Blogger of Jared

Coach Bronco Mendenhall was on the Jim Rome Show, a national sports radio show, earlier this month.  His interview showed how great a tool BYU football is for missionary work and it reflects Bronco’s awareness of his responsibilities as the head coach of BYU’s football team.  During the interview, Bronco said, “Football here is such a visible part of the institution, and maybe … the flag-bearer … of the institution.”

Throughout the interview, Bronco made several references to the Church, the gospel, and the principles that BYU represents.  Except where specifically quoted, the following examples are paraphrased from Bronco’s interview:

• Missionary Work.  Over 70 players on the team are returned missionaries having gone all over the world speaking different languages.
• Family Values.  Over 30 of Bronco’s players are married, and others are looking to become married.
• The Pride Cycle.  The players are very aware of “what they call the pride cycle” in which once you start viewing yourselves as better than you are, you’ll be humbled at some point.
• Faith at BYU.  BYU first and foremost develops the faith of its students.  The values and faith-based nature of the institution comes before studies, football, and social life.
• The Honor Code.  The players have to agree to the honor code which is no tobacco, no alcohol, and no premarital sex.  It makes the players conscientious and diligent.
• Church Callings.  Football is only one of the things the players do.  Most of Bronco’s players have callings in the Church which means they’re doing different things during the week for their faith.
• Quest for Perfection.  Part of the mission statement of BYU is to aid each individual in their quest for perfection.

Whether or not one rabidly follows BYU football like I do, it’s clear that it does serve to spread awareness of BYU and the Church.  Aware of this, Bronco’s efforts which also include his popular Friday-night firesides are having a positive impact.