Nathan Carter - Pointing to Jesus

Michigan State transfer Nathan Carter was a star at UConn before making the decision to head to East Lansing. With the Huskies at UConn, Carter played in all 12 games his freshman year which included making 4 starts. After becoming the Huskies’ leading rusher in his sophomore year during the first month of the 2022 season, Carter faced an injury that ended his season. Coming back now stronger than ever, Carter says that he hopes his platform in the game of football is one that he can use to point others to Jesus.

Carter is the son of a pastor and says that he has grown up around the church. However, Carter says that he was more of a fan of Jesus than a follower when he was growing up.

“I knew a lot about who Jesus was and what He did but I didn’t know Him personally. I was comfortable with Jesus being my Savior, but I didn’t make Him Lord over my life. I thought that my father’s faith was good enough for me. But when reality hit me and my faith got tested, being a fan wasn’t so fun anymore.”

Nate says lessons in life taught him the importance of faith and he began making a shift in his life.

“I was looking for something to fill me and satisfy me. I was empty, questioning what was missing in my life. Looking for answers. Growing up in a Christian household you’d think that I’d look towards God, but instead, I looked towards the world.”

Nate says that his father played a key role in integrating faith back into Nate’s life and teaching him what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

“I look back at my life thankful for what I went through and even more grateful for what Christ delivered me from. Now I strive to live my life on a mission every day. Learning, growing, and pursuing to be more like Jesus.”

As Nate become a star on the football field, he was one of the most sought-after transfers for the Spartans. On the field, Nate says he has seen how intertwined faith and football really are.

“Football isn’t just a sport that I play, but it’s a way of ministry. I realized that God has gifted me with these amazing talents and abilities to play the game and also with a big platform for playing it on.”

Nate says that he never wants to play the game to bring attention to his name, only God’s.

“This platform isn’t for my glorification, it’s for Jesus, and I strive to use it each and every day to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. And I play the game giving Glory to God in all that I do as an act of worship and thankfulness towards Him.”

As Nate and the Spartans prepare for the upcoming 2023 season, Nate says he wants to use every opportunity he has to glorify God.

“I pray that my platform and my gifts point people to Jesus and not to me. I pray that I make Jesus famous. I pray that I can live an unashamed life for Christ and that I encourage other Christian athletes across the globe to do the same.”

Nate says that his biggest goal is to demonstrate the love of Jesus and spread that everywhere that he goes.

“I pray that everyone would know and accept what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. And that we would live as followers, and not just fans.”

A talented playmaker on the field, it is also Nate’s character, humility, and love that have made him into the impressive player and even more impressive person that he is today. With a purpose much bigger than just the game of football, Nate looks to glorify God each day and always be a light wherever it is that God takes him.