NFL Defensive Lineman and Amateur Preacher Demario Davis Delivers Inspiring Sermon on Victory and Life

During a service at Jet Chapel, Davis tied Proverbs 13:12 and the Tree of Life to perseverance through adversity in the NFL, in relationships, and in careers.

Freshman Falcon Zacharias Branch on how his faith plays a vital role in life

Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch explained how his Christian faith plays a vital role in how he lives his life on and off the football field.

Demario Davis makes a living as an NFL linebacker for the New York Jets, but he lives his life with the Bible, which at times has made him something of an amateur preacher.

Both were featured on Sunday during and after the Jets' win over the Cleveland Browns, which ended a three-game losing streak for the Jets and ended a three-game winning streak for the Browns.

Davis then shared that during the Jets' chapel service on Saturday, one of the verses shared was Proverbs 13:12.

"Hope delayed makes the heart sick, but when a wish comes, it is a tree of life."

Cleveland Browns players were baptized in a powerful display of faith at the Cleveland for Christ event in Cleveland

Davis saw his team, his game against the Browns, and even what fans and people face every day in that verse.

"I would go so far as to say it was a historic victory for this organization," Davis said. When you're talking about a team that comes in and has won three games, it's very hard to get that kind of momentum in this league and it makes it very strong and it seems insurmountable at times.

And you're talking about a team [the Jets] that was 0-3 or had lost their last 3 games. And when you're going through that kind of adversity, it can weigh on you. It can weigh on you emotionally, it can weigh on your faith, it can weigh on your belief.

And that could weigh heavily on an organization that has historically been frustrated.

Jets fans shout Amen in congregation.

"We have the chance to experience that tree of life that is victorious," Davis said. "And the reason this word is important is because football is the greatest teacher in life. I will always say that."

But, you see, Davis' message wasn't written from a Bible verse for the NFL. It may include situations in the NFL, but Davis knows it applies to everyone.

The NFL is America's most God-centered professional sports league, and Sunday's games continue to prove it

"Right now people are fans of the game and watching the game, but their lives are happening," he said. "It could be a relationship. It could be a job. It could be something going on with the kids. It could be something that's weird. And when you're going through a rough patch, you want to give up.

"Sometimes you want to give up before you even start, before you try. For example, I have experienced this in my relationship, I don't even want to try anymore. I have experienced this in my work. I'm just released or I don't know how I'm going to make a living. And you just want to give up."

But this is where persistence pays off - in the tree of life.

"God wants you to know when the enemy wants you to quit, when it makes your heart sick, when you're going through hard times, man, if you'll just go to the other side, it's the tree of life." "And that's what I want this opportunity to represent, just keep going for somebody who's going through a tough time, somebody who's going through something," Davis said.

An unapologetic, unforgivable Craig-carton show. Download his daily podcast now!

"God can do miracles. Or he can give you medicine. And this drug may be relationship counseling. You might just show up at work and do the right thing. You will be seen. This promotion is coming.

“It could be a relationship you said you'd leave and you all have some beef, a family member or something. Just reach out one more time. Just do something, keep doing little things and you'll see it process for you."

Davis pleaded that this insistence leads you to the goal, to the tree of life.

"When you reach that dream, that dream comes true," Davis concluded. "This is the tree of life. And the incomparable joy that comes from it, as the calamity weighed on you, that joy will lift you up.

Armando Salguero is the senior writer for NFL OutKick.

Get all the stories you need to know from the most powerful names in news delivered to your inbox every morning.