Isha Sharma
Former Atlanta Hawks player AJ Griffin, the 16th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has left the sport of basketball to dedicate his life to ministry. In a heartfelt seven-minute video, Griffin shared the news that he is leaving behind the world of professional basketball “to follow Jesus.”
A Life-Changing Decision
Griffin reflected on his spiritual journey in the video, explaining that religion transformed his outlook on life. “I gave my life to Christ and it was the best decision of my life,” he said.
According to Griffin, basketball had once been his whole world, but after finding God, he realised that his true passion lay in religion.
He added that he now feels called to spread the message of the gospel, sharing the positive impact faith has had on his life.
Griffin has been using his social media platforms in recent years to share Bible verses, religious discussions, and motivational advice.
Transition to Ministry
Before his decision to retire from basketball, Griffin had recently been traded to the Houston Rockets.
However, his time there was short-lived as his contract was bought out by the team. Now, Griffin is ready to step away from sports entirely to pursue full-time ministry.
Griffin’s announcement was met with support from fans, as he expressed his eagerness to step into a new chapter with faith at the forefront of his life.
“I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,” Griffin stated in the video. He acknowledged that many may see this as a loss, but he expressed deep excitement about serving God. Griffin emphasised that letting go of basketball allows him to commit to full-time ministry.
“I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to go into full-time ministry and truly serving the Lord with all my heart,” he explained.
The 21-year-old forward had a standout season at Duke University in 2021 before being drafted by the Hawks. However, Griffin revealed that his relationship with faith became more profound during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
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