Athlete Disciples

By Christian Honer

Athletes who strive to follow Christ through their sport.... more

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FAQs about Athlete Disciples:

How many episodes does Athlete Disciples have?

The podcast currently has 17 episodes available.

Athlete Disciples episodes:

April 09, 2026 Billy Bowens on Trusting God in Transition | Athlete Disciples Podcast
In this episode of the Athlete Disciples Podcast, I sit down with Billy Bowens to talk about faith, football, transition, and what it looks like to truly trust God when life feels uncertain.
Billy shares about the shift from being a high-level college football player into a new season of life, the discomfort of transition, and how Proverbs 3:5–6 has anchored him through it all.
We dive into:
trusting God instead of leaning on our own understanding
what it looks like to walk by faith when the future feels unclear
how football shaped Billy
the importance of Christian community in college
how God uses rejection as redirection
and why identity and peace can only be found in Him
Billy also shares part of his testimony, how his faith became real in college, and how God used community, hardship, and solitude to grow him deeper.
This is a powerful conversation for any athlete navigating uncertainty, identity, purpose, or life after sport.
Episode notes
In this episode, Billy and I talk about:
gratitude for life, breath, and the opportunity to wake up each day
the challenge of being present in a major life transition
going from being a high-level athlete in a structured environment to stepping into the unknown
why Proverbs 3:5–6 has been such a meaningful anchor verse for Billy
what it means to trust in the Lord with all your heart
why leaning on your own understanding often creates anxiety and confusion
how rejection can actually be God’s redirection
letting go of control and letting God lead
the role of Christian community in college
finding real brothers in Christ during the football journey
the impact of chaplains, teammates, and spiritual mentors
how Billy’s faith deepened during his time at Boise State
why being away from family can either isolate you or push you closer to God
how to stay grounded when your athletic career changes
why transition can feel uncomfortable but still be deeply purposeful
the importance of sharing Scripture with siblings and family
how to apply faith practically in everyday life
...more
41min
March 30, 2026 Jayda Gibson: Hit by a Car, Healed by God | James 1 Bible Study + Powerful Athlete Testimony
In this powerful episode of the Athlete Disciples Podcast, Christian sits down with University of Arkansas track athlete Jayda Gibson to study James 1:2–4 and discuss how God uses trials to build endurance, purpose, and spiritual maturity.
Jayda shares her incredible story of suffering a career-pausing foot fracture, then getting hit by a car just six days later. Her ankle was run over — and yet God protected, healed, and refined her through it all. From wrestling with identity and doubt to rediscovering peace, confidence, and purpose in Christ, her testimony is a reminder that God does not waste pain.
🎙 What you'll hear:
How to count it all joy through injury and setbacks
Finding spiritual strength when your body gives out
When comparison, fear, and pride attack your confidence
The importance of fellowship, intercession, and staying in the Word
Jada’s comeback story and how faith transformed her athletic journey
🔥 Verse of the Day: James 1:2–4
📲 Follow Jada: @jayda.xo2
👥 Join the movement: AthleteBibleStudy.com
#AthleteDisciples #ChristianAthlete #TrackAndFieldTestimony #FaithInTrials #BibleStudy
...more
52min
March 23, 2026 Seek First the Kingdom (Matthew 6:33) | Faith & Football with Colton Boomer
In this episode of the Athlete Disciples Podcast, I sit down with Colton Boomer — college football player, husband, and self-proclaimed apprentice of Jesus Christ.
We dive into Matthew 6:33-34 and talk about what it truly means to “seek first the Kingdom of God” — not just in church, but in the locker room, on the field, in marriage, and in everyday life.
Colton shares:
• His transformation from vaping and partying in middle school to giving his life to Christ in high school
• The spiritual warfare he experienced during his football career
• How snapping his ankle became a turning point in his faith
• What it looks like to compete with Christ at the center
• Why simple obedience beats religious performance
• How faith changes team culture and leadership
This isn’t polished religion.
It’s real discipleship.
Real struggles.
Real growth.
If you’re an athlete trying to follow Jesus in a competitive world — this one’s for you.
“Seek first the Kingdom… and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33
...more
1h 2min
March 16, 2026 “Those Who Wait on the Lord” | Hannah Allen on Grief, Renewal & Olympic Dreams
Welcome back to the Athlete Disciples Podcast.
Today I sit down with Hannah Allen — former Division I & II swimmer, Gold Star military widow, and Olympic hopeful — for one of the most powerful conversations we’ve had.
We begin with a Discovery Bible Study through Isaiah 40:28–31:
“Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…”
But this isn’t just Scripture discussion.
This is lived experience.
Hannah shares:
• Losing her husband just 3 months after their wedding
• Losing her best friend to cancer
• Walking through family divorce
• Wrestling with anxiety while pursuing big athletic goals
• What it actually means to “wait upon the Lord”
• How trauma lives in the subconscious mind
• How God renewed her strength when she felt completely broken
• Why she views her Olympic pursuit as stewardship from God
We talk about:
– Balancing ambition and anxiety
– Prayer as a reset button
– The faithfulness of God when we faint
– Why God never grows weary — but we do
– How grief shaped her calling
– Using athletics as a platform for the Gospel
This episode is for anyone who:
Feels exhausted.
Feels anxious about the future.
Is walking through grief.
Is waiting on God for something.
Is chasing a big dream while holding onto faith.
Scripture: Isaiah 40:28–31
Guest: Hannah Allen
Instagram: @hannahallen
If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs strength renewed today.
Subscribe for more athlete testimonies and Bible studies.
...more
50min
March 09, 2026 Shane Simpson: Relearning How to Walk, Losing Football, and Finding Purpose in Christ
Welcome back to the Athlete Disciples Podcast.
Today I’m joined by Shane Simpson — a former 5-year professional football player who’s now an NIL / business agent and part of a luxury lifestyle concierge agency (jets, yachts, cars, suits, jewelry — the whole world).
Shane played at University of Virginia and Towson, put up 5,700+ yards and 24 touchdowns, earned multiple awards… but what stood out most in this conversation is what people don’t see: the injuries, the setbacks, and the mental + emotional toll behind the highlights — including relearning how to walk and becoming “hyper-independent” through pain.
We open with a Bible study on John 3:17:
God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
We talk about:
why so many people think faith is “judgment,” and what Jesus actually came to do
the athlete transition: losing structure, identity, and routine after sport
fear vs faith, delayed gratification, and letting God direct your path
how Shane is building relationships and serving athletes in the NIL era
community, healing, therapy, and learning emotional maturity beyond the “football version” of yourself
If you’re an athlete in transition — or you’re trying to rebuild identity and purpose with Christ at the center — this episode will hit.
Scripture: John 3:17
Theme: Salvation over condemnation + identity shift after sport
📍 Find Shane on Instagram: @shanesimpson31
🎧 Subscribe for more athlete Bible studies + testimonies.
#AthleteDisciples #John317 #ChristianAthletes #NIL #Football #IdentityInChrist #AthleteTransition #FaithOverFear
...more
55min
March 02, 2026 From the NFL to the Altar: Trey Watts on Surrender, Sobriety, & Renewal
Welcome back to the Athlete Disciples Podcast.
Today I’m joined by Trey Watts — former NFL player, entrepreneur, and a man of God who now helps divorced dads reclaim their identity through the Lord.
We start with a powerful Bible study in Daniel 3:18 — the “even if” kind of faith from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Faith that doesn’t depend on outcomes… faith that says: God can deliver me — but even if He doesn’t, I will still worship Him.
Then Trey shares a raw, real testimony:
chasing identity after football
addiction, shame, and self-sabotage
hitting a breaking point
a God encounter that led to surrender
and the transformation that followed: freedom, renewed mind, discipline, and a new mission
If you’ve ever felt like you lost yourself after sport… if you’re walking through divorce… or if you’re in a season where faith is being tested — this one is for you.
Scripture: Daniel 3 (focus: 3:18)
Theme: “Even if” faith + identity in Christ
📲 Connect with Trey on Instagram: @TreyWatts (search “Trey Watts”)
🎧 Subscribe for more Bible studies + athlete testimonies every week.
#AthleteDisciples #Daniel3 #EvenIfFaith #ChristianAthletes #NFL #Testimony #IdentityInChrist #Sobriety #Redemption #DivorceRecovery
...more
43min
February 23, 2026 “Be Strong and Courageous”: Steven Keene on Joshua 1:9, Identity, and Trusting God in Uncertainty
“Be Strong and Courageous”: Steven Keene on Joshua 1:9, Identity, and Trusting God in Uncertainty
📝 PODCAST DESCRIPTION
In this episode of the Athlete Disciples Podcast, I’m joined by Steven Keene, a college basketball player with a heart for God and a powerful story of rediscovering his faith during one of the hardest transitions of his life.
Together we study Joshua 1:9 and unpack what it means to:
Be strong and courageous when your identity feels shaken
Trust God in the middle of mental, emotional, and athletic challenges
Find your true worth beyond the game
Speak up when you're struggling
Walk boldly as a man of God on a college campus
Steven shares his raw testimony of how leaving basketball for a season caused him to question who he was, how God met him in his lowest moments, and how he’s choosing faith, boldness, and biblical manhood as his foundation moving forward.
📖 Verse Focus: Joshua 1:9
💡 Part 1 of 2 — Stay tuned for a future episode diving deeper into identity, purpose, and community.
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If this message speaks to you:
📲 Share it with a teammate or friend
🗣️ Leave a review
🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes
Follow Stephen: [@youngballersteven]
Follow the show: [@athletedisciples]
#AthleteDisciples #StephenKeane #Joshua1v9 #ChristianAthlete #CollegeAthleteTestimony #FaithInCollege #BasketballAndFaith #Discipleship #MentalHealthInSports #AthleteIdentity #BeStrongAndCourageous
...more
33min
February 17, 2026 “Be Strong and Courageous”: Nathaniel Thomas on Joshua 1:6–9, Identity, and Bold Faith on Campus
“Be Strong and Courageous”: Nathaniel Thomas on Joshua 1:6–9, Identity, and Bold Faith on Campus
📝 PODCAST DESCRIPTION
In this powerful episode of the Athlete Disciples Podcast, I sit down with Nathaniel Thomas — a college track & field athlete at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and vice president of Timeout Christian Fellowship — to study Joshua 1:6–9 and dive deep into boldness, identity, leadership, and God’s call to courage.
We cover:
The fear of not being enough — and the truth of God’s vindication
What it means to walk boldly for Christ on a college campus
Why the command to “be strong and courageous” appears 3x in one passage
How to live out your faith in track, school, and ministry
Why isolation is part of the refining fire — and how God always sends a remnant
The supernatural testimony of being called “Prophet” at Red Lobster 👀
🔥 Nathaniel shares his full testimony — from accepting Christ on his 17th birthday, launching Bible studies on multiple campuses, to preaching the gospel and being used mightily by God through every season, rejection, and trial.
📖 Verse Focus: Joshua 1:6–9
🎙️ Part Bible Study + Part Testimony — Perfect for student athletes, campus ministers, and young disciples
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👉 Share this with a young leader, athlete, or campus ministry
🗣️ Leave a review + subscribe
Follow Nathaniel: [@inate_thomas]
Follow the show: [@athletedisciples]
#Joshua1v9 #CollegeAthlete #ChristianTestimony #TrackandFieldFaith #AthleteDisciples #FaithAndCourage #YoungLeaders #PreacherOnCampus #CollegeMinistry #BeStrongAndCourageous #StudentAthleteTestimony
...more
41min
February 10, 2026 “Now Faith Is…”: Diondre Borel on Hearing God, Obedience, and Supernatural Provision (Hebrews 11)
In this episode of the Athlete Disciples Podcast, I sit down with Diondre Borel, former NFL quarterback and pro athlete, to study Hebrews 11:1–3 and unpack what it means to walk by faith—especially when you don’t see the full picture.
From playing for the Packers, Buccaneers, Titans, and multiple arena teams to sleeping in his car, launching a training business, and hearing God say “Go,” Diondre’s story is a bold testimony of “now faith” and God’s provision in every season.
We dive into:
Why “now faith” is active, not passive
The power of God’s voice to create from the unseen
Diondre’s journey from pro football to full dependence on God
Spiritual strength vs physical strength (and why you need both)
What it really means to train your faith like an athlete
How to hear God clearly and obey even when it makes no sense
📖 Verse Focus: Hebrews 11:1–3
🎯 Theme: Faith, identity, obedience, provision, supernatural direction, discipline
Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or believer in transition, this episode is full of fire, encouragement, and wisdom for your journey.
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💬 Let us know what stood out to you in the comments
🔔 Subscribe + share with someone walking through a faith step
Follow Diondre: [@iamdiondreborel]
Follow Athlete Disciples: [@athletedisciples]
Join the community: [Insert link]
#Hebrews11 #NowFaith #FaithWalk #AthleteTestimony #ChristianAthlete #SpiritualDiscipline #PrayerAndObedience #NFLTestimony #AthleteDisciples #FaithInAction
...more
54min
January 29, 2026 “Be Strong and Courageous”: Jesse Nicassio on NFL Pressure, Identity, and Fearless Faith (Joshua 1:9)
On this episode of the Athlete Disciples Podcast, I’m joined by Jesse Nicassio — former NFL punter, school record holder, entrepreneur, third-generation inventor, and father of faith.
We dive into Joshua 1:9 and explore how athletes and men today can conquer fear, build real courage, and live with strong identity in Christ—on and off the field.
💬 We discuss:
What it really means to be strong and courageous
The trap of fear and how it paralyzes athletes
Spiritual warfare in today’s culture and media
The mental health epidemic and why truth matters
How Jesse found Christ in college and clung to faith during tragedy
What it was like holding hands with Peyton Manning during prayer 🙏
Life after football, financial discipline, and building character over clout
📖 Verse Focus: Joshua 1:9
🎯 Themes: Fear, courage, faith, masculinity, family, money, and identity
Whether you're a young athlete, parent, or entrepreneur—this episode will encourage you to fight fear with faith and lead your life with purpose.
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👇 Let us know what resonated most with you
🔔 Subscribe + Share with someone who needs this message
Follow Jesse: [@jessenicassio]
Follow Athlete Disciples: [@athletedisciples]
#Joshua1 #FaithOverFear #NFLTestimony #AthleteDisciples #GodIsWithYou #StrongAndCourageous #ChristianAthlete #Masculinity #MoneyAndFaith
...more
58min

FAQs about Athlete Disciples:

How many episodes does Athlete Disciples have?

The podcast currently has 17 episodes available.