Interested in learning more about the Bible?
We send our amazing followers of Jesus Christ, just like you, daily text messages from the Holy Bible.
Will you join them?
How Many Ex Nba Stars Are Jehovah’s Witness?
The number of ex-NBA stars who are members of the Jehovah’s Witness faith is relatively small, yet noteworthy for the impact and influence that each one has had both in and out of the basketball world. Since the faith places a premium on taking part in charitable activities, it’s not surprising that former players who are adherents of the religion have become notable for their philanthropy and community work.
One of the greatest examples of an ex-NBA star turned Jehovah’s Witness is Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest. After joining the faith, World Peace began a charitable foundation with his own money, the Metta World Peace Foundation, that implements a variety of programs aimed at helping both kids and adults. Through the foundation, he has hosted charity events, provided counseling services to those suffering from mental illness, and sponsored a variety of programs that bolster healthy living.
World Peace isn’t the only former NBA star who has chosen the life of a Jehovah’s Witness. Robert “Tractor” Traylor was a popular player during his career, and he embraced the Jehovah’s Witness faith before his untimely passing in 2011. Traylor was known for being thoughtful and considerate, volunteering with a variety of youth programs and creating a scholarship program for high school students.
In 2016, NBA legend Kobe Bryant also made the decision to join the faith. Bryant, who was lauded for his competitiveness on the court and charitable efforts off of it, is often credited with introducing the faith to millions of people simply by being associated with it. During his time as a Jehovah’s Witness he was involved in a variety of charitable activities, including working with at-risk youth in inner cities and donating money to educational initiatives.
Otis Thorpe is another notable former NBA star turned Jehovah’s Witness. Throughout his time with the religion, Thorpe has dedicated hours to volunteer work, including helping with restoration projects, providing food for the hungry, and advocating for those living in underprivileged areas.
Finally, the former Boston Celtics player Nate Robinson is one of the most recent ex-NBAers to follow the faith. Since joining the church, Robinson has used his platform to help those in need and raise awareness for social issues. He has been outspoken about the importance of healthy eating, used his celebrity to highlight issues facing inner city youth, and provided resources to those struggling during the pandemic.
These former NBA stars have embraced the Jehovah’s Witness faith and have used their platforms to create positive change in their local communities and beyond. Whether through charity contributions, or the development of initiatives aimed at helping those in need, their influence has been significant and their dedication is impressive.
