LifeTeen.com Blog

Catholic in the NFL: A Philip Rivers Interview

By | September 21, 2011

Earlier this year I had the opportunity catch up with fellow Catholic, NFL Quarterback and 3-time Pro Bowler, Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers at the Catholic Men’s Fellowship Conference in Phoenix.

Read along as we discuss faith as an NFL player, the importance of Mass and the Sacraments, temptation, Natural Family Planning and trash-talking as a Christian. Even if you’re not a football fan, you NEED to read this.

So what brings you out to Phoenix today?
I got an invite from Bishop Olmsted a couple months ago to come, it was quite humbling to get invited to do this men’s conference. I’ve done one similar before but nothing this big – over a thousand men. Men are the leaders of our families and in the corporate world as well and any time we can share and have an impact, it’s great. And at the same time these guys and the other speakers here can have an impact on myself.

What’s been your most memorable moment as a football player?
Gosh that’s tough to sum it all up into one. I was fortunate enough to play for my dad in high school, so that was special because as I grew up I couldn’t wait for that opportunity. In college beating Notre Dame in a bowl game was the most memorable win. And I think in San Diego getting to play in the AFC championship, that was really memorable. It’s hard to sum up one particular memory.

What does a typical day look like for you?
Quite busy … Wednesday, Thursday and Friday is the bulk of the work week. I leave around 5:30 in the morning and don’t get home until around 6pm. We have Tuesday’s off so that’s kind of like a family day at my house so the kids enjoy that. During the off season up until Easter you’re on your own, so staying in decent shape is up to you. It’s our family’s favorite time of year because we’re all home and we spend a lot of quality time together. It picks up again as we head into the summer, it’s a busy schedule during the season but I appreciate it because you get such a great off season.

You’re known for your very passionate style of play. How do you talk trash as a Christian?
I’m known as a trash talker, but I’m not saying any trash out there. It’s all in fun; just like you would give a little jab to your brother in the backyard it’s the same way out there. You know, as I grew up with my Dad being my coach, that’s the way he coached – with a great deal of passion and energy. So that’s just the way I’ve done everything. I play the game like I did when I was a kid in Alabama, even though there’s a lot more cameras and people paying attention. And the “trash talk,” it’s nothing I couldn’t go home and tell my wife or my mom. That was the thing that really got me through some of the bumpy roads was that I knew I didn’t have to defend anything that was wrong. But I did understand the way anything can be spun by the media, so that was a learning lesson for me.

So you grew up in a Catholic home, and you took that into your adulthood as a football player. That’s pretty rare for professional athletes, how did you do that?
I was fortunate to grow up in the faith; my mom taught me the faith. In North Alabama there were only like 15 of us in my county in my confirmation class. We were quite the minority in Alabama. But one thing I remember is when I went to college at North Carolina State, the biggest thing that stuck in my head from my mom was never miss Mass. That was the thing that she definitely got across. When you go to college that’s when the faith becomes your own. Your mom and dad aren’t waking you up and reminding you “Hey this is a good day to go to confession.” It’s up to you.

So that really stayed with me and I made sure I never missed Mass and continued to grow in the faith. My wife had a lot to do with it, she’s a convert and she actually became Catholic the day before we got married. There’s so many gifts from the faith to appreciate and it strikes people differently, but the one-ness of the church wherever you are, Raleigh, San Diego, Alabama. Every place we were was home because the Catholic Church is the same everywhere. When we went to Mass that first Sunday after moving to a new place, that was where we felt at home and were able to say “well, home is anywhere, it doesn’t matter where we live because we have the faith.”

How are you able to make the sacraments a priority in the midst of your football schedule, especially on Sundays?
They have Mass available for us; there’s a team priest who travels with us. Obviously at home I have the opportunity to go at our parish, either earlier Sunday morning or Saturday mass. But I’ve recently starting visiting the churches in the cities we go to, and it’s that same thing – you feel at home. You’re in the opposing teams city and yet you found Mass there. That’s really special playing on Sunday and being able to go to Mass the day of the game – to play and do something you’re passionate about. I was always worried about that, to be honest, even in college thinking, “How am I going to be able to go to Mass? And if I make the NFL, then what happens?”

