NBA players hail from various nationalities, races, and faiths, including Jehovah’s Witnesses like Dewayne Dedmon, Danny Granger, and Darren Collison.
Darren Collison decided to retire from the NBA to devote himself entirely to his faith, spend more time with his family, and focus on international missionary efforts.
Derrick Gervin
Jehovah’s Witnesses are well-known for their door-to-door evangelism, but they also hold strong religious beliefs rooted in scripture and centering around God the Father (Jehovah). Although these religions adhere to mainstream Christianity’s belief system in general, Jehovah’s Witnesses differ in some fundamental areas; several NBA players, including Derrick Gervin and Dewayne Dedmon, have taken up Jehovah’s Witnesses as part of their faith practiced by adhering closely to scripture while adhering strictly with Jehovah’s Book (Jehovah’s Word). Several NBA players have adopted these beliefs, including Derrick Gervin and Dewayne Dedmon.
Athletics know the value of having a solid spiritual faith is immeasurable; it helps them navigate their career’s emotional roller coaster while providing meaning and support. No matter their spiritual beliefs, they must adhere to its principles in daily life, keeping focused on goals while maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.
NBA players come from varying backgrounds and possess diverse cultural and religious beliefs. Many have publicly discussed their faith, using it to inspire others while using it to guide their approach to the game with discipline and determination – something made all the more impressive when some opt to follow Jehovah’s Witness teachings.
Three NBA players who identify as Jehovah’s Witnesses include Dewayne Dedmon, Danny Granger, and Darren Collison. Dedmon, who plays 7-foot center for Miami Heat’s DeWayne Dedmon, is considered one of the most significant role players in the NBA. DeWayne Dedmon was raised in one of these homes but continued playing basketball regardless. DeWayne Dedmon’s mother forbade him from playing basketball. Yet, DeWayne disobeyed her by persevering and working hard at improving his craft despite her prohibition, eventually making his way into the league, where he became one of its best role players. Darren Collison also made his NBA debut and became one of its top role players. Darren Collison played two.
Danny Granger played forward for the Indiana Pacers and several other teams before retiring from professional basketball in 2017. Since he retired from NBA competition in 2017, Danny has become a Jehovah’s Witness and has taken it very seriously as an integral part of his spiritual journey, even opting to undergo baptism through water as part of this faith journey. Furthermore, Danny practices a strict diet while refusing blood transfusions.
Dewayne Dedmon
Religious beliefs play a pivotal role in many lives, including professional sports. NBA players are no different in that respect – often balancing career demands with spiritual beliefs such as showing their appreciation to God during post-game interviews or trophy presentations or using their platform as athletes to raise awareness for social justice causes.
Dewayne Dedmon, Danny Granger, and Darren Collison are three current and former NBA players who identify as Jehovah’s Witnesses and use their platforms to raise awareness for this religion. All three players have proven that it’s possible for individuals who practice religion to remain successful while remaining faithful members of society.
Dedmon, one of three former Jehovah’s Witnesses, plays center for the Miami Heat. Over 16 years have passed since joining the league, and he is well-known for his tenacity and scoring acumen. Furthermore, Dedmon remains an active member of Jehovah’s Witnesses and has spoken openly about its impactful presence in his life and career.
Dedmon was raised according to Jehovah’s Witness doctrine by Gail Lewis and, as such, did not celebrate birthdays or holidays or receive blood transfusions if injured, reports Vault. However, since then, he has become one of the top role players in the NBA and an esteemed Jehovah’s Witness.
Danny Granger was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness and went on to play forward for the Indiana Pacers and other teams. He has spoken out about his faith and highlighted its importance. Granger became widely known when comedian Brittany Schmitt included Keith in her sexual threesome joke involving Granger without disclosing his religion in it; later, he spoke out about not seeking surgery after an injury due to it breaching his religious convictions (not an uncommon decision among NBA players).
Danny Granger
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a diverse organization boasting players of different races, nationalities, and religious beliefs. One such religion is Jehovah’s Witnesses–a Christian denomination dating back to 1870 that believes in an imminent establishment of God’s Kingdom and engages in door-to-door evangelism and distribution of religious literature. Furthermore, Jehovah’s Witnesses adhere to strict beliefs, including rejecting blood transfusions and abstaining from premarital and extramarital sexual activities.
Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon are among several former NBA players who identify as Jehovah’s Witnesses; although some have publicly discussed their religion, others remain silent. While their numbers are relatively small, seeing how it impacts their lives and careers remains fascinating.
Granger, who played for Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Clippers before becoming head coach for Washington Wizards, attributes much of his maturity and development to having grown up in a devout family environment. Furthermore, he believes most children don’t receive a proper spiritual upbringing, needing reminders of their faith.
Brittany Schmitt recently made headlines when she revealed in a standup comedy set that she had previously dated an ex-NBA player who is a Jehovah’s Witness and light-skinned, with an NBA-playing cousin who shares his religion. Due to the religious beliefs of their partners, it proved challenging to get them together to play basketball together.
Schmitt’s comedy bit caused an enormous buzz online as fans speculated who the player could be. While she did not name them directly, she hinted as much when she mentioned they had a spiritual side – leading some fans to speculate whether there are currently or former NBA players who practice Jehovah’s Witnesses. This became known later on by Schmitt, revealing it was Danny Granger who later told themselves to be among their ranks, leading some fans to wonder just how many NBA players might practice Jehovah’s Witness beliefs among their teammates.
Darren Collison
The NBA is an international league featuring players from around the globe. These athletes have various backgrounds and hold different religious beliefs; most adhere to established religions, while some follow Jehovah’s Witnesses. Jehovah’s Witnesses’ faith plays an integral role in their lives, shaping values, competitive spirit, and a sense of purpose. These people are well known for their devotion to the Bible and door-to-door evangelizing campaigns; furthermore, they believe strongly in God’s future kingdom on Earth and do not practice blood transfusions. Although some members of society have criticized these teachings, some have adopted and continue following them today.
Darren Collison was born and raised by his mother, a Jehovah’s Witness. Unfortunately, Dedmon’s childhood was profoundly altered when his father tragically committed suicide when Dedmon was only three. Yet despite these challenges, he became an accomplished basketball player and achieved Jehovah’s Witness, appearing for Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Los Angeles Clippers before retiring in 2019.
Collison continued his playing career after retiring from the NBA, continuing in European leagues while serving as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, actively participating in Jehovah’s Witness activities, and serving as an ambassador for his church.
Dewayne Dedmon, Danny Granger, and Darren Collison are three former NBA players who identify as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Each has his or her own story and background but holds similar core beliefs; these players have proven Jehovah’s Witnesses can succeed while remaining true to their religion in basketball.
Danny Granger became a Jehovah’s Witness as a youth, and this decision has had a tremendous impact on his life and that of his family. Since making this choice, he has become one of the most revered players in his league, serving as an influential mentor for youth within his community and undertaking several charity projects.
