Former NFL player shares faith, virtues and respect
By HIMANSHU KOTHARI
News Writer
Former New York Giants player Chris Godfrey, founder of Life Athletics, spoke about his experiences with service as part of the Blessing Unto Others lecture series Sunday.
Godfrey talked of his journey from football to faith.
"I decided to quit the NFL after nine years and did not know what to do from then on," Godfrey said.
At that point, a friend of his who knew a law professor at Notre Dame suggested law school, which brought him to Notre Dame in 1990, where he searched for his vocation.
"None of us are happy unless we are doing what we are meant for doing, our vocation" Godfrey said.
Between volunteering for various projects, one thing led to another and Godfrey formed "Life Athletics." The program is endorsed by more than 300 Olympic- level athletes and reaches out to people from middle school to college. Godfrey said it is based on "living a life by the principals of virtue, abstinence and respect for life."
He said people nowadays feel that a sexual relationship "is not a big deal."
"Our faith teaches [us] that we can only find ourselves in the giving of ourselves," Godfrey said. "The only context that justifies a sexual relationship is the commitment of marriage, for otherwise there is the possibility of a break-up, which leaves one emotionally and spiritually heart-broken and at times unable to bond with other individuals."
Citing a study, Godfrey said people who engage in premarital sex are more likely to be divorced later in life. Godfrey added that abortion was not the answer to an unwanted pregnancy.
"Abortion is never the answer, it cannot change the fact that the child wanted to exist. It harms a child's life and the parents. If a mother is willing to kill her own child what guarantee does she have to securing her own life or those of others?" Godfrey said.
Godfrey emphasized the reason humans are unique is their ability to love.
He said he believes that people listen to his organization because the spokespeople are icons and ambassadors of the sporting world. Godfrey publicizes the program by introducing it into the curriculum of certain schools and organizing sports camps where he teaches students about virtue.
"Parents need to talk to their kids about these issues and married people too need to live by the same virtues as single people. All virtues are expressions of love," Godfrey said.
The weeklong series is part of another project of the office of the student body president called "Greatness Grants" to bolster service.
All News Stories for Monday, March 24, 2003
