.png)
A former first-round draft pick in the National Basketball Association has announced his retirement from the sport two years into his NBA career.
AJ Griffin posted a video to his YouTube channel explaining that he quit so he can follow Jesus full-time.
In the seven-minute video, Griffin says, "I gave up basketball to follow Jesus. I know in a lot of people's eyes that seems like a loss."
Griffin says that he is excited to give his full yes to God. "I feel that letting go of basketball is allowing me to go into full-time ministry and truly serve the Lord with all my heart, and with all my time."
He says that the decision started in 2020 when he gave his life to God. "I truly accepted Him back then. He found me, I know we say we found Him, but He finds us. It was the best decision of my life. My heart started to change, before basketball was everything and it was my passion. When I came to God, He showed me that we're all made to glorify God. We're all made for a purpose. When you come to Christ, your identity is in Christ."
In the last several years that Griffin has been following Jesus, he has used his platforms to share encouragement with his followers. "I know how much it's changed my life, just through the trials and tribulations that I go through. God is fighting for me. I know that the only way I'm able to overcome is the Holy Spirit that He gives to His followers when you finally accept Him as your Lord and Saviour."
He says that he is going to continue to share the good news of the Gospel with as many people as possible.
Griffin was originally selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the 16th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft. He was traded to the Houston Rockets for the draft rights of Nikola Đurišić.