Long before his team earned a spot in Super Bowl LIII, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Brandin Cooks has been using his success on the football field to point fans to Jesus. Famous for his religious gestures during touchdown celebrations, Cooks, also known as the “Archer,” uses his social media platform almost exclusively to share Scripture and faith-filled encouragement.
‘Jesus Is the Light of the World’ NFL WR Brandin Cooks Is on Fire for the Lord
This week, Sports Spectrum’s Jason Romano spoke with Cooks about the big game Sunday and how the player’s faith has led him to where he is today.
"We're never going to be perfect, but that's why Jesus died on the cross."
It was great chatting today with @RamsNFL WR @brandincooks about the most important thing in his life.
pic.twitter.com/ceHlrG8xlw— Jason Romano (@JasonRomano) January 31, 2019
“First of all, I’m just blessed and fortunate to play this game,” Cooks said. “And [God has] given me such an amazing gift to play at a high level, to be on this platform. And at the end of the day, you talk about where I’ve come from, where He’s brought me from … . You know, we’re all born sinners, and still not perfect, but His grace is unbelievable. And I rest in that as much as I can.”
Cooks went on to note why the theology of God’s perfect grace is “the most important thing in life.”
“We’re never going to be perfect, but that’s why Jesus died on the cross for us — to die for our sins and wash us clean with His blood,” he said.
“I try to give Him all the glory that I can because He’s given me such a special gift,” Cooks added.
Cooks will be playing against his former team, the New England Patriots, which he left to join the Rams in 2018.
When asked how changing teams has affected him spiritually, Cooks noted that nothing has changed.
“It wasn’t really an adjustment because the Spirit is going to follow you wherever you go,” he said, adding, “No matter what’s going on, you always find your quiet time with God … because He can’t get lost in the shuffle.”
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After losing Super Bowl LII with the Patriots and sustaining a concussion during the game, Cooks is grateful to have been given another opportunity this year.
In an interview with sports anchor Pablo Alsina earlier this month, the wide receiver shared a prayer he’d been faithfully praying since last year’s big game.
After the win over the Saints @brandincooks again using his platform to thank God. He speaks to @PabloAlsina about what he prayed for, which is now coming to fruition. @RamsNFL #TheArcher #GoRams @FOXLA pic.twitter.com/TbLLWEzecy
— Pablo Alsina (@PabloAlsina) January 23, 2019
“I’ve asked God to redeem me since that moment,” Cooks said after the Rams defeated the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship Game on Jan. 20. “A year from now, I’d always pray, from that moment to redeem me in such a way to glorify Him. And I think He’s doing that.”
Super Bowl LIII kicks off Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET.