How many Jehovah’s Witnesses are in the NBA?

Living Your Faith Out Loud: Jehovah’s Witness Players in the NBA

Have you ever stopped to think about where faith shows up in our world? Sometimes, we expect to see it just in churches or quiet moments of prayer. But God works in amazing and unexpected ways, even in the bright lights and fast pace of professional sports! It might seem like an unlikely mix – the high-stakes world of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and a deep, personal faith.¹ Yet, right there on the court, amidst the roar of the crowd, are powerful stories of athletes living out their beliefs.

Today, we’re going to explore the inspiring journeys of NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses. Their stories show us that you can pursue excellence in your career while staying true to your spiritual path.¹ It’s a beautiful reminder that no matter where you are or what you do, you can let your light shine and live a life that honors God. Get ready to be encouraged!

How many NBA players are known to be Jehovah’s Witnesses?

You might be wondering just how many players in the demanding world of the NBA share this specific faith. Although the bright lights often focus on scores and stats, the spiritual lives of players are a powerful part of their journey. The exact number isn’t huge listen to this: there’s what’s called a “noteworthy number” of current and former NBA players identified as Jehovah’s Witnesses.¹ Isn’t that something?

The names you’ll hear most often are Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon.¹ These incredible men have navigated the pressures of professional basketball while holding fast to their beliefs, showing us all what it means to live with conviction.

Here’s a quick look at these inspiring players:

Player	Birthdate	NBA Career	Position	Key Teams	Noteworthy Faith Connection
Danny Granger	April 20, 1983	2005-2015	Small Forward	Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat	Known for maintaining his strong faith throughout his All-Star career.1
Darren Collison	August 23, 1987	2009-2019, 2021-2022	Point Guard	New Orleans Hornets, Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks, LA Clippers, Kings	Retired unexpectedly in 2019 to focus on faith and volunteer ministry.1
Dewayne Dedmon	August 12, 1989	2013-2023	Center	Warriors, 76ers, Magic, Spurs, Hawks, Kings, Heat, Lakers	Identified as a Jehovah’s Witness; faced unique challenges early on.1

Although these three stand out in recent conversations, let’s not forget others, like former player Dave Meyers (drafted #2 overall way back in 1975!), who also embraced the faith later in his life.³ Their presence is a beautiful testimony that integrating deep spiritual commitment with a high-profile athletic career is absolutely possible. It adds a unique and inspiring perspective to the diverse world of the NBA.¹

Who are these players and what are their stories?

Let’s get to know these inspiring athletes a little better! Their journeys are unique, each one a special story they share a wonderful common thread: faith guiding their steps, both on the basketball court and off.

Danny Granger: Oh, Indiana Pacers fans surely remember Danny Granger! What a fantastic nine-season career he had, mostly shining as a small forward.¹ He even reached the heights of being an NBA All-Star in 2009!4 Throughout his time lighting up the scoreboard for teams like the Pacers, Clippers, and Heat, Granger was known for his strong faith as a Jehovah’s Witness.¹ He openly lived his beliefs, showing everyone that you can achieve excellence at the highest level of professional sports while living a life dedicated to your faith.¹ His career is a beautiful example of blending personal conviction with professional success.¹ What an encouragement!

Darren Collison: Darren Collison’s story really made people stop and think! He was such a talented point guard, playing for ten seasons with several teams, including the Hornets, Pacers, Mavericks, Clippers, and Kings. He even led the whole league in three-point percentage one season!5 But then, in 2019, right when many thought he was at the top of his game, Collison made a surprising announcement: he was retiring. Why, you ask? He felt a powerful calling to dedicate more time to his precious family and his deep faith as a Jehovah’s Witness. He wanted to focus more on volunteer ministry work, helping others. Think about that – stepping away from potential multi-million dollar contracts! It truly showed how incredibly important his spiritual beliefs were in his life choices. Though he briefly returned later, his initial retirement stands as a powerful example of putting faith first. That takes real courage!

