Underneath the flashing lights, roaring crowds, and slam dunks, many NBA players live with quiet strength rooted in faith. One such belief system—Jehovah’s Witnesses—has found followers in the world of professional basketball, surprising many fans.
This article explores how many ex NBA players are Jehovah Witness, diving into their personal journeys, sacrifices, and what this rare intersection of faith and fame truly looks like.
A Chance Encounter
Years ago, at a youth basketball camp in California, a young boy asked a visiting former NBA player, “Why did you stop playing when you were still so good?” The retired player smiled and replied, “Because I found something better.” That “something” was his faith as a Jehovah’s Witness.
That moment sparked questions in many minds: How many ex NBA players are Jehovah Witness? Is it just one player who made this choice—or are there more?
The Unseen Side of NBA Stardom
For most fans, NBA players are icons—living embodiments of skill, speed, and style. But fame doesn’t shield anyone from life’s bigger questions. Religion often becomes a source of direction when the cheers fade.
Many players, in their prime or just entering stardom, find that basketball alone isn’t enough to fill the void. For some, the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses offer purpose beyond trophies, and that’s what raises the question: how many ex NBA players are Jehovah Witness today, and how did their belief shape their careers?
How Many Ex NBA Players Are Jehovah Witness – The Truth Behind the Stats
As of recent public knowledge, at least three former NBA players have been confirmed as Jehovah’s Witnesses:
- Darren Collison
- Danny Granger
- Dewayne Dedmon
These athletes not only played at elite levels but also made serious decisions based on their spiritual beliefs. While the exact number could be slightly higher due to private faith practices, these three names have spoken openly or been widely acknowledged for their association with Jehovah’s Witnesses. This makes the topic how many ex NBA players are Jehovah Witness more intriguing than most people realize.
The Quiet Strength of Faith
Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for their door-to-door ministry, rejection of military service, and refusal to participate in nationalistic rituals like saluting the flag or celebrating holidays. It’s a faith rooted in quiet conviction and strong moral codes.
It’s why the question—how many ex NBA players are Jehovah Witness—becomes even more powerful. Because choosing this path in a fame-driven industry is no small thing.
Darren Collison: The Shocking Retirement
Perhaps the most public case is Darren Collison. In 2019, while still at the top of his game and just 31 years old, Collison retired from the NBA. Fans were stunned. He had several years left to play and was being courted by championship teams.
In his heartfelt letter to ESPN, Collison wrote:
“I am one of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and my faith means everything to me.”
His retirement is often the starting point when people ask, how many ex NBA players are Jehovah Witness and why do they make such life-changing decisions?
Danny Granger and the Power of Humility
Danny Granger, former Indiana Pacers star, was known for his composure, intelligence, and consistent performance. Though his religious affiliation wasn’t shouted from rooftops, he confirmed in interviews his association with Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Fans curious about how many ex NBA players are Jehovah Witness often discover Granger’s story next. His quiet strength and faith-based lifestyle made him a role model both on and off the court.
Dewayne Dedmon: Faith Before Fame
Dewayne Dedmon had an unconventional path to the NBA. Raised by a Jehovah’s Witness mother, he was restricted from playing basketball in his youth because of religious beliefs. But Dedmon kept his passion alive.
Eventually, his mother allowed him to pursue the sport under certain conditions. Dedmon went from a late basketball starter to an NBA center. His journey adds another answer to the question: how many ex NBA players are Jehovah Witness, and how many more had to fight just to play?
The Brotherhood of Belief
Interestingly, these players don’t form a “club” in the traditional sense, but they share a quiet brotherhood. Unlike other NBA groups centered around fashion, business, or social justice, this brotherhood exists quietly—bound by faith, not fame.
Every time someone searches how many ex NBA players are Jehovah Witness, they’re really looking for more than numbers—they’re searching for stories of courage, conviction, and calm in a chaotic world.
Challenges Faced by Jehovah’s Witness Players
Being a Jehovah’s Witness in the NBA isn’t easy. The league celebrates individualism, swagger, and larger-than-life personas. In contrast, Jehovah’s Witnesses value modesty, humility, and collective worship.
Some of the challenges these players face include:
- Missing games or events for religious conventions
- Avoiding celebrations like Christmas and birthdays
- Choosing ministry over media appearances
- Navigating locker rooms where faith is often questioned
Despite these challenges, these former players prove that how many ex NBA players are Jehovah Witness isn’t just a curiosity—it’s a question about strength, sacrifice, and staying true to one’s beliefs.
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Conclusion: More Than Just Basketball
So, how many ex NBA players are Jehovah Witness? We know of three, but their stories speak volumes. What makes them stand out isn’t just their athletic ability—it’s their courage to prioritize faith in a world that often pulls in the opposite direction.
In a culture obsessed with performance, these men chose purpose. And for every slam dunk they gave up, they found peace in spiritual service.
Their legacy isn’t just etched in basketball stats—but in the lives they now lead, grounded in faith, humility, and strength that goes beyond the scoreboard.
