Case Keenum was on target and on-time all night long.
It turns out the third-string quarterback for the Chicago Bears is pretty good, too.
Keenum passed for two touchdowns in his first start in almost three years, and the Bears shut down Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles for a 27-7 victory on Monday night. (AP)
This week’s Monday Night Football game was one for the books for 38-year-old journeyman quarterback Case Keenum. Keenum’s first start since Week 16 of the 2023 season was a performance to remember, with a 247-yard night that included a rushing score.
For Keenum, a longtime supporter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), his deep commitment to Christ played a part in preparing him for this moment.
“Both on and off the field, Case Keenum is a testament to what it means to live out your faith in your sport,” said FCA Executive Vice President of Pro and Collegiate Mike Blanc. “Keenum’s public expression of faith is an inspiration to young football players across the country, showing them that with God, anything is possible.”
Keenum has been a steady presence for FCA, which profiled the quarterback in several college football issues of FCA Magazine. While he was a junior and soon to be signed by the Houston Texans, Keenum told FCA that football players must be ever mindful of their influence.
“I tell kids all the time that, no matter what, somebody is watching you, especially if you are an athlete,” Keenum said. “There are people who look at you and want to be like you, and you have the ability to promote whatever it is you want to promote. You can promote yourself, you can promote your team. But if you are a Christian, you can choose to promote Christ, and that’s been what I’ve strived to do ever since I stepped on the field.”
Keenum, who attended FCA camps in middle school and high school, has also recorded several video devotionals for FCA, including one story he recounted while playing at Houston. He threw a game-deciding interception and was in despair after the loss. But an opposing player shook his hand after the game, said he had heard good things about the quarterback off the field, and to “keep it up.”
“That just goes to show the influence that you don’t even know you have sometimes,” Keenum said in the video. “And even when things don’t turn out the way you want them to, sometimes that’s how it needs to be. Winning on the scoreboard is not always the most important thing. Sometimes it’s just winning for Christ.”
In Chicago, FCA Chicagoland, part of Fellowship of Christian Athletes,is providing hope and opportunity for young athletes across the region. Through the combined power of faith and sports, and built around proven programs, the chapter is helping to elevate local communities and create positive change. Programs include Huddles, campus ministry, camps, events and leadership programs, FCA Sports Leagues and FCA Sports Clubs, all helping FCA Chicagoland fulfill FCA’s vision.
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ vision is to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. Its mission is to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. FCA’s guiding values are integrity, serving, teamwork and excellence.
Since 1954, FCA has used the powerful medium of sports and building relationships to reach the world for Jesus Christ. FCA is cultivating Christian principles by engaging, equipping and empowering coaches and athletes to know and grow in Christ and lead others to do the same so that lives are changed for current and future generations.
Visit Fellowship of Christian Athletes at fca.org and on Facebook, Instagram or X (formerly Twitter).