"I WASN'T AT PEACE" - DAVID ROBINSON ON WHAT NBA FAME AND MONEY MADE HIM REALIZE IN HIS LIFE
David Robinson quickly took the NBA by storm with his exceptional athleticism and skill set. But amidst the fame and success that came with his NBA stardom, "The Admiral" realized that he had not been as grateful as he should have been for all his blessings.
Growing up, Robinson had a deep-rooted sense of gratitude instilled in him by his family. He was taught to appreciate the opportunities that came his way and to never take anything for granted. The same core values helped David realign his life and relationship with God.
"Everything was going my way, lot of endorsements, I was playing well, I mean, our first year in the league and I'm All-NBA team and everything you could think of, you have the house, the money, the fans, but I wasn't at peace, and I knew that and that was when the Lord really grabbed me and showed me how much he had loved me all this time and how I hadn't responded to it," Robinson once told The 700 Club's Andrew Knox.
David gave it all back to the Lord
Looking back, Robinson was glad that he had a moment of realization during the high point of his NBA career, something that seldom happens to other superstar athletes. Right after that reflection, the San Antonio Spurs legend understood that true happiness and fulfillment did not come from external achievements alone but also from within.
As he repented, Robinson recognized the importance of gratitude, humility, and maintaining strong faith even in the face of great success. From that point forward, "The Admiral" wholeheartedly embraced the fact that without God, he was nothing. Hence, David dedicated every feat, accomplishment, and triumph of his NBA career to the Lord.
"I think that was the one thing that kind of pushed me over the edge and helped me give my life to Jesus," Robinson reflected. "I just fell on my knees and started crying; I said, 'God, I'm so sorry. You blessed me incredibly, you give me so much, you give me everything I have, and I've never honored you, never thanked you, never anything really.'"
"I've been like a spoiled kid in the house, you just blessing me, and I'm just running around doing what I want to do, and I said from here on, Lord, everything I have is yours. Wherever you want me to go, I'll go; whatever you want me to say, I'll say… Just let me walk with you, let me hold your hand, let me just be your child," he continued.
David admired NBA players and coaches of strong faith
As a devoted Christian, Robinson unsurprisingly found inspiration in fellow athletes and sports figures who shared his religious beliefs and values. He looked up to legendary NBA players and coaches who openly displayed their faith. In David's eyes, their strong sense of morality and compassion towards others resonated with him.
Among those whom Robinson admired in the NBA was Philadelphia 76ers legend Bobby Jones. Despite not getting a chance to play with or against Jones, "The Admiral" said Bobby was one of his favorite players because he was also a man of strong faith in the world of competitive sports.
"One of my favorite players, I never got to play against him, but he was Bobby Jones, he used to play for the Philadelphia 76ers and a man of strong faith, but man that dude worked hard," Robinson once said. "If you go back [and] look up Bobby Jones videos, you'll see this guy; he was an unassuming guy but made a huge difference for his teams and just a phenomenal guy."
"I always looked for the guy who could do what they did, but they did it with a humility and the strength, and I love coaches like that as well," he added.
David was blessed with a Hall of Fame career
In retrospect, it's wonderful how Robinson's faith in God deeply impacted his career. With God at the center of his life, David was undeniably blessed with a remarkable NBA career that solidified his place as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Taking a quick trip down memory lane, it's safe to say his spiritual connection with God allowed Robinson to accomplish a wide array of milestones in his career. Robinson's journey to the NBA began at the United States Naval Academy, where he excelled both academically and athletically. His dominant presence on the court caught the attention of NBA scouts, ultimately making him the Spurs' No. 1 overall pick in the 1987 draft.
David's rare combination of size, power, and skill made him a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. After 14 years of playing professional basketball, Robinson called it quits as a two-time NBA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, one-time NBA MVP, 10-time NBA All-Star, and an NBA Hall of Famer.
2024-04-25T15:28:26Z dg43tfdfdgfd