Clarence Goodson is an American soccer player that plays for the San Jose Earthquakes and the U.S. National team. He’s the team’s best defender and has been a part of the national team since 2008. The 32-year-old veteran was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia and made a name for himself in the MLS with the FC Dallas Club. He has also played professionally in Norway and Denmark. He made his international debut against Sweden on January 19, 2008 and went on to be selected for the 23-man roster for the American national team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. As of this season, Goodson has made 7 appearances with the San Jose Earthquakes and has recorded an assist.
The experienced veteran has had quite a journey professionally, as well as spiritually. He admits that staying true to Christ as a professional athlete is not easy, but he grew up in a Christian home and went to church on Sunday regularly with his parents. Watch this short video to see what Goodson has to say about the difference between living as a professional athlete and living as a Christian in today’s world.
As you can see, Goodson tries his best to stay true to his Christian morals that has been a part of his family for so long. On the website beyondtheultimate.com, Goodson shares more about his experiences with family and a Christian lifestyle.
“I became a Christian as a young man and tried to stay true to His calling,” Goodson said. “Growing up, I always felt that God was responsible for all of the good things in my life. I felt blessed, because I was able to participate in athletics. I also believed God had provided my parents with jobs so they could provide what we needed as children.” (Credit: Beyond the Ultimate)
Goodson also points out that God rewards faithfulness and that if we represent Him wherever we go, He will give us the strength to conquer all obstacles we may face in life.
“I believe God rewards faithfulness,” Goodson said. “If we are obedient and follow Christ with all of our mind, body and soul, we will receive our heart’s desires. That’s not to say that you can get whatever you want, but if it is in God’s will for your life, you will receive abundant joy. I am very proud to say that today, though hard work and putting my faith in Jesus Christ, I am the only person from those ODP try outs to make the U.S. Men’s National Team. Sometimes we think that things could not get much worse, but Christ has a bigger plan set out for each and every one of us.” (Credit: BPSports.net)
Romans 1:16 says “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also the Greek.” Goodson follows this scripture well throughout his life and makes it known to those around him that he is an unashamed follower of Jesus Christ.
“Definitely you carry that around, your personal beliefs and faith, everywhere you go,” Goodson said. “Just because you step onto the field doesn’t mean that you put that aside and put them in the locker until you step off the field. So that’s what I try to carry around with me all the time and behave in such a way that those who don’t know Christ come to know Christ because they know me.” (Credit: Christian Examiner)
The veteran soccer player also holds a weekly Bible study for anyone who wants to know more about God’s Word and Jesus Christ. He shares the gospel with his teammates and keeps them accountable throughout their walk with Christ.
“Staying true to Christ as a professional athlete is not easy. There are dozens of things to tempt and distract you. But being involved in our team Bible study has helped me tremendously. I look forward to it every week, because it helps me grow stronger in my relationship with Christ. One of my favorite Bible passages is Jeremiah 9:23–24. I like it, because it speaks to how our human nature leads us to be proud of our achievements. Instead, Jeremiah shows us that we need to recognize that our greatest achievement is being rightly related to God.” (Credit: Beyond the Ultimate)
The Basket Foot 