Jake Byrne dreamed of playing professional football. He had the size, the talent, the drive...but at age 14, he found out he also had type 1 diabetes.
Still, Jake was determined to reach his goal. And God was determined to guide and empower him all along the way.
Jake's journey to the NFL is the backdrop for this collection of inspiring devotions based on nearly a hundred football terms. Jake takes you to the weight room, practice field, and even across the goal line. You'll feel as if you're lined up next to him, facing a very large defender you're about to take down. He also includes Scripture and then ties up each story in a way that feels real and encouraging. You'll discover...
• what to do when God calls an audible in your life
• how to respond when God puts you on special teams
• why prayer is never an incomplete pass
These quick daily readings will help you press through your own difficulties and experience God's dream for you.
Jake Byrne's journey to the NFL is the backdrop for this collection of inspiring devotions for teens based on football lingo. Jake defines each phrase, shares a brief Scripture, and tells an encouraging story from his own life that ties them together.
"As a football fan, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Jake's behind-the-scenes look at life in the NFL. But even better, I think First and Goal: What Football Taught Me about Never Giving Up will be a helpful devotional for all teens, showing them how to integrate faith and life, and inspiring them to persevere through all of life's challenges."
-Josh Kelley, pastor and author of Radically Normal
"As the mother of a high school receiver, I'm thrilled to have found this perfect blend of faith and football targeted to reach the heart of my son. The readings are short enough to keep his attention while still giving him plenty to think about as he heads out the door to practice. Jake Byrne's honesty about his personal struggles balancing life, football, and diabetes give hope to others navigating the rough waters of life. While we can all learn from the lessons Jake shares, First and Goal is the perfect inspiration for teenaged boys like mine."
-Candee Fick
"The book is so inspirational to my son who has type 1 diabetes, like Jake. Even for someone without type 1 diabetes, the book is great and the stories are so enjoyable."
-Therese Balistrieri
Jake Byrne has battled with type 1 diabetes since a young teen and has since been proactive combating the disease and mentoring diabetic youth. He played football for the University of Wisconsin as a tight end and went on to compete in the NFL. Originally with the New Orleans Saints in 2012, Jake has also been a Houston Texan, Kansas City Chief, and San Diego Charger.
"As a football fan, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Jake's behind-the-scenes look at life in the NFL. But even better, I think First and Goal: What Football Taught Me about Never Giving Up will be a helpful devotional for all teens, showing them how to integrate faith and life, and inspiring them to persevere through all of life's challenges."
-Josh Kelley, pastor and author of Radically Normal
"As the mother of a high school receiver, I'm thrilled to have found this perfect blend of faith and football targeted to reach the heart of my son. The readings are short enough to keep his attention while still giving him plenty to think about as he heads out the door to practice. Jake Byrne's honesty about his personal struggles balancing life, football, and diabetes give hope to others navigating the rough waters of life. While we can all learn from the lessons Jake shares, First and Goal is the perfect inspiration for teenaged boys like mine."
-Candee Fick
"The book is so inspirational to my son who has type 1 diabetes, like Jake. Even for someone without type 1 diabetes, the book is great and the stories are so enjoyable."
-Therese Balistrieri
