“I want to thank the Lord for blessing us with this opportunity. The glory belongs to him. And this trophy belongs to the best fans in the National Football League.”
This is how Kansas City Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt accepted the Lamar Hunt Trophy when his team won the AFC Championship on Sunday.
His testimony glorifying Jesus was no surprise to me because it was my privilege to be his pastor for many years. Clark and his family were always faithful in worship and gracious with their personal support. I have watched them serve Jesus and have long been impressed with their humility and servant hearts.
The Hunt legacy
Clark’s father was one of the giants in American sports history. Lamar Hunt founded the American Football League, known as the American Football Conference (AFC) today. He was also instrumental in founding Major League Soccer and its predecessor, the North American Soccer League. He was a co-founder of World Championship Tennis as well. He is a member of the Hall of Fame in all three sports.
Lamar Hunt is also known for naming the NFL’s championship game the “Super Bowl.”
Lamar founded the Dallas Texans, which became the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963. After his death, his son, Clark, inherited the team along with his siblings in 2005. Clark serves as the team’s CEO and represents the Chiefs at all owner’s meetings.
Now his team is competing in Super Bowl LIV.
Making a difference
Clark told reporters before Sunday’s game that his desire to win the AFC trophy isn’t just because his father’s name is on it: “If we win that trophy, it’s not for me, it’s not for our family. To some degree it’s for the team and the coaching staff, but it’s really for our great fans.” The article’s headline is not surprising: “Clark Hunt’s words prove he’s among greatest owners in NFL.”
Clark Hunt is a tremendous example of a culture-changing Christian, a believer who is using his influence to make a difference in the world for Jesus. One reason God has entrusted him with such a visible platform is that he is using it to glorify his Lord.
Like Clark, each of us has been given a place of service. Our Lord gives us resources, influence, and abilities for this purpose: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). God’s word is clear: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone” (Galatians 6:10). When we serve others with humility, we emulate our Savior who “came not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45).
St. Francis de Sales: “Great occasions for serving God come seldom, but little ones surround us daily.”
What occasion for service has God offered you today?
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