NFL's Jesus Squad: Drew Brees, Troy Polamalu and the NFL All-Christian Team

Merry Christmas readers!

Believe it or not, today isn't all about getting presents, Santa Claus and more presents.

Just about 2,000 years ago, Jesus was born in a manger in the city of Bethlehem. That's what Christmas is really all about.

Here is a holiday special, the NFL's All-Christian team.

This is a remix of an article I wrote last Easter about the NFL's All-Time Christian Team.

About the list:

It's not who I think is the best person; the most talented player receives their positional spot.

I guarantee this team is flawed because there is no complete list of Christian football players that I have access to. If I left someone out that you know for a fact is a Christian, please list him.

Thanks for reading and again, Merry Christmas!

Quarterback: Drew Brees

Drew Brees' Fellowship of Christian Athletes Testimony

Running Back: LaDainian Tomlinson

LaDainian Tomlinson's Beyond the Ultimate Testimony

Fullback: Ovie Mughelli

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - DECEMBER 13: Ovie Mughelli #34 of the Atlanta Falcons against the New Orleans Saints at Georgia Dome on December 13, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

"An annual Super Bowl gathering for Christians has been a long time coming.  Players are getting excited about this.  They may first hear about it and think it’s going to be dull, but when they get here they know it’s for real.”

—Ovie Mughelli on the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration

Wide Receiver: Anquan Boldin

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 27: Wide receiver Anquan Boldin #81 of the Arizona Cardinals breaks from the line of scrimmage during the NFL game against the St. Louis Rams at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on December 27, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. The Car

"That's just who I am; that's just my faith.  No matter what goes on in my life; surgeries, injuries, hard times or whatever, I'm a man of faith and I believe that's one of the reasons I'm here today.  

(Faith's) what keeps me grounded; it's what keeps me focused. Through life you are going to go through some ups and downs, you are going to go through some hardships, but me being grounded in my faith I think truly is the reason that I'm here."

—Anquan Boldin on his Christian faith.

Wide Receiver: Derrick Mason

Derrick Mason's Beyond the Ultimate Testimony

Wide Receiver: Donald Driver

Donald Driver's Story

Tight End: Dallas Clark

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 19: Dallas Clark #44 of the Indianapolis Colts lines up during the NFL game against the New York Giants at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Graduating from high school is supposed to be one of the greatest moments of your life. You’re looking forward to college; feeling like you’re on top of the world, all set to run off and explore everything life has in store for you. Four days before my graduation, that’s exactly how I felt.

But then something happened that changed things in a hurry: My mother passed away. Suddenly, my entire future looked a lot different.

I had every reason to sink down into the dumps at that point, to be bitter at the world and everyone in it. But my mother’s death actually pushed me in the opposite direction instead. It helped to strengthen my belief that God is in control of things, and that even though bad things happen, they happen for a reason.

In my mom’s case, even though I thought she was the best person in the world, I really feel that her time here was done. She got me through high school, and now it’s my turn to go out and use what she taught me to make the world a better place.

Bring it to God, and ask Him to help you make sense of things.

You may be going through a similar loss right now. If so, I feel for you. But I encourage you not to get stuck there.

Bring it to God, and ask Him to help you make sense of things. Speaking from experience, I realize such events can feel like the end. But if you give them over to God, He can show you how to make them a new beginning.

—Dallas Clark's Beyond the Ultimate Testimony

Tight End: Jason Witten

Jason Witten's I Am Second Testimony

Tackle: Michael Oher

Michael Oher's Story

Center: Jeff Saturday

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 22: Center Jeff Saturday #63 of the Indianapolis Colts checks the scoreboard against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on October 22, 2007 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Colts won 29 - 7. (Photo by A

Some people spend their entire lives searching for their identity. They do all sorts of things; try to be all kinds of people—anything to find the peace that comes from knowing who you really are.

That certainly was my story up until a few years ago. When I came to play with the Colts, I didn’t know too many guys, and I was struggling to find my place on the team.

Then I met a guy named Mark Thomas who ran a team Bible study.As we became friends, he began to ask me questions about what made me want to be the way I was. What defined me as a person?

The more I thought about it, the more I realized I didn’t have an answer. That’s when Mark showed me that even though I didn’t have the answer, Christ did. I didn’t have to come up with an identity for myself.

Christ had created me with my identity already intact. All I had to do was step into it.

