By Mike Randall
Jordan Reilly has always loved football. This 20-year-old, 5’ 11”, 195-pound safety for the University of Michigan grew up running, blocking, tackling, and catching passes with his older brother, Adam, and the other kids in his neighborhood. In his high school career, Jordan won all-state recognition as a standout defensive and running back. In his senior year, he led his league in tackles as a safety. Now, he uses his status as a collegiate athlete to advance the cause of Christ and win people to the Lord.
Jordan grew up attending Beacon Baptist Church of Taylor, Michigan, where his father, John Reilly, has served for 28 years and was recently named co-pastor. The focus of the Reilly home has been Christ, school, and wholesome activities, such as athletics. Jordan accepted Christ at an early age and has been involved in the ministries of the church all his life. Reflecting the family focus, Jordan is also a good student, completing high school with a 3.5 grade point average and an ACT score of 28.
When Jordan graduated from high school, despite his achievements (nine varsity letters in academics, football, and baseball), he was not offered an athletic scholarship. In the providence of God, he learned of walk-on opportunities at U of M, where Jordan impressed the coaches at a tryout. His commitment to football and faith in Christ was tested during the camp’s grueling physical and mental regimen. His prayers and efforts were rewarded. He made the team as a freshman and dressed for all the home games. In 2008, he made the traveling team, played in nine games, was awarded a scholarship and became a letterman. In the current season, look for Jordan’s jersey, number 21, on defense and special teams.
On campus, Jordan has quietly sought opportunities to share his faith. He is a political science major. He enjoys lively discussion and uses this means to talk about God, the Bible, and Christ. He is active in the campus Athletes in Action group, attending Bible studies, being part of the student leadership team, and sharing Christ. Over the past year, he has brought many of his fellow students to church and has seen several accept Christ.
In February, he joined a group of other collegiate athletes in a mission outreach to the Dominican Republic. His father, John, said, “Jordan’s mission trip last February is evidence of his sensitivity to unreached peoples. Before he left to come home, he was so touched by a young person’s need, he gave him his own shoes. From childhood, he has always been interested in missions and missionaries.” Jordan also uses academic assignments to advance his faith, such as the research paper he wrote to advocate teaching creationism in the public schools.
Beacon Baptist’s senior pastor, Herb Gilbert, said, “We love Jordan Reilly. Jordan is faithful to the Lord and our church. He has brought many guests from the university to our services, including a seven-foot tall basketball player. Jordan is not selfish. He never wants the spotlight. He has a quiet, committed leadership that reveals itself on the playing field, the classroom, the residence hall, or at church. I believe God is using him right now and will continue to do so in the future.”
Jordan Reilly is not the only athlete in the family. His older brother, Adam, also excelled in football, leading his Kennedy High School Eagles to the state playoffs as quarterback in 2004. He earned 15 varsity letters in academics, football, baseball, and basketball. Adam was awarded a football scholarship to play at Taylor University and completed his freshman year at the Indiana school before surrendering to preach the gospel. He is now a senior pastoral major at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, and has consistently been one of Jordan’s most vocal supporters along with the rest of the family, including mom and dad, sister, Jennie (16), and brothers Matthew (12), and Adam (23).
Of himself, Jordan says, “I’m not a football player. First, I’m a Christian who has been given the opportunity to play football. My life verse is Galatians 2:20, ‘I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.’”