Is there any piece of advice that you would give to high school young men?
Appreciate the faith. Appreciate what we have and what a great gift the sacraments are. It’s hard to see that as a young man but I think that again, they too are the leaders of their age. They grow in their faith and everybody will follow, both their girlfriends and others. And then also, this can apply to their faith but also to anything else they do, my dad always said that if you’re going to do something – do it all the way. If you’re going to be a Catholic man, be it all the way. If you’re going to clean your room, clean it the right way. You know, all those little things add up and they stick with you.

What kind of temptations and challenges have you had to face as a football player?
The biggest key to avoid those temptations is to not put yourself in those situations. And it’s not just as a NFL player, it’s in any work-place, in any city, anything you’re doing, anywhere after dark, after midnight. I think it’s Corinthians 11 says “bad company corrupts good morals.” If you’re not in the wrong but you continue to put yourself in tempting situations eventually you may give in. So that’s always been something I’ve lived by all the way through – don’t put yourself in those situations. Even though you may be strong enough to go somewhere and not fall into the sin, avoiding it from the get-go will certainly help.

So you’re married with five kids, I was just wondering if there’s any marriage advice you have for any of us?
I think the biggest thing is to be with your best friend, and it starts right there, that’s the key I believe. NFP [Natural Family Planning] has a lot to do with the strength of our marriage. It allows the understanding that we’re on the same page. There’s discipline and sacrifice that comes with that so we’re able bond in many different ways. And the thing I’m most thankful for is that we’re both in the Church because you have an immediate bond. I don’t know any of these people here today but I already feel like we’re buddies just because we have that connection to the church. That was important for my wife to be Catholic as well; she’s been great for me and also as a mom and wife.

Thanks so much for taking the time today to talk, is there anything that you would like prayers for?
Yeah, I can give you many intentions, but I’d certainly be humbled if you prayed for my family and for all the unborn.

Categories: Blog, Current Events, Live Your Catholic Life
Keywords: , , ,

Eric Porteous

Eric Porteous
I'm a very passionate person who likes to make people think, smile, and laugh. I love sports, helping people with their finances, and working out (Honestly . . . I'm huge. Don't be jealous.) But, when it comes right down to it, I'm just an ordinary guy who wants to live an extraordinary life.

77 Trackbacks

  1. By Opinionated Catholic on September 21, 2011 at 10:00 pm

    I did not realize that Philip Rivers was Catholic. This interview gives me a lot of respect for him. http://t.co/wwW0r3JF

  2. By GoodShepherd LT on September 21, 2011 at 10:04 pm

    Check out my interview with fellow Catholic and 3-time Pro Bowl NFL Quarterback Philip Rivers: http://t.co/KinPGQdm

  3. By Bryan Ochs on September 21, 2011 at 11:01 pm

    RT @lifeteen: Catholic in the NFL: A Philip Rivers Interview http://t.co/KRq4MKaW

  4. By StJames YouthMin on September 21, 2011 at 11:06 pm

    did you know that San Diego Chargers starting quarterback Philip Rivers is a devout Catholic? You'll just have to… http://t.co/bC0YM8BW

  5. By God's RAVE on September 21, 2011 at 11:40 pm

    Catholic NFL player role model #1: John Carney. Catholic NFL player role model #2: Phillip Rivers. http://t.co/1gsFDkEy

  6. By Allie Waugh on September 22, 2011 at 3:26 am

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  7. By Lacy Williams on September 22, 2011 at 3:31 am

    QB Phillip Rivers Brother is at #LSU. Hoping he might be a good Catholic Role model athlete as his brother in future http://t.co/35gkStrX

  8. By Life Teen on September 22, 2011 at 3:42 am

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  9. By Jesus Mejia on September 22, 2011 at 3:48 am

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  10. By Karla on September 22, 2011 at 4:15 am

