AJ Griffin has announced his retirement from professional basketball at just 21 years old, as he is now giving up his career of playing in the NBA to pursue an even higher calling. That is to say, Griffin wants to offer his full time and devotion to "follow Jesus," going after a new vocation in ministry.
AJ Griffin says he’s giving up basketball to “follow Jesus”
Griffin was drafted in 2022 and recently agreed to a buyout with the Rockets so he could pursue ministry
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Griffin played in this year's NBA Summer League for the Houston Rockets and has since agreed to a buyout ($250,000) with the team, per Jonathan Fiegan of the Houston Chronicle.
Notably, Griffin was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the 16th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, and had a decent rookie season, averaging 8.9 points, while shooting 46.5% FG and 39.0% 3PT.
In a video that was shared on his YouTube channel, Griffin explained the reasoning for why he is willing to give up all the fame and fortune that comes with playing in the NBA.
"I gave up basketball to follow Jesus, and I know that in a lot of people's eyes, that seems like a loss in the world's eyes... I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to go into full-time ministry and truly serving the Lord with all my heart and with all my time too as well, so I'm just excited to see where that leads me."
Griffin noted that he came to this realization after making "the best decision of his life."
"In 2020, I gave my life to Christ," Griffin said. "And it was the best decision of my life, it truly was. And I think my values started to change, my heart started to change. I think before basketball was my everything, basketball was so-called my passion. I thought that was the reason why I was living, but when I came to God, He truly showed me that we're all made to glorify God, we are all made with a purpose, a God-given purpose. But we must step into that. It's not what we do that makes us, but it's who we are. And when you come to Christ, your identity is in Christ."
This decision might be mind-boggling for many, but he has also gained support from other "believers" who share the same faith as Griffin.
Former Hawks teammate, Dejounte Murray, who Griffin played with for the past two seasons, responded to the news by commending him for taking a stand and demonstrating what really matters in life.
Underneath Griffin's retirement post, Murray said, "Love YOU Always Bro!!! Forever With You!!"
