Packer Defensive End Promotes Christ on the Field

But even then, he never lost faith in himself or in his relationship with Jesus Christ. Its a relationship he loves to talk about, especially in regard to his football career.

"I would not be doing what Im doing if it werent for God," Kabeer says, "and I just want the world to know, whoever is watching this, it's not because of my strength; this is truly because of the work of God."

Strong words from someone who has only been a Christian a few years. Raised by a Muslim father and Christian mother, Kabeer was never sure what to believe.

"I was a Muslim at one time," he says, "and I remember knowing about Jesus, studying about Him from my friends and Athletes in Action, going to things like that. I remember coming here to Green Bay, and I said I know about Jesus. Ive been doing it my own way for 22 years, and it has brought me nothing. It has brought me sadness. Let me do it His way."

Kabeer was ready to seek the truth for himself, but having been raised primarily in the Muslim faith, he was taught the Bible was dull and full of contradictions.

"It's exciting when youre not blind. I was blind, so it was always boring, but when I wanted to really know about the Lord, I said, 'Im going to do it,' and I just read three chapters a day. I always tell people, 'Try to prove the Bible wrong. Read it, from cover to cover. Dont just read one thing here and say it's contradictory. Read it from cover to cover, and I promise you will fall in love,'" he says.

After being cut in his rookie season, it was this love for Christ that helped Kabeer refocus.

"I remember in

Kabeers journey from rookie disappointment to one of Green Bays most dominant defenders has taught him valuable lessons about life and football.

Says Kabeer, "If God is with me, who can be against me? Does that mean Im going to win all the time? No, because sometimes I have to lose so God can build me up. Sometimes God tears us down to build us back up.

"Sometimes I look at myself as the clay, I guess, and God is trying to shape me-- be Holy because Hes Holy. And Hes trying to shape me into this image. Were always a work in progress, so it's like Hes pounding it! And it's going to hurt when Hes pounding it, but Hes trying to shape me up. After He shapes me up, I can look at myself and say, 'Oh! I look good!' Ill be happy, but I didnt like what it took to get up there. He had to do those things to make me the man He wants me to be."

What about the man his father wanted him to be? Kabeers dad is still Muslim, and its a difference thats hard to ignore.

"It's so hard," he says. "I mean, it's not hard in conversation. He accepts my religious beliefs and I accept his and we still love each other. It's hard for me to tell my dad, 'Hey, change.' All I can do is leave it up to prayer because hes older than me. Hes my elder. The Bible talks about dont talk to him harshly, so its a delicate thing, but all I do is pray now and leave it in Gods hands."

Kabeer also prays for continued success in his career, but football is not the source of his joy.

"It's because Jesus loved me, He died for my sins, thats what makes me happy, not because of the success Im having," says Kabeer. "He just happens to be using me. Im grateful for that. I am honored that He wants to use me in that way. I just want to serve Him in any way."