Patriots’ coach Markus Paul, chaplain Walt Day, mentor team

JACKSONVILLE (BP)—Markus Paul works throughout the year to make the New England Patriots a bigger, stronger and tougher team in his role as a strength and conditioning coach.

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But with New England going for their third Super Bowl title in four years against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday at Jacksonville’s Alltel Stadium, Paul knows it’s more important to be tougher and stronger spiritually than in any other part of his being.

“During the Super Bowl with all the activities and crazy things going on, it can be harder to stay strong for God, but if we keep our focus on God and strive to please Him, He will always honor our efforts,” Paul said during Super Bowl Media Day.

Unlike the Patriots position coaches who have to make adjustments before and during the game depending on what plays out on the field, Paul does almost all of his work in the week leading up to the game or in the off-season. He started his coaching career with the New Orleans Saints, working with current Patriots head strength coach and fellow believer Mike Woicik before joining New England and Woicik in 2000.

While his work may be done by the start of Super Bowl XXXIX, Paul said his relationship with Christ has lifted him during the many long and tiring hours helping the Patriots get to the NFL title game.

“Sometimes the players get upset when they’re working out or get upset with each other, but it helps keep you balanced if you have a Christian mindset in all that you do.”

Paul said the Bible study which longtime Patriots chaplain Walt Day coordinates each week is a big help to him and fellow Christians on the New England squad.

“Going to the [Bible] study helps you to know that you are not alone,” Paul said. “There are a number of players on this team that have a like mind together.”

With all the talk this week about the potential greatness of the Patriots and their expected ease of victory Sunday, Paul said the Christian coaches and players are able to look beyond man’s praises.

“The Bible tells us not to focus on the praises of man. Pride comes before the fall. That’s why one of my favorite verses is Romans 8:18 which talks about the suffering of this present age not being comparable with the glories of Christ Jesus,” Paul said.

One challenge for Christian coaches like Paul is staying active in their home churches especially during the football season. He is involved in a Wednesday night Bible study which he is able to make part of the time and also worships at his church on Sunday night if a game finishes in time.

“Coaches put in so many hours during the week, it’s hard to be involved in different activities at church, but you have to stay strong in the Word,” Paul said.

The Patriots have already proven to be strong enough on the field with a 17-1 regular season and playoff record and a chance for a rare repeat as Super Bowl champions, but Paul and others are doing their part to make sure the team stays strong spiritually both on and off the field.

Chaplain Steadies Patriots

Walt Day has been on a sports ministry roller coaster this year like few chaplains ever before.

He was in Jacksonville for his fourth Super Bowl as the New England Patriots team chaplain and was on hand last fall when the Boston Red Sox broke their 86-year World Series so-called jinx in his role as the ball team’s chaplain.

“I don’t think anybody has ever been chaplain for a world champion baseball and football team at the same time. It’s been quite a year,” Day said.

But despite the man-made sport success, Day said he is working every day to turn the players he ministers to toward Jesus Christ.

“There really isn’t anything special about me. I’ve gotten a little publicity, but the main thing is that we had players helping players and seeking to reach other,” Day said.

The Patriots were the center of attention in Jacksonville as they sought their third Super Bowl title in four years, but Day said the spiritual members of the team have another focus.

“They are a very level-headed group. I think God really wants to work through the media. You have the whole world watching this week and you have a tremendous opportunity to bring glory to God in this setting.”

Patriots defensive back Je’Rod Cherry said the Christians on the team are simply taking their cue from their spiritual coach.

“I told him a couple of weeks ago, I appreciate his dedication to our team. Anybody can show up for one or two weeks, but Walt has been here for many years, every week that we need him.”

Linebacker Don Davis said Day has had a big impact on his life spiritually and is now considering going to seminary after he retires to be able to help others.

“He’s the guy to help us. That what this team is about,” Davis said.

“We’re growing spiritually as a team,” Day said. “That’s what you’re always looking for,” Day said, speaking as a man who is a Boston off-the-field champion for any sport.