Monday, July 01, 2002
Football star asks crowd to join winning team
By Steve Eder seder@enquirer.com
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander is used to being on the football field, especially on Sundays, when he usually wears cleats and dodges defenders. But on this Sunday night, he was wearing a different uniform and playing on a different team: Jesus's team.
 Shaun Alexander gives his testimonial.
(Brandi Stafford photo)
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The guy is undefeated, said the Florence, Ky., native in front of 65,000 missioners.
Mr. Alexander, a former Boone County High School star who played at the University of Alabama, took the stage on the final night of the Billy Graham mission to give testimony before the Rev. Mr. Graham gave his final sermon to Greater Cincinnati.
Mr. Alexander, 24, shared brief stories about his relationship with Jesus Christ. As a child, his mother introduced him to Christ by taking him to church, where he witnessed prayers and became excited by religion.
 Alexander with his wife Valerie on stage.
(Brandi Stafford photo)
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Mr. Alexander, one of the rising stars in the NFL, said his faith continues to grow. He also acknowledged working with fellow football players to share his faith.
Before he was drafted by the Seahawks in 2000, Mr. Alexander started the Shaun Alexander Family Foundation in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The foundation provides financial backing to charitable and evangelical organizations through youth rallies and camps.
Mr. Alexander was a first round pick by the Seahawks in 2000. He played sparingly during his rookie season, but was thrown into the spotlight in his second season when veteran back Ricky Watters was injured.
He quickly emerged as the Seahawks main offensive weapon, rushing for 1,318 yards during his second season in the NFL.
As Mr. Alexander ended his comments, he inserted a short plea for others to join him. Come and join the winning team, he said.
Read up on Alexander's football career at NFL.com
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