How Many Ex NBA Players Are Jehovah Witnesses
Faith on the Court: Discovering NBA Players Who are Jehovah’s Witnesses
Many sports fans love to know about the personal lives of their favorite athletes. One question that often pops up is how many ex nba players are jehovah witnesses in the league’s history. While the NBA is known for its high energy and global reach, some players have chosen a very quiet and spiritual path. Religion plays a massive role in how these stars handle fame and their post-career lives. It is truly fascinating to see how they balance the bright lights of the stadium with their deep personal beliefs.
The Intersection of Professional Basketball and Deep Faith
Basketball is a game of intense physical effort and mental focus. For most players, the goal is to win championships and build a massive brand. However, for a small group of athletes, their priority lies elsewhere. These players follow the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, which often emphasize a life of simplicity and door-to-door ministry. This creates a unique dynamic where a world-famous star might spend their weekend preaching to neighbors.
Understanding the balance between a pro career and this specific faith helps fans see the human side of the game. It is not just about the points scored or the money earned. For these individuals, the moral compass provided by their religion is far more important than any trophy. This commitment often leads to big life changes, including early retirements or major shifts in how they interact with the public.
How Many Ex NBA Players are Jehovah’s Witnesses Today?
When we look at the history of the league, only a few names stand out prominently. The most famous examples include Danny Granger and Darren Collison. While many people may have religious backgrounds, these specific men have been very vocal about their baptism and commitment. It is estimated that a handful of players across different eras have identified with the faith, though not all remained active throughout their entire playing careers.
The number is relatively small compared to the thousands of players who have entered the NBA. This is partly because the lifestyle of a pro athlete—fame, travel, and intense competition—can sometimes clash with the peaceful and neutral stance of the religion. Most fans are surprised to learn that even All-Stars have stepped away from the court to focus on their spiritual health.
Comparison of Notable NBA Players and Their Faith
Several notable NBA players have publicly shared their affiliation with the Jehovah’s Witness faith, ranging from Hall of Famers to modern-day starters. Some were raised in the faith and were baptized later, while others made the significant decision to retire in their prime to focus on their religious ministry.
Notable NBA Players & The Jehovah’s Witness Faith
| Player | Status | Career Span | Key Career Stats | Note on Faith |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darren Collison | Retired | 2009–2019, 2021 | 12.5 PPG, 5.0 APG, 1.2 SPG | Retired at age 31 (while still a top free agent) to focus on his ministry. |
| Danny Granger | Retired | 2005–2015 | 16.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.9 APG | Raised in the faith; 2009 All-Star and Most Improved Player. |
| Dewayne Dedmon | Active/FA | 2013–Present | 6.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 0.8 BPG | His mother is a devout Witness; he did not play organized basketball until age 18 due to religious reasons. |
| George Gervin | Hall of Fame | 1972–1986 | 25.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.6 APG | “The Iceman” is one of the most famous figures associated with the faith in professional sports. |
| John Salley | Retired | 1986–2000 | 7.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.3 BPG | 4x NBA Champion; has spoken publicly about his upbringing as a Jehovah’s Witness. |
| Dave Meyers | Retired | 1975–1980 | 11.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.3 APG | Retired from the Milwaukee Bucks at age 27 to dedicate his life to his faith and family. |
Statistical Deep Dive: Impact Players
Collison’s retirement in 2019 was a major headline in the NBA because he was expected to sign a contract worth roughly $10–12 million per year. He chose to walk away from the peak of his career to serve as a pioneer (a full-time minister).
- Best Season (2014-15): 16.1 PPG, 5.6 APG.
- Efficiency: He led the NBA in three-point percentage (46.8%) during the 2017-18 season.
Granger was the face of the Indiana Pacers for several years. Though injuries shortened his career, he remains one of the most successful players to have been raised in the faith.
- Peak Performance: In 2008-09, he averaged a massive 25.8 PPG and was named an NBA All-Star.
- Accolades: NBA Most Improved Player (2009).
Dedmon’s path is unique because his religious upbringing directly delayed his basketball career. Because his mother wanted him to focus on spiritual matters, he didn’t play high school ball.
- Development: After turning 18, he pursued the sport, eventually playing for USC and becoming a highly sought-after “3-and-D” center for teams like the Spurs, Hawks, and Heat.
Common Themes
- Prioritization: Many Witness players have made choices that prioritize their faith over league prestige (e.g., Collison and Meyers retiring early).
- Discipline: Players like George Gervin and Darren Collison have often been praised for their quiet, disciplined approach to the game, which they frequently attribute to their spiritual foundations.
The Inspiring Story of Danny Granger
Danny Granger was once the face of the Indiana Pacers and one of the most feared scorers in the league. He was an All-Star and won the Most Improved Player award during his prime. While he was raised in a household with Witness ties, he did not fully commit to the religion until after his playing days ended. In 2017, Danny was officially baptized, showing the world that his transition from the court to the Kingdom Hall was complete.
Granger’s journey is a powerful example of someone finding peace after the roar of the crowd fades. He has often spoken about how his faith provides a foundation that basketball never could. Today, he leads a relatively private life focused on his family and his local congregation. His story resonates with many because it shows that there is a rich life available even after a high-profile career in the spotlight ends.
Why Darren Collison Shocked the Sports World
In 2019, Darren Collison did something that almost no one does in professional sports. He was a starting-caliber point guard in his prime and was expected to sign a contract worth millions of dollars. Instead, he released a letter announcing his retirement to focus on being a Jehovah’s Witness. This move sent shockwaves through the NBA and left many analysts scratching their heads in total disbelief.
Collison explained that while he loved basketball, his love for God and his desire to help others through ministry was stronger. He felt that he could not give his full attention to both worlds at the same time. While he made a brief comeback later on, his initial choice remains one of the boldest statements of faith ever seen in modern professional basketball. It proved that for him, money was never the primary motivator.
Dewayne Dedmon and Balancing the Daily Grind
Unlike some who waited until retirement, Dewayne Dedmon has managed to balance his career while being known as one of the few how many nba players are jehovah’s witnesses currently or recently active. Dedmon has been a journeyman in the league, providing size and defense for several teams. He has navigated the difficult schedule of an NBA season while maintaining his personal standards and beliefs as a Witness.
Maintaining this balance requires a lot of discipline. NBA players travel constantly and play on various days of the week, which can make attending regular meetings at a Kingdom Hall difficult. Dedmon’s ability to stay focused on his professional duties while keeping his spiritual life intact is highly respected by his teammates. He serves as a bridge between the intense world of the NBA and the quiet life of a believer.
Historical Figures: Elmore Smith’s Early Conversion
Going back into the history books, Elmore Smith is a name that often comes up. He was a shot-blocking specialist who played alongside legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In the mid-1970s, while still an active player for the Milwaukee Bucks, Smith was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness. This was quite rare at the time, especially for a player who was a significant part of a team’s defensive rotation.
Smith’s conversion during his career shows that the search for meaning is not a new trend. Even in the “Golden Era” of the NBA, players were looking for answers beyond the hardwood. His wife had already been a member of the faith, and her influence helped him find a path that he continues to follow decades later. He remains a great example of longevity in both his professional and spiritual life.
Key Facts About NBA Players and Their Faith
- Danny Granger was baptized in 2017, two years after his official NBA retirement.
- Darren Collison walked away from an estimated $10 million annual salary to focus on preaching.
- Jehovah’s Witnesses usually avoid political involvement and nationalistic ceremonies, which can affect players during anthems.
- The faith emphasizes a worldwide brotherhood, giving players a support system outside of sports.
- Most players in this faith prioritize family life and moral clean-living over the “party” lifestyle of the league.
- There are no official “NBA JW” clubs, as the faith focuses on individual relationship with God.
- The number of Witnesses in the NBA is small, likely less than 1% of total league players.
- Many players who are Witnesses were introduced to the faith by their mothers or wives.
- Spiritual meetings are often attended virtually or in local cities while players are on the road.
- Faith-based retirements like Collison’s are extremely rare in any professional American sport.
