His is a story of fame, fortune, faith and forgiveness. But before he tells of his success and more importantly his salvation, this former NFL Tight End starts by explaining his upbringing.
“I grew up in an orphanage. I have a lot to be bitter about. I was around nothing but boys all my life. I had this great discernment about right and wrong and I've seen and done a lot of things,” says Joe Senser, former Minnesota Viking player.
He goes on to say, “Right before my father died we were a praying family. My father taught me how to pray. I knew about Jesus Christ all my life but I never knew Him. There's a huge difference.”
Joe Senser didn't put Jesus first during his years growing up and certainly didn't want a relationship with Him while playing for the Minnesota Vikings. But one coach had a game plan that, upon looking back, would play a pivotal role in Joe Senser's journey.
“Les Steckle would ask, ‘Where are you today with your walk with the Lord?’ I'd see him in the hallway and would run the other way because I couldn't understand, I just didn't know. I didn't need Jesus Christ. I was a pro athlete. I had nice things and I kept Christ on the shelf here. So I only pulled Him out when I needed Him, 'Oh, help me Lord.' That sort of thing that we all have done in our lifetime that we're all guilty of,” Joe explained.
He goes on to say, “The Lord has been knocking all my life. I look back and know that I've never done anything by myself. I've always, all my accomplishments have always come from other people or I know the Lord has had a hand in the lives of people.”
So now, this former pro-athlete turned successful restaurant owner and entrepreneur travels throughout the country speaking of his time in the NFL and how so much has changed over the years. His own personal change is now his testimony.
“God gives us the innate ability to be competitive. He obviously doesn't care who wins and loses, I can prove that. But the Bible does speak about finishing the race, enduring and that's what a professional athlete is. You're not always going to win but you'll always try your best and you'll endure through anything. And that's what these guys who are believers would do. They could knock your head off and reach down and help you up. I never could understand that because I was always living in fear and anger but there's a peace that comes over people who love the Lord,” Senser said.
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