Dewayne Dedmon: Dewayne Dedmon’s journey into the NBA is just remarkable, friend. Playing as a center, he’s been a valuable player for numerous teams over his ten-season career, including the Warriors, 76ers, Magic, Spurs, Hawks, Kings, Heat, and Lakers.¹ What makes his story so special? Well, because of his mother’s devout Jehovah’s Witness faith and her initial concerns about him playing organized sports, he didn’t even start playing basketball until he was 18 years old and a senior in high school!7 Can you imagine starting that late and still reaching the NBA? Dedmon, who is also identified as a Jehovah’s Witness, showed incredible determination and resilience.¹ His path demonstrates amazing adaptability and a strong will to chase his dreams while navigating his faith background.¹ What a testament to perseverance!

These players, each walking their own unique path, show us the diverse and wonderful ways faith can intersect with a demanding NBA career. They add such depth and richness to the world of professional sports.¹

Why did Darren Collison retire early?

Darren Collison’s decision to retire back in 2019 really sent ripples through the NBA world. Here he was, just 31 years old, playing great basketball with the Indiana Pacers, and everyone expected him to sign a big, lucrative contract – maybe worth $10 to $12 million a year!6 So why would he walk away from all that?

In his own heartfelt words, shared in a letter to The Undefeated, Collison explained it so beautifully. He said, “Although I still love basketball, I know there is something more important, which is my family and my faith. I am one of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and my faith means everything to me”. Isn’t that powerful?

He went on to share that he found a joy that was simply “unmatched” in volunteering, in helping others, and taking part in the worldwide ministry connected to his faith. He felt this deep desire, this calling, to do more to help those less fortunate. He realized that the intense focus needed for an NBA career was limiting his ability to pursue this calling as fully as his heart desired.

His retirement came suddenly and surprised so many people, even his own teammates who had no idea it was coming.¹³ His teammate Thaddeus Young mentioned talking about free agency with Collison right before the announcement, with no hint of retirement plans.¹³ Another teammate, Myles Turner, who had even attended some Jehovah’s Witness meetings with Collison to show support, was also surprised but expressed happiness for his friend’s decision.¹³

Collison’s choice was such a powerful statement about his priorities. He chose to pour his time and energy into his spiritual convictions and his family life. He stepped away from the spotlight, the fame, the fortune, to pursue what brought him the deepest sense of fulfillment and joy. It’s truly a moving example of someone living out their faith, even when it means making choices that seem unconventional or require great sacrifice. What an inspiration!

What is Dewayne Dedmon’s unique faith story?

Dewayne Dedmon’s path to the NBA is truly one-of-a-kind, and it’s deeply woven with his family’s faith. Growing up in Lancaster, California, Dewayne was raised by his wonderful mother, Gail Lewis, a devout Jehovah’s Witness.· Because of her strong religious beliefs, she felt that getting involved in organized sports might distract him from his spiritual devotion, so she didn’t want him to play.·

Can you imagine being tall and athletic, seeing other kids playing games being guided down a different path? While most kids might know all the sports stats, young Dewayne was becoming well-versed in scripture.¹· For years, he honored his mother’s wishes.¹· But then, after turning 18, already standing a towering 6-foot-8, Dewayne made the difficult decision. He chose to exercise his right as an adult and pursue basketball, even though his mother still had concerns.· It wasn’t easy, friend. His mother even sought help from church elders, hoping they could gently guide him back.¸ But Dewayne, who had been the “man of the house” since his father passed away when he was just a young boy, stood firm in his decision.¸

He joined his high school team as a senior he hardly got to play.¸ His mother hoped this would lead him back fully to his religious activities Dewayne’s incredible, unlikely journey was just beginning.¸ He went on to play at Antelope Valley College and then the prestigious USC before, against all odds, making his way into the NBA even after going undrafted.·

Sources identify Dewayne himself as a Jehovah’s Witness.¹ His story isn’t just about starting basketball late; it’s about navigating complex family relationships and deeply held religious beliefs. He had to take a “leap of faith” in more ways than one – chasing a dream while respecting the foundations of his upbringing.¸ Though he might sometimes wonder what could have been if he’d started earlier, Dewayne believes his disciplined religious upbringing helped instill maturity and a strong work ethic.¸ What a journey! It shows incredible perseverance and the strength to forge your own path while carrying the values you were raised with.¹ God works in mysterious ways!

