New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara isn't your average NFL player. Not only does he say some have dubbed him "the black Tim Tebow," he's also an unashamed Christian who prides himself on avoiding alcohol, being chaste and living a life devoid of the antics and pleasantries that are regularly enjoyed by other professional jocks.
Amukamara made all that clear in a recent interview with Muscle & Fitness Magazine.
How clear? Consider how candid Amukamara was when asked by the outlet if he's a virgin. Yes, he said, and "I'm not ashamed to say that."
Denver Broncos wide receiver Andre Caldwell (12) runs away from New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara (20) and Ryan Mundy (21) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. Credit: AP
Amukamara is equally up front about alcohol, claiming he has never had a drink.
"I still haven’t had a drink. I told my fiance that I’ll probably take my first drink at my bachelor party," he said, going on to explain his reason for abstaining.
"I grew up Catholic, so it just started out as one of those things," he added. "I’d think, 'If I do this, maybe I can get to heaven' so I said no drinks, no sex, all the big things."
Later on in life, though, Amukamara said that he decided that having a relationship with Jesus was paramount and that being faithful shouldn't be restricted to do's and don'ts. As far as alcohol goes, he simply hasn't seen the benefit and, has, thus, declined to partake.
Still, he admits that he met his fiance, Pilar Davis, in a nightclub in New York City, but he wasn't there for the drinks -- he likes to dance.
Athlete Prince Amukamara attends the VEVO and Styled To Rock Celebration Hosted by Actress, Model and 'Styled to Rock' Mentor Erin Wasson with Performances by Bridget Kelly & Cazzette on September 5, 2013 in New York City. Credit: Getty Images for VEVO
"You’re always reading about people getting DUIs," the player added. "So many bad things that happen and wind up in the paper are alcohol-related, so by not drinking, it saves me, my team, and my family a lot of trouble."
In 2010, the player, who was then a cornerback for the Nebraska Huskers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, shared his Christian testimony on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes website (an organization that serves believers who play various sports). He laid his faith out in detail:
FCA has played a big part in helping me stay focused on playing my best and giving God the glory. Everyone wants to be a playmaker and see themselves on the big screen. But learning how to give a “maxout” performance for God has helped me give 100 percent on every play of the game no matter what the score is or how tired I might be. This allows me to concentrate on my assignment and leave the results to the Lord.When I recognize that I have been forgiven for my sin against God because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, it reminds me that my purpose is to glorify Him through sports. As someone that has repented of my sin and placed my faith in Christ, I have confidence that the Lord is in control of my past, present and future. Therefore, I don’t need to worry about my stats or recognition that I might receive from playing football. The Lord will take care of the results, I just need to stay focuses on being humble and playing for Him.
Perhaps the most intriguing information about Amukamara, though, is his first name: Prince. Muscle and Fitness asked about the name and whether there is actually any literal meaning behind it (i.e. is he royalty?). Surprisingly, the name actually is a title.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Andre Caldwell (12) runs away from New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara (20) and Ryan Mundy (21) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. Credit: AP
See, in Nigeria, Amukamara's father is a chief, which means that he, as the first son in the family, gets to be a "prince." Of course, to claim the title and to actually become a chief like his father, the cornerback would have to move to the African country. But such a decision is far from likely.
"As much as I love Nigeria, I really love America and most of my life is here, so I can’t see myself leaving the States," explained Amukamara. "I’ve made my home here."
Read more about the fascinating player in his Muscle & Fitness interview.
(H/T: NJ.com)
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