Texans’ Will Anderson Jr. Opens Press Conference with Bold Prayer: ‘Thank You, Jesus’
Michael Foust
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By Michael Foust, Crosswalk.com
One of the NFL’s top defenders began his press conference Tuesday after signing an extension not with talk about football or his contract – but with a prayer.
Houston’s Will Anderson Jr. agreed to a historic three-year, $150 million extension that makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league, according to ESPN, and keeps him on a defense that has become one of the league’s best.
During a banner 2025 season, Anderson earned First-Team All-Pro recognition, a second Pro Bowl nod, and was a finalist for AP Defensive Player of the Year. He also anchored a dominant Houston Texans unit that finished first in yards allowed and second in scoring defense.
Anderson addressed the media on Tuesday, opening with a prayer.
“Thank You, Jesus – Jesus, I owe all I am to You,” Anderson prayed. “Thank You for blessing me and keeping me and holding me together all these years. Without You, I am nothing. You have truly been gracious and loving to me. I love You, and I will always glorify Your Name. Now all the glory to God, who is able through His mighty power at work within us to accomplish infinitely more than we … might ask or think.”
Since being selected third overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Anderson has rapidly developed into one of the NFL’s premier defensive playmakers, piling up 30 sacks, 46 tackles for loss, and consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
He is one of the league’s most outspoken Christians.
Anderson also thanked his parents – not only for their support and love, but also for their discipline.
“To my support system, my parents - thank you for putting a football in my hands,” he said. “Who would have thought? The endless driving up and down the road, long talks, prayers, and love – I keep them closely to my heart. You guys are the best parents in the world. The young man you see here today is because of you. Thank you for the discipline and the structure you instilled in me and reminded me to just be me. I love y'all with everything in me.”
Concluding, Anderson thanked his siblings and his extended family – and also his “spiritual family,” presumably his church.
“To my spiritual family, thank you for the prayers and keeping me grounded in the Word and never letting me forget how powerful God is – and that He always has my back and is always standing on the front line with me.”
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Photo Credit: ©Getty Images / Cooper Neill / Contributor
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
