By Larry Rowell
Western Recorder
With four state high school football championships under his belt, four years playing at the University of Kentucky (UK) — holding the all-time receiving record at UK for a tight end — and playing for nine years in the NFL, including three Super Bowls, one might say Jacob Tamme has had a fulfilling and successful life.
However, the unsigned free agent who played last season for the NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons takes his successes — and challenges — in stride.
“Yes, three Super Bowls, I’m 0 for 3,” Tamme said laughing, referring to the Indianapolis Colts losing to the New Orleans Saints 31–17 in 2009; playing for the Denver Broncos in 2013 and losing to Seattle 43–8; and last year with Atlanta losing to New England, 34–28, in overtime.
But what’s truly remarkable about Tamme is in spite of being a noted professional football player, he says his faith in Jesus Christ is of the utmost importance in his life.
As Tamme tells the story of his faith journey, he points to those whom God placed in his path for having impacted his walk with Christ.
Strong influences
While one might think that money, prestige and power could lead a rookie in the NFL astray from his Christian principles and small-town roots, Tamme’s experience was just the opposite. And it began at home in Kentucky.
“I was raised in a Christian home with wonderful parents. We believed in God and we believed in Jesus Christ. I’m thankful for my upbringing in Danville, being in a small town.”
In reaching the pinnacle of professional football by being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2008, Tamme was suddenly thrust into the national spotlight.
He credits Christian teammates, the head coach, the chaplain and a spiritual awakening of sorts during a Good Friday service to staying the course.
“I had probably a dozen teammates there in Indianapolis who were strong Christian men and who were strong influences on me. I also had Tony Dungee as a head coach,” he said. Dungee is well known for his Christian faith.
Eric Simpson, pastor of The Eagle Church, Zionsville, Indiana, also served as the Colts’ team chaplain.
“Eric Simpson is one of my best friends and mentors in the faith. His is the most profound display of a man who knew his Bible, knew his theology but most importantly knew Jesus and lived it out and that made a great impact on me,” Tamme said.
But it was these men, along with what happened on an Easter weekend that deepened Tamme’s walk with Christ.
“Man, there’s really a lot of power in Good Friday. Easter is not Easter without Good Friday and that was the most remarkable worship experience I’ve ever had. All those things combined transformed my faith,” he said.
Just as Tamme has to remain in top physical condition when competing for a spot on a NFL team, he knows staying spiritually fit is just as important.
“There is something truly supernatural that happens when we read the Bible in a yielding spirit, in a spirit that’s seeking truth and understanding,” he said, noting there are times he falls short in this area.
“What I need to do is read my Bible more. I don’t do it enough. The Lord is calling me to more and to be more responsive to that.”
Tamme’s prescription for spiritual growth and vitality is as simple as running plays in practice every day.
“The No. 1 thing you can do is to take 15 minutes in the morning and start your day off in the Word and listening to what it has to say. That’s where you start. That’s been transformational for me,” he said.
“Football for us has never been the main thing. It’s been a wonderful experience but football has never been my identity,” he said. “Identity should be found in Christ, as a follower of Christ. And when that happens, it’s amazing how much better you are to your family. Family experiences get richer and deeper because you’re more intimately connected with Christ.”
‘Connected with Christ’
While Tamme recovers from a season ending shoulder injury in 2016 and being declared an unrestricted free agent from the Atlanta Falcons, the future is uncertain as to playing in the NFL.
“I have no idea where I’ll play,” he said. “I don’t know if I’ll play this fall.”
But the uncertainty of the situation doesn’t worry Tamme. Now 32, which he says is 70 in football years, Tamme is content with his family at home on their farm in Danville.
“I played nine years,” he said. “No matter which way it goes, it’ll be good.” (BP)
EDITOR’S NOTE — Larry Rowell is editor of the Casey County News, where this article first appeared, and a trustee of Western Recorder, the state Baptist newspaper of Kentucky.
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