NBA player AJ Griffin has announced his retirement from the NBA.
The former first-round NBA draft pick went on YouTube to post his announcement in a 7-minute video. “I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,” he said. “And I know that in a lot of people’s eyes, that seems like – it seems like a loss in the world’s eyes. But I just want to let you guys know that I’m super-excited because I truly get to serve God, you know, with my full ‘yes,’ and I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to go into full-time ministry and truly serving the Lord with all my heart, with all my time too, as well. So, I’m just excited to see where that leads me.”
In the video, he also talked about his journey with God, where he shared, “He found me. I gave my life to Christ, and it was the best decision of my life; it truly was. I think my values started to change, my heart started to change.”
Griffin said that basketball was his entire life before having this revelation. “That was the reason why I was living,” revealing that finding God helped him to realize that he’s truly passionate about his faith. “Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. As I step out of one season of my life, I’m excited to step into a new one with my Lord and Saviour,” he wrote in the video’s description.
“This decision may seem crazy or abnormal to the world but I’m not here to please man but only my Father in Heaven. I’m looking forward to the plans God has for me up ahead, to share his good news of Salvation and a closer relationship with Jesus. Any questions regarding this video, let me know in the comment section. With that being said, I hope this video encourages others to take a leap of faith, with trusting in God and giving him your full yes in whatever that may look like to you.”