Deseret News | Making their mark: 33 LDS players are on NFL rosters this season

Reader comments
Making their mark: 33 LDS players are on NFL rosters this season

Wait | 8:29 a.m. Sept. 10, 2009

This isn't even a story. And your point is what. Needed to fill a space? Isn't a story suppose to have some bulk to it. Not worth my time.

Tennor | 9:15 a.m. Sept. 10, 2009

Thanks for the great article!

Sean | 9:17 a.m. Sept. 10, 2009

I find the whole article ironic. Aren't all members of the Church told to observe the sabbath? Or does that not apply if you can make a pile of money?

Comments continue below

Rich | 9:18 a.m. Sept. 10, 2009

Good article. It's nice to hear from the players and how they feel about their careers. It's interesting to note that it used to be said a returned missionary could not play in the NFL, so it's good to see that is not true.

Xerio | 9:23 a.m. Sept. 10, 2009

Click on the link to the complete MormonTimes article. That might help.

Dennis | 9:26 a.m. Sept. 10, 2009

I'm sure all of these men are the best at their position and wonderful influences on all the players around them.

Check the link | 9:29 a.m. Sept. 10, 2009

Its a mormon times article, maybe you should know the source of the information. It's always a wise thing to think before you speak, I'd seriously concider that next time you think about making a comment on here genius.

Wait a minute | 9:32 a.m. Sept. 10, 2009

Didn't you realize with the headline what the story was about? Go troll at the Tribune...they love people like you over there.

ron | 9:52 a.m. Sept. 10, 2009

wait....to some people it is a story and that is the purpose of it. i am quite sure if the article was about you or your family then you would think differently. have a cuppa and stay cool. all the world is not angry just cuz it is round!

lds | 10:18 a.m. Sept. 10, 2009

can we also have the pleasure of reading the lutheran or catholic version of this article?

Sean | 10:33 a.m. Sept. 10, 2009

I know the source of the article, I read the full article before commenting. That's why I called it ironic. I would think MormonTimes would be more inclined to write an article on players who give up football once it starts to conflict with their faith's teachings rather than on those who go for the money.

RE: LDS | 11:09 a.m. Sept. 10, 2009

this is the LDS NEWSLINE portion of the paper, not the catholic or lutheran news line. there are papers devoted to that topic if you take the time to look.

Vee | 11:56 a.m. Sept. 10, 2009

Yes, as Mormons we are supposed to keep the Sabbath day holy. However, we live in a world where we also have to work to eat. Football has been their chosen profession, so they work on Sunday when their jobs require it. There are many ways to keep the Sabbath day holy before and after Football(Work).

James Carter | 11:56 a.m. Sept. 10, 2009

You can have the pleasure of reading the luteran or catholic version...someplace. But, today we are reading about the Mormon's. If it isn't OK, go wait in the car!

Sean | 12:57 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009

RE: Vee

Key phrase in your response is "chosen profession." They chose a career that would be in direct conflict with one of their faith's teachings. And to say that they chose it in order to put food on their table is ridiculous. They chose it for the millions of dollars and they chose it over their faith.

I acknowledge that there are many who work on Sunday out of necessity and it's up to them to find a way to maintain their faith and to observe the sabbath as best they can. But I would never put NFL players in that category. You can say what you want about the Steve Youngs out there who have done a lot for the Church through their career in the NFL.

Bottom line is that the MormonTimes' article was highlighting a group of men who have chosen the GAME (not work) of football over their faith's teachings.

Brian | 1:02 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009

I can see why many people would not want to read this article, but as an LDS member, I am interested in Mormon players in the NFL. I don't know why it interests me and maybe I have some form of a complex that needs to be validated, but I am interested in hearing about successful people of my faith. It would be interesting to learn why this is the case with many Mormons.

As far as the sabbath day thing goes, that is an individual judgment on each person's part. I am not going to judge that person for something that they choose and for whatever reason they choose to do it. Alot of people have different ideas on how to keep it "holy" and that is perfectly okay in my book. I am not the judger of who's in the right and who's in the wrong.

LDS in TN | 1:04 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009

Vee: We LDS have been told that there are specific occupations where it is understood that Sabbath day work is appropriate. They are for the most part concerned with military and emergency services. I do not remember the last time I saw a football player save a life on the fifty yard line. The truly ironic part of this is that the paper is praising the footbal players while the rest of us are forbidden to watch them play on the Sabbath.

