Boise State saw its 2024 season come to a close against Penn State on Tuesday night, as the Nittany Lions eventually pulled away to eliminate the Broncos from the College Football Playoff with a 31-14 victory.
It certainly wasn’t the way they wanted the year to end, but it was reasonable to expect that Boise State might have a hard time beating Penn State, especially if Ashton Jeanty was held in check.
However, after just a few moments of listening to Broncos’ head coach Spencer Danielson, it quickly becomes apparent that he is aware that he serves a greater purpose than winning football games.
Danielson is very forthcoming about his faith in Jesus Christ, and as a result, he’s changed the lives of several of his players. Just earlier this year, Danielson baptized running back Ashton Jeanty and has apparently done the same for other players on his team as well.
It’s clear that Danielson’s role as a mentor is just as much a priority as the X’s and O’s, and after Boise State’s loss on Tuesday night, one of his players showed his gratitude for that role.
Ahmed Hassanein, a senior defensive end from Cairo, Egypt, showed his emotions after the loss, but it probably wasn’t in the manner that most expected.
“First, I want to start off and say all glory to Jesus Christ; He’s the true champion. Coach D, you changed my life” Hassanein said holding back tears as he turned to his coach. “You changed my life. I did not know God until I got to Boise State and I serve the true champion. Jesus Christ is the only true God, he died and rose from the dead three days later; that’s the champion that I serve. Thank you Coach D, like, seriously, you changed my life.”
As difficult as the moment must’ve been for the Boise State football team, they’re finding comfort in faith and sharing it on the biggest stage most of them will ever have in their lifetime.