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  12. By Adam 'Spud' Shaw on September 22, 2011 at 11:27 am

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  13. By Jonathan on September 22, 2011 at 7:39 pm

    How many NFL QBs can say this: "NFP [Natural Family Planning] has a lot to do with the strength of our marriage." Wow. http://t.co/oJmsnaJb

  14. By IndyCatholic on September 22, 2011 at 7:42 pm

    I know we are Colts fans here, but you gotta love this NFL QB. Catholic to the core!… http://t.co/4Rjnz0FC

  15. By s peter on September 22, 2011 at 7:43 pm

    How many NFL QBs can say this: "NFP [Natural Family Planning] has a lot to do with the strength of our marriage." Wow. http://t.co/oJmsnaJb

  16. By Lamar Edwards on September 22, 2011 at 8:07 pm

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  17. By sarra stanley on September 22, 2011 at 8:35 pm

    rivers is the man http://t.co/au7sz1sz

  18. By CYOJWA on September 22, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    With KC in San Diego this Sunday, read this article about one of the NFL's best who's first and foremost a Catholic man http://t.co/r84f70am

  19. By Michael Hall on September 22, 2011 at 9:59 pm

    How many NFL QBs can say this: "NFP [Natural Family Planning] has a lot to do with the strength of our marriage." Wow. http://t.co/oJmsnaJb

  20. By DWC Marriage Office on September 22, 2011 at 10:29 pm

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  21. By Opinionated Catholic on September 22, 2011 at 10:29 pm

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  22. By NU Catholic Center on September 22, 2011 at 11:50 pm

    How many NFL QBs can say this: "NFP [Natural Family Planning] has a lot to do with the strength of our marriage." Wow. http://t.co/oJmsnaJb

  23. By Gabe on September 23, 2011 at 1:57 am

    Philip Rivers' life is Catholic http://t.co/aQNl9Pkl

  24. By Eric on September 23, 2011 at 4:19 pm

    Hey, thanks @Opinionatedcath for the great story about Philip Rivers! http://t.co/YVepc8BM #CATHOLIC #NFP #NFL

  25. By Jeremy Rude on September 24, 2011 at 1:57 am

    How many NFL QBs can say this: "NFP [Natural Family Planning] has a lot to do with the strength of our marriage." Wow. http://t.co/oJmsnaJb

  26. By Brendan McIntyre on September 24, 2011 at 11:20 am

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  27. By Jess Smith on September 24, 2011 at 5:49 pm

    How many NFL QBs can say this: "NFP [Natural Family Planning] has a lot to do with the strength of our marriage." Wow. http://t.co/oJmsnaJb

  28. By OLFF - Portland, ME on September 24, 2011 at 7:46 pm

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  29. By lsucat on September 24, 2011 at 11:45 pm

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  30. By eMa on September 25, 2011 at 5:33 am

    How many NFL QBs can say this: "NFP [Natural Family Planning] has a lot to do with the strength of our marriage." Wow. http://t.co/oJmsnaJb

  31. By Jon Givens on September 25, 2011 at 3:17 pm

    Catholic in the NFL: A Philip Rivers Interview with @LifeTeen // http://t.co/vBcdBH5n #catholic

  32. By Joel & Lisa Schmidt on September 25, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    Sunday Mass & Sunday Football may seem at odds until you meet Philip Rivers. Great interview via Life Teen… http://t.co/2AU4x6lF

  33. By Joel & Lisa Schmidt on September 25, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    Sunday Mass & Sunday Football may seem at odds until you meet Philip Rivers. Great interview via Life Teen… http://t.co/2AU4x6lF

  34. By Joel Schmidt on September 26, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    Sunday Mass & Sunday Football may seem at odds until you meet Philip Rivers. Great interview via Life Teen… http://t.co/2AU4x6lF

  35. By Bryan on September 26, 2011 at 2:49 pm

    Sunday Mass & Sunday Football may seem at odds until you meet Philip Rivers. Great interview via Life Teen… http://t.co/2AU4x6lF

