AJ Griffin, a former first-round draft pick for the Atlanta Hawks, has announced his retirement from the NBA to dedicate his life to serving God.
Former NBA player AJ Griffin has made a profound decision, stepping away from his burgeoning basketball career to pursue a higher calling: serving God. The 21-year-old forward, who was selected in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft out of Duke University, announced his retirement on Sunday, citing his newfound faith as the driving force behind his decision.
Griffin, who played for the Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets during his brief NBA career, averaged 7.5 points and 17.1 minutes per game. However, his life took a transformative turn in 2020 when he dedicated himself fully to Christ. This spiritual revelation led him to re-evaluate his priorities and ultimately inspired him to retire from basketball.
Former NBA Player AJ Griffin Retires to Pursue Faith
"I gave up basketball to follow Jesus," Griffin said in an emotional statement. "And I know that in a lot of people's eyes, that seems like a loss in the world's eyes. But I just want to let you guys know that I'm super excited because I truly get to serve God, you know, with my full Yes, and I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to, you know, go into full-time ministry and truly serving the Lord with all my heart -- with all my time too, as well. So, I'm just excited to see where that leads me."
Griffin's decision is reminiscent of former NBA player Darren Collison, who also retired from the league to pursue his faith as a Jehovah's Witness. In a letter written in 2020, Collison expressed similar sentiments, stating that his family and faith held greater importance than basketball.
Former NBA Player AJ Griffin Retires to Pursue Faith
Griffin's retirement marks a significant departure from his previous life as an NBA player. As a highly touted prospect who showcased immense potential, his promising career seemed destined for further success. However, his journey took an unexpected turn, demonstrating that there are sometimes higher priorities in life than material wealth or athletic achievement.
Griffin's decision serves as a reminder that the pursuit of faith can lead to unexpected paths and, ultimately, a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Former NBA Player AJ Griffin Retires to Pursue Faith