What do Jehovah’s Witnesses teach about playing professional sports?

When it comes to sports, Jehovah’s Witnesses, guided by timeless Bible principles, have a wonderfully balanced perspective. They see the good things about sports but also offer some gentle cautions.

On the bright side, the Bible itself says that “physical exercise is beneficial” 20 (that’s from 1 Timothy 4:8). Playing sports is seen as a fantastic way to stay active and healthy – much better than just sitting around!20 Plus, it can teach such valuable lessons like teamwork, cooperation, communication, and the self-discipline needed to play by the rules.² Did you know the Bible even uses sports analogies, like runners in a race showing self-control, to teach positive points?² And let’s not forget, sports can be a fun way to build friendships and connect with others.² The Bible tells us one of the fruits of God’s spirit is “joy,” and enjoying healthy recreation is considered perfectly normal and natural.²¹ That’s good news!

But there are potential pitfalls they wisely warn about.²

The kind of sport matters. Jehovah’s Witnesses are advised to steer clear of sports that are inherently violent.² They point to Psalm 11:5, which says God “hates anyone who loves violence.” Think about boxing, where the main goal is to harm the opponent – that’s given as an example. This caution isn’t just about playing violent sports even watching them, because the scripture condemns loving violence.² There’s also a sensible concern about the risk of injury, especially in highly competitive or dangerous sports.²¹

How you play is so important. While competition is naturally part of many games, a “win-at-all-costs” attitude is discouraged.² The Bible encourages humility, telling Christians to “do nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism with humility consider others superior to you” (Philippians 2:3).² The focus should always be on enjoyment and good sportsmanship, rather than letting rivalry or pride take over.²

How much time you spend playing (or even watching) is crucial.² Jehovah’s Witnesses emphasize putting spiritual matters first – making “godly devotion” the priority because it “holds promise of the life now and that which is to come,” while “bodily training is beneficial for a little” 21 (that’s from 1 Timothy 4:7, 8). They are encouraged to “make sure of the more important things” (Philippians 1:10).² Spending too much time on sports, whether playing or watching, could take away from precious family responsibilities, spiritual activities, or other important duties.² One Witness shared a wise reminder from his mother: the players get paid neglecting your responsibilities doesn’t pay off in the long run.²

This balanced view helps us understand why some athletes who become Jehovah’s Witnesses – maybe in tennis, soccer, or baseball – might re-evaluate their careers or how they participate in their sport. They seek to align their lives more fully with their faith priorities.²² It’s all about enjoying God’s gift of physical ability while keeping our spiritual well-being as the number one priority.² That’s wisdom we can all learn from!

What is the Jehovah’s Witness view on competition and fame?

Building on their balanced view of sports, Jehovah’s Witnesses also offer gentle guidance on competition and the pursuit of fame, always encouraging us to focus on higher, more lasting principles.

Competition itself isn’t necessarily seen as wrong. After all, it’s a natural part of many games where you have opposing teams.² But the spirit behind the competition – that’s what truly matters. A “win-at-all-costs” attitude, one driven by ego or wanting to argue, is strongly discouraged.² Remember that wonderful verse, Philippians 2:3? It advises humility and considering others as superior – that applies right here.² The danger comes when we let a competitive spirit become all-consuming, leading to pride or poor sportsmanship. Humility is always encouraged, especially for those blessed with athletic talent.² The real goal should be fun, teamwork, and healthy activity, not just winning at any cost.² This stands in beautiful contrast to the extreme competitiveness often seen in professional sports.²¹

When it comes to fame, Jehovah’s Witnesses are generally cautioned against seeking worldly prominence or glory.² Their teachings beautifully emphasize humility and giving all the glory to God, not to ourselves. Chasing fame, whether it’s online or in fields like sports or entertainment, can present many challenges to holding onto our precious Christian principles.² There’s a concern that the desire for popularity can lead us to compromise our beliefs, adopt worldly attitudes, or become overly focused on what others think of us.² The official website wisely warns against a “do-whatever-it-takes” attitude just to become popular.²

