NBA Star AJ Griffin Quits Basketball at 21 to Pursue Faith
In a surprising turn of events, AJ Griffin, a promising young basketball player, has announced his decision to leave the NBA at the age of 21 to dedicate his life to faith and ministry. The former Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets forward made the revelation in a heartfelt seven-minute video on his YouTube channel, stating, "I gave up basketball to follow Jesus."
Griffin, who was drafted 16th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, had a notable start to his professional career. After two seasons and 92 games in the league, he faced challenges in his playing time, particularly during the 2023-24 season. Despite signing a lucrative four-year, $17 million contract, his recent trade to the Houston Rockets did not deter his newfound calling.
Expressing his excitement about this life change, Griffin emphasized that stepping away from basketball allows him to fully commit to his faith and the role of a pastor. He shared, "I’m really excited because I’m going to be able to dedicate myself to God. I feel like quitting basketball will allow me to serve the Lord with all my heart."
Griffin's journey towards this decision began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, where he realized that his true passion lies in spreading the gospel. He stated, "You can see how much I love spreading the gospel because I know how much it has changed my life. I want to reach more people through my platforms."
This decision is not without precedent in the sports world. Former NBA player Darren Collison made a similar choice to leave basketball to focus on his faith, although he later returned to the sport. As Griffin embarks on this new chapter, he expresses gratitude to those who supported him throughout his basketball career and looks forward to serving in his new role.
AJ Griffin's departure from the NBA highlights the intersection of sports and faith, inspiring many young athletes to consider their life paths beyond the court.
