Steve Connor Steve Connor ( born October 5 , 1961 ) is an author , speaker , leadership coach , and former NFL football player . He is the founder of Sports Outreach International , and has worked with athletes and sports organizations on every continent except Antarctica . His books have been distributed worldwide . Sports Outreach International . Founded by Steve Connor in 1996 , Sports Outreach International is devoted to developing leadership and fraternity through the avenues of sports and competition . They work with youth and sports organizations in countries across the globe . Sports Outreach International is associated with several different sports ministry organizations , including Intersports , Fellowship of Christian Athletes , Athletes in Action and Christians in Sport . While living in England and Scotland ( 1990 – 2004 ) Connor helped pioneer youth sports ministries helping establish Christian sports camps ( SportsPlus ) in England , Scotland , Wales and Ireland . Connor has given lectures at many institutions , including Oxford University , Sandhurst Military Academy , Eton College and Joe Gibbs Racing . Connor has published eight books , including " A Sporting Guide to Eternity " ( 2004 ) , which reached Thomas Wesley best - seller status and was short - listed for “ Harvest ” Christian book of the year in 2004 . Connor designed a copyright free Coaching Character Curriculum that has been adapted for use in Africa , as well as by coaches , youth workers and organizations in Europe , Asia , Australia , North America , and South America . Career in American Football . Connor attended Wheaton North High School in northern Illinois , where he was a prominent football player . He first attended Northern Illinois University , as a Division 1 scholarship athlete in football . From there , he transferred to Azusa Pacific University , where he was twice named an All American player ( 1982 and 1983 ) and was inducted into APU ' s Hall of Fame in 2008 . After college , Steve was a free agent for the 1984 Chicago Bears , ending his season on the injured reserve list . In the 1985 season , he was picked up by the L . A . Rams as a free agent , where he suffered a career - ending knee injury . Coaching and Sports Leadership . After his time as a player , Connor moved on to coach football and work in sports ministry and sports leadership . He first coached at Western Washington University ( 1986 ) . Later he became the Southern Indiana Area Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes . He was Chaplain of Indiana University ' s varsity football team from 1987 - 1989 under Coach Bill Mallory , whom Connor had first met when Mallory coached at Northern Illinois University . Connor then coached the Oxford Saints American Football Club in England from 1990 - 1995 . He was also Assistant Head Coach for the United States Air Force team at RAF Upper Heyford . In 1992 - 93 , He has had various roles in chaplaincy to players in the Scottish Premier League and England ' s Premier League . He was Chaplain for the NFL Europe Scottish Claymores from 1999 – 2004 . Recently , he returned as Chaplain for Indiana University ' s varsity football team under Coach Kevin Wilson , and currently holds that position . He also facilitates the network of sports ministries in North America and teaches leadership . Personal life . Connor lives with his wife and their three children in Bloomington , Indiana .