Book ideas are funny things. Ask one hundred different authors how they were inspired to write their latest published work, and you might get one hundred different answers. A book idea could be something that has weighed on an author’s heart for years, a seedling that has germinated over time, or something that sprouted fairly quickly through the inspiration of current events.
For me, the idea to write The Biggest Win—which you can pre-order now at Amazon and Christian Book Distributors—came from a November/December 2017 cover story (here) that I wrote for Bible Study Magazine on six players from the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles: quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Nick Foles, tight end Trey Burton, linebacker Jordan Hicks, wide receiver Jordan Matthews, and special teams leader Chris Maragos. I started speaking to the players in May 2017, well before their historic season. The focus of the story was on their love for God’s Word and how committed they were to study it amidst their hectic NFL lifestyles.
As I got to know the players, I was amazed at their theological depth, their passionate devotion to Scripture, and their genuine commitment to spiritual growth and accountability. In my 20-plus years of sports writing, I had never seen a group of professional athletes pursue Christian community together like these guys were. I was fascinated, encouraged and inspired.
The wheels started turning. I felt like there was something more there than a solitary magazine story. Is there, perhaps, a book idea here, I wondered? I pitched the idea to New Growth Press. They were game, and I was thrilled. But that was only half of the puzzle. I needed the players’ buy-in.
I contacted the six Eagles I had interviewed for the Bible Study Magazine story. To a man, all of them were excited to lend their voices to the project, and they were fantastic to work with. Nick was a particular advocate for the book. He became a good friend and an invaluable liaison, helping me communicate with the other players during their busy offseasons. When Philadelphia traded Jordan Matthews to Buffalo during the preseason, I added tight end Zach Ertz to my pool of players. Zach, who had come to know the Lord during the 2016 season, was a welcome addition.
I began conducting book interviews with the players in August 2017. Throughout the season, I interviewed the players in person and via FaceTime calls and phone conversations. When I started writing the book, no one had any idea how good the team was going to be. The Eagles were coming off a 7-9 season in 2016, and some analysts were picking them to finish near the bottom of the NFC East. But look what they accomplished! Their 2017 season was an unforgettable run with touches of Hollywood flair, culminating with the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship—over the Tom Brady/Bill Belichick Patriots, the greatest dynasty in NFL history, notwithstanding.
My first-draft manuscript deadline was Jan. 31, 2018—four days before the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory. After that, I went back and made some additions and revisions to certain chapters.
As amazing as the Eagles’ season was, The Biggest Win is not only a book about six players from the 2017 Eagles or about Philadelphia’s Super Bowl season. It’s so much more than that. It’s a book that uses the testimonies and experiences of a group of committed Christian professional NFL players to inspire all athletes of any age or sport in their pursuit of gospel-centered living. The book talks about things that every athlete needs to hear, such as competing for God’s glory, seeking your true identity in Christ, training yourself for godliness, enduring athletic trials, handling Scripture correctly as you strive toward your athletic goals, and much more.
I hope you pick up a copy! My prayer is that you will be spiritually challenged and strengthened by this book. As a reminder, you can pre-order a copy of The Biggest Win at Amazon and Christian Book Distributors today!
Photo by Casey Murphy on Unsplash
Jaciel Cordoba
It’s neat to see how the players with their demanding schedules prioritize time with God everyday. If they can do it, I can. The book explains some basic Christian principles for those who may not be familiar, and it also offers inspiration to those who’ve been walking with the Lord for years. I highly recommend it, especially for Christian athletes.