Fame often brings pressures and environments that can clash with Witness values. It might involve potential compromises, corruption, or associating with practices they view as not aligning with scripture.² That’s why becoming famous isn’t a goal promoted by the faith.² In fact, there are inspiring stories of individuals who were famous in sports or entertainment before becoming Witnesses and chose to leave that lifestyle behind! They decided to focus on their faith and ministry, seeing spiritual pursuits as far more valuable.¹ Even within their own organization, there are gentle reminders against glamorizing individuals who appear in their videos, always emphasizing humility and not seeking personal fame.²·

While some famous individuals, like the incredibly talented musician Prince, were known to be Jehovah’s Witnesses 28, the general teaching encourages members to prioritize “godly devotion” over worldly recognition. It encourages us to conduct ourselves “honestly in all things,” even avoiding subtle forms of boasting like the “humble brag”.²¹ The focus, should be on being known for our good qualities and genuine interest in others, rather than our status or achievements.² That’s where true value lies!

How do Jehovah’s Witness NBA players handle the national anthem?

The playing of the national anthem before sporting events is a familiar sight for Jehovah’s Witnesses, it touches on deeply held religious principles. Their stance isn’t about making a political statement it comes directly from their understanding of Bible teachings.²¹

You see, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe their primary allegiance, their deepest loyalty, belongs to God and his Kingdom, which they view as a real, heavenly government.³ They teach that worship belongs only to God, based on powerful scriptures like Luke 4:8: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service”.²¹ Because pledges of allegiance and national anthems often involve promises of devotion to a country or its symbols, Witnesses feel in their hearts that they cannot participate without compromising their exclusive worship of God.²¹ This conviction leads Jehovah’s Witnesses to refrain from saluting the flag or singing national anthems, as these actions could be seen as placing their loyalty to a worldly government above their devotion to God. Their belief is deeply rooted in biblical texts and principles, which they explore in their studies, including a King James Bible overview to gain a comprehensive understanding of their faith. As a result, they prioritize their spiritual commitments over societal customs that may conflict with their interpretation of divine worship. This steadfast adherence to their beliefs is reflected in their distinctive translation of the Bible, known as the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, which they believe accurately represents God’s word. The new world translation origins are deeply tied to their desire for clarity and faithfulness to the original texts, further reinforcing their commitment to biblical teachings. Consequently, Jehovah’s Witnesses strive to live a life that mirrors their understanding of scripture, prioritizing their relationship with God above all else.

They view saluting the flag as an act of worship, similar to idolatry, which the Bible clearly prohibits (1 Corinthians 10:14).²¹ They even point out that secular historians have noted how the flag often functions as a “chief symbol of faith” in nationalism.²¹ This deeply held conviction is rooted in their interpretation of giving undivided loyalty to God, much like how early Christians respectfully refused to perform acts of worship toward the Roman emperor.²¹ Also, their belief that all people are equal in God’s eyes (Acts 17:26) leads them to refrain from glorifying one nation above others.²¹

But this doesn’t mean they are disrespectful – not at all!29 Jehovah’s Witnesses respect governments as an “arrangement of God” and faithfully obey the laws of the land, as long as those laws don’t conflict with God’s laws (Romans 13:1-7, Luke 20:25).²¹ They would never vandalize flags or show disrespect to national symbols.²¹ When the national anthem is played or a flag ceremony takes place, Witnesses typically show respect by standing quietly, remaining seated, or sometimes staying in the locker room.³ They simply abstain from singing, saluting, or placing their hand over their heart.³

In the NBA world, this has occasionally drawn some attention. For instance, back in 1996, while Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (who is Muslim, not a Jehovah’s Witness) faced suspension for refusing to stand due to his beliefs about the flag representing oppression 31, it was noted that Sam Perkins, a Jehovah’s Witness playing for the Seattle SuperSonics at the time, would stand during the anthem but respectfully apart from his teammates, aligning with his religious convictions.³¹ Perkins explained he stood to avoid being fined but did not salute the flag because his faith teaches not to worship or place trust in anything other than God.³²

Their abstention is purely a matter of religious conscience. It’s aimed at maintaining political neutrality and unwavering loyalty to God’s Kingdom, not intended as a social or political statement.²¹ While this stance has sometimes led to legal discussions, especially in schools, courts have generally upheld their right to abstain based on the precious freedom of religion.²¹ It’s all about honoring God first.

