who's now the head coach of the, uh, Las Vegas Raiders. I have to remember not to say Oakland Raiders. The Las Vegas Raiders, yeah. Clint Qviak, uh, Tony Dungey is going to be a part of it. Um, Dave Nellis, who's the head coach of the Carolina Panthers. And I'm gonna give you that website and it's scriptureunion.org EWG um, plus channel. So if they go to that website, uh, they'll be able to pick up, uh, the podcast and scripterunion.org is where they can get a copy of the devotional and they can start doing.
Alex McFarland: We gotta do this break. We gotta do this break. Stay tuned. More with coach Leslie Frazier after this. Don't go away.
: Welcome back to Jenna Ellis in the Morning on American Family Radio.
Alex McFarland: Welcome back to the program. Alex McFarland. What an honor to be speaking with, uh, NFL legend Leslie Frazier. And. Hey brother, uh, I want to say thanks for being with us. We're going to take some calls. By the way, if you have a question for the coach, uh, the number is 888-589-8840. Uh, I want to say thank you for being with us, but more than that, even I want to say thank you for being a witness for the Lord and you're just such a clear representative of Christ and that's just so refreshing and it blesses me and thank you, my friend.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Well, thank you for having me on, Alex. This is, um, a great opportunity to share, uh, the good news with others. And uh, as you and I have talked about on this call, that uh, that's what God has called us to do. Uh, to be able to go out and be witnesses, uh, for the kingdom and hopefully see others coming to a saving knowledge of who Jesus Christ is. I mean that's, that's what it's all about. Uh, amen for us as believers. And uh, we have a tremendous pedestal being in the National Football League, I mean the number one sport in our country and um, and becoming global. And it is. Fans know that there are Christian coaches, uh, around the league that are praying for one another and, and need uh, your listeners prayers as well.
Alex McFarland: Indeed. And uh, I just, I commend you. I got a story I want to tell you. Um, uh, in just a minute, but right now I want to go to Iowa. Uh, do we have David on the line? David from Iowa, are you there?
: Yes, I am.
Alex McFarland: Hey, thanks for holding. Good morning, David, and, uh, uh, welcome to our conversation with Leslie, uh, Frazier.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Good morning, David.
: Uh, Alex. Good morning, Leslie. Thank you for coming on, you guys. Both of you are such an encouragement. Um, I work with. Sorry. I work with kids, and I see a lot of them struggling, and you're trying to help them. And sometimes.
: And this is my question for you, Coach Frazier, what do you. What do you do with, uh, perceived failure? Because, you know, you have a lot of wins, but you have those losses. And how do you keep those losses from holding you back and trying to define you?
Coach Leslie Frazier: I think, um, David, you have to always remember that we're being directed by. By God. And if we plant the seed, then we have to be able to trust that God will be the person that will cultivate that seed. And what sometimes is perceived as failure is actually success over time. Because, uh, my attitude has to be right in situations where things didn't quite go the way I thought they would. But even in those moments, m. God can use those to really sharpen me and really shape me into being what he. What he's called me to be as a person and as a person who's trying to influence others. So, uh, sometimes when the enemy is telling us that we failed, um, just let the story play out. Um, and. And it's not always the failure we thought it would be, especially when it comes to. And I think you're referencing, uh, working with young kids. Uh, sometimes that seed that's planted now, it takes a little. Take some time for it to germinate into and to really become, uh, the. The flower, uh, that. That will happen over time. So that investment, I mean, God is calling us to. To. To. To the Great Commission and to share my faith and to try to encourage. But then over time, let God do his part as well. And I've just got to walk by faith and that what looks like a failure is going to turn out just the way it should.
Alex McFarland: Amen. And you know, Coach, a. Ah, lot of times I found that, uh, Satan tries to discourage me right on the eve of a great victory and a great blessing. Uh, and I've been walking with the Lord in the ministry long enough. Sometimes if I feel like discouragement is trying to come on, or I feel like there's, you know, a cloud over me, I just begin to pray because I know I'm about to Experience a great blessing. And when you're on the eve of a great victory or a great blessing, that's when the devil is going to try to discourage you, isn't he?
Coach Leslie Frazier: Absolutely. And I mean, that's, that's what God. I mean, that's, that's, that's what we need the Lord in those moments. Um, because Satan is trying to take away our testimony. He wants us to feel defeated. He wants us to be discouraged. He wants us to shut up. Don't be talking about Christ, don't be talking about salvation. You know, I'm going to throw some roadblocks up and, and, and, and try to discourage you. And we just have to remember what Ephesians 6, uh, chapter, uh, 10 through 16 talks about. I mean, if we're in a spiritual battle and it's daily, and, uh, that's part of the enemy's scheme to, uh, discourage us, to, uh, have us feeling defeated. And so we got to be able to rise above that and just know that we serve a God who, even in the midst of something that seems like it's not going in the way we thought it would go, that God can turn that into, uh, something positive as well. Romans 8:28. All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose.
Alex McFarland: Amen. Hey, we're going to queue up another call, uh, before the commercial break, you were giving a website, Scripture Union, uh, and you've got a podcast coming up. Um, give that website one more time if you would, coach.
Coach Leslie Frazier: So to get the devotional, if your listeners will go to scriptureunion.org uh, they'll be able to get material, get some resources, uh, that will help them in their walk. But also, as I mentioned, there's a podcast coming up starting May 18th, uh, where various coaches from around the league are going to be joining Gail Martin and that to reference that and to be able to pull it up, go to scriptureunion.org EWGT channel, uh, scriptureunion.org EWG T like Thom channel, and you'll be able to pull up that podcast beginning May 18, and you won't be disappointed. Uh, and you, one of your favorite coaches may be one of the people that will be sharing their faith.
Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. Hey, I want to go to Virginia to Kelly in Virginia. Uh, is on hold. Uh, Adam, can we queue up Kelly from Virginia?
: Hi, Alex, good morning.
Alex McFarland: Thanks for calling in. What you got, Kelly.
: Good morning. Yeah, so I just wanted to say thank you to the coach, and I do remember the 85 bears? Um, I was at one time a single mom and had come through a very abusive relationship. I knew that I could not teach my son how to be a man and kept him in baseball. But I talked to the coach because he was very withdrawn. He was scared to make a mistake that he was going to get yelled at. And once the coach understood the background, he was phenomenal with my son. And I just remember him saying, mommy, he didn't yell at me. He doesn't yell. And so that coach made a huge difference in the life of my son. So I am very grateful for those gentlemen who do step up and fill in for the moms that need help.
Alex McFarland: Amen.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Yeah, I, I can relate. Um, there verse. And we've talked about it before, Alex. There's so many, uh, coaches that have influenced, uh, for the positive. And yes, there are some coaches out there that go the other way. And, you know, you, you definitely have to pray for them. But, uh, we know there are a ton of coaches that will influence, uh, youth in a positive way. And I'm, um, thankful for your son that he was able to be mentored by this particular coach. Uh, but there are some coaches out there that change lives, uh, because there's so many kids, uh, that were. That were in a situation like your son that, uh, in single family homes, single parent homes. And it's difficult, it's challenging. Uh, a mom can only do so much, and moms do a tremendous job, uh, alone. But it, I mean, it was designed to be husband and wife. Uh, so, uh, when there is a male figure there, they can make a huge positive difference.
Alex McFarland: Amen. You know, um, and we're going to go to Tim in North Carolina in just a second. I want to say to all the churches out there with youth programs, Coach, I've often said, uh, two great ways to reach young people. One is music. The other is sports. Seriously, uh, I mean, to all the churches out there throughout America, and we want to pass the gospel on to young people sports. And I know this is really off subject, but I'm, um, going to tell you what's really hot right now is pickleball. Pickleball is a new. Well, it's not really new. It's been around a long time, but it's pretty, pretty big right now. Folks, think about starting a sports program in your church to reach young people. Uh, but anyway, Tim from North Carolina. Tim, are you there?
: Yes, I'm here.
Alex McFarland: Welcome to our conversation with coach Leslie Frazier.
: Thank you, Alex. I appreciate it, really. Uh, Appreciate you listening to a lot on afr. God bless other programs. Um, the question I have for uh, Mr. Frazier is, um, what is the overall condition, I guess, of the NFL? I guess you would say maybe like a spiritual condition, uh, towards Christians, um, because there, I know there are pockets of Christians or a good number of Christians that are, you know, in sports and in the NFL, but you see them praying and things like that. Um, but I'm not a fan of the NFL per se because of the things that they do. Um, seems like they've gone more on the, on the edge of things woke, if you want to call it that. But just like the half halftime show that they did, uh, I mean I watched Turning Point USA when that came on, so. But I have friends that will not watch. They were openly going out say boycott NFL. Boycott NFL. So I'm just, I'm curious to how, uh, as a, as a fan, I still want to watch football games. And so I feel like I can't I justify it by supporting these players that I know are Christians. So I hope you understand.
Alex McFarland: Question spiritual status.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Can you, can you, Alice, can you explain the question for me?
Alex McFarland: Well, I think he's asking overall, what's the spiritual condition of the NFL? Oh yeah.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Okay. So I think it's very similar, I think, uh, to a lot of secular businesses. Uh, there are a number of believers like we talked about this morning, that are International Football League. But uh, like a lot of companies in our country, uh, there's a mix. There are non believers and believers and uh, you navigate that uh, by the grace of God. Uh, but it's not unlike a lot of uh, businesses in our country. And the good thing is we have a choice every day we walk in the building or as to how we're going to respond to whatever challenges we face. Whether you work at Ford Motor Company or uh, any uh, Microsoft or uh, in this case the Seattle Seahawks or NewSong York jets, wherever. Uh, but there it's, it's a mix. And there aren't many places unless you work in a Christian organization. And I've worked in Christian organizations before and you still have some challenges that you have to face even in that environment at times. So um, it's not a lot different than what you experience in the world.
Alex McFarland: Mhm. Um, hey, let me ask you this. And uh, time fleets away. Before we run out of time, I want to say thank you so much for, for giving us, uh, this part of your morning today, Coach. Uh, it really is a privilege to speak with you. Um, talk to us, if you would, about, um, the, uh, coaches in the Word. Scripture Union USA has a new series coming out, Coaches in the word, beginning May 18th. And uh, remind us about that, if you would.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Yeah. So as I was referencing earlier that, um, Gail Martin, who's the president of Scripture Union, uh, she'll do a podcast where people like myself, uh, Tony Dungey, other coaches from around the National Football League will come on and we'll discuss some of the readings from, um, the devotional encounter with God, and some of the guys will share their faith, uh, during that conversation. And it's, it's really enlightening, uh, uh, for anyone, whether you are a football fan or non football fan, because, uh, you get a chance to see men being vulnerable and discussing Scripture, Scripture. And it should be an encouragement. I think it will be an encouragement to any of your listeners. Uh, and I'm gonna reference the website to go to, starting May 18, the scriptureunion.org EWGT channel. And then the coaches Fellowship is what we were talking about earlier that Tony Dungey started, uh, where myself and other coaches from around the league come together every other Tuesday. And we discuss God's Word, uh, through the daily devotional, the Encounter with God booklet. And it's, it's the one thing that kind of ties us all together because, you know, even though we're studying scriptures, uh, but to have a, uh, one central devotional we're all looking at, at the same time and, and coming together and discussing God's Word. It's such an encouragement, Alex. Uh, and it holds us accountable to what we say, we believe. And it gives us a chance to pray for one another and encourage one another in a very tough profession. Even though it's glamorous and, and it provides for a lot of things, there's. There's a lot of stress involved in this lifestyle.
Alex McFarland: Amen.
Coach Leslie Frazier: And, uh, and whether you're a coach
: or,
Coach Leslie Frazier: uh, just a normal person, we all have different ways we deal with adversity. And one of the ways that we are able to handle the adversity of what we do for a living is by putting our faith in Christ and not necessarily what we do for a living.
Alex McFarland: Amen. Uh, James Brown and Tony Dungy called me up the other night. I was about to speak and they were reading one of my books and uh, they were getting ready to speak and it was my joy to talk to them about presenting the gospel to some businessmen. And uh, so folks, every one of us is an ambassador like Coach Leslie Frazier. God bless you, sir. I look forward to when we can talk again. And folks, thanks for listening. Share this link it's [email protected] Opinions expressed
: in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
: Uh, Jenna Ellis in the morning on American Family Radio.
: I love talking about the things of God because of truth and the biblical worldview, the U.S. constitution obligates our government to preserve and protect. The rights that our founders recognize come from God our creator, not our government. I believe that scripture in the Bible is very clear that God is the one that raised up, uh, each of you and God has allowed us to be brought here to this specific moment in time.
: Now here's guest Host Alex, Alex McFarland.
Alex McFarland: Good morning everybody. Welcome to the Jenna Ells program on the American Family Radio Network. This morning I want to talk about some of the verses in the Bible about how God gives us strength. Uh, you know, I want to break away a little bit from so much of the news and I mean the feed is just unrelenting, it seems like. And just for a moment, let's pull away from the noise of the world and remember some of the things that are eternal. You know, I've often said this. What's internal is eternal. And you know, the Bible tells us things like this, that Jesus Christ will never leave us nor forsake us. That's in Hebrews chapter 13. And that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Praise God. I remember when I was a young believer, uh, in college, uh, just trying to begin to figure things out. And with every passing day I seemed to realize more and more that my true identity was in Jesus Christ. And that uh, even in the late 80s when I was in college for uh, the first time, I remember so many of my professors, they just were very left leaning and they would trash America and say disparaging things about even Christianity. Pretty brazen. But I remember how, um, I would reflect on verses like 2 Peter 1, 16 and following where of the gospel, uh, Peter said this. We have not followed cleverly devised fables. In other words, this is reality. And this very same Bible tells us in Philippians 4:13 that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. And I just believe that's a message that we need to proclaim more urgently than ever and remind people of all ages that we are victors in Jesus, we are overcomers, and God put us here. No matter where you are in the journey, no matter when you, uh, shall we say, get on the train, the Jesus train, and you link your life to God. You give your heart to christ. Daniel, uh, 11:32 says that the people who know their God will be strong and do exploits. Friend, you are strong in Jesus. If you're a believer, you are secure In Christ, he knows what you need even before you ask. That's Matthew 6, 8. Isn't that awesome? So we are victors in Jesus. Well, I want to introduce you to somebody that we've got with us today who is, uh, quite a success story and a victor. Uh, Coach Leslie Frazier. Um, he, uh, has been a National Football League player, played in, uh, the 1985 Super bowl, uh, winning a Super Bowl. He served as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, and is, uh, currently assistant head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. And he is a casebook study of a victor and a believer. And, uh, he's with us now. It's a great honor to have him with us. Uh, Coach Frazier, thanks for being with us this morning on the American Family Radio Network. Um, we're going to try to pot him up here in just a minute. We have Coach Leslie Frazier of the Seattle Seahawks with us. Um, hey, guys, let me know when, uh, he's available when we've got his audio up, if you would. But Alex McFarland here sitting in for Jenna Ellis. Hey, by the way, while we get, uh, the coach online, um, let me just remind people I've got something coming up. Pretty exciting. Please keep us in prayer. By the way, we have in just a few weeks our summer youth camp start, and we begin in Montana. Uh, for the last, uh, three and maybe four summers, our youth camps, uh, equipretreat.org have begun in Montana. And I'm telling you, um, when the Lord builds, uh, the new Jerusalem, he might pattern it off of Montana. It is just that beautiful, honestly. But please keep that in prayer. And we still have some slots. We have a camp in western North Carolina, uh, in Brevard. We're going to be in Florida, Pennsylvania. The website is equipretreat.org equipretreat.org and, um, you know, I got to tell you, one of the things, it's kind of, kind of interesting that 20 years ago, kids were asking things like, you know, how do we know the Bible is really true? And, you know, the evidential apologetics. More and more kids are asking things that I would call emotional, existential. Um, I'm talking even Christian kids that have made a profession of faith. Very often they tell me that they're afraid, and I'll ask them, afraid of what? And they'll say, I don't know, just very anxious. So, as we go through the summer camps, equipretreat.org, um, send your kids. There are some spaces in some of our camps, but pray. We need a Holy Spirit movement among America's youth and this identity in Jesus, it's a truth they need to experience for themselves and get their lives on the solid ground of a relationship with Christ. Well, Coach, uh, Frazier, are you there?
: Coach Frazier, can you hear me?
Alex McFarland: Alex, I can hear you now. You sound great. Thanks for. Thanks for your patience with the, uh, technical, uh, challenges.
: No problem.
Alex McFarland: Good to have you on. You know, um, Um, a minute ago I was kind of queuing up your bio a little bit, and I want to hear your story. Um, Chicago Bears, the NFL, um, you know, the. The Seahawks. This is, uh, you know, 95% of American, uh, guys. This is their dream. Coming up, what's it been like to be out there and not only to get to, uh, play, but just to distinguish yourself and. And experience all that you have in the NFL? Tell us about it.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Well, Alex, I was a part of 95% growing up. You know, that was a dream of mine as a kid, um, to one day be an NFL player. I can remember being on the playgrounds with my friend and imitate my. My favorite players, and you never know, you know, where life is going to take you. But, uh, by the grace of God, you know, I've been able to accomplish that goal of both playing in the National Football League. I didn't really think about coaching. Uh, that came afterwards. But, um. But it's. It's been such a blessing, man, to play on one of the greatest teams in NFL history. The Chicago Bears.
: Yeah.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Winter Super Bowl. And now, as a coach, to have been a part of two super bowl champions, it's, uh, it's been. Been quite a ride and, uh, a blessing for sure.
