In the heart of Baton Rouge, amid roaring crowds and the bright lights of Tiger Stadium, LSU wide receiver Josh Pearson is known for his athletic prowess and competitive spirit. But off the field, Pearson’s journey is shaped by something much deeper than football—his relationship with Jesus Christ. For Pearson, faith isn’t just a quiet part of his identity; it’s a transformative force that has been nurtured and deepened through a unique and powerful experience: the LSU Tigers team Bible study.
Pearson, like many athletes, entered college with a strong sense of purpose and ambition. He wanted to succeed at the highest level, not just for himself, but for his family and community back home. Raised with a foundation of Christian values, Pearson always believed in God, but he admits that before joining the LSU Bible study, his relationship with Christ was more cultural than personal.
“I grew up going to church, saying my prayers, and trying to be a good person,” Pearson says. “But I didn’t really understand what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus. It was more like something I did on Sundays. It wasn’t real in my everyday life.”
That began to change during his sophomore year, when a teammate invited him to a team Bible study. At first, Pearson was hesitant. College life was busy, packed with early-morning workouts, classes, film sessions, and practices. The idea of adding another commitment—especially one centered on faith—felt overwhelming. But something inside nudged him to give it a try. He showed up to one meeting, and everything began to shift.
“I’ll never forget that first study,” Pearson recalls. “We were sitting in a circle, just reading Scripture and talking about it. But the way the guys opened up, the way they talked about Jesus like He was real and present—it was different. It hit me in a way that church growing up never had. These were dudes I looked up to, guys who were balling out on Saturdays, but they were humble, honest, and passionate about God. It made me want to know more.”
That single evening sparked a transformation that would ripple through every area of Pearson’s life. He began attending the Bible study regularly, diving deeper into Scripture, and asking hard questions about his faith. For the first time, he began to see Christianity not as a set of rules to follow, but as a relationship to pursue. That shift changed everything.
“It’s not about being perfect or religious,” he explains. “It’s about knowing Jesus personally—trusting Him, walking with Him, and letting Him lead your life. That’s what I’ve learned through this Bible study. We’re all just trying to grow together, holding each other accountable, learning how to love better, serve better, and live like Christ.”
The LSU team Bible study, led by team chaplains and supported by local ministries, has become a spiritual lifeline for many players like Pearson. Each week, athletes from different backgrounds come together not just to read Scripture, but to encourage one another, pray together, and be honest about their struggles. The group fosters a sense of brotherhood that transcends the locker room, creating a space where vulnerability and growth are welcomed.
“It’s one thing to go to war with your teammates on the field,” Pearson says. “But when you go to war with them spiritually—when you pray together, confess your sins, and lift each other up in Christ—it builds a whole new kind of bond. That’s what this study has given me. Real relationships, real faith, and a community that’s chasing after God together.”
This deeper faith has had a profound impact on how Pearson approaches his sport, too. While he still trains hard and plays to win, he says his identity is no longer tied to his performance.
“For a long time, I thought my worth came from what I did on the field—how many catches I made, how many yards I got, if I scored touchdowns,” he admits. “But now I know that my value doesn’t come from football. It comes from Jesus. That gives me peace no matter what happens in a game. I still want to win—I’m a competitor. But I’m playing for a higher purpose now.”
That purpose has begun to spill over into other areas of his life. Pearson has become a leader among his teammates, not just because of his talent, but because of his character. He often shares his testimony with younger players, invites them to Bible study, and encourages them to seek a deeper faith of their own.
“Sometimes, guys will come up to me after practice and say, ‘Man, I see something different in you. What is it?’” Pearson says. “And that’s my chance to point them to Jesus. I just tell them the truth—how He’s changed me, how He’s given me hope, and how He wants to do the same for them.”
He also acknowledges that the journey of faith is ongoing. There are still days when he struggles, doubts, or feels overwhelmed. But he knows he doesn’t have to walk that road alone.
“One of the best things about this Bible study is that it reminds you you’re not alone,” Pearson says. “We all have ups and downs. We all mess up. But we’re committed to helping each other grow and stay focused on Christ. That’s what being part of the body of Christ is about—community, grace, and encouragement.”
This spiritual foundation has provided a steady anchor in the high-pressure world of college athletics, where expectations are sky-high and criticism is relentless. Pearson credits his faith with keeping him grounded, reminding him that success is defined by faithfulness, not fame.
“Being at a school like LSU, with all the lights and cameras, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to impress people,” he says. “But the Bible teaches us that we’re living for an audience of One. When I remember that, it keeps me humble. It keeps me focused on what really matters.”
Looking to the future, Pearson hopes to use his platform not just to excel athletically, but to glorify God and inspire others. Whether that’s in the NFL, ministry, or another path entirely, he’s committed to following wherever Christ leads.
“I don’t know exactly what the future holds,” he admits. “But I know who holds it. I’ve learned to trust God’s plan, even when I can’t see the whole picture. He’s been faithful every step of the way.”
For now, Pearson continues to balance the demands of student-athlete life with a growing commitment to discipleship. He remains active in the Bible study, mentors younger players, and seeks out opportunities to grow in his own faith. Through it all, his message remains the same: Jesus is worth everything.
“If there’s one thing I could tell people, it’s that a real relationship with Jesus changes your life,” he says. “Not just in the big moments, but in the everyday stuff. He gives you peace, purpose, and joy that nothing else can. That’s what I’ve found through this team Bible study. And I’m just getting started.”
In a world where athletes are often idolized for their physical achievements, Josh Pearson is a refreshing reminder that true greatness lies in humility, faith, and a heart surrendered to God. His story is not just one of personal transformation—it’s a testimony to the power of community, the impact of Scripture, and the grace of a Savior who meets us where we are and invites us into something more.
And for Pearson, that “something more” is a life shaped not by touchdowns or trophies, but by the truth of the Gospel. A life of purpose, forged in the fellowship of teammates and strengthened through the Word of God. A life rooted in Christ.
