Introduction
Jehovah’s Witnesses have a distinct set of religious beliefs that influence various aspects of their followers’ lives, including professional athletes. Over the years, a few ex-NBA players have publicly identified as Jehovah’s Witnesses, and their faith has significantly shaped their careers. This article explores the number of ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, their challenges, and how their faith influenced their professional basketball journey.
Which Ex-NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Several former NBA players have openly identified as Jehovah’s Witnesses, with some even retiring from the league due to their faith. Here are the most notable cases:
Darren Collison

Darren Collison, a former point guard for teams like the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings, shocked the basketball world when he retired in 2019 at the age of 31. He cited his faith as the primary reason for stepping away, stating that he wanted to devote his life to Jehovah’s Witnesses’ ministry work.
Danny Granger

Danny Granger, a former All-Star and key player for the Indiana Pacers, was also raised as a Jehovah’s Witness. Though not as vocal about his faith as Collison, Granger acknowledged its role in his life and decision-making.
Dewayne Dedmon

Dewayne Dedmon story is unique because his Jehovah’s Witness background initially prevented him from playing organized basketball. His mother, a devout Jehovah’s Witness, discouraged sports participation due to religious beliefs. However, Dedmon eventually pursued basketball and had a successful NBA career.
A.C. Green
A.C. Green, known for his ironman streak of consecutive games played, was a devout Christian and identified with many of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ principles, particularly in lifestyle and conduct. While he was not officially a Jehovah’s Witness, his commitment to faith-based living made his religious views a point of discussion.
How Does Jehovah’s Witness Faith Influence NBA Players?
Jehovah’s Witnesses have unique beliefs that impact their participation in professional sports. Several aspects of their faith create challenges and shape their careers.
Religious Doctrine
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in strict adherence to biblical principles, emphasizing door-to-door evangelism and avoiding secular influences that conflict with their faith. This often means prioritizing religious commitments over career advancements.
Views on Sports and Competition
While sports are not outright prohibited, competitive environments and public recognition often conflict with the humility and separation from worldly matters that Jehovah’s Witnesses promote.
Stance on Nationalism and Politics
Jehovah’s Witnesses refrain from participating in national anthems, saluting flags, or engaging in political activism. This can create tension in professional sports, where patriotism is often a major aspect.
Lifestyle and Conduct
Strict moral conduct, abstinence from premarital sex, and avoidance of materialistic excesses are core to their faith. Many Jehovah’s Witness athletes are known for their disciplined lifestyles, avoiding the party culture that is common in professional sports.
What Challenges Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Face in the NBA?
Refusal to Celebrate National Holidays
Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate Christmas, Thanksgiving, or birthdays. This sometimes leads to misunderstandings in team environments where holiday gatherings are common.
Avoidance of National Anthems
Because Jehovah’s Witnesses do not salute flags or sing national anthems, some players may choose to remain in the locker room during such moments. This has occasionally sparked controversy.
Limited Participation in Sponsorships
Many sponsorship deals promote lifestyles or products that conflict with Jehovah’s Witness teachings, leading some players to turn down lucrative endorsement opportunities.
Challenges in Team Dynamics
Adhering strictly to their faith may make it difficult for players to fully engage in team bonding activities, especially those involving drinking or celebratory events.
How Does Religion Impact NBA Careers?
Retirement Decisions
Some players, like Darren Collison, have retired early to focus on their faith. This demonstrates the significant influence of religious priorities over financial or career ambitions.
Influence on Playing Style and Behavior
Jehovah’s Witness athletes are often known for their discipline and clean lifestyles. They may avoid excessive aggression, trash talk, or behaviors that contradict their faith.
Restrictions on Endorsements
Turning down endorsements that conflict with their faith can limit financial opportunities, though some players choose this path to maintain religious integrity.
Interactions with Media and Fans
Jehovah’s Witness players often maintain a reserved and humble demeanor, limiting their participation in self-promotion or controversial discussions.
Conclusion
While the number of ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses is relatively small, their faith has played a crucial role in shaping their careers and personal lives. Notable figures like Darren Collison, Danny Granger, and Dewayne Dedmon have navigated the challenges of professional basketball while staying committed to their beliefs. Their stories highlight the intersection of faith and sports, demonstrating how religious conviction can influence career choices in unexpected ways.
FAQs
1. How many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
There are at least three well-known ex-NBA players who have identified as Jehovah’s Witnesses: Darren Collison, Danny Granger, and Dewayne Dedmon.
2. Why did Darren Collison retire early?
Darren Collison retired in 2019 at the age of 31 to focus on his faith and work within the Jehovah’s Witnesses community.
3. Do Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in playing professional sports?
While playing sports is not prohibited, competitive and materialistic aspects of professional athletics can conflict with their religious teachings.
4. How does being a Jehovah’s Witness affect an NBA career?
It may lead to challenges such as avoiding national anthems, turning down endorsements, and maintaining a disciplined lifestyle that contrasts with common NBA culture.
5. Are there active NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
As of now, there are no widely recognized active NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses.