**Urban Meyer’s Bold Move to Integrate Faith into Football**
Urban Meyer, renowned for his success as a college football coach, notably with the Ohio State Buckeyes and Florida Gators, recently shared a compelling story about his time at Ohio State. During a sermon at a non-denominational church in Columbus, Ohio, Meyer recounted how he threatened to leave the university over his desire to hold church services for his players.
Meyer aimed to provide spiritual support to players who often lacked time for such activities during the week. However, he faced resistance from the university’s legal counsel, who informed him that Bible studies and church services were not permitted. Undeterred, Meyer insisted on moving forward with his plan, stating, “I’m really busy, we’re doing it.” He then approached the athletic director, Gene Smith, and made it clear that if his vision was not accepted, he would have to resign.
The resolution came in the form of a compromise: the gatherings would be labeled as “reflection” sessions instead of church services. Meyer expressed his frustration with the constraints placed on young adults aged 18 to 21, questioning how such spiritual engagement could be overlooked in their busy schedules.
Meyer’s tenure at Ohio State spanned from 2012 to 2018, during which he led the team to a national championship in the inaugural College Football Playoff in 2014. With an impressive record of 83 wins and 9 losses, he stepped down amid an investigation regarding his knowledge of abuse allegations against an assistant coach. Following his departure, Ryan Day took over the coaching role.
Meyer briefly coached the Jacksonville Jaguars but was dismissed after just 13 games in his first season. His experiences highlight the ongoing conversation about the intersection of faith and athletics in college sports.
**FAQ**
**Q: Why did Urban Meyer want to hold church services for his players?**
A: Urban Meyer aimed to provide spiritual support to players who often lacked time for religious activities during their busy schedules.
