Most people in the world are guided by their religious rules, regulations, and beliefs. These beliefs could affect one’s way of thought and even so athletic manner.
An example is the Jehovah’s Witness and NFL. It is very rare to see Jehovah’s Witness partake in NFL or any sporting activities.
How many NFL players are Jehovah’s Witnesses? How many ex NFL players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Now for the NFL, it was rare to see Jehova’s Witness out in the field until Dave Louis Pear showed up in the league.
Dave Pear is a Jehova’s Witness and a former National Football League (NFL) football player. He played position defensive lineman and made history by being the first Tampa Bay Buccaneers player to be selected to the Pro Bowl.
Image Source: WBUR
Dave Pear attended and played college football at the University of Washington in Seattle. He was selected by the Baltimore Colts in the third round as the 56th overall pick of the 1975 NFL Draft.
Dave Pear had suffered a number of injuries throughout his career which he had caused him to undergo several surgeries. He underwent spinal surgery and hip replacement which have resulted in vertigo, memory loss, and speech impairment.
Dave Pear has always had regrets about playing football not because of his religious beliefs as a Jehova’s Witness but for the injuries and surgeries he has had in his football career. Hence he has also been quoted saying, “Don’t let your kids play football. Never.”
Also, the world has witnessed an NFL player who has decided to quit to focus on his Religion, that is Jehova’s Witness. Jason Worilds shocked his fans when he announced he would be leaving football to work for Jehova’s Witness.
Jason Worilds was a free agent who had player played for the Pittsburgh Steeler and retired at the age of 27. He seemed to have already made up his mind about his decision and was not going back on it.
Image Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Jehova’s witness somehow prevents its members from partaking in extreme sporting activities that could cause physical harm to the person. Not to as there is no Jehova’s Witness who partakes in sporting activities.
An example is in Tennis League, where we have the famous William sisters, Serena and Venus, the two are Jehova’s WItness and they still partake in sporting activities. Aside from Tennis, the NBA has also recorded quite a sum of Jehova’s Witness in their league.
