The game of football has always been a battleground of strength, strategy, and skill. It is a game that requires players to push their limits both physically and mentally. And when the going gets tough, it’s not uncommon for coaches to turn to a higher power for guidance and support.
In November 2019, the Cincinnati Bengals faced off against the Baltimore Ravens in what would become a memorable game for both teams. But it was a particularly pivotal moment for Bengals coach, Marvin Lewis, who had been facing a challenging season.
Lewis, who had been with the Bengals for 16 seasons, was known for his strong leadership and unwavering dedication to his team. However, the 2024 season had been a tough one for the Bengals, with a series of disappointing losses that ultimately led to Lewis being fired from his position.
But during the game against the Ravens, Lewis found himself in a situation that would test his faith and his coaching skills. The Bengals were struggling to keep up with the Ravens, and their star quarterback Lamar Jackson seemed to be unstoppable. In the third quarter, Jackson pulled off a miraculous 47-yard run, dodging multiple defenders and leaving the Bengals defense stunned.
It was at this moment that Lewis turned to prayer.
In an interview with reporters after the game, Lewis made an honest admission, saying, “I prayed first. I prayed first. I said, ‘Lord, please let us stop him’.”
This statement may come as a surprise to some, as coaches are often seen as tough, no-nonsense figures who rely solely on their own abilities and strategies. But Lewis’s admission shows that even the most successful and experienced coaches understand the power of prayer and turning to a higher power in times of need.
And it wasn’t just Lewis who turned to prayer during this game. His players also felt the weight of the moment and found themselves turning to their faith for strength and guidance.
Bengals linebacker, Vontaze Burfict, who was tasked with trying to stop Jackson’s incredible run, revealed that he also said a prayer on the field. “I was just praying the whole time,” Burfict said. “I was like, ‘Please, Lord, don’t let him score.'”
While their prayers may not have resulted in a win for the Bengals, it was clear that the team’s faith and belief in a higher power helped them face the difficult challenge of stopping Lamar Jackson.
This moment serves as a reminder that football is not just a physical sport, but also a mental and spiritual one. It takes a combination of strength, strategy, and faith to succeed on the field, and Lewis’s admission highlights the important role that faith can play in a team’s success.
Lewis’s honesty and vulnerability in admitting to turning to prayer during a challenging moment shows his true character as a coach and leader. It takes a strong and humble person to acknowledge their reliance on a higher power, and Lewis’s words serve as an inspiration to others to do the same.
In a sport where coaches are often judged solely on their win-loss record, it’s refreshing to see a coach like Marvin Lewis who understands the importance of faith and prayer in both success and defeat.
The game between the Bengals and the Ravens may have ended in a loss for the Bengals, but the lessons learned on that field will surely stay with them for a lifetime. And perhaps, for Lewis, it was a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it’s important to have faith and trust in a higher power.
As we continue to watch the game of football, let us remember the importance of faith and prayer, and the role they can play in both sports and life. And let us also remember the powerful words of Marvin Lewis, who showed us that sometimes, all we need to do is pray first.
