FCA Allstate Sugar Bowl Breakfast a success

Anytime an event has a lifespan 50 years, it has to be a solid event.

That is certainly the case with the 50th Annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes Allstate Sugar Bowl Breakfast.

The event took place Friday morning at the Hilton Riverside Hotel Grand Ballroom with over 600 in attendance.

That included players from both Alabama and Clemson.

Allstate Sugar Bowl President-Elect Rod West of Entergy welcomed everyone and the Very Reverend David G. Caron, Vicar of Evangelism of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, provided the opening prayer.

Alabama coach and chaplain Gary Cramer interviewed a pair of Crimson Tide players, including star defensive back Minka Fitzpatrick, who talked about a mission trip to Costa Rica that he and his teammates made and how it impacted his life. Tide punter JK Scott added that while the Alabama players were supposed to minister to those less fortunate, with virtually no means, it was those with virtually nothing who truly ministered to him and other players.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney talked about coming from a dysfunctional family background and overcoming through his faith in the Lord and how it governs his life. Swinney was quick to point out that God does not carry favor for one team over another in the course of a game. Swinney pointed to FCA as a defining force and moment in his own life’s journey through his faith-walk.

Clemson defensive back Judah Davis talked about the blessing of playing with his twin brother, JD, at Clemson and about how he takes the platform of sharing his faith and influencing others at a high profile, national championship program seriously.

Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow remains one of the best stories in college football. Renfrow talked about his amazing journey of being a walk-on with little or no chance to playing at Clemson to catching the winning touchdown pass with one second left to give the Tigers a national championship in a win over Alabama a year ago.

Keynote speaker Jabari Greer focused on having courage.

Greer, who enjoyed a 10-year NFL career, saw that career come to a crashing halt in November of 2013 when he tore his knee up in a Saints’ game against San Francisco. He would never play again. He confessed to putting football first in his life, including over family. At the same time, his father, whom he called his “superhero,” was suffering from stage four cancer which he ultimately succumbed to.

Greer was devastated and disillousioned and ultimately grew apart and he filed for divorce. After soul searching and prayer, Greer found his way back to his faith and back to his wife. It was a message that was genuine and very well received.

Greer remained afterwards and signed autographs and took pictures with adoring patrons, including several high school student-athletes.

David Madden, Associate Pastor of Church of the King, delivered the closing prayer.