Which Players Are Standing Out?

Football is back, and although the regular season is a few weeks away, we can still get a feel for certain players on our favorite teams during the preseason. Considering not every veteran player suits up and the other top players play a limited amount of time, it gives us a chance to see what the young guys can do.

Of course, we have to remember it's preseason, but this time of year is when up-and-coming players can showcase their skills. Players understand that this is their opportunity to stand out and secure a spot on the final roster.

During training camp and practices, we as fans hear about the players who are standing out. Players are rising up the depth charts as they consistently turn heads with their impressive efforts.

NFL reporters write about players who look different from last year and are demonstrating a new level of play.

The reporters also inform us of those who are distinguishing themselves in practice and are separating themselves in positional battles with their play on the field. We also hear about Coaches being blown away by the players making a significant impact on the team.

Some of the specific players who have been shining during training camp and the preseason are rookies TreVeyon Henderson, Emeka Egbuka, Travis Hunter, Jaxon Dart, Abdul Carter, and Shedeur Sanders. Second-year or third-year standouts include Jameson Williams, Marvin Mims Jr., Braelon Allen, and Blake Corum.

There are still a few more weeks for players to make an impact and stand out, and it will be fun to watch which other players shine during the preseason.

Every day, you and I also have the opportunity to make an impact and stand out by the way we live our lives. So, are we different and set apart and doing positive things that are turning heads?

When we become followers of Jesus and surrender our lives to Him, He takes over and begins transforming us to become more like Him. By the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we can shine in ways that cause people to take notice. They begin to realize there is something different about us as they see Jesus shining through us.

Jesus says in Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT), "You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV) tells us, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

When we love Jesus and follow Him, we will live holy lives set apart from the rest of the world and its ways. We will blow people away with our kindness, compassion, generosity, and humility. Unfortunately, those things are rare, so when we demonstrate the character of Jesus, we stand out in a big way.

Our motivation isn't to "make the team" (we've already made it) or rise above the rest to receive accolades, or do great things for recognition and applause; instead, we desire to serve Jesus, point people to Him, and love as He loves.

The way we talk and the decisions we make should demonstrate that we are distinct. We are all called to live holy lives as it says in 1 Peter 1:15-16 (AMP): "But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your conduct [be set apart from the world by your godly character and moral courage]; because it is written, 'You shall be holy (set apart), for I am holy.'"

Today, let's be different as we live like Jesus, relying on His help to set us apart from the world. Let's distinguish ourselves through our efforts to make an impact every time we step onto the field, and allow Jesus to shine through us.

I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that You would help me live a holy life where my actions and words stand out. Please continue to help me change my character so I can become more like Jesus. I ask that You shine through me, and help me point others to You. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.