Quit nitpicking | 1:20 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009

Most of you miss the point of this article. These men are living most every boy's dream. They are playing in the NFL! Several of them overcame huge roadblocks to get there. Kevin Curtis is an example for every kid who has this dream. He hardly played in high school, and couldn't get a second look from BYU or UofU. Those coaches & recruiters have egg all over their face now. He overcame it all by believing in himself despite his size. His record says that he must be receiving divine help from somewhere.

To Sean | 1:23 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009

How about you focus on bettering yourself and not worry about Mormons who play Football on Sunday. I will do the same. Everybody will be better off if you do that.

Sean | 2:54 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009

I'm not worried about Mormons who play football on Sunday. I'm merely pointing out the irony of MormonTimes spotlighting those who do.

Sabbath breaking | 3:32 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009

They can repent when they retire. But my Eagles need Curtis this year!

OhioUte2218 | 3:39 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009

LDS football players working on Sunday is no different than LDS police or doctors or power plant personnel working on Sunday. Yes, it's their chosen profession and working on Sunday comes with the job. I don't see why some people find this so 'ironic'.

ramper | 3:48 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009

Re: Sabbath breaking 3:32

LOL! Go Eagles!
Lifetime fan and resident.

Sean | 3:57 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009

OhioUte - Only those people who understand the definition of irony find the article ironic.

ramper | 4:13 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009

Re: OhioUte2218

You are so right. The players do not write the rules or set the schedules. It is a profession like any other. I work in the aviation industry and have been on the job when General Authorities have flown out on the sabbath. It was important that they did so and it was important that they could.

Sean | 4:36 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009

Right. But is MormonTimes writing an article on the number of mormons working in the Aviation industry who work on Sunday? No. Because society doesn't idolize you. And we as mormons don't feel the need to validate ourselves by pointing out how many of us fly planes, serve us complimentary beverages, try not to lose our luggage or whatever else you might do in in the aviation industry.

Dear Wait | 4:50 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009

Then find another newspaper to read.

Californian #1@94131 | 4:50 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009

** "LDS football players working on Sunday is no different than LDS police or doctors or power plant personnel working on Sunday. Yes, it's their chosen profession and working on Sunday comes with the job. I don't see why some people find this so 'ironic'. " **

Nope, no different at all. I was in police and fire occupations for years, where people's lives or safety depended on staff being available 24/7/365. After all, fires, drunk drivers, or heart attacks don't keep the Sabbath holy. I ultimately had to give it up when I was moved to Sunday shifts because it just didn't feel right, the spirit wasn't there.

I have no doubt that the Lord would have understood my decision either way. And since NFL football is vita; to the public health and safety, and lives depend on the players being out there on the field instead of behind the pulpit with the rest of the bishopric or stake presidency, I'm sure He also understands their position.

Johnny | 5:10 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009

Why do you care about mormons and their commandments. the football players and them playing on sunday is their choice and its only between them and their god

Anonymous | 5:21 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009

it's amazing how judgemental some people are.

I recently read something about a mote and beam in folks eyes? I can't quite remember how it went, or where it was, but I'm sure I saw it somewhere...

@LDS in TN | 6:49 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009

Really? We can't watch football on Sunday? I must have missed SS the day it was announced...

Great Article | 9:45 p.m. Sept. 10, 2009

I like to hear success stories. These men work hard at their career, and are enjoying the fruits of their hard work. It is hard to make any personal judgements for playing on Sunday. I give them the benefit of the doubt, and figure they worked out things with the Lord on their own. Need need to judge them; just admire success when you see it.

Sister Smith | 3:40 a.m. Sept. 11, 2009

All of these players should be ashamed. We are taught to observe the Sabbath. I hardly think that work (playing a game) qualifies as observing the Sabbath. I also suspect that most of these players are actively involved in promoting immorality and substance abuse.

Re:Sister Smith | 7:45 a.m. Sept. 11, 2009

If you are correct, then there is hope for Mormon's.

INCESTUOUS STATE | 8:58 a.m. Sept. 11, 2009

Man alive..."Mormons in the NFL"

Other stories might read "man with Utah connections to run in marathon".

This happens all the time, and it's often "man who once got a flat tire in Peoa auditioning for role in 'Cats'.

I travel 30 weeks a year on business and you don't see that anywhere else unless it's something important like a soldier from said state dying, or somebody of real importance of value doing something great.

Do papers feel we need to validate our existence because some clown from Tabiona is some kind of errand boy on set for Pixar?
Do they really think we're going to say" Wow! Some ex-Utahn is working for Lockheed!"
Who cares?
Ex Mo Kelly

Anonymous | 9:03 a.m. Sept. 11, 2009

Sister Smith really? Ashamed? There is no reason these men can't go to church, observe spiritual reflection etc. when there job is done. Judge not!

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