Introduction
When you think of the NBA, the first things that come to mind are athleticism, fame, and competition at the highest level. Yet, behind the fast breaks and slam dunks, many players live lives guided by deep personal beliefs. One question that often arises among fans and media alike is: how many nba players are jehovah witnesses
While the exact number isn’t publicly confirmed, several former and current NBA players have been identified or have openly spoken about their connection to the Jehovah’s Witness faith. This article explores who they are, what the faith teaches, and how it has influenced their careers both on and off the court.
Understanding Jehovah’s Witnesses
Before discussing which NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses, it’s important to understand what the religion represents. Jehovah’s Witnesses are members of a Christian denomination known for their distinct beliefs and lifestyles.
They emphasize:
- Worshipping Jehovah (God) as the only true deity.
- Avoiding celebrations like birthdays or national holidays.
- Preaching and door-to-door ministry to share their faith.
Neutrality in politics and war.
These teachings often require followers to make significant life adjustments. For professional athletes who live in the public eye, balancing these beliefs with the high-profile world of sports can be challenging.
How Many NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
While the NBA doesn’t keep a record of players’ religious affiliations, reports and interviews have revealed that at least three former NBA players are confirmed Jehovah’s Witnesses. These include Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon.
Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
Danny Granger: From All-Star to Spiritual Devotion
Danny Granger, a former Indiana Pacers star, is one of the most recognized NBA players associated with the Jehovah’s Witness faith.
Granger played in the NBA from 2005 to 2015 and was known for his scoring ability, leadership, and dedication. However, what many fans don’t know is that Granger was raised in a family that practiced the Jehovah’s Witness religion.
After his retirement, Granger became more vocal about his spiritual beliefs. He often expressed how his faith helped him stay grounded during his career and guided his decisions after leaving basketball.
Darren Collison: The Player Who Walked Away for Faith
Perhaps the most well-known case is Darren Collison, who shocked the basketball world when he announced his retirement in 2019 — despite still being in his prime.
Collison played for teams like the Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers, earning a reputation as a reliable point guard. At just 31 years old, he stepped away from a potential multi-million-dollar contract to focus on his spiritual life as a Jehovah’s Witness.
In his statement, Collison said:
“While I still love basketball, I know there is something more important — my family and my faith.”
His decision was widely respected in the sports community, with many admiring his courage to prioritize personal beliefs over fame and money.
Interestingly, Collison returned briefly to play again in 2021, showing that while faith may lead to big decisions, the love for the game never truly fades.
Dewayne Dedmon: Balancing Faith and Basketball
Another NBA player connected to the Jehovah’s Witness faith is Dewayne Dedmon.
Dedmon’s journey is particularly inspiring. Raised in a strict Jehovah’s Witness household, he wasn’t allowed to play organized basketball growing up. His mother discouraged sports involvement because it conflicted with their religious beliefs.
However, Dedmon pursued his passion later in life and eventually made it to the NBA — a rare feat considering his late start.
Despite facing personal and religious challenges, Dedmon maintained a respectful balance between his beliefs and professional obligations. His story is often cited as an example of perseverance and faith coexisting in the demanding world of sports.
Faith in the Spotlight: Challenges for Jehovah’s Witness Athletes
Being a Jehovah’s Witness in professional sports isn’t easy. The lifestyle comes with strict principles that sometimes conflict with the culture of fame, entertainment, and competition.
Here are some challenges NBA players of this faith often face:
1. Limited Participation in Celebrations
Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays, holidays, or national events. This can sometimes make them stand out in team environments where celebrations and traditions are common.
2. Political and Military Neutrality
They remain neutral in political matters and refuse military service, which can create misunderstandings or pressure, especially during times of national controversy.
3. Focus on Ministry Work
Jehovah’s Witnesses devote significant time to preaching and Bible study. Maintaining this schedule while juggling the demands of an NBA career can be difficult.
4. Public Misunderstanding
Many people misunderstand their beliefs, which can lead to unwanted attention or false assumptions about their character or commitment to the sport.
Despite these challenges, the players who practice this faith have found ways to remain true to their convictions while still excelling in their professional lives.
The Influence of Faith on Their Careers
Faith often shapes how players handle success, failure, and fame. For Jehovah’s Witnesses, humility, discipline, and modesty are key values — traits that translate well on the basketball court.
Players like Collison and Granger have shared that their faith helped them stay mentally strong, focused, and balanced, especially during the high-pressure moments of their careers.
Moreover, their example has inspired fans and younger athletes who also struggle to balance spiritual beliefs with ambitious goals.
Why So Few NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses
Given the demanding lifestyle of professional basketball, it’s not surprising that few NBA players belong to the Jehovah’s Witness faith.
The religion discourages pursuits that could interfere with religious duties or promote self-glorification. Since the NBA revolves around fame, competition, and public attention, many followers of the faith may avoid such environments altogether.
Still, those who do make it — like Granger, Collison, and Dedmon — show that it’s possible to succeed while staying true to one’s beliefs.
Other Athletes Who Share the Faith
While the number of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA is small, the religion has followers in other sports too.
For example:
- Serena and Venus Williams, the tennis champions, were raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses.
- Dave Meyers, a former Milwaukee Bucks player from the 1970s, was also a devoted Witness.
These athletes demonstrate that faith and athletic excellence can coexist across various sports disciplines.
Public Curiosity and Recent Trends
The topic of how many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses gained popularity on social media, partly due to stand-up comedy routines and viral clips mentioning it. However, behind the humor lies genuine curiosity about how personal faith influences life choices at the highest level of competition.
Fans are often intrigued by how athletes balance their beliefs with fame — and the Jehovah’s Witness community in sports continues to be a fascinating example of this balance.
Conclusion
So, how many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses? While only a few names are publicly known — Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon — their stories highlight something deeper than statistics.
They remind us that even in the fast-paced, high-pressure world of professional basketball, personal faith can guide decisions, shape values, and define success in ways that go far beyond championships or contracts.
Ultimately, their journeys show that staying true to one’s beliefs — no matter the setting — is one of the greatest victories of all.
