This mantra encapsulated the essence of prioritizing faith, teamwork, and personal growth a beacon of inspiration for athletes navigating the gridiron. In fact, I delve into this very theme in my latest book, a call to arms against the secular onslaught targeting our public schools.

However, a cabal of atheists from Wisconsin took umbrage with the inclusion of “God” in the team’s ethos, launching a volley of threats at the Jefferson County, Alabama school superintendent.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) castigated the head coach for allegedly injecting Christianity into the football program and affiliating with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes a grievous sin, according to their secular dogma.

Picture a time when atheists would interrogate school faculty, demanding to know their religious affiliations echoes of McCarthyism in our midst.

The FFRF lodged a litany of grievances. They objected to the motto emblazoned on the locker room wall, embroidered on athletic wear, and even engraved on playoff hoodies, citing the verse from Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

FFRF’s attorney, Chris Line, fired off a stern missive, demanding an end to what they deemed “school-sponsored religious coercion.” They demanded the removal of religious displays and the cessation of any promotion of the coach’s personal beliefs.

Unbeknownst to the FFRF, the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of religious freedom for coaches, as demonstrated in a case involving a Washington state high school coach.

Yet, FFRF co-president Annie Laurie Gaylor persisted in her tirade, decrying alleged religious coercion in sports programs.

However, attempting to engage atheists with facts, logic, and the law often feels akin to wrestling with the wind or grasping oil with bare hands.

Thankfully, the school district appears poised to stand with the coaches and players.

“We have received the letter from the Freedom from Religion Foundation, and we are reviewing it,” stated Supt. Walter Gonsoulin. “However, the Jefferson County Board of Education fully supports the right of its students and all members of the education community to pray and engage in voluntary religious expression in school settings.”

Thanks to our friends at ToddStarnes.com for contributing to this article.