  36. By Juan A Ruiz J LC on September 26, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    Un católico en la NFL: Entrevista a Philip Rivers con @LifeTeen //http://bit.ly/ru1gqI via @threelittleowls

  37. By Mari CervantesVirgen on September 26, 2011 at 3:15 pm

    Un católico en la NFL: Entrevista a Philip Rivers con @LifeTeen //http://bit.ly/ru1gqI via @threelittleowls

  38. By Juan A Ruiz J LC on September 26, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    Un católico en la NFL: Entrevista a Philip Rivers con @LifeTeen http://t.co/AiebioP4 via @threelittleowls (new link)

  39. By St. Annes Life Teen on September 26, 2011 at 10:36 pm

    Life Teen website had this interview. Jason Evert spoke of Phil Rivers on Saturday during his talk at ON… http://t.co/FaNWTDbs

  40. By Phillip Schmidt on September 27, 2011 at 12:17 am

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  41. By New Advent on September 27, 2011 at 10:02 pm

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  44. By ProLifeWisconsin on September 27, 2011 at 10:17 pm

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  45. By Diane Korzeniewski on September 27, 2011 at 10:17 pm

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  46. By Edward Kato on September 27, 2011 at 10:18 pm

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  47. By Simon Esshaki on September 27, 2011 at 10:40 pm

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  48. By Alfredo Borunda on September 27, 2011 at 10:44 pm

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  49. By Liz on September 28, 2011 at 2:37 am

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  50. By Mayra Fernanda on September 28, 2011 at 6:18 am

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  53. By Kyle Eller on September 28, 2011 at 2:27 pm

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  54. By The Northern Cross on September 28, 2011 at 2:28 pm

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  55. By Patrick Hoelscher on September 28, 2011 at 2:57 pm

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  56. By Corpus Christi Ch. on September 28, 2011 at 3:32 pm

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  57. By Baraboo Catholic on September 28, 2011 at 4:20 pm

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  58. By Life Teen on September 28, 2011 at 8:12 pm

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  59. By Jennifer Miles-Peek on September 28, 2011 at 8:17 pm

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  61. By Mount Carmel MV on September 28, 2011 at 8:39 pm

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  62. By brWes Dessonville OP on September 29, 2011 at 12:18 am

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  63. By Madalyn Laske on September 29, 2011 at 12:34 am

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  64. By Ryan Witteman on September 29, 2011 at 12:49 am

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  65. By SSJP Catholic Church on September 30, 2011 at 1:39 pm

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  66. By Robin McCarty on October 1, 2011 at 1:06 am

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  69. By NFP Round Up | Natural Family Planning on October 6, 2011 at 6:30 am

    [...] NFL Player: “NFP helped my marriage”  [...]

  70. By JackieFrancois on October 7, 2011 at 12:48 am

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  71. By Julie Robison on October 13, 2011 at 6:08 pm

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  73. By Eric Porteous on October 16, 2011 at 1:59 pm

    If you're looking for something to do before NFL games start, check out my interview with SD Chargers QB Philip Rivers: http://t.co/KinPGQdm

  74. By Lauren Manderson on October 24, 2011 at 11:29 pm

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  75. By Philip Rivers – an Inspiring Catholic NFL Quarterback on January 11, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    [...] more about this devout Catholic NFL Quarterback READ: Catholic in the NFL: A Philip Rivers Interview, by Eric Porteous in Life Teen. [...]

  76. By NFL Star Endorses Santorum For ‘Christian Values’ | Screw Cable on March 8, 2012 at 10:14 pm

    [...] has pledged his support just days before the Alabama primary on Tuesday. Rivers has frequently spoken about being a Catholic and promoted chastity among teens, describing it as “a lost [...]

  77. By Where’s Your Heart? - CatholicYouthMinistry.com on May 3, 2012 at 4:09 pm

    [...] year, I had the blessed opportunity to interview NFL Quarterback and fellow Catholic, Philip Rivers. He said a lot of beautiful and profound things about living the faith as a professional football [...]