News

NBA player AJ Griffin explains why he abruptly retired at 21: ‘I gave up basketball to follow Jesus’

Please log in or register to do it.

More than two years ago, the Atlanta Hawks selected forward AJ Griffin in the first round of the NBA Draft out of Duke.

However, before the 2024-25 season tipped off, Griffin announced he was stepping away from the NBA. He had played in 92 games and averaged 7.5 points and 17.1 minutes per game. He was traded from the Hawks to the Houston Rockets in the offseason.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

AJ Griffin at media day

Atlanta Hawks guard AJ Griffin, #14, photographed during Hawks Media Day in Atlanta on Oct. 2, 2023. (Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)

He explained on Sunday why he decided to retire from basketball.

“I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,” he said. “And I know that in a lot of people’s eyes, that seems like, it seems like a loss in the world’s eyes. But I just want to let you guys know that I’m super excited because I truly get to serve God, you know, with my full Yes, and I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to, you know, go into full-time ministry and truly serving the Lord with all my heart — with all my time too, as well. So, I’m just excited to see where that leads me.”

Griffin said his decision stemmed from giving his “full life to Christ” back in 2020.

AJ Griffin vs Wizards

Atlanta Hawks forward AJ Griffin, #14, dribbles against the Washington Wizards in the first half at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on April 5, 2023. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

KNICKS, TIMBERWOLVES CLOSE TO EXCHANGING ALL-STARS IN POTENTIAL BLOCKBUSTER TRADE: REPORTS

The 21-year-old Texas native is not the only NBA player who has decided to put his career on hold and dedicate his life to faith.

Darren Collison retired from the NBA for a few years to help the less fortunate through the Jehovah’s Witness faith.

AJ Griffin vs Pacers

Atlanta Hawks forward AJ Griffin, #14, boxes out Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith, #25, in the second half at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on March 25, 2023. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“While I still love basketball, I know there is something more important, which is my family and my faith,” he said in a letter to Andscape at the time. “I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and my faith means everything to me. I receive so much joy from volunteering to help others and participate in a worldwide ministry. The joy I feel is unmatched. With that being said, I have decided to retire from the NBA.”

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Related Posts
49ers’ Arik Armstead accuses Jaguars player of ‘dirty play’

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead took issue with an alleged "dirty play" committed by Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Read more

Scorsese explains why ‘Flower Moon’ centers on ‘murderous White guy’ after criticism from indigenous community

Director Martin Scorsese recently explained why his new film "Killers of The Flower Moon" centered the movie around Leonardo DiCaprio's Read more

APEC Gave a Rare Opportunity to See China’s Xi Up Close

As the most powerful Chinese leader in generations, Xi Jinping rarely bothers to glad-hand or to try charming a crowd. Read more

NBA legend Shaq defends Warriors’ Draymond Green

Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal recently shared his thoughts on the heated on-court incident between Draymond Green and Rudy Read more

Kris Kristofferson: 12 Essential Songs
Trump, Harris essentially tied in Michigan, Wisconsin: NYT/Siena College poll

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *