Former NBA Player AJ Griffin Says He ‘Gave Up Basketball To Follow Jesus.’ Here’s Why

AJ Griffin is leaving it all on the court for a career in Christ. The former Atlanta Hawks first-round pick has stepped away from basketball to become a minister.

In a YouTube video, Griffin explained his reasoning for hanging up his jersey. He said once he accepted Jesus as his Lord and savior in 2020, his values began to change. Basketball wasn’t his everything anymore and he said he felt he must step into his God-given purpose.

“I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,” Griffin said. “And I know that in a lot of people’s eyes, that seems like – it seems like a loss in the world’s eyes. But, I just want to let you guys know that I’m super excited because I truly get to serve God, you know, with my full ‘yes,’ and I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to, you know, go into full-time ministry and truly serving the Lord with all my heart – with all my time too, as well. So, I’m just excited to see where that leads me.”

The 21-year-old said he was able to spread the good news of the Gospel as a basketball player, but that wasn’t enough. He believes he could have all of the riches in the world, but knows Jesus is the only one who can fulfill him. He said God called on him to leave basketball to serve him more.

“You can see how I just love spreading the good news of the Gospel because I know how much it’s changed my life,” Griffin said. “I want to reach people more through my platforms. I think that sums up my testimony of why I left basketball.”

Griffin, the son of former Milwaukee Bucks head coach and NBA player Adrian Griffin, played for Duke University for one year before entering the NBA Draft and being picked up by the Hawks. He was traded to the Houston Rockets, but received a $250,000 contract buyout.

Griffin ended his video by encouraging people to not live in fear because living in fear can stop them from pursuing God’s purpose. He hopes followers of God or those who are called to seek Him will walk by faith and not by sight. 

 

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