Packer Trainer Feels God’s Presence
by Joe Polhemus
“Every time I face a decision, I believe God taps me on the shoulder to keep my action in biblical perspective … to do what Jesus would do.”
Pepper Burruss, head trainer of the Green Bay Packers, told Congregationalists at the 46th NACCC Annual meeting that even in football-fevered Green Bay faith means more than winning football games with “overpaid, out-of-control” players.
The Packer training complex has room for $40,000 worth of tape and enough medication to stock a CVS warehouse. But it also has a chapel for nondenominational services before and after games. Local clergymen, including Burruss’ pastor, the Rev. Gary Pierce, Pilgrim Congregational Church, take turns ministering to players and coaches. Before each game, Burruss also kneels to ask God’s blessing on both teams.
The Packer trainer talks more about his faith and public prayer:
JBP: On June 19, 2000, just a few days ago, the Supreme Court ruled against student-led prayers at school athletic events1. Has the American Civil Liberties Union, or any other activist group, ever objected to public prayers by you or by members of the Packers?
PB: Never. I don’t think anyone would have the gall to complain, probably because so many star athletes pray for safety before the game and in gratitude after the game. Remember that football is a business and not restricted by rules prohibiting prayer at school events.
JBP: Three years ago, Packer Reggie White one of football’s all-time greats and an ordained minister, told the Wisconsin legislature that homosexuality was a sin condemned in the Bible. What was your reaction to his statement?
PB: I know Reggie as a Christian brother and know he did not intend to offend anyone. It was the media that took offense. As usual, they took comments out of context. Just as anyone can take a few phrases, or even a line, out of the Bible to serve a purpose, the media chose to distort Reggie’s intent.
JBP: Do you think religion can be a divisive force in the locker room?
PB: The locker room should be a common ground and not a place to preach or to blare music from a personal radio. The place for religion is in the chapel, with players free to participate or not. I have seen no player try to impose his religion on anyone else.
JBP: What side do you think God takes when both teams pray to win?
Pepper exults at the Packers’ 35-21 victory over the New England Patriots in the New Orleans Superdome—1997, Super Bowl XXXI.
PB: We don’t pray to win, but pray for God’s will to be done. Although I like to think God might be a football fan, He has more important things to do than be concerned about the outcome of a football game. I believe He blesses both teams.
JBP: Why would a Christian play a violent game like football?
Despite the violence of football, players feel blessed that they have the talent to play.
PB: One player I know says he was blessed with talent, health and the size to play football. As a Christian, he believes he wants to honor and steward those talents by playing to the best of his ability.
JBP: How does your faith affect your approach to your job?
PB: Every day when I get up, I make faith my number one priority. I try to spend a few minutes in meditation. It helps me feel God’s presence in my life as the day progresses.
JBP: Do you share your faith?
PB: I spoke to my high school’s graduating class a few days ago. I said if I found a genie’s lamp buried in the sand and was granted three wishes, my first wish would be for biblical wisdom. The other two wishes wouldn’t matter. I hope my faith is not so much verbal but is expressed in the way I conduct myself. We all have our sinful side and I know God forgives me. His light enhances my compassion for others who have sinned.
JBP: Can you give me an outstanding example of Christian faith in action?
Three-time MVP Brett Favre overcame addiction to pain-killing medication. Shown with his friend and trainer, Pepper Burruss.
PB: Probably the most publicized example occurred in 1992, when I was Head Trainer for the New York Jets. A collision on the field paralyzed a Christian brother, Jet Dennis Byrd. He recovered, miraculously, after many months and told his story in a book, Rise and Walk—a modern Lazarus. I still remember the day of the injury and the prayer he made as we were en route to the hospital in an ambulance:
“Thank you, Lord Jesus, for putting me in this position. You know I am strong enough to handle it.”
JBP: How do you reconcile in religious terms the conduct of tight end Mark Chamura2, a United Way poster boy, supposedly representing all that is good and noble about the National Football League?
PB: I have no explanation. Something went terribly wrong. It’s a great tragedy for the girl, for Mark, and for the Packer community. Mark’s my friend. He and his family have been in my home. He seemed to exemplify all the good qualities of a Christian athlete, a role model.
JBP: How did you become Congregationalists?
PB: When we came to Green Bay seven years ago, Nancy and I were looking for a biblically sound church. We first came to Pilgrim Church to attend the wedding of Mike Holmgren’s daughter (former Green Bay head coach now coaching the Seattle Seahawks). We liked everything about the church … not just the beautiful structure, but pastor Gary Pierce and the warmth of the people.
We kept coming, became more familiar with the Congregational Way, and joined.
We’re happy we’re Congregationalists.
Joe Polhemus became Editor of The Congregationalist October 1, 1989.
1. The Supreme Court case on student-led prayer originated in Santa Fe, Texas. At the school’s first football game, Sept. 1, no students led prayers. But a coalition of ministers organized a “spontaneous” recitation of the Lord’s Prayer by spectators after the National Anthem.
2. Earlier this year, Chamura was charged with third-degree sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl. If convicted, he could face up to 40 years in prison.