As I have allowed Christ to define my identity over the past seven years, I have experienced a tremendous sense of peace. No matter what I face, I know God has a purpose and destiny for my life, that He has placed me here for a reason.

God has a purpose and destiny for your life as well. If you’re struggling to determine what that is, I encourage you to bring God into the picture; and He will reveal your true identity as well.

—Jeff Saturday's Beyond the Ultimate Testimony

Defensive End: Aaron Kampman

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Aaron Kampman #74 of the Green Bay Packers participates in warm-ups before a game against the Chicago Bears on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jona

"Everyone gets frustrated.  As a believer in Christ, you have to realize life is bigger than winning and losing. In 10 years it's not going to matter."

—Aaron Kampman on a tough 2006 season with the Packers.

Defensive End: Aaron Smith

Aaron Smith's CBN Testimony

Defensive Tackle: Richard Seymour

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE - DECEMBER 07: Richard Seymour #93 of the New England Patriots celebrates as he carries the ball during the game against the Seattle Seahawks on December 7, 2008 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. The Patriots defeated the Seahawks 24-21. (Ph

I have three Super Bowl rings, but nothing compares to knowing Jesus Christ. 

I first became a Christian at a young age, but for all the wrong reasons.  I was afraid and did not want to go to hell. I did not fully understand the love of God. 

I went to church, but only because I had to.  I knew right from wrong, and felt guilty when doing wrong, but I did not follow Jesus wholeheartedly. 

It wasn’t until I was married with kids that I made the decision to change my relationship with Him.  The challenges of being a husband and father, plus the tragedy of losing my own father, caused me to realize that I need Christ’s help and strength to be the man I need to be.  I am not perfect, but Jesus says He will erase my mistakes and make me pure and clean. 

Today, I still experience ups and downs in life, but in Christ I have peace, joy and true happiness.

—Richard Seymour's Beyond the Ultimate Testimony

Defensive Tackle: Tommie Harris

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - AUGUST 21: Tommie Harris #91 of the Chicago Bears warms-up before a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders at Soldier Field on August 21, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Raiders defeated the Bears 32-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

"Tommie Harris invited me one day.  Tommie, Matt McCoy and Kory Klein were all really involved and they invited me.  

I didn't talk a whole lot my freshman year. I didn't go out and do much. And that was the one place that felt right at home."

--Oklahoma Sooner Carl Pendleton on Tommy Harris and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Linebacker: Patrick Willis

Julian Finney/Getty Images

HERTFORD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Patrick Willis of the San Francisco 49ers talks to the media outside The Grove Hotel on October 27, 2010 in Hertford, England. The San Francisco 49ers will meet the Denver Broncos in the NFL International Series regular-se

People often ask Willis how he managed to overcome all the challenges (abusive father, loss of his brother) in his life.

"By the grace of God," he says. "No matter what your circumstance in life, whether it's a bad upbringing or a loss of a sibling or loss of family member, keep your head up and stay strong. Believe in God and he'll take care of you."

—Patrick Willis on his Christian faith from USA Today.

Linebacker: Ray Lewis

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 17: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts before a game with the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

"To get to God, you gotta go through things.  Don't look at my yesterday, look at my tomorrow.  

I've said it before, God never changes.  The relationship was there all along."

—Ray Lewis on his Christian faith.

Linebacker: David Thornton

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 07: David Thornton #50 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates after their 28-9 win over the Cleveland Browns during the game on December 7, 2008 at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Seven years later, Arnold Thornton still feels the tingle of amazement. He remembers that late August day in 2001, gawking with his brother at the flickering images on ESPN: "Is that really David — our David — putting a lickin' on the defending national champs?

It was. The name on the back of his jersey was the giveaway. Otherwise, Arnold would have had his doubts. Sure, his son had been a gifted three-sport athlete at Goldsboro (N.C.) High, but Arnold had never seen David fly around the football field like this before.

David's previous experience at the University of North Carolina certainly hadn't portended this. A redshirt walk-on, he played primarily special teams during his first three seasons and didn't earn a scholarship until he was a fifth-year senior.

But there he was, starting at outside linebacker — a 6'2", 225-pound missile, homing in on ballcarriers like he was wired with a tracking device. He finished the game, a 41-27 loss to 2000 BCS National Champion Oklahoma, with 15 tackles.
 
Arnold, beaming with pride, called his son after the game.

