Fr. Richard Heilman, author and leader of United States Grace Force, joined John Yep for “Catholic Champion” Friday morning for the ultimate debate: Chicago Bears or Green Bay Packers?
The 100-year NFL rivalry will add another game to its history on Saturday as the two teams face off in an NFC Wild Card playoff match-up.
Fr. Heilman and Yep discussed how both teams have Catholicism neatly interwoven through their histories; football great Vince Lombardi was a Catholic and coached the Packers during the 1960s, leading the team to five NFL Championships and the first two wins of the Super Bowl.
Catholic George Halas founded the Chicago Bears and led the team to six NFL championships, winning more than 300 games. He was inducted into the Sports Faith Hall of Fame in 2008 for his devotion to the faith, frequently attending confession and receiving the Eucharist during his life.
The two commented on the NFL’s unfortunate trend of wokeism in recent years, from “Pride” celebrations to racially discriminatory hiring practices and adding men to the cheerleading squads.
Of course, Fr. Heilman and Yep had to mention the viral video of a Catholic priest blessing the Pittsburgh Steelers’ field before their game last week which ended in a critical win against the Baltimore Ravens.
Click here to watch the episode and hear Fr. Heilman’s and John Yep’s predictions of who will advance in the Packers/Bears match-up!
