The intersection between faith and professional sports has long shaped the personal and professional journeys of many athletes.
In the NBA, a league known for its intensity and global spotlight, several players have stood out not just for their athletic excellence but for their deep spiritual convictions.
Among them are a select few who have embraced the teachings of the Jehovah’s Witness faith, a denomination known for its devotion, discipline, and distinct lifestyle.
This article delves into the question, “How many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?” and explores how their beliefs have influenced both their careers and their lives after basketball.
Key Highlights
Three former NBA players — Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon — are known to be Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Their faith profoundly influenced their professional choices, personal growth, and post-retirement lives.
These athletes continue to impact their communities through philanthropy, ministry, and family-centered living, demonstrating the values of love, humility, and service.
Ex-NBA Players Who Follow the Jehovah’s Witness Faith
In the history of the NBA, only a handful of players have openly identified as Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The most notable among them are Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and DeWayne Dedmon — three men whose faith guided their paths both on and off the court.
Their experiences exemplify how spirituality can coexist with the high-pressure world of professional sports, allowing them to maintain a sense of purpose, balance, and integrity in an environment often defined by fame and competition.
Danny Granger: A Calm Spirit In A Competitive World
Raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household, Danny Granger carried his spiritual grounding into the NBA, finding peace and strength through faith.
Despite the pressures that accompany stardom, he credited his beliefs with helping him maintain composure and focus during his career.
Over his nine-season tenure (2005–2015), primarily with the Indiana Pacers, Granger earned All-Star honors in 2009.
After retiring, he deepened his commitment to his faith and was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness in 2017, solidifying his lifelong devotion.
Darren Collison: Choosing Faith Over Fame
Darren Collison’s story is one of principled conviction and courage. At the height of his career, he made the rare decision to retire from the NBA at just 31 years old to devote more time to his faith and family.
Having played for teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Indiana Pacers, Collison demonstrated remarkable balance between ambition and belief.
His decision to step away from basketball highlighted the profound importance he placed on his spiritual life.
In interviews, Collison has expressed fulfillment from volunteering and ministry work, emphasizing that faith provided a deeper sense of purpose beyond personal achievement.
Dewayne Dedmon: Overcoming Obstacles Through Faith
Dewayne Dedmon’s journey to the NBA was marked by resilience and faith-fueled perseverance.
Raised in a Jehovah’s Witness family, his mother initially opposed his pursuit of basketball, believing competitive sports conflicted with their beliefs. Yet, Dedmon followed his dream while staying true to his moral compass.
Playing for teams like the Sacramento Kings and Miami Heat, Dedmon often credited his faith for helping him maintain composure, humility, and focus amid the demands of professional athletics.
His story underscores the power of spiritual conviction in overcoming adversity.
Balancing Basketball And Belief: The Challenges They Faced
For Jehovah’s Witness athletes, navigating the NBA’s demanding schedule while maintaining religious obligations presents unique challenges.
Their faith emphasizes regular worship, community service, and moral discipline — commitments that can conflict with the league’s fast-paced lifestyle.
Despite these hurdles, players like Granger, Collison, and Dedmon have shown that it’s possible to remain steadfast in faith while excelling in sports. Their lives illustrate the harmony between spiritual conviction and professional excellence, even when sacrifices are required.
Facing Adversity And Upholding Conviction
Success rarely comes without struggle. For these athletes, the challenge was not just physical endurance but spiritual integrity.
They faced skepticism, scheduling conflicts, and at times, criticism for their beliefs. Yet, they remained unshaken — using their faith as an anchor amid the pressures of fame and expectation.
Their example inspires many young athletes seeking to balance their religious identity with their career ambitions.
Finding Strength And Support In The NBA Community
Interestingly, the NBA community has often shown understanding and respect for players’ religious commitments. Coaches and teammates alike have supported these athletes’ spiritual journeys.
Many Jehovah’s Witness players have also participated in community outreach programs and charity events, thereby integrating their beliefs into their public roles.
Through these efforts, they’ve built meaningful relationships and found solidarity among fellow believers, strengthening the connection between faith and sportsmanship.
Life After The NBA: Faith In Action
Post-retirement, former Jehovah’s Witness NBA players have turned their focus toward philanthropy, family life, and spiritual growth.
No longer constrained by professional schedules, they devote more time to ministry, volunteer work, and mentoring youth, embodying the Jehovah’s Witness emphasis on service and community building.
Philanthropy And Service To Others
Many of these athletes remain active in charitable initiatives that reflect their beliefs in love, unity, and compassion.
Danny Granger and Darren Collison, for example, have led community outreach programs and supported humanitarian causes, using their platforms to inspire and uplift others.
Family And Spiritual Enrichment
Family is a cornerstone of the Jehovah’s Witness faith, and retired NBA players who practice it make it a central focus of their lives.
They prioritize time with loved ones, engage in Bible study, and attend religious gatherings that foster growth and unity.
This continued dedication shows that, even after the final buzzer, their faith remains the defining force in their lives.
Other Famous Jehovah’s Witness Athletes
The influence of Jehovah’s Witnesses extends far beyond basketball. Notable sports figures like Serena Williams and Kevin Anderson (tennis), as well as boxers Sugar Ray Leonard and Demetrius Andrade, also adhere to this faith.
Their examples reinforce the idea that belief and athletic excellence can coexist — across different sports and stages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Darren Collison Retire Because Of His Faith?
Yes. Darren Collison retired from the NBA at age 31 to focus on his faith and family, later returning briefly before fully dedicating himself to his spiritual life.
What Challenges Do Jehovah’s Witness Athletes Face In The NBA?
Balancing religious obligations such as meetings, ministry work, and lifestyle standards — with the demanding NBA schedule can be challenging, but many players find strength in their faith.
Are There Jehovah’s Witness Athletes In Other Sports?
Yes. The faith extends across multiple disciplines, with prominent athletes like Serena Williams, Kevin Anderson, and Sugar Ray Leonard also identifying as Jehovah’s Witnesses.