Running back Herb Lush of the Philadlephia Eagles is the first player recorded as praying in the end zone after scoring a touchdown. Today as a result of successful evangelical ministries in every major sport, including the NASCAR circuit, it has become commonplace for athletes to visible show adoration of God and speak openly of God and even Jesus during interviews.

A religion (not a sports) writer named Tom Krattenmaker has written Onward Christian Athletes, documenting what has been happening, and then asking whether or not all this is a good thing, especially when the fan base for athletic events, i.e. the American Public, is becoming more and more pluralistic about religion.

Krattenhamer is reported to have said during an interview that ‘many’ secular fans do not like that sort of religious behavior. He also claims there is much disdain on the part of even ‘religious’ people because the interviews are when the team wins, thus implying that it was God’s decision that they should win.

As one might expect, many athletes being interview say that they can’t compartmentalize their lives – belief in God is just who they are.