Jacolby Criswell - Finding Hope

““But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.’”

-2 Corinthians 12:9

 

North Carolina sophomore quarterback Jacolby Criswell was a highly recruited athlete coming out of high school. A dual-threat quarterback, Criswell has been praised for his strong arm, quick speed, and smart footwork that has put defenses on a struggle to keep up. The Tar Heels were thrilled when they learned of Criswell’s commitment to play for them. For Criswell, his career is just beginning at the University of North Carolina. But he says his biggest goal is to use his talents and his gifts to bless and inspire others.

Growing up, things were never easy for Jacolby Criswell. He spent his youth bouncing around homes and within the span of over a decade Criswell saw himself living in more than 10 different homes of anyone who was willing to take him in for a bit. The uncertainty that accompanied Criswell’s early life often left him strained and exhausted. Although his struggles were real, he says that God was with him even in the midst of his most difficult times. “Faith has been a part of me since I was young. God has done many tremendous things for me. He gave me hope when I didn’t have any at a young age.” Criswell said that even when he didn’t have a stable family to lean on, he could trust that God was still in control. “I knew I had a father, Jesus, who loved me no matter what I’ve been through. Through those tough times I always knew God had a plan for me.”

Soon things changed for Criswell when he was blessed with a stable home for the first time in his life. “In 2016, God gave me a loving family. God has his way of working, it may not be when you want it to happen, but when it does happen it’s truly amazing.” Now having grown with his family and becoming incredibly close with them on his way to North Carolina, Jacolby says that even when things were toughest, God was working things together. Now approaching his sophomore year at UNC, Criswell says he hopes to use his gifts to glorify God and be an inspiration in the lives of others. “Faith has always been a part of my playing career. Without it, I don’t think I would’ve made it this far. God gave me the ability to perform the way I do, so I glorify him in every way possible.” For Criswell, he has had to wait for his chance to prove himself. North Carolina has been the home of star quarterback Sam Howell, who is a projected top 5 pick in the 2022 NFL draft and will be entering his junior year at North Carolina. Rather than a rivalry, however, Howell and Criswell have grown incredibly close, bonded together by football and faith. For Criswell, he says it’s about growing together and learning from one another in both football and life.

The game of football has brought Criswell a number of ups and downs. Through those moments, Criswell says he has learned to trust God and his timing no matter what. “I’ve always told myself that when times get rough, don’t panic. There’s going to come times where things aren’t going your way. That doesn’t mean give up. I believe that’s God testing you to see if you’ll give up or keep pushing with the gifts he gave you. To me, letting myself down is like letting him down. I would never do that.” Criswell says that when things do go his way, it’s just another opportunity to point to God. “When good things happen, I just smile knowing that God gave me these abilities and I’m using them the way he had it all written for me from the beginning.” While Criswell awaits his chance to prove himself for the Tar Heels, he is grounded by a faith that he holds closer than anything.

Although Criswell has already inspired so many, his life and his career are only just beginning. An inspiration to so many for using his circumstances to make an impact, Criswell looks forward to the chance to give back to his community and those that have brought him to where he is today. Criswell has never used his situation as an excuse, but only as a motivation to keep going and trust that God is in control. Whenever Criswell crosses the goal line on the field, he thanks God for the opportunity to play the game he loves and inspire the lives of so many in the process.

 

*Photos in article courtesy of Jim Hawkins / InsideCarolina.com