Growing up in northern New Jersey, I was partial to the New York Jets when it came to football. Charismatic superstar Joe Namath had guaranteed a Super Bowl victory over the then highly favored Baltimore Colts, and he delivered. How could I not lean to cheering for them? But we moved to Chester in 1972 and because of its location, we began to receive not only New York television stations, but those coming from Philadelphia. The Eagles were absolutely terrible back then but they had acquired Los Angeles Golden Boy Roman Gabriel and the combination of Gabriel to Carmichael had me hooked. I was now glued to the Team that’s only championship came in the year I was born!
I loved Roman Gabriel and as far as I am concerned, it was his Number 5 Eagles Uniform that should have been retired. I got my own jersey made bearing his name and I still wear it proudly! I believe that Roman Gabriel’s name still commands attention in the world of sports fans in this area.
And this is one of the reasons that we reached out to Roman Gabriel III asking him to come to The Lighthouse Church to spend the Father’s Day weekend with us this year and now because it is upon us, this coming weekend.
Roman Gabriel III says, “My childhood was definitely out of the ordinary, surrounded by the sights and sounds of professional football and me being the son of a very famous NFL quarterback. My Dad played football from the time I was born until the day that I graduated from high school and I knew early on that I wanted to be just like him and play quarterback in the NFL. Our family’s life was definitely in the media spotlight in Southern California, but God Bless my Mom who did everything within her power to keep my Brother and I grounded through church. I believed in God, but it was not until my Parents’ divorce and the resulting pain that followed that I realized my great need for the Lord in my life.
Gabriel III goes on to explain, “During that time I threw myself into sports because I felt comfortable on the field. But I realized quickly that carrying anger, guilt, and pain hindered my ability to experience any joy in my life. I realized that there was a void that could not be filled no matter what I accomplished. My destiny changed when I attended a Billy Graham Crusade with my Pop Warner football team at the age of nine. I realized that God wanted to have a personal relationship with me through trusting Jesus Christ as my Savior. It did not happen that night, but God did take hold of me. It would be four years later that I finally accepted Christ as my Savior at a church youth retreat. But it was not until college and the special friendship of two teammates that I understood what it meant to truly surrender it all and begin my daily walk with Jesus.
This is what gives Roman his message that I believe our Men in this County need to hear. He adds, “I made a commitment to follow God both on and off the field. It was, and still is, the best decision I have ever made. God used that time in my life to prepare me for pro football and eventually for full-time ministry. The peaks and valleys of life and the lessons learned on the football field have given me a unique platform to share the gospel with passion, intention, and clarity.”
After playing college football for the University of New Mexico, doing a very short stint with the NFL’s Oakland Raiders and going on to play one year in the now defunct United States Football League (USFL), it would be a neck injury that ended Gabriel III’s pro career. Today he ministers to high school, college and professional football players. Roman teaches football skills and life principles from the Bible. He delivers a straightforward, challenging message from Scripture at conferences, men’s events, youth outreaches, banquets and Sunday worship services. For 17 years Gabriel has covered the Super Bowl through a television show entitled, “Sold Out,” and also by providing live video streaming updates which he posts on his website. His stories include testimonies from players on the two competing teams and messages from Coaches and past NFL Champions. Part of his work at the Super Bowl is to enlist professional players to join him in modeling biblical values to young, aspiring athletes. Throughout the game he is posting updates from the players on Facebook, and tweeting their stories on Twitter.
Roman says, “Through “Sold Out Ministries,” God has allowed my wife Marsha and I to bring home a Message of hope grounded in character, faith, accountability, teamwork, and a strong anti-drug and alcohol message. I am grateful to God for the privilege to challenge church leadership, men’s ministry, youth, and family with the most powerful message in the world – the gospel!” Jeremiah 29:11 is his life verse: “For I know the plans that I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you so that you might have a future and a hope.” When Roman Gabriel III walks into a room, people notice. When he speaks, people listen. His commanding presence sets the tone for his powerful message.
Roman adds, “God has blessed me with the opportunity to reach out to people, knowing that so many settle to live a life without purpose or hope. It is our job as Christian Believers to let people know that God has an individual plan for each and every one of us. We can never reach our full potential until we tap into the source of the Spirit’s real power, joy, and abundant life – Jesus Christ. I always emphasize when I speak that it is not about who you are, but whose you are! Be bold and share the Good News and let God do the rest! That’s what it’s all about!”
Roman Gabriel will be speaking at a Men’s Father’s Day Breakfast this Saturday June 18th at 9am at The Lighthouse Church. It is my hope that every man and boy reading this article will find their way to this event. The cost is just $5 a person to cover breakfast but the rest of what you will gain by being there must be placed in the realm of what will be defined as “priceless.” If you don’t have the money, come anyway. Bring along a friend, a family member or any one that will benefit from so much more than just another throwaway tie this Father’s Day. Call 465-6690 for more information or email me pastorrudytlc@comcast.net
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