Kickers and Quarterbacks

Earlier this year, I caught an episode of 60 Minutes spotlighting Justin Tucker, kicker for the Baltimore Ravens, who “is on a trajectory, end-over-end, to go down as perhaps the greatest NFL kicker there ever was.”^¹

When asked by interviewer Jon Werthiem if it’s true that all the players want to be kickers during practice but none of the players want to be them with 3 seconds left in the game Tucker replied, “it’s absolutely true. I mean, we have an obviously lighter workload. We’re not hitting or getting hit. Our practices are much less strenuous than basically every other person out here, you know, wearing a football uniform.”

Kickers even use a different football than quarterbacks (a K-ball), practice on a different field and some have been known to sneak off from camp for a round of golf or a trip to Starbucks. Retired kicker Connor Barth, also interviewed by Wertheim, said, “I mean, you could only watch so much film kicking. Right? You don’t have a playbook with 500 pages in it. So, you got some down time during the day.”

It’s true, the role of a kicker is unique in comparison to other positions, requiring different skills, different training, and a different time commitment. Yet, these differences don’t negate their importance to the team. In fact, kickers score about 1/3rd of the points in the NFL!^¹

All this got me thinking about roles and gifts.

In Romans 12:4-5a, the Apostle Paul says this:

“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.” (ESV)

Granted, this verse was not written with American football in mind. Paul is making an analogy to the human body, where every single part is designed for a specific role and has unique gifts which together allow the entire body to function as one. (See also 1 Corinthians 12:12-31)

But I think this concept also holds true for a team. In essence, a team is body of individual members, each having their own roles and gifts, working together for a common purpose.

It’s the responsibility of each member to use the gifts given to him or her.

A good kicker doesn’t compare himself to other positions or feel guilty because his assignment looks different. He doesn’t pout because other players get more attention and praise. A good kicker focuses on his role and hones and uses his gift to serve his purpose on the team.

If you’re a Christian, you are an individual and valuable member of a larger body, the body of Christ (the Church), with unique purpose and gifts.

For some, that may mean leading in full time ministry which demands different training, a greater time commitment, and may attract more recognition. A quarterback position if you will.

For others, your gifts, service, and activities look different. Maybe you lead a Bible Study. Maybe you’re a weary mom who finds a few minutes in her busy day to teach her kids about Jesus. Or maybe you prepare and deliver a meal to a grieving family. Perhaps you lend a listening ear and encouraging word to a stressed co-worker. Or it might be that you sacrifice financially to give generously to the work of the Lord. Yes, these may receive less recognition and require a smaller time commitment, but they are of great value in the kingdom of God.

Comparing yourself to other members is a distraction from the important role God has for you. God desires for you to see your value and honor regardless of how insignificant or un-honorable your part may seem in the eyes of others.

Don’t think because your role isn’t quarterback level, you don’t matter. Not everyone is meant to be quarterback.

If you’re a kicker, kick with purpose to the glory of God.

---

^¹Tucker, Justin. “Inside the mind of an NFL kicker.” Interview by Jon Wertheim. 60 Minutes. CBS, 9 Jan. 2022, www.cbsnews.com/news/nfl-kickers-60-minutes-2022-01-10/