So today, I’m hosting Del
Duduit and his new book, First Down Devotions. So let’s start with the basic
question: What’s it all about?
It’s
true. Fans love a good game. And we love players who inspire us. But who inspires
the players? Who do they look to for guidance? First Down Devotions takes
an inside look at popular National Football League players, coaches, and the people
who help shape them to explore their successes both on and off the gridiron. Recounting
personal stories about their walk with Jesus Christ, these superstars serve God
and provide positive stories to share with friends, children, and sports fans. Through
daily devotions, these players and coaches will inspire you once more, but this
time it will be you on the field of life. Get ready to score a touchdown in your
own spiritual life.How and when did you start interviewing athletes?
I stated making connections
with players and coaches in the NFL in 2017. I went to all home games for the Cincinnati
Bengals and caught up with targeted players after each game. I hold a media credential
and have access to players in the locker room. I also attended the Super Bowl in
Minneapolis and made more contacts with players there.
What was it about their stories that inspired you to turn
them into devotions? Do you think most of them realize how others are inspired by
their struggles and successes?
All the athletes and
coaches in the devotional have unique stories. Some come from normal, everyday families
while others struggled within their environment. Many of them are aware they can
be a positive influence on their fans and those who follow their careers. I think
that keeps many of them accountable for their actions on and off the field.
Your admiration for these athletes is revealed clearly
in your writings. What popular assumption about professional athletes annoys you
the most? What would you say to disprove that?
Many fans think that
since the athletes make a lot of money and have fame, they are not supposed to have
problems. But I have been told many stories about personal problems many of them
face, which include family illnesses; children with special needs; family crises
and marital problems. The face issues and temptation every day like you and me.
What annoys me the
most is some have a sense of arrogance about them and feel they are entitled to
special treatment. Not all, but some I ran across demonstrated it very well. I glad
that none of the athletes featured in First
Down Devotions had those characteristics.
In what way does your faith encourage your writing?
I’d say it’s the other
way around. My
writing encourages my faith. I struggle myself at times with feelings that I’m inadequate
and many of my devotions are written especially for me, and to encourage myself
along my journey. I’m just blessed to be able to share them with everyone who reads
the book. The devotions are geared to help and strengthen me, but I’m blessed they
encourage others.
Why would First
Down Devotions make the perfect gift for the football season for all ages
of sports fans?
This book is not about
football, but rather about the men who play the game. Most people will be able to
identify with the struggles and accomplishments from high profile players because
the reader has probably experienced similar things. This lets the person turning
the pages to know that they have gone through valleys and climbed to the top of
the mountain just like a famous player was able to do. It brings the athlete down
to a personal level that the reader may not have know before. Sports and players
are the tool to deliver a common theme that God can work through anyone.
What’s your next book?
Bama Believer: (releases August 2020)
Auburn Believer: (releases August 2020)
Michigan Motivations: (Releases 2020)
Indiana Inspirations: (Releases 2020)
Dugout Devotions: Inspirational
Hits from MLB’s Best Vol. 2 (releases March 2021)
First Down Devotions:
Inspiration from NFL’s Best Vol. 2 (releases August 2021 )
Bengal Believer: 40
Days of Who-Dey Votions for the Cincinnati Faithful
(release TBD)
Redlegs Believer: 40
Days of Devotions for the Cincinnati Faithful
(release TBD)
Browns Believer: 40
Days of Devotions for the Cleveland Faithful
(submitted manuscript)
Tribe Time: 40 Days
of Devotions for the Cleveland Faithful
(submitted manuscript)
So where can readers find you and your books?
They can find me online at several sites:
Website: delduduit.com
Twitter: @delduduit
Instagram: @delduduit
LinkedIn: Del Duduit
Athletes in Action: Contributing writer:
Del’s Discoveries: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=dlc%20sports%20network&epa=SEARCH_BOX
First Down
Devotions can be found on Amazon and the New Hope Publishers website:
Del Duduit is an award-winning
sportswriter and author. He has been published in Clubhouse Magazine, Sports
Spectrum, and on ToddStarnes.com. He is a contributing writer for Athletes
in Action, The Christian View, Bridges Magazine, and PM Magazine. He is the co-editor for Southern Ohio Christian Voice and
blogs weekly at delduduit.com. He lives in Lucasville, Ohio, with his wife Angie.
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