Ramadan ends: super bowl champion ryan harris finds faith in unexpected places
As billions of Muslims worldwide celebrate the end of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr, a moment of reflection for many, former NFL player and Super Bowl champion Ryan Harris finds a deeper connection to his faith forged in the crucible of athletic competition and personal exploration.
From gridiron to guidance: harris's journey of belief
Harris, a native of St. Paul, converted to Islam at age 14, a decision that set him apart from his family, who belonged to the Unitarian Universalist Church. He describes a pivotal moment of searching, exploring various faiths before feeling a profound resonance with Islam. “When I read about Islam, it felt like God had unzipped my heart,” he shared.
His conversion wasn't met with resistance; his family embraced his choice, prioritizing character over creed. This acceptance fueled Harris, who navigated the challenges of adolescence with a newfound sense of identity. He attended Cretin-Derham Hall, a Catholic high school, followed by Notre Dame University, the latter proving unexpectedly transformative. “Notre Dame was the only school to bring me to a mosque on my visit,” Harris recalled, noting the profound impact of such exposure.
It was at Notre Dame that Harris began to bridge divides. He often found himself as the sole Muslim in rooms, sparking conversations with coaches and teammates eager to learn. He credits former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis with fostering this understanding. Weis, recognizing his own limited knowledge of Islam, sought to learn directly from Harris, initiating a conversation that ultimately led to an article in the Notre Dame magazine. “More people need to know about this,” Weis reportedly said.
Harris argues that a lack of understanding fuels hatred and pushes people away from faith. “When we show hatred, we are showing our lack of experience – we’re showing our ignorance,” he stated. He advocates for empathy and connection, emphasizing that shared humanity transcends religious differences. His message to Minnesotans grappling with faith boundaries is simple: “Intimidation is a choice. Invite yourself.”
The full conversation with Ryan Harris is available on the latest episode of Bigger Than Belief, a podcast dedicated to exploring faith through personal narratives.
The podcast aims to foster fair and honest conversations about belief, providing context to current events impacting faith communities.