Jarryd Hayne Talks Biblical Mindset, Carl Lentz
San Francisco 49ers running back Jarryd Hayne is giving people a deeper glimpse into his spiritual life by sharing his biblical mindset and favorite preacher with the world.
In a Twitter question-and-answer session on the 49ers social media account, the 27-year-old former Rugby player from Australia was vocal about his spiritual foundation. When one person questioned Hayne about how he maintains his focus, the Christian athlete spoke about the Bible.
"My mindset is biblical, that's the easiest way to describe it. It helps me to stay focused," Hayne responded.
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The former Rugby player whose Twitter biography reads "Proverbs 27-17 is my verse" revealed why in the Q&A.
"My favorite verse is Proverbs 27:17 it relates to both being an athlete and a person," he wrote.
When another person questioned Hayne about which preachers he listens to, Pastor Carl Lentz of Hillsong NYC was at the top of his list.
"I've got a number of favorite preachers. But definitely one that I like is Carl Lentz," Hayne said in a Twitter video. "Just check him out on YouTube. He can definitely get the message across really well but there's a bunch."
After becoming an official running back for the San Francisco 49ers last year, Hayne has been vocal about his faith in God throughout the process of his transition from professional Rugby.
Still, he has admitted that he wanted to improve in his walk.
"I struggle with sin and temptation all the time," he said during a March 2015 press conference. "For me, they are the key areas where I want to improve as well. They're part of that journey now."
Hayne glorified God when joining the 49ers and admitted that he could do nothing apart from God.
"I'm the worst [Christian] I know but still God's favour [reigns] over my life. Why, I'm not sure, but I love ya' big man. Without [You] I can't achieve much," Hayne wrote. "With YOU I can achieve anything. Incredible proud to join the 49ers franchise. To my family, friends 'n' fans, thank you for your love and support. Looking forward to setting up in San Francisco and doing what it takes to make the roster."
In 2014, Hayne was honored as the top player in the NRL before announcing that he would walk away from a $1 million contract to join the NFL. He let the world know how much of a faith walk the transition would be for him.
"Firstly, I just want to give a lot of thank yous to a lot of people that played big roles in this journey, and give honor where honor is due, and first and foremost it's God. My faith has led me this far," he said at last year's news conference. "The hard stuff starts now. This is a huge risk. I'm taking a massive leap of faith."