Life After the Buzzer: The Ministry Path
For many how many ex nba players are jehovah’s witnesses, life after basketball is spent in the full-time ministry. This often involves spending 70 or more hours a month sharing their beliefs with others in the community. It is a massive shift from the luxury of private jets and five-star hotels. However, those who make the switch often report being much happier and more fulfilled than they were as famous athletes.
This lifestyle change involves a high level of humility. When a former NBA star knocks on a door, people are often surprised to see a giant athlete standing there with a Bible. They use their recognition not to boost their own ego, but to draw attention to their message. This unique “second act” allows them to use the discipline they learned in sports for a cause they find much more meaningful.
Challenges Faced by Religious Athletes in the NBA
Being a Witness in a high-profile league comes with specific challenges. For example, Witnesses generally do not celebrate birthdays or holidays, which are big events in the locker room. They also remain neutral in political matters, which can be tricky when sports leagues get involved in social movements. Navigating these social expectations requires a strong backbone and a very clear sense of self.
Additionally, the physical demands of the NBA can make it hard to stay active in a local congregation. Players have to be very intentional about their time management. They often study their religious literature on planes or during downtime in hotels. Despite these hurdles, the players who choose this path feel that the spiritual rewards far outweigh the social or professional inconveniences they might face along the way.
Why the Public is So Curious About This Topic
The curiosity surrounding how many ex nba players are jehovah’s witnesses often stems from the viral nature of social media. A few years ago, a comedian’s story about dating a Witness who was a former player sparked a massive Google search trend. People were fascinated by the idea of a famous, wealthy athlete choosing a religion that is often seen as very modest and private.
This interest also highlights a broader human desire to see how people handle fame. In a world where most celebrities want more attention, seeing someone walk away from it for God is captivating. It challenges our ideas of success. For these players, success isn’t a ring on their finger; it is a clean conscience and a life of service. That kind of integrity is something people naturally find interesting and even inspiring.
Impact on the Families of NBA Players
Religion often acts as a stabilizing force for the families of professional athletes. The NBA lifestyle can be very hard on marriages and children due to the constant travel and public pressure. For those who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, the focus on family values helps keep their home life grounded. It provides a set of rules and goals that are separate from the win-loss record of the team.
Many of these players credit their wives or parents for introducing them to the faith. Having a spouse who shares the same values makes the transition out of the league much smoother. Instead of struggling with the loss of their identity as an “athlete,” they lean into their identity as a “servant of God.” This shared mission helps the family stay united even after the paychecks stop coming in.
Conclusion: A Different Kind of Legacy
In the end, the question of how many ex nba players are jehovah’s witnesses reveals a small but dedicated group of men. From the scoring titles of Danny Granger to the surprising retirement of Darren Collison, these stories show that there is more to life than basketball. They have traded the applause of thousands for the quiet satisfaction of their faith. Their legacy is not just in the record books, but in the lives they touch through their ministry.
Whether you are a fan of the game or just interested in human stories, these players offer a great lesson. They remind us that it is okay to prioritize your beliefs over your career. They show that true happiness comes from following your heart and staying true to your values. As the NBA continues to grow, the stories of these spiritual athletes will always remain a unique and thoughtful part of sports history.
Which NBA player retired early to become a Jehovah’s Witness?
Darren Collison is the most famous example. He retired in 2019 at the age of 31, while he was still a very productive player, specifically to focus on his faith and his family.
Is Danny Granger still a Jehovah’s Witness?
Yes, Danny Granger remains a devout member of the faith. He was baptized in 2017 and has consistently spoken about how his religion is the most important part of his life today.
Are there any current NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Dewayne Dedmon is one of the most recent players known to be associated with the faith. While the number of active players is very low, there are often a few who maintain their beliefs while playing.
Do Jehovah’s Witness NBA players stand for the national anthem?
Most Jehovah’s Witnesses remain respectful but neutral during national anthems. They generally do not participate in nationalistic ceremonies, as they believe their ultimate allegiance belongs to God’s Kingdom.
Why are there so few Witnesses in professional sports?
The faith encourages a life of simplicity and regular participation in religious activities. The “glamour” and demanding schedule of professional sports can make it very difficult to adhere to these spiritual goals.
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