If you were asked to say a few words on live TV, would you be bold enough to invite others into a relationship with Jesus? If we’re honest, most of us would simply mumble a few pleasantries, issue a couple of thanks and hope that the whole thing would pass as quickly as possible.
But that’s not the view one young student did after winning the Dr. Pepper prize during half-time at the Big 10 Championship game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Wisconsin Badgers.
Tyler Gordon, an Independence High School graduate, took home the grand prize of $100,000 after coming out on top in the overhand throwing competition. But it was his victory speech that caught the eye of Sports Spectrum podcast host and committed Christian, Jason Romano
“I want to thank God from the bottom of my heart,” Gordon declared to the millions watching. “If you do not believe in him, I pray that you would soon become a believer.”
Gordon, who is studying law at West Virginia University’s College of Law, remarked on how instrumental the cash gift will be in helping him pursue his dream of becoming an attorney.
“It’ll mean the world to me,” Gordon added. “Words can’t express how much it means. I’ve tried and honestly, all I can say is that I’m so excited and so thankful for the opportunity. It’s going to allow me to be able to pursue my goals without being hindered by my debt.”
Many took to Twitter to praise the young student for his faith-filled remarks.
“This kid is amazing! So glad he said this on national television! God had the guts for us, we should have the guts for him,” one person wrote.
“Always keep God first and give Him praise. I loved this!” another added.
Even some who don’t subscribe to the Christian faith were nevertheless impressed by the young man’s words. “I’m agnostic and I thought it was sweet,” one person replied.
Ohio State came back from a 21-7 down at halftime to beat Wisconsin 34-2.