Super Bowl 2016: Bible Verses and Christian Quotes to Inspire Athletes

By Mitch de Leon
Carolina Panthers' Newton loses the ball after being sacked by Broncos' Miller as Panthers' Remmers tries to block in the first quarter during the NFL's Super Bowl 50 football game in Santa Clara
Carolina Panthers' quarterback Cam Newton loses the ball after being sacked by Denver Broncos' Von Miller (58) as Panthers' Mike Remmers tries to block as the play lead to a recovered fumble in the end zone for a touchdown by Denver in the first quarter during the NFL's Super Bowl 50 football game in Santa Clara, California February 7, 2016.  REUTERS/Mike Blake

The Super Bowl 50 had been an exciting and thrilling event. Two completely different NFL teams vied to snatch the highest award in professional football. While the Carolina Panthers entered the match as betting favorites, the 2016 Super Bowl ended with the aging Denver Broncos victorious. Peyton Manning, who has been taunted for his injuries and age throughout the NFL season, managed to lead an upset win over the Cam Newton squad.

The result of the Super Bowl 50 stunned not only the public but also the NFL community. Manning, who had been reportedly on the chopping block due to the strong showing of Brock Osweiler, almost lost his starting job prior to the face off against the Michael Oher squad. In fact, some fans believed that Osweiler would have made a better starting quarterback. The younger Denver Broncos star led the NFL team to the victory against the New England Patriots earlier this season - the first lost of the Tom Brady squad this year.

Meanwhile, Newton and the rest of the Carolina Panthers strolled to the Super Bowl 50 with the confidence of future NFL champions. The team's quarterback actually won the NFL MVP trophy prior to the game. Hence, most football fans already expected the Carolina Panthers to take home the Super Bowl 50 trophy.

Following their loss, Newton had been tagged as a sore loser. The Carolina Panthers quarterback had been criticized for his unsportsmanlike behavior after the Super Bowl 50. Meanwhile, Manning was praised for his firm hold on his faith and humility in the Denver Broncos' victory.

Here are Bible verses to guide athletes both in times of winning and losing.

1. All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27

2. If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. 2 Timothy 2:5 -7

3. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

4. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

5. But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26

6. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we van imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1Corinthians 9:24-27

7. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

8. Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." Mark 8:34-38

9. Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the Lord see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him. Proverbs 24:17-18

10. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2

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