It is no accident that many athletes believe in God's involvement in all aspects of life, including football. Athletes want results, and they want to see them when they pray. Former Green Bay Packer White, the most outspoken of Christian athletes, says he knows God acts on football games because God intervened in David's battle with Goliath. The Atlanta Falcons chaplain recently declared that God cares about field goals. When quarterback Randall Cunningham had a great season in 1998, he said that God was showing his appreciation by letting Cunningham win 16 games.
Athletes are also superstitious, searching for ways to control games that are inherently chaotic.
Pray, and good fortune will follow. I had 89 yards. It goes without saying that non-evangelicals reject the idea that Jesus is throwing passes and making tackles. Some argue that football is too trivial for God's concern. God does not give a rip about who wins or loses.