Have any prominent NBA players left the Jehovah’s Witness faith?

The life of a professional athlete, especially in the high-pressure, fast-paced world of the NBA, presents unique challenges for anyone trying to live out a demanding faith like that of Jehovah’s Witnesses.¹ Balancing those rigorous schedules, constant travel, intense competition, and the surrounding culture with deep religious commitments requires incredible dedication.¹

The information we have highlights several inspiring athletes across different sports who actually embraced the Jehovah’s Witness faith during or after their careers. Sometimes, this led to major life changes, like retiring early or shifting their focus to ministry work. For example, former NBA player Dave Meyers, who was drafted #2 way back in 1975, became a Witness after marrying his wife, who was already in the faith. He even described the conflict he felt between the NBA lifestyle and his growing beliefs.¹ And Darren Collison’s retirement is such a clear example of someone choosing to prioritize their faith over their career.

But finding specific, well-documented stories of prominent NBA players who were devout Jehovah’s Witnesses and then publicly announced they left the faith seems less common in the materials we looked at. We do see hints of individuals navigating this path differently. For instance, the great NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett mentioned in an interview that he was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness by his single mother and even hid his basketball playing at first. But he doesn’t explicitly say if he continues in the faith as an adult. And remember Dewayne Dedmon’s story? It involved him choosing to play basketball despite his mother’s initial objections based on her faith, although sources later identify him as a Witness too.¹

Some discussions pop up in online forums, like Reddit threads among former Jehovah’s Witnesses, where people might speculate about certain players or mention individuals like former MLB star Lou Whitaker remaining active 46 concrete examples of NBA stars publicly leaving the faith aren’t readily presented in the snippets we reviewed.

It’s so important to remember that faith is a deeply personal journey. The pressures of fame, the potential for compromising situations, and the demanding lifestyle of professional sports could make it challenging for anyone to maintain strict adherence to the faith’s principles.² The fact that players like Danny Granger maintained their faith throughout their careers 1, and Darren Collison chose faith over continuing his career 6, really underscores the deep commitment required. While individuals may choose different paths in their spiritual walk, the stories we see predominantly highlight those who found ways to integrate their faith or ultimately chose to prioritize it. Every journey is unique in God’s eyes.

Living a Life of Purpose and Faith

Isn’t it just amazing, how faith can shine so brightly even in the most unexpected places? The journeys of these Jehovah’s Witness players in the NBA – incredible men like Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon – remind us that a deep, meaningful connection with God can thrive absolutely anywhere, even amidst the pressures and glamour of professional sports.¹

We’ve seen how some, like the courageous Darren Collison, made incredible choices to put their faith and family above fame and fortune, discovering a deeper, more lasting joy in serving others. We’ve seen how others, like the determined Dewayne Dedmon, overcame unique obstacles rooted in their faith background to achieve their dreams against all odds.¸ And we’ve seen wonderful examples like Danny Granger, who lived out his faith consistently and faithfully throughout a demanding career.¹

Remember today that God has an amazing, unique plan for your life too. You might face challenges, you might feel pressures, you might have difficult choices to make. But just like these inspiring athletes, you can choose to put God first. You can live with integrity, with courage, and with unwavering conviction. You can find true, lasting joy not just in what the world offers in your precious relationship with Him and in living out the wonderful purpose He has designed just for you. Don’t ever be afraid to let your light shine! Go out and live your faith boldly, knowing that with God by your side, all things are possible. Go out and live the abundant, blessed life He has planned for you!