NFL and CAC Kickoff Another Season

by Jim Penrice

As NFL teams shape their rosters to prepare for another exciting season, Catholic Athletes for Christ is doing the same. Our Speakers Bureau has been blessed with a growing presence of disciples from the NFL, willing to suit up and take the field for Christ. In addition to the returning “veterans” on our roster, we are pleased to welcome a new corps of “Cathletes” from the world of pro football.

Our Veterans

Chris Horn of the Carolina Panthers continues to share the Catholic faith through CAC. The former All-American and his wife include in their daily prayer regimen the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and prayers to St. Bridget. Chris keeps a Divine Mercy image in his locker, which together with his words and actions proclaims to his teammates what his life is all about.

Pat Shurmur returns for a sixth year as the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterbacks coach, and another season as a CAC speaker. A graduate of Divine Child Catholic High School in Dearborn, Michigan, Pat is a life-long Catholic who is excited to share the faith. He and his wife Jennifer are members of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Cinnaminson, New Jersey, where Jennifer teaches Religious Education.

New Faces

Joining Chris and Pat on the CAC Speakers Bureau this year are three more luminaries from the NFL.

Jack Del Rio has been the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars since 2003. He and his wife, Linda, have four children. Jack thanks the late Monsignor Reynolds of New Orleans for “patiently leading me through the Scriptures and answering my many questions about the Catholic faith. I am a proud Catholic man today thanks to him.”

Dave Casper was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002, as one of the greatest tight ends to play the game. His ten-year NFL career was preceded by a stellar tenure at Notre Dame, where he was the captain of the 1973 national championship team. Dave has been married for 32 years, and has three children and one grandson. He is very active in many charitable causes, and eager to spread the Gospel.

Joe Klecko played for the New York Jets, and was a member of one of the most feared defensive front fours in NFL history: “The New York Sack Exchange.” Joe was the first player ever to be named to the Pro Bowl at three different positions (defensive end, nose tackle, and defensive tackle), and only the third member of the New York Jets to have his number retired, joining Joe Namath and Don Maynard. Joe loves to speak about his Catholic faith—especially to men, to help them learn how to grow in discipleship.

Coaching Staff

In addition to these coaches and former players, a network of Catholic priest chaplains is continuing to grow throughout the NFL, to minister to Catholic players’ spiritual needs. Among them are Fr. Clint Ressler of the Houston Texans, Fr. Tom Willis of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Fr. Peter Gallagher of the defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts. Fr. Ressler and Fr. Willis also serve on the CAC Speakers Bureau. There is a great spirit of friendship and mutual support among chaplains and players and coaches of various faith backgrounds. But as Catholic priests, they have a special connection to Catholic players, to whom they administer the sacraments and, on occasion, help prepare to receive sacraments.

With the Lord’s guiding hand, it looks like another great season for the NFL and Catholic Athletes for Christ.

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