Browns Football Players Share Testimonies at ‘ Cleveland for Christ’ Event

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During this time of the year, everyone seems to be talking about football, soccer, or running. But what about when faith and sports intersect? Can a beloved hobby really be used to share the Gospel? Attendees of the 2026 ‘Cleveland for Christ’ event believe so.

Nearly 200 people gathered at the public Berea Municipal Pool just outside Cleveland earlier this June to worship, baptize believers, and share testimonies. Featuring 15 Cleveland Browns players, this event was the fulfillment of a dream from 3 years earlier.

According to the ‘Cleveland for Christ’ organizers, they had hope for the event, but never imagined it would gain such traction. Cleveland Browns’ and Cavaliers team Chaplain, Nobles Darby, however, believes “it could [continue] to spark something much larger.”

“About three years ago, when I was coming into the Browns organization, I was just praying, and I was asking God to give me some ideas of how we could extend ministry beyond the practice facility,” he recalled. “One of the ideas that I had was to do a citywide baptism service … and to just come alongside guys on our team and just open it up to the community.”

While not everyone who attended the event may have been a Christian, Darby believes "The tide has been turned," Darby said during an appearance on "The Dawgs — A Cleveland Browns Podcast."

"Specifically here in Cleveland, we're going to see more and more pro athletes in our city ... be more vocal about who they are ... as believers in the Lord."

Besides sports, Darby also serves as the Metro Cleveland Director for the Cleveland Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Photo Credit: ©Instagram / noblesdarbyiv

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.