"Son, you playin' ball out there!" Arnold gushed. "You're doing a great job!"

"Daddy, Daddy, Daddy," David interjected correctively. "To God be the glory for the great things He has done!"

Arnold smiled on the other end of the line. "I knew right then he was going to be all right," he said.

—Finish reading David Thornton's Fellowship of Christian Athlete's Testimony

Cornerback: Al Harris

Al Harris on producing a Christian music album.

Free Safety: Brian Dawkins

Video containing content of Brian Dawkin's Christian faith.

Strong Safety: Troy Polamalu

Troy Polamalu's CBN Testimony

Kicker: Adam Vinatieri

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 3: Adam Vinitieri #4 of the New England Patriots kicks a 42 yard field goal as Josh Miller #8 holds against the Buffalo Bills on October 3, 2004 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty I

"We have a good fellowship of Christians on our team, and we build strength on that and each other.  It gives us a big podium and great opportunity, to be out there and glorify Him."

—Adam Vinatieri during his days with the New England Patriots.

Punter: Hunter Smith

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 9: Hunter Smith #17 of the Indianapolis Colts punts the ball during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 9, 2008 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by: Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

"I think one of the things that we're prone to do as human beings is seek the presence of God more in the pressure situations; up on the stage or out on the field. 

But, what God has taught me is not to be anointed in those moments, but just to be anointed and just to be full of His presence and surrounded by Him and allowing Him to live out His life through me, whether that's changing my son's diaper or playing in front of 15,000 people on a stage in one of these venues where we're on this tour, or playing in front of the masses on the football field.

Regardless of how grand or how mainline your activity may be, we want to be anointed and full of His presence."

—Hunter Smith on feeling God's presence.

Returner: Devin Hester

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 14: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears runs through smoke during player introductions before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on November 14, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 27-13. (Phot

Hester brings a Bible to every game to reminder of his Christian faith.

Most Outspoken: Tim Tebow

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

DENVER - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos runs for a touchdown against the New York Jets at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 17, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Many Gator fans may think that Tim Tebow is a “miracle” quarterback, but his parents say he was actually a miracle baby.

Bob and Pam Tebow were Christian missionaries in the Philippines in 1987 when Pam, Tim’s mother contracted amoebic dysentery, the leading cause of death in the country. She was pregnant with Tim—her fifth child—at the time, very dehydrated and very sick when she went to her doctor who advised her to abort the baby because of the powerful medicines she would have to take to survive. But they decided against abortion and instead prayed.

Both mom and baby survived.

“We thought we lost the baby about four times,” Tim’s dad, Bob, says. “He’s a miracle baby, so we’ve reminded him of that hundreds of times.”

Tim, now a strapping 6'3", 240 lb. 2007 Heisman Trophy winner at the University of Florida, keeps his humble beginnings in mind to stay grounded.

“I am fortunate to have family members, coaches and teammates around who can help me stay focused on the right things,” Tim says. “For me, every day includes four things: God, family, academics and football, in that order. If those get jumbled around and you get the wrong one first, you can have a lot of problems.

“I am no different than anyone else—despite what people may think—because I am a Gator football player,” Tim adds. “Through everything I do...and just by living…I want people, when they see me, to say, ‘There’s something different about this guy, and that’s because he has a relationship with Jesus Christ.’”

—Finish reading Tim Tebow's Beyond the Ultimate Testimony

Most Outspoken of All-Time: Reggie White

“Failure” is the last word anyone would choose to describe the short, outstanding life of Reggie White. Although he only lived for 43 years, his presence will be felt for decades to come.

Throughout his career, Reggie was known as the “Minister of Defense.” This nickname was as much about his spiritual commitment as his performance on the field. It didn’t matter whether the 13-time Pro Bowler was tossing offensive linemen aside or delivering a sermon in church. Reggie’s life was about one thing only: Jesus Christ.

“Some people say Christianity is for wimps,” Reggie often asserted, “But as far as I’m concerned, being a Christian makes you more of a man. Jesus was the bravest, toughest man who ever lived. Before he died on the cross, He could have snapped his fingers, and everything would have been over. But He chose to die a painful death to pay for our sins instead.”

—Reggie White's Beyond the Ultimate Testimony

David Daniels is an NFL Featured Columnist and Writing Intern at Bleacher Report and a Syndicated Writer.  Follow him at One Yard Short.com or on Twitter.