How Many Ex NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses? A Deep Dive into Faith and Basketball
Basketball has produced many legendary athletes, but beyond the court, some of these players are known for their faith and dedication to their beliefs. A question that has sparked curiosity among fans is: how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses? While the NBA is primarily associated with athletic excellence, the spiritual side of its players often remains overlooked. Interestingly, several former NBA stars have embraced the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, making this topic one of great intrigue and respect. This article explores who these players are, how their beliefs influenced their lives, and what it means to be a Jehovah’s Witness in the demanding world of professional basketball.
Understanding Jehovah’s Witnesses
Before answering how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses, it’s important to understand what the faith represents. Jehovah’s Witnesses are members of a Christian denomination known for their devotion to the teachings of the Bible, their strong emphasis on evangelism, and their distinct beliefs about neutrality, morality, and the afterlife. They are widely recognized for their door-to-door ministry and their commitment to living a life centered around God’s word.
Jehovah’s Witnesses abstain from certain activities that conflict with their beliefs, such as military service, saluting national flags, and participating in political affairs. They also avoid celebrations and holidays not rooted in the Bible. For athletes in the NBA—where fame, competition, and media attention are constant—practicing such a faith can be both challenging and inspiring.
The Connection Between NBA Players and Faith
The NBA is not only a league of competition but also a space where players from different cultural and religious backgrounds come together. Many athletes turn to faith as a source of strength, discipline, and grounding amid the pressures of fame and performance. Among these athletes are those who became or remained Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout their careers, maintaining their values despite the temptations of wealth, fame, and success.
So, How Many Ex-NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
The question how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses has gained significant attention in recent years, especially after public discussions, interviews, and even comedic skits referenced it. While the exact number is not officially documented, there are at least three former NBA players who are widely recognized as Jehovah’s Witnesses: Dewayne Dedmon, Danny Granger, and Darren Collison. Each of them has openly discussed or demonstrated their faith through their words, lifestyle choices, and post-retirement activities.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these players and how their faith shaped their lives both on and off the court.
Darren Collison: The Most Famous Example
One of the most prominent examples when discussing how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses is Darren Collison. Born in 1987, Collison played for several NBA teams including the New Orleans Hornets, Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Sacramento Kings. Known for his speed, defense, and leadership, Collison had a successful career spanning over a decade.
In 2019, at the age of 31 and still in his prime, Collison shocked the basketball world by announcing his retirement. His reason was deeply personal—he wanted to focus more on his faith and family. Collison publicly stated that his decision was influenced by his commitment as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, expressing his desire to devote his time to volunteer work and ministry.
His statement read, “While I still love basketball, I know there is something more important, which is my family and my faith.” Collison’s bold decision was met with both surprise and admiration. It highlighted how deeply personal convictions can guide an athlete to prioritize spiritual growth over financial gain.
Even after his retirement, Collison continued to be a respected figure, often appearing in faith-based events and discussions. His example serves as a reminder that for many athletes, faith is not just a part of life—it’s a guiding principle.
Danny Granger: Faith Through Adversity
Another key name when exploring how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses is Danny Granger. Known for his time with the Indiana Pacers, Granger was an All-Star forward recognized for his scoring ability and defensive skills. However, few fans knew about his spiritual journey during his NBA career.
Granger was raised in a family of Jehovah’s Witnesses and maintained a close connection to his faith even while navigating the challenges of being a professional athlete. He was known for his humility, calm demeanor, and focus, traits that many believe stemmed from his religious beliefs.
Throughout his career, Granger faced numerous injuries that ultimately shortened his time in the NBA. However, he often attributed his ability to stay positive and grounded to his spiritual foundation. After retiring, Granger continued to express his devotion and involvement within his religious community. His story exemplifies how faith can provide strength and resilience even in the face of professional and personal challenges.
Dewayne Dedmon: Balancing Faith and the NBA Lifestyle
The third player often mentioned in conversations about how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses is Dewayne Dedmon. Standing at 7 feet tall, Dedmon’s journey to the NBA is one of perseverance and faith.
Born in Lancaster, California, Dedmon was raised in a Jehovah’s Witness family. Due to his religious upbringing, his mother discouraged him from playing organized basketball during his teenage years. The family’s beliefs emphasized modesty and avoidance of activities that might interfere with spiritual goals. However, Dedmon’s passion for basketball could not be contained.
When he turned 18, Dedmon made the personal decision to pursue basketball seriously. Despite starting late, he went on to play college basketball at USC and eventually joined the NBA, where he played for teams including the Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs, and Miami Heat.
Even though Dedmon’s path diverged from his family’s early expectations, he maintained respect for his religious roots. His story highlights the complexities that sometimes arise when balancing personal ambition and faith.
Other Possible Players and Jehovah’s Witness Connections
While the names Darren Collison, Danny Granger, and Dewayne Dedmon are the most frequently cited, it’s possible there are other ex-players who identify as Jehovah’s Witnesses but choose to keep their faith private. The NBA is home to many players from diverse backgrounds, and not all feel comfortable discussing religion publicly.
In addition, there are players who may have been raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses but later chose different paths. For instance, some athletes have acknowledged that they grew up in the faith but did not continue to practice it as adults. This makes it difficult to determine an exact number when asking how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses, as personal beliefs are deeply private and may evolve over time.
The Challenges of Being a Jehovah’s Witness in the NBA
Being a professional athlete often means being in the public eye, surrounded by fame, competition, and temptation. For Jehovah’s Witnesses, whose faith emphasizes humility, modesty, and separation from worldly distractions, the NBA lifestyle can present unique challenges.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for their stance of neutrality—they do not participate in political events or nationalistic ceremonies, such as standing for national anthems. They also avoid excessive celebration and public displays that contradict their beliefs. In a sport as public and performance-driven as basketball, this can create situations where players must carefully navigate between their faith and their careers.
Moreover, the demanding travel schedules, team obligations, and media commitments can make it difficult for players to attend congregational meetings or participate in ministry work regularly. Yet, those who remain committed to their faith find ways to balance both, often viewing their athletic career as an opportunity to inspire others through discipline and humility.
How Faith Shapes a Player’s Character
The influence of faith in sports is profound. For those asking how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses, it’s not just about counting names—it’s about understanding how belief systems shape lives.
Players who practice this faith often display strong work ethics, humility, and emotional balance. Their principles guide them not only in their professional decisions but also in their personal conduct. Many avoid the pitfalls of fame—such as arrogance, excessive partying, or financial irresponsibility—by grounding themselves in spiritual values.
Public Reaction and Cultural Curiosity
The question how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses gained renewed popularity online, especially through social media discussions and comedy routines. While some of these references were humorous, they also sparked genuine curiosity about faith in professional sports. The fact that these athletes have chosen a path rooted in spirituality and moral conviction has led to admiration from fans who appreciate authenticity and integrity.
The visibility of players like Darren Collison and Danny Granger also helps dispel misconceptions about Jehovah’s Witnesses, showing that members of the faith can excel in high-profile professions while maintaining their principles.
What We Can Learn from These Players
The stories of ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses teach several valuable lessons about life, discipline, and priorities. They demonstrate that success is not only defined by wealth or fame but also by living in alignment with one’s values.
These athletes show that it’s possible to remain true to one’s faith even in the face of immense social pressure. Their choices remind us that inner peace and spiritual fulfillment often outweigh external rewards.
The Broader Impact of Faith in Sports
Faith continues to play an essential role in sports culture. From Christianity to Islam, from Buddhism to Judaism, athletes around the world draw strength from their spiritual beliefs. In the case of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA, their faith acts as a compass—guiding decisions, shaping character, and inspiring others to pursue meaning beyond material success.
In a league known for competition and glamour, stories like those of Collison, Granger, and Dedmon stand out as examples of quiet strength and conviction. They represent the power of belief to anchor individuals in environments that often encourage the opposite.
Conclusion
So, how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses? While there may not be a definitive number, it is widely acknowledged that at least three former players—Darren Collison, Danny Granger, and Dewayne Dedmon—have either publicly identified as or been raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Their stories offer a glimpse into how faith can coexist with fame and how spiritual conviction can influence life decisions, even at the height of success.
These athletes remind us that basketball is not only about points and championships—it’s also about purpose and personal growth. The how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses question reveals that beneath the bright lights of the NBA are individuals guided by deep faith, unwavering values, and a desire to serve something greater than themselves.
