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Y! MyWebBlackledge talks of finding God while playing football
Friday, June 20, 2008
SPRINGFIELD — Former quarterback Todd Blackledge in 1983 led Penn State University to a national championship, he was a first-round NFL draft pick and currently works alongside Mike Patrick on ESPN College Football Primetime.
But football triumphs were not the topic of conversation when he met with about 200 Springfield businessmen and women for a breakfast Friday morning, June 20, at the Courtyard by Marriott. Instead, Blackledge focused on his relationship with God.
His speech was part of a new faith-based organization, the Gathering of Greater Springfield, started in January by Jeff Pinkleton, formerly director of Springfield Christian Youth Ministries who previously worked at the Springfield News-Sun.
The Gathering is a national organization focused on helping professional men become active in their families, churches and neighborhoods.
Blackledge told the audience he found a personal relationship with God his sophomore year at Penn State by talking with fellow player Keith Brown. Brown played very little but stood out on the team because of his Christian devotion.
"I was told to stay away from Keith. He was one of those Jesus freaks," Blackledge said.
Brown had a peace that Blackledge lacked and taught him that living for Jesus is more fulfilling than living for money, fame and success, Blackledge said.
"Businessmen are driven. It's all about being the best," he said. "There's nothing wrong with that. But unless you have eternal satisfaction ... you will come up empty."
The Gathering focuses on business and professional men because they have leadership roles and influence, said Erick Collins, president of Springfield Ford.
"But the message certainly applies to blue collar workers, white collar workers, green collar workers, people with no collar," Collins said.
Pickleton said he hopes the Gathering will help develop and retain strong professional leaders in the Springfield area, adding that the organization is trying to get former Ohio State football player Craig Krenzel to speak in the fall.
