Former NBA star AJ Griffin, only 21 years old, has shown a deep understanding of sacrifice. Following God’s calling, this basketball prodigy has recently made the decision to leave the NBA and pursue full-time Christian work.
“This decision may seem crazy or abnormal to the world, but I am not here to please mankind, I only aim to please our Heavenly Father,” he stated in a video on YouTube.
In 2020, Griffin dedicated his life to Jesus, calling it the “best decision” he has ever made. As his relationship with God deepened, he experienced a transformation in his values and spirit. While he used to see basketball as his “everything,” he now places more important priorities at the forefront of his life.
“We say we find God, but He found us,” Griffin expressed in the video.
“…I thought basketball was my passion. I thought that was the reason I lived, but when I stood before God, He truly showed me that we are all created to glorify God, we all have a purpose, a purpose given by God—we must run towards that purpose.”
Despite changing his perspective on the sport, Griffin continues to play basketball. After graduating from Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, New York in 2021, this five-star high school recruit went on to play for Duke University.
Griffin spent one season at Duke, leading his team to the Final Four, and then had two seasons with the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA. According to Sports Spectrum, his final season was with the Houston Rockets.
“God’s grace and mercy enable me to spread the good news of the gospel wherever I go,” Griffin shared.
During those years, sharing his faith came naturally to Griffin, and it remains something he enjoys doing today. He frequently discusses his faith journey on social media and offers advice to fellow believers.
“I have no regrets. I feel very lucky to have had that journey,” Griffin reflected on his basketball career, emphasizing that one can possess all the wealth in the world, but what truly matters is a person’s relationship with God.
In September of this year, Griffin made a significant decision feeling that his passion for God’s word might lead him in a different direction than basketball. Grounded in his faith, he chose to leave the NBA and transition into Christian work.
Following this decision, the young basketball star will forego all the fame and fortune expected of a professional athlete. But Griffin believes his faith is worth sacrificing for, stating that God is the “only one who can satisfy you.”
“He is the only one who gives you purpose. I feel the Lord calling me to lay down basketball, truly just to serve Him more,” he explained in a video outlining his choice.
Many wonder, “Why can’t you follow God and play basketball?” Griffin addressed this in the video, acknowledging that it’s possible—he did it for a brief period during his time at Duke University and in the NBA. However, he ultimately felt called by God to set aside basketball and focus on Him.
Griffin expressed in the video that working for the NBA was just one season of his life, and that season has passed. Now, he is gearing up for a new season.
“I’m doing great, excited to continue following God,” he affirmed.
With this new chapter, AJ Griffin is embarking on a journey that aligns with his faith and his desire to serve God in a deeper way.