| With the explosiveness that gives him the ability to score every time he touches the football, Napoleon Kaufman of the Oakland Raiders has distinguished himself as one of the National Football League's most respected running backs. Currently ranking 24th among active rushers in the NFL, Kaufman has also climbed near the top of several of the Raiders all-time lists. With all of his accolades, the Raiders 1995 first round draft choice knows there is something even more important he brings to the team: his faith in Jesus Christ.
"God is faithful," said Kaufman. "Obviously, He doesn't call you to just sit around and do nothing. He'll use your life and it's a wonder what God has done in my life."
God has used Kaufman to be a witness for Christ - and his commitment to the Lord has produced results, both on and off the field. After sharing his faith over a period of time with fellow Raider Steve Wisniewski, the eight-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman gave his life to the Lord.
"You know that it's not you," said Kaufman, on leading Wisniewski, who had earned the reputation as the NFL's dirtiest player, to Christ. "God begins to deal with an individuals heart and I just happened to be there and God considered me faithful to speak the Word of God into his life, and what else can you say?"
Kaufman has plenty to say when the topic is the goodness of God. The former University of Washington standout, the school's all-time leader in rushing and all-purpose yards, says he keeps focused by staying plugged in to God.
"I have to have that quiet time, that private time with God, staying intimate with God, staying in His word and the Bible says we're kept by the power of God through faith," said Kaufman, who led the Raiders in rushing from 1996 to 1998. "He keeps me, what can I say?"
Through his actions - and with his words - Kaufman says it all. In the past two seasons, with a diminished role on the Raiders, Kaufman has also spoken volumes by not saying anything about his reduced role.
"You have to understand that you're in a service, not to man but unto God," said Kaufman. "If God wants to get you up there playing and doing all that stuff He'll make you seen. You don't have to do any talking or do anything. If He wants to promote you, He'll promote you. So I just tend to keep my mouth shut and continue to play hard to His glory and do it heartily unto the Lord everything that I try to do."
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