McCown uses football to make a difference
BY LELAND ACKER

Tampa l Bay quarterback Luke McCown drops back to pass during a recent Buccaneers game. McCown, a Jacksonville native, said he wants to use football to be a positive influence. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

As the back-up quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville's Luke McCown has a great responsibility. In addition to leading the Bucs to victory in the absence of Jeff Garcia, McCown sees his responsibility as being a positive role model for those who watch him from the stands.

"We have a tremendous group of guys in the NFLwho profess Christ and walk it," he said. "Kurt Warner is a guy who comes to mind. They care about the image they portray because they care about young people. My thing has always been to be an example."

McCown told the Rusk Rotary Club Wednesday that he feels God called him to the ministry.

"I feel called… not so much to pastoral ministry, but to serve God with what He has given me," he said. "Football is my ministry."

When asked what his plans are for life after football, Mc- Cown said he is still considering his options.

"I'm still working on that," he said. "I have an Agriculture Business major that I need 12 hours to finish. I've never ruled out full-time ministry or coaching. If I coach, I only want to coach high school football. That's where you have the greatest impact."

McCown told the Cherokeean Herald in an exclusive interview after the meeting that his ministry will continue after his football career is over.

"It may be something along the lines of inspirational speaking," he said. "It all depends on how long I play and what kind of success I have. Otherwise, it will be some form of youth ministry, maybe even FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). I worked for FCA in college as an intern for their college ministry."

While inspirational speeches and devotionals may not replace rock 'n' roll halftime shows, players like McCown might be what NFLCommissioner Roger Goodell is looking for.

Goodell's priority since taking office as league commissioner has been improving the league's image. His efforts include the NFL's personal conduct policy, which stiffened penalties and suspensions for off-the-field behavior that is inappropriate.

Players suspended must reapply for reinstatement, showing that they have corrected their behavior. Under the policy, four players have drawn harsh suspension sentences.

"From day one, we knew what Roger Goodell's footprint would be," McCown said. "We knew what his tenure would be about. Every player in our locker room took notice quickly. We have accountability in our locker room, our team leaders have the ability to say something."

Prior to the personal conduct policy, McCown said player conduct was handled differently from organization to organization.

"Because you are getting older, you should be growing out of your younger years," he said. "They expect (good conduct). They talk to you about it. 'We pay you this, we expect you to act like a grown man.'"

Aside from using his football career to build his ministry, McCown said he is enjoying life in the NFL.

McCown signed a five-year agreement when he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2004.

He was traded to Tampa Bay the following season. He is quick to discuss his faith in God, citing that as a factor in his quick recovery from an injury to his ACL in 2006.