Backstory: Football team wears faith on its sleeve

Steeldogs managing partner Scott Myers admits he got a little ahead of things when High suggested having a Faith Night for their matchup last Friday against the Louisville Fire. As a Christian himself, he saw it as an opportunity to gain new fans during a traditionally slow month, and spread a faith-based message. What better way than to be the first professional sports team to wear Bible-themed jerseys in a game?

The jerseys look the same, except the "Steeldogs" name on the front has been replaced by "Samson," an Old Testament hero. On the back, a book of the Bible replaces each player's last name, with his jersey number referring to a specific chapter and verse. Bibles distributed outside the arena before the game give fans an easy way to look up the passages. Proceeds from the post-game jersey auction will go to Cornerstone Schools of Alabama, a faith-based alternative to the struggling inner-city schools of Birmingham.

The team responded with enthusiasm, but arena football officials threatened to fine the owners $25,000 for the jersey violation. Thus the team's decision to wear the jerseys only in warm-ups and during the autograph session and auction.

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Many fans do respond to the post-game bidding. Almost as quickly as quarterback Ryan Hawk slips on his No. 12 jersey, he's pulling it off again, scrawling his signature beneath the name "James," which, with the number, refers to James 1:2 (New International Version): "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials." Grinning, he seems nonplussed that someone paid $350 for a jersey he basically used as a hand towel. "My family tried to bid on it, but it got too high," he says.

Even though the players couldn't wear the jerseys during the game, expressions of faith are evident. When an opponent is injured, team members drop to their knees and coaches link arms - all praying openly. Nor do players seem hesitant to flaunt the Bible passages. "I really liked the idea," says Lawrence Story, a wide receiver and linebacker, as he waits to auction off his jersey. "It was something different and it was for a good cause, so anything for a good cause, we're down with."

How much the event increased attendance is debatable: 6,156 fans are here, up from the season average of 5,773, but still short of the opening game's turnout.

Reaction to the faith activities is mixed among those milling around the snack bars. Huddling over a display of jerseys, Rashad Upshaw, 14, and his friend, Jamarcus Nelson, are trying to figure out how to raise $60 for a shirt with the words "King James" on it. Rashad's not interested in the biblical connotations. He just wants to show support for his favorite professional basketball star: LeBron James. "I'll come back," he says. "I'm gonna ask my grandma for the money."

But others, like 12-year-old Austin Park, are thrilled with the opportunity to mingle two loves. Austin ponders his bid, finally deciding on Nehemiah. "I bid on I Samuel, Nehemiah, and Romans," he explains. "I just love Romans. There are a lot of great verses in there."

Other families, like the Huffmans, came for the Christian concert but stayed for the game - most of it anyway. They've never seen the Steeldogs, but heard about Faith Night on the radio and wanted to show their support. "It was a good Christian activity," says Stephanie Huffman. "The kids had a blast, and the band was really good. We hope our family was a positive influence on others."

Nor do all the faith-based activities seem to hurt the Steeldogs: They won 63 to 60.

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