New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr gets the word and runs offensive plays to win. One play at a time. One score at a time. One game at a time.
Saints linebacker Demario Davis handles similar duties on defense.
Carr and Davis weren't on duty running Saints plays in mid-June. They were on God's team, running plays with "A Night of Worship" at Mahalia Jackson Theater, inside Armstrong Park in New Orleans, on June 11.
Carr approached Davis about coordinating the event. Davis told me that he told Carr, "Man, if you're sharing the Word, I'm all for it."
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr listens as Saints linebacker Demario Davis speaks during "A Night of Worship" on June 11, 2024. The two co-hosted the free night of music, preaching the gospel and bringing people closer to Jesus.
Carr lined up contemporary Christian singer Tauren Wells. Davis lined up best-selling gospel singer CeCe Winans. They found the best dates and made it happen.
Two thousand free tickets were claimed. About 80 to 100 people answered Carr's altar call, asking for prayer or giving their lives to Jesus.
I knew about the evening when it was promoted. I considered going, but I wasn't sure. Then I read a delightful, upbeat story by The Times-Picayune | The Advocate Louisiana sports writer of the year Rod Walker, and I knew I would be in the theater.
I'm so glad I went.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr preached the gospel during "A Night of Worship," which he co-hosted with Saints linebacker Demario Davis on June 11, 2024. Carr made an altar call and more than 80 people responded, including a man in a White Sox baseball cap who was comforted by Carr.
I'm a believer. I'm no Jesus freak. I'm just a faith guy. I believe in almighty God, prayer and how the Lord can clear challenges, difficulties and troubles to make room for abundance and joy.
Most believers know they're not on their own. They're on earthly faith walks.
I have walked my faith journey with my wife of more than 40 years. I am human. I falter. I need church, church people and help from other believers.
I love the uplifting songs by Wells and his band. Tell me CeCe is on, and you've got my attention, no matter what she sings.
There are men and women of God I listen to regularly, but until recently, if someone told me Derek Carr was speaking, I would not have dropped everything to listen.
Then I heard Carr preach. I admit I didn't expect him to lift, encourage and englighten me as he did.
Like me, Dr. Ariel Lloyd expected a motivational talk from Carr. We were surprised — no, stunned — by what we got.
"I wasn't surprised by CeCe Winans and Tauren Wells. (CeCe) brings the spirit. I usually cry and I welcome those tears," Lloyd told me. "What did surprise me was Derek Carr."
A Christian psychologist and a self-described faithful wife and mother, Lloyd said she got much more than she expected.
For his part, Carr had been living a sinful life, lacking character and morals. The woman who became his wife was his girlfriend 14 years ago when she wrote him saying he wasn't the man she thought he was.
It was a wake-up call. He gave his life to Jesus.
Carr was scripturally sound and specific. He used his story to connect his life to the Lord's word. "He was very honest about his journey," added Lloyd.
On their way out of the theater, Lloyd's daughter, Amali, 15, told her, "I want a Derek Carr jersey." A 12-year Saints season ticket holder, Lloyd had never thought about getting a Carr jersey — until that night.
"It can't be easy, coming after our much-loved Drew Brees," said Lloyd. "I want a Derek Carr jersey no matter how he performs on the field."
I, too, want a Derek Carr jersey now.
But, I much prefer that hundreds more have the opportunity to attend a Carr-Davis event and receive encouragement, support and consider giving their lives to Jesus.
Carr and Davis said to stay tuned.
Carr and his Tribe of Judah Ministries have been a part of teaching teams and Christian events with up to 15,000 people in the Bay Area, Fresno, Las Vegas and elsewhere — thanks in large part to the generous support of Benny and Wendy Perez of Church LV in Vegas and Mattie and Candice Montgomery of The Altar Fellowship in Johnson City, Texas.
The faith team distributed purple new testament Bibles with steps for sharing the gospel in the back. Just a few days ago, those who attended got the first of four video links, featuring Davis and his pastor. Others will include Carr and Davis and Carr and his pastor.
For a prominent Saints player to say he wants to win games and get to the Super Bowl — but winning with God is more important, has made many of us stronger believers.
