Beyond The Buzzer: 5 Ex-NBA Players Who Dedicated Their Lives To The Jehovah's Witnesses Faith

The transition from a high-stakes, multi-million dollar NBA career to a life centered on spiritual ministry is one of the most compelling stories in professional sports. As of late 2025, the stories of several former NBA players who have openly embraced or deepened their commitment to the Jehovah's Witnesses faith continue to capture public curiosity, highlighting a profound shift in priorities from athletic glory to spiritual devotion. This article delves into the lives of these athletes, examining how their faith has shaped their careers, their surprising retirements, and their current endeavors.

The commitment required by the Jehovah's Witnesses—including regular ministry work and adherence to specific doctrines—often stands in stark contrast to the demanding, high-profile world of professional basketball. For these ex-players, the choice to prioritize their spiritual life over the league's immense fame and fortune offers a unique perspective on the power of personal conviction.

Darren Collison: Biography and The Shock Retirement for Faith

Darren Collison's decision to walk away from a guaranteed future in the NBA at the peak of his career remains one of the most talked-about retirements in recent memory. His public statement clearly articulated the reason: a deep-seated commitment to his faith as a Jehovah's Witness.

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• Full Name: Darren Michael Collison
• Born: August 23, 1987 (Age 38 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Rancho Cucamonga, California, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
• Weight: 165 lb (75 kg)
• Position: Point Guard
• College: UCLA (2005–2009)
• NBA Draft: 2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 21 (New Orleans Hornets)
• NBA Career: 2009–2019 (New Orleans Hornets, Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings)
• Career Highlights: NBA All-Rookie First Team (2010), Pac-10 Player of the Year (2009)
• Retirement Date: June 28, 2019
• Reason for Retirement: To focus on his family and his faith as one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Collison announced his retirement in 2019, just shy of his 32nd birthday, leaving millions of dollars on the table. He was considered a highly effective starting point guard and a valuable free agent at the time.

In his statement, he explained that his faith as a Jehovah's Witness was "more important" than basketball. He expressed a desire to dedicate his time to volunteer work and ministry, believing that spreading joy and helping others was his true calling. This move was praised by many for its conviction, though it shocked the wider NBA community. His former teammate, Myles Turner, even mentioned attending Jehovah's Witness meetings with Collison.

The Spiritual Journeys of Notable Ex-NBA Stars

Darren Collison is not the only high-profile player whose life has been deeply influenced by the Jehovah's Witnesses faith. The following list details other former NBA players who have publicly identified with the religion, some of whom were raised in it and others who embraced it later in life.

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Danny Granger: Baptism After the Game

Danny Granger, a former All-Star and the 2009 NBA Most Improved Player, was a dominant force for the Indiana Pacers for years.

Granger was raised in a household of Jehovah's Witnesses, a background he credits with instilling in him a sense of respect and discipline. However, his formal commitment came later. After his NBA career concluded in 2015, Granger was reportedly baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 2017. This post-retirement decision signifies a profound commitment, choosing to fully embrace the faith's principles after his professional obligations had ended. His journey reflects a growing dedication to ministry and spiritual life away from the NBA spotlight.

Dewayne Dedmon: Overcoming Faith-Related Obstacles

Dewayne Dedmon, a 7-foot center who played for multiple teams including the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers, has also been identified as a Jehovah's Witness.

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Dedmon's connection to the faith is tied to his upbringing, where his mother's religious limitations initially created obstacles to his basketball career. Despite these early challenges, he went on to have a long and successful career as an NBA role player. While he was considered a current player in 2023, his status as a free agent in late 2025 places him in the category of an "ex-NBA player" for the purposes of this discussion, with his faith being a consistent part of his public identity.

The Pioneers: Other Notable Figures and Their Faith

The connection between the NBA and the Jehovah's Witnesses faith is not a new phenomenon. Several other prominent former players from earlier eras have also been associated with the religion, demonstrating a long-standing presence of the faith within the league's history.

A.C. Green: The Iron Man and Spiritual Beliefs

A.C. Green, a Los Angeles Lakers legend, is perhaps most famous for his "Iron Man" streak, holding the NBA record for most consecutive games played (1,192). Green played from 1985 to 2001.

Green has been widely noted as a devoted member of the Jehovah's Witness faith, a commitment that is often linked to his famous decision to remain celibate throughout his playing career. While his faith is sometimes broadly described as strong spiritual beliefs, his association with the Jehovah's Witnesses is frequently cited in discussions about athletes and religion.

Reggie Theus: A Later Conversion to the Faith

Reggie Theus, a two-time NBA All-Star and former head coach, is another notable name on the list of ex-players associated with the Jehovah's Witnesses.

Theus reportedly joined the faith in the 1990s, later in his life and career compared to those who were raised in the religion. His conversion highlights that for some athletes, the spiritual journey is one that occurs later in life, often following the intense pressures and lifestyle of a professional career. His story adds another layer to the diverse ways in which former NBA players find spiritual fulfillment after retirement.

The Impact of Faith on NBA Careers and Post-Career Life

The decision to adhere strictly to the tenets of the Jehovah's Witnesses can present unique challenges for professional athletes. The faith's stance on holidays, national anthems, and even the intense focus on individual achievement can sometimes conflict with the culture of professional sports.

For players like Darren Collison and Danny Granger, their faith became a central pillar of their post-NBA identity. Collison's retirement is the most tangible evidence of this, showcasing a willingness to sacrifice immense wealth and fame for a spiritual pursuit. His current life is dedicated to ministry, a significant shift from the arenas and bright lights of the NBA. This choice resonates with the core values of the Jehovah's Witnesses, which emphasize evangelism and volunteer work.

The stories of these ex-NBA players—including Collison, Granger, Dedmon, Green, and Theus—demonstrate that the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment can ultimately outweigh the allure of professional sports. They have all found a way to transition from celebrated athletes to dedicated ministers, using their post-career lives to serve a higher purpose.