Alex McFarland: Uh, indeed. Indeed. Uh, let me ask you this. As your life elapsed and you experienced these things and went from one benchmark to the next, did you have a sense that God was guiding you? It wasn't just, you know, uh, raw athletic ability, but it was God's hand upon your life.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Absolutely. Um, I can share some incidents where I. I just know it wasn't because I was a good athlete. There are so many good athletes across our country, so many guys who want to get to, uh, some of the places and. And experience some of the things I've experienced, but for whatever reason, it. It doesn't happen. But I'll give you an example, Alex. When I came out of college, um, I was. I ended up being in a free agent. And what that means is you go undrafted, and for your listeners that follow the NFL, uh, you see how big of a, uh, extravaganza that the NFL draft has become. It's a three day process. Teams, uh, pour a lot of money into that process. And if you go unchosen, it's very difficult to make an NFL team. And I was one of those guys who didn't get chosen. Uh, this is in 1981 was uh, my rookie year in the NFL and I had gotten injured in college my senior year and I played some, but I was, you know, hobbled by a hamstring injury where I couldn't really run and sprint and do some things that I needed to do to play my position, which was a defensive back, a cornerback. And so when the draft came around, teams uh, and think that I was healthy enough and so I didn't get drafted. Well, the Philadelphia Eagles called me after the draft. They had uh, my college roommate, they uh, had drafted him the year before. He was a first round pick, a guy named Royll Young, who had a great career with the Eagles. And so they wanted to pair us together. Um, we were both, uh, star players in college at Alcorn State University. And they just thought that this would be ideal where I go up to Philadelphia and I can't pass the physical because of, ah, my injury to my leg. And so they said, you take a year off and then come back the next year. But in my heart I was like, um, I just need to be with the right team, uh, and things could work out now. And that's what I was praying about. So I go back to Alcorn. Uh, this is in the month of April. Uh, I have one more class I needed to graduate and so I'm taking that class. And my agent calls me and he tells me that the Chicago Bears wanted to, uh, bring me up. And now this is, this is where, where God comes in. He's, he's orchestrating this all the way through the way. My agent was able to get them to work me out. Alex?
Alex McFarland: Mhm.
Coach Leslie Frazier: They wanted to work out a client of his who played, who had gotten drafted in basketball in the second round of the NBA draft. And my agent told him the only way you can work out our client, who was a good athlete evidently. And they thought he had a chance to be a professional, uh, defensive back. He said the only way you can work him out is if you bring Leslie Frazier in with him. And they told him, well, he's hurt, you know, why would we bring him in? He said, well that's, that's the prerequisite. You can't work out my client without bringing Leslie Frazier in and taking a look at him. And, and, um. And I knew, Alex, when I got on that plane from Mississippi, I said, you know what? That's where God wants me in Chicago. Just because of the way the circumstances had occurred and the way things came. I just knew this was not just a happenstance. I just could see God's hand in that entire situation. And so.
Alex McFarland: Amen.
Coach Leslie Frazier: I get on the field and I go through the workouts, and the head coach at the time, uh, a guy named Neil Armstrong, the general manager, uh, for Bears fans, they'll remember, remember these names. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah, yeah. Ah, Jim Finks. And so they worked me out. Bill Tobin, who's the college director, worked me out and there. And, and I, I couldn't still, at that point, I couldn't run a 40 because every time I would try to run, I would hurt my hamstring. And I knew they were going to ask me to run a 40 yard dash, which is part of the requirement when you're trying to determine if you want to draft a guy. And it's still the same today. You know, we're looking at guys and we, we always want to know. And for your listeners who watch the combine, they see us timing guys in the 40. So we get to that question, which is a big question. They say, okay, we want to time you in the 40. I had already prayed about it. I said, I'm not. I know in my mind I can't do it. If I do it, I'm a, I'm gonna hurt my hamstrings. So I, Yeah, I told them, I said, I'm, I'm not going to be able to, to run. Uh, I'll do the drills. They like the drills. And so they called my college coach and they were just wondering, what's, what's this? Is he a bad person? Was the problem? Why would he not run? And he explained to him the injury or whatever. And to make a long story short, uh, they end up signing me to a contract, uh, without me running a 40. Uh, helped me get my hamstring healthy and ended up becoming a starting cornerback for the Chicago Bears. Wow, that's an example. Uh, that's nothing but God, to work that out the way it happened.
Alex McFarland: You know, folks, we're talking with Coach Leslie Frazier, NFL legend. Um, hey, I read that since 1920-21, uh, and I'm sure these stats could be updated. Like, 26,000 people have played in the NFL. Only 29 people have, uh, been in a winning super bowl, both as A player and As a coach, 29, you're one of them. That's pretty, pretty elite club, isn't it?
Coach Leslie Frazier: Oh, absolutely. You know, someone told me that, um, when we were at the super bowl and as, ah, we were preparing for the game instead of you and unique company, um, in the history of the NFL and they gave me another stat that really surprised me too.
Alex McFarland: Uh, hey, forgive me. Hold that thought. We got a break. We got a break and I, ah, want to come back. Hold that thought. Life lessons from a champion player. Coach Leslie, uh, Frazier. Uh, this is Alex McFarland on the Jenna Ellis show, the American Family Radio Network. Stay tuned. We got a break. We're going to come back with more. Stay tuned.
Jenna Ellis: Welcome back to Jenna Ellis in the Morning on American Family Radio.
Alex McFarland: Welcome back to the program. Alex McFarland here. Uh, we're going to resume our conversation with Coach Leslie Fish. Hey, um, if you would check out my calendar on AlexMcFarland.com, got a lot of great things coming up over this summer, uh, not to mention our youth camps that I, uh, alluded to in the first segment. And the website for the Biblical Worldview youth camps is equipretreat.org. uh, a lot of things on the calendar, but coming up, May 17, morning and night, I'm going to be in South Carolina Socastee Baptist Church Pastor Micah Laine. We're going to have a day of revival and prayer for America. And I, uh, would invite you, if you're down that way, if you happen to be in that part of the world, come out and see us. I'm going to be at the COVID the Billy Graham Training center in western North Carolina. And, uh, twice this summer, I think the first session in early July is full, but, uh, July 27 through 31, I'll be back with, uh, Gary Habermas. He is one of the world experts on the resurrection of Christ. And we're going to be doing a session on defending the Christian faith. And if you would check out thecove.org that's t h e c o v e thecove.org and we'd love to see you there. And, uh, many, many things coming up. And then, uh, finally I would encourage you. Tomorrow is NDP National Day of Prayer all around America in hundreds and hundreds of locations. Churches will be open. And uh, hey, it doesn't have to be your church where you're a member, no matter where you are. Find a church, go in and devote some time tomorrow on the National Day of Prayer to please pray for Our nation. Pray for our families, pray for our young people especially. And may God bless you as you do that. Well, what, what a great honor, um, as we resume our conversation with coach, uh, Leslie Frazier, uh, before the break, you had another stat. I mentioned the fact less than 30 people have ever been in winning super bowl teams, both as a player and as a coach. You're one of them. And I gotta say this. Um, you know, there are iconic franchises and teams like the NewSong York Yankees. I love baseball. My dad was a big Yankees fan. I think about like the 95 to 96 Chicago Bulls with that classic lineup of Scottie Pippen and Micah Jordan and so many. But you played in the 85 Chicago Bears, am I right? Um, that's got to be. I mean everybody knows, uh, Coach Ditka, the Bears, and that's your ah, resume. Man. That's pretty awesome, brother.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Well, we had some, some great players and one of the things that distinguished that team, Alex, and I'm sure they're some Bears fans listening to this broadcast.
Alex McFarland: No doubt.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Yeah, the characters on that team, I mean my roommate on that team was William the Refrigerator Perry and many bigger characters than him. And of course we had Jim McMahon and um, Mike Singleton. There's so many great players, but great personalities as well and really captured uh, our country. You know, whether you were a football fan or not, people were following that team. And it's amazing when I do go back to Chicago, even now, uh, you know, people still talk about that team and they treat you like we just, we just played that game a few months ago. You know, it's incredible. Great sports fans in Chicago.
Alex McFarland: Indeed. Uh, I've got to ask you tell uh, us about Coach Ditka because I mean, you know, he has become a larger than life cultural figure, hasn't he?
Coach Leslie Frazier: Oh yeah, no doubt. I mean there were people who were, you know, imitating him on TV and everywhere else. He just became a, an icon and you know, he was a great player as well. And um, he's one of those 29, you know, he, he played in a championship and not uh, a Super Bowl. They didn't have Super Bowls when he was playing. But he played in a championship and uh, ended up winning a Super bowl as a head coach. But he was such a fierce competitor. Much uh, like when he played he was just a hard nose coach who was uh, tough and really embodied everything that Chicago stands for. And um, when he came in, Alex, it was, you knew things were going to be different. He, he got our attention right away. Uh, and he told some of some of our players that, you know, you're here today, uh, but that doesn't guarantee you're going to be here tomorrow. Because I'm looking for a certain type of guy to be on our team. And that really kind of put everybody on notice, and the roster really changed. And I wouldn't have that super bowl ring with the Bears if it weren't for Coach Ditka coming in and really setting a plan and having a vision, uh, for our football team. Great coach, very intense person. Great coach.
Alex McFarland: What do you think, a lot of people, um, regarding the spiritual lives of coaches and players? Because more and more I've been hearing about, uh, a lot, a lot of devout Christians in the NFL and coaches reading Scripture and praying and players that even though they're, um, superstars in the sports world like yourself, many players that are really grounded in Jesus and, um, I think many, many people don't realize this. Talk to us about this, if you would. Very exciting reality.
Coach Leslie Frazier: I'm glad you asked that question because, uh, for some fans, they see us on Sundays and, you know, it's a very physical game. It can be a violent game at times. Uh, but there's another side to our game. And, uh, for instance, on our staff here, we have some believers on our staff that love the Lord. I'm a part of a group, uh, that Tony Dungey started, uh, maybe about 25 years ago. Uh, it's a coach's fellowship where we come together every other Tuesday, Alex, uh, coaches from around the National Football League, and we do a zoom call. Matter of fact, we did one just, uh, yesterday. And we're going through scripture and we use a booklet, a daily devotional called Encounter with God from Scripture Union. And some of your listeners, they're interested, they can pull it up on scriptureunion.org but that devotional kind of ties us together, uh, across the league and to, uh, come on a zoom. And you're sharing about your faith. We're sharing about some of the things that we're reading during the course of that, that week over, uh, our time, and also praying for one another, you know, just lifting each other up, uh, and trying to encourage each other, each other as well. And when Tony first got this started, one of the purposes was in our league, there's a lot of movement when it comes to coaches, and that's a very pressurized, uh, job. Uh, the pressure to win can be overwhelming. And there are a lot of changes at the end of seasons when teams don't win. And uh, there was a Monday after one of the seasons where there were a ton of guys getting released from their jobs because their teams had not achieved a certain level of success. So if your identity is tied to your job, Alex, like so many people's identity is or is tied to material things. What do you do when that's taken away from you? And when Tony established uh, this coach's fellowship where we would meet, you know, every other Tuesday, uh, each month, it really kind of brought us together in a way that has encouraged all of us to continue to pray, to learn about each other, uh, to lift each other up, uh, uh, but to grow closer to Christ. So when those moments do come where we're challenged spiritually, where we're challenged, uh, uh, in any way, that we turn our attention to God and we realize that we're not in this battle alone. Uh, God is still with us no matter what situation we're facing. And Gail Martin, who's the president of uh, Scripture Union, she's the person that sent us these, sends us these devotionals each, each month that we're able to go through. And it's been a blessing, man. It's for me after a game, Alex, to be able to go across after we just beat somebody or they defeated us and to be able to go high five a guy, you know, shake his hand and say, hey man, appreciate you, love you, thank you for your prayers. I mean that's the side that the fans may not see, but there are some brothers in Christ on these various staffs around the league. And I would encourage the listeners to uh, continue to pray for the coaches, uh, that are trying to be examples for their players, uh, trying to be examples for others in their organization. Because usually you're in the minority as a Christian coach. You're not. It's not like the majority of the building is going to be Christian employees. So you need to have your full armor on every time you walk on the field, every time you walk in the building and, and you want to be spirit led so that you can uh, be an example of Christ in everything that you do. And we have a ton of players, Alex, that they're looking for father type figures. They're looking for uh, leaders that are people of integrity. And that's where uh, those, those, those those weekly meetings where we come together as coaches and encourage one another. That's our chance to kind of get rejuvenated and get re engaged and recharged as well, to be able to be examples for our players.
Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. And, you know, uh, Coach Frazier, uh, so many of the young people that we interface with. And over the last nearly 30 years, it's been a quarter million teenagers that I give God the glory we've been able in camps, conferences, uh, campus events, and very often you ask, you know, who's important to you, and it could be a parent or a grandparent or a youth, uh, pastor. But especially among young guys, over and over and over, they talk about coaches. They'll say, you know, I was in high school or middle school, didn't know where I was going. And there was a coach, and he took up time with me and he encouraged me. And this coach saw things in me that I couldn't even see in myself. It's a great, great, um, legacy that you've invested in people. But, um, if you would say a word to people out there that in their community, really for, yes, for young people, but ultimately for the Lord, people could invest in young people and just be a coach, be a mentor, be a volunteer. Um, this is a great thing we can do to give something back by investing in young people, isn't it?
Coach Leslie Frazier: Absolutely. It's funny you bring that up. Um, yesterday, Sam Darnold, uh, who's our starting quarterback here with the Seahawks, and he, he has a great story as well. Alex. And we were in here talking and he said, um, you know, coach, people think that what we have accomplished is all about us. And there's usually somebody along the way that's kind of encouraged us. And I was sharing with him one of my coaches. Uh, growing up was really like a father figure to me. I didn't, I didn't. I didn't grow up with a father in the home. Um, my mother was having some things that she was dealing with, and so my grandmother raised me and my two younger brothers. And Sam and I were talking about how, uh, coaches or someone in our lives have influenced us in our youth to help us to get to where we are. And in my case, it was one of my first coaches who saw something in me at around 8 or 9 years of age and really began to encourage me, um, mentor me, um, and really helped me. Even though my grandmother was doing everything that she could to have a male figure in my life to guide me and to really encourage me in my walk as a believer, as a young believer, trying to grow in my faith and really pouring into me as an athlete and as a person, I mean, it changed my life. I know for a fact, without God bringing his name was Charles, uh, Brown. He. Since Passed away. Without God bringing Mr. Brown in my life, it would have been very difficult for me to navigate, uh, those teenage years. But his guidance, uh, was, was a, was a huge difference. Uh, even though my, as I mentioned, my grandmother did everything that she could, uh, but it's, there's something about as, as a, as a young boy, uh, to have a man, a godly man, uh, to influence you and encourage you, uh, and so I would challenge any of the listeners out there, no matter where you are, what your profession is, to, uh, maybe go to your local boys and girls club. Um, I remember, I remember growing up and going to the YMCA and really learning things about, uh, other things other than what was happening in my neighborhood that really helped me to uh, be the type of person that God wanted me to be. So, uh, if you can volunteer at a boys and Girls club or YMCA or some other organization, uh, to help some young, uh, man or girl to really, uh, grow and encourage them from a spiritual standpoint, you have a chance to change a life. You don't. You don't.
Coach Leslie Frazier: They may not become a professional athlete, but to be able to change the life of Jesus Christ, isn't that what it's all about?
Alex McFarland: Amen.
Coach Leslie Frazier: I mean, that's what God has called us to do. Yeah. And it, it would do me no good to, uh, have the success that we've had in athletics and we, we hide that, uh, under a, a basket and not proclaim the name of Jesus Christ. We, uh, have a chance to influence others. And you don't have to be a pro athlete to do that. I mean, some of your listeners can do the same thing, but you do have to be intentional and you do have to pray and ask God to guide you. And he will, he'll put you in a position where you can make a difference in someone else's life.
Alex McFarland: Hey, you know, in the next segment, we're going to take some phone calls, folks. Uh, Alex McFarland here talking with Coach Leslie Frazier, NFL legend to say the least. And the number is 8885-8988-4088-8589. 8840. Rare opportunity, folks. How often have you ever talked to a Super bowl winner? Well, you have a chance this morning and uh, uh, Coach, before we have a commercial break, do you have a website, um, any website you'd like to direct people to?
Coach Leslie Frazier: Yeah, I would encourage, um, uh, your listeners to go to scriptureunion.org and you'll be able to pick up that devotional That I talked about. As a matter of fact, uh, there's a podcast coming up starting May 18th where Gail Martin, who I mentioned earlier, who's the president of Scripture Union, uh, she's going to be interviewing, uh, different coaches from around the league, including, uh, our former offensive coordinator here, who's now the head coach of the, uh, Las Vegas Raiders. I have to remember not to say Oakland Raiders. The Las Vegas Raiders, yeah. Clint Qviak, uh, Tony Dungey is going to be a part of it. Um, Dave Nellis, who's the head coach of the Carolina Panthers. And I'm gonna give you that website and it's scriptureunion.org EWG um, plus channel. So if they go to that website, uh, they'll be able to pick up, uh, the podcast and scripterunion.org is where they can get a copy of the devotional and they can start doing.
Alex McFarland: We gotta do this break. We gotta do this break. Stay tuned. More with coach Leslie Frazier after this. Don't go away.
: Welcome back to Jenna Ellis in the Morning on American Family Radio.
Alex McFarland: Welcome back to the program. Alex McFarland. What an honor to be speaking with, uh, NFL legend Leslie Frazier. And. Hey brother, uh, I want to say thanks for being with us. We're going to take some calls. By the way, if you have a question for the coach, uh, the number is 888-589-8840. Uh, I want to say thank you for being with us, but more than that, even I want to say thank you for being a witness for the Lord and you're just such a clear representative of Christ and that's just so refreshing and it blesses me and thank you, my friend.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Well, thank you for having me on, Alex. This is, um, a great opportunity to share, uh, the good news with others. And uh, as you and I have talked about on this call, that uh, that's what God has called us to do. Uh, to be able to go out and be witnesses, uh, for the kingdom and hopefully see others coming to a saving knowledge of who Jesus Christ is. I mean that's, that's what it's all about. Uh, amen for us as believers. And uh, we have a tremendous pedestal being in the National Football League, I mean the number one sport in our country and um, and becoming global. And it is. Fans know that there are Christian coaches, uh, around the league that are praying for one another and, and need uh, your listeners prayers as well.
Alex McFarland: Indeed. And uh, I just, I commend you. I got a story I want to tell you. Um, uh, in just a minute, but right now I want to go to Iowa. Uh, do we have David on the line? David from Iowa, are you there?
: Yes, I am.
Alex McFarland: Hey, thanks for holding. Good morning, David, and, uh, uh, welcome to our conversation with Leslie, uh, Frazier.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Good morning, David.
: Uh, Alex. Good morning, Leslie. Thank you for coming on, you guys. Both of you are such an encouragement. Um, I work with. Sorry. I work with kids, and I see a lot of them struggling, and you're trying to help them. And sometimes.
: And this is my question for you, Coach Frazier, what do you. What do you do with, uh, perceived failure? Because, you know, you have a lot of wins, but you have those losses. And how do you keep those losses from holding you back and trying to define you?
Coach Leslie Frazier: I think, um, David, you have to always remember that we're being directed by. By God. And if we plant the seed, then we have to be able to trust that God will be the person that will cultivate that seed. And what sometimes is perceived as failure is actually success over time. Because, uh, my attitude has to be right in situations where things didn't quite go the way I thought they would. But even in those moments, m. God can use those to really sharpen me and really shape me into being what he. What he's called me to be as a person and as a person who's trying to influence others. So, uh, sometimes when the enemy is telling us that we failed, um, just let the story play out. Um, and. And it's not always the failure we thought it would be, especially when it comes to. And I think you're referencing, uh, working with young kids. Uh, sometimes that seed that's planted now, it takes a little. Take some time for it to germinate into and to really become, uh, the. The flower, uh, that. That will happen over time. So that investment, I mean, God is calling us to. To. To. To the Great Commission and to share my faith and to try to encourage. But then over time, let God do his part as well. And I've just got to walk by faith and that what looks like a failure is going to turn out just the way it should.
Alex McFarland: Amen. And you know, Coach, a. Ah, lot of times I found that, uh, Satan tries to discourage me right on the eve of a great victory and a great blessing. Uh, and I've been walking with the Lord in the ministry long enough. Sometimes if I feel like discouragement is trying to come on, or I feel like there's, you know, a cloud over me, I just begin to pray because I know I'm about to Experience a great blessing. And when you're on the eve of a great victory or a great blessing, that's when the devil is going to try to discourage you, isn't he?
Coach Leslie Frazier: Absolutely. And I mean, that's, that's what God. I mean, that's, that's, that's what we need the Lord in those moments. Um, because Satan is trying to take away our testimony. He wants us to feel defeated. He wants us to be discouraged. He wants us to shut up. Don't be talking about Christ, don't be talking about salvation. You know, I'm going to throw some roadblocks up and, and, and, and try to discourage you. And we just have to remember what Ephesians 6, uh, chapter, uh, 10 through 16 talks about. I mean, if we're in a spiritual battle and it's daily, and, uh, that's part of the enemy's scheme to, uh, discourage us, to, uh, have us feeling defeated. And so we got to be able to rise above that and just know that we serve a God who, even in the midst of something that seems like it's not going in the way we thought it would go, that God can turn that into, uh, something positive as well. Romans 8:28. All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose.
Alex McFarland: Amen. Hey, we're going to queue up another call, uh, before the commercial break, you were giving a website, Scripture Union, uh, and you've got a podcast coming up. Um, give that website one more time if you would, coach.
Coach Leslie Frazier: So to get the devotional, if your listeners will go to scriptureunion.org uh, they'll be able to get material, get some resources, uh, that will help them in their walk. But also, as I mentioned, there's a podcast coming up starting May 18th, uh, where various coaches from around the league are going to be joining Gail Martin and that to reference that and to be able to pull it up, go to scriptureunion.org EWGT channel, uh, scriptureunion.org EWG T like Thom channel, and you'll be able to pull up that podcast beginning May 18, and you won't be disappointed. Uh, and you, one of your favorite coaches may be one of the people that will be sharing their faith.
Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. Hey, I want to go to Virginia to Kelly in Virginia. Uh, is on hold. Uh, Adam, can we queue up Kelly from Virginia?
: Hi, Alex, good morning.
Alex McFarland: Thanks for calling in. What you got, Kelly.
: Good morning. Yeah, so I just wanted to say thank you to the coach, and I do remember the 85 bears? Um, I was at one time a single mom and had come through a very abusive relationship. I knew that I could not teach my son how to be a man and kept him in baseball. But I talked to the coach because he was very withdrawn. He was scared to make a mistake that he was going to get yelled at. And once the coach understood the background, he was phenomenal with my son. And I just remember him saying, mommy, he didn't yell at me. He doesn't yell. And so that coach made a huge difference in the life of my son. So I am very grateful for those gentlemen who do step up and fill in for the moms that need help.
Alex McFarland: Amen.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Yeah, I, I can relate. Um, there verse. And we've talked about it before, Alex. There's so many, uh, coaches that have influenced, uh, for the positive. And yes, there are some coaches out there that go the other way. And, you know, you, you definitely have to pray for them. But, uh, we know there are a ton of coaches that will influence, uh, youth in a positive way. And I'm, um, thankful for your son that he was able to be mentored by this particular coach. Uh, but there are some coaches out there that change lives, uh, because there's so many kids, uh, that were. That were in a situation like your son that, uh, in single family homes, single parent homes. And it's difficult, it's challenging. Uh, a mom can only do so much, and moms do a tremendous job, uh, alone. But it, I mean, it was designed to be husband and wife. Uh, so, uh, when there is a male figure there, they can make a huge positive difference.
Alex McFarland: Amen. You know, um, and we're going to go to Tim in North Carolina in just a second. I want to say to all the churches out there with youth programs, Coach, I've often said, uh, two great ways to reach young people. One is music. The other is sports. Seriously, uh, I mean, to all the churches out there throughout America, and we want to pass the gospel on to young people sports. And I know this is really off subject, but I'm, um, going to tell you what's really hot right now is pickleball. Pickleball is a new. Well, it's not really new. It's been around a long time, but it's pretty, pretty big right now. Folks, think about starting a sports program in your church to reach young people. Uh, but anyway, Tim from North Carolina. Tim, are you there?
: Yes, I'm here.
Alex McFarland: Welcome to our conversation with coach Leslie Frazier.
: Thank you, Alex. I appreciate it, really. Uh, Appreciate you listening to a lot on afr. God bless other programs. Um, the question I have for uh, Mr. Frazier is, um, what is the overall condition, I guess, of the NFL? I guess you would say maybe like a spiritual condition, uh, towards Christians, um, because there, I know there are pockets of Christians or a good number of Christians that are, you know, in sports and in the NFL, but you see them praying and things like that. Um, but I'm not a fan of the NFL per se because of the things that they do. Um, seems like they've gone more on the, on the edge of things woke, if you want to call it that. But just like the half halftime show that they did, uh, I mean I watched Turning Point USA when that came on, so. But I have friends that will not watch. They were openly going out say boycott NFL. Boycott NFL. So I'm just, I'm curious to how, uh, as a, as a fan, I still want to watch football games. And so I feel like I can't I justify it by supporting these players that I know are Christians. So I hope you understand.
Alex McFarland: Question spiritual status.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Can you, can you, Alice, can you explain the question for me?
Alex McFarland: Well, I think he's asking overall, what's the spiritual condition of the NFL? Oh yeah.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Okay. So I think it's very similar, I think, uh, to a lot of secular businesses. Uh, there are a number of believers like we talked about this morning, that are International Football League. But uh, like a lot of companies in our country, uh, there's a mix. There are non believers and believers and uh, you navigate that uh, by the grace of God. Uh, but it's not unlike a lot of uh, businesses in our country. And the good thing is we have a choice every day we walk in the building or as to how we're going to respond to whatever challenges we face. Whether you work at Ford Motor Company or uh, any uh, Microsoft or uh, in this case the Seattle Seahawks or NewSong York jets, wherever. Uh, but there it's, it's a mix. And there aren't many places unless you work in a Christian organization. And I've worked in Christian organizations before and you still have some challenges that you have to face even in that environment at times. So um, it's not a lot different than what you experience in the world.
Alex McFarland: Mhm. Um, hey, let me ask you this. And uh, time fleets away. Before we run out of time, I want to say thank you so much for, for giving us, uh, this part of your morning today, Coach. Uh, it really is a privilege to speak with you. Um, talk to us, if you would, about, um, the, uh, coaches in the Word. Scripture Union USA has a new series coming out, Coaches in the word, beginning May 18th. And uh, remind us about that, if you would.
Coach Leslie Frazier: Yeah. So as I was referencing earlier that, um, Gail Martin, who's the president of Scripture Union, uh, she'll do a podcast where people like myself, uh, Tony Dungey, other coaches from around the National Football League will come on and we'll discuss some of the readings from, um, the devotional encounter with God, and some of the guys will share their faith, uh, during that conversation. And it's, it's really enlightening, uh, uh, for anyone, whether you are a football fan or non football fan, because, uh, you get a chance to see men being vulnerable and discussing Scripture, Scripture. And it should be an encouragement. I think it will be an encouragement to any of your listeners. Uh, and I'm gonna reference the website to go to, starting May 18, the scriptureunion.org EWGT channel. And then the coaches Fellowship is what we were talking about earlier that Tony Dungey started, uh, where myself and other coaches from around the league come together every other Tuesday. And we discuss God's Word, uh, through the daily devotional, the Encounter with God booklet. And it's, it's the one thing that kind of ties us all together because, you know, even though we're studying scriptures, uh, but to have a, uh, one central devotional we're all looking at, at the same time and, and coming together and discussing God's Word. It's such an encouragement, Alex. Uh, and it holds us accountable to what we say, we believe. And it gives us a chance to pray for one another and encourage one another in a very tough profession. Even though it's glamorous and, and it provides for a lot of things, there's. There's a lot of stress involved in this lifestyle.
Alex McFarland: Amen.
Coach Leslie Frazier: And, uh, and whether you're a coach
: or,
Coach Leslie Frazier: uh, just a normal person, we all have different ways we deal with adversity. And one of the ways that we are able to handle the adversity of what we do for a living is by putting our faith in Christ and not necessarily what we do for a living.
Alex McFarland: Amen. Uh, James Brown and Tony Dungy called me up the other night. I was about to speak and they were reading one of my books and uh, they were getting ready to speak and it was my joy to talk to them about presenting the gospel to some businessmen. And uh, so folks, every one of us is an ambassador like Coach Leslie Frazier. God bless you, sir. I look forward to when we can talk again. And folks, thanks for listening. Share this link it's [email protected] Opinions expressed
: in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
Joined by NFL legend Coach Leslie Frazier, they explore the intersection of faith and sports, discussing how God's guidance shaped Frazier's journey from a young athlete to a Super Bowl champion.
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