Rich Garza grew up with a dream shared by many young athletes: to play professional football. He believed that reaching the highest level of the game would bring happiness, fulfillment, and purpose. Through years of hard work and dedication, that dream became reality. But after achieving what he had always wanted, Rich discovered something surprising: success, money, recognition, and athletic accomplishments could not satisfy the deepest needs of his heart.
On April 30, 1983, everything changed. Rich heard the message of the Gospel and learned that a relationship with God through Jesus Christ offered what he had been looking for all along. That day, he asked Jesus Christ to forgive his sins and become the Lord of his life. In Christ, Rich discovered purpose, peace during life’s challenges, and the hope of eternity.
Before that life-changing decision, Rich built an impressive football career. A native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, he attended Temple University, where he was a four-year letterman, team captain, and two-time Offensive Line MVP. He went on to play professional football with the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos of the NFL, as well as the Philadelphia Stars and San Antonio Gunslingers of the USFL.
During an offseason, Rich sensed God’s call to share his testimony. What began as speaking opportunities in schools, churches, and youth groups soon grew into a lifelong ministry. For more than three decades, Rich has spoken in over 3,000 schools across the United States and internationally, sharing the hope he found in Christ. He has also ministered in prisons, detention centers, and even on death row, encouraging people from all walks of life with the message of God’s grace.
Rich’s ministry has also extended into sports. For more than two decades, he has served as co-chaplain for the San Antonio Spurs, a five-time NBA champion, ministering to players, coaches, visiting teams, and arena staff. He has also served as a chaplain for professional and amateur athletic organizations, corporate teams, and military events.
Throughout his life, Rich has been recognized for both his athletic achievements and his impact beyond the field. He has been inducted into the National Hispanic Sports Hall of Fame, the Lehigh Valley Football Hall of Fame, and the Liberty High School Hall of Fame.
Rich and his wife, Jan, have been married since 1986 and are blessed with four children: Kelly, Rich, David, and Daniel.
Today, Rich continues to share the life-changing message of Jesus Christ through speaking, chaplaincy, and personal ministry. While football opened many doors, Rich says his greatest accomplishment is found in his relationship with Jesus Christ and in helping others discover the same hope, purpose, and peace he found on April 30, 1983.
Will you pray as Rich has, repenting of the sin in your life and asking Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior? When you pray to receive Jesus Christ by faith, transformation begins, and you will have the promise of eternity in heaven.
Lord, forgive me for my wrong ways. Release me from my sin. Embrace me as I embrace You as my Lord and Savior. I am ready to live the life You desire. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.