Zeal Talk Report With JGILLZ: Super Bowl Soulful Celebration Celebrates 25 Years of Blessings

Written By Jalen McGill

For the last twenty five years the Super Bowl soulful celebration (formally the gospel celebration) has been uplifting athletes and fans through praise, worship, and ministry by honoring players and featuring some of the biggest names in gospel music. The Soulful Celebration was started by Melanie Few who had a vision after going to the Super Bowl and noticing there were no gospel events during the festivities. Ms. Few spent the next seven years writing the NFL to try and launch this vision.

After seven years of rejection, it wasn’t until the eighth year when former NFL PA advisor Gene Upshaw finally agreed to partner with her after making a deal. The deal was that Melanie had to get Gladys Knight to headline the event. By the grace of God, Melanie had a connection to Gladys Knight and was able to confirm her attendance. This confirmed the NFL’s agreement to allow Melanie to get sanctioned by the NFL and provide Ms. Few access to use the NFL’s name and likeness.

In the first year, the concept was a brunch for three hundred people but over four thousand people showed up to support. The NFL then new what it had on its hands. Over the next twenty five years, the NFL Gospel Celebration honored the likes of Deion Sanders, Cam Newton, Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott, Tom Brady, Russell Wilson and more. The also showcased the likes of Gladys Knight, Patty LaBell, Kirk Franklin, Fantasia, Yolanda Adams, and the list goes on. This year was a stellar line up like no other that featured Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Robin Thicke, T-Pain, and Earth Wind, and Fire. They also honored some heavy hitters including Damar Hamlin. This year was also unique in being featured on CBS during primetime. One honoree receiving the faith in action award was Houston Texans rookie Quarterback CJ Stroud. Stroud lead his team to the divisional round as a rookie, and leaned on the Lord throw-out the entire season. Here is what Stroud had to say after winning the Faith in Action award at the 25th annual Super Bowl Soulful Celebration.

“First and foremost I want to give all glory and praise to my lord and savior Jesus Christ. Congratulations to everyone that won today. This stuff doesn’t go unnoticed, its kids watching us every day. I want to thank my mother, I want to thank my father. They put a mustard seed of faith in me and they watched it grow. They watered me put me in the son and let me grow as a kid and now I’m here today as a young man of God trying to do what’s right.” CJ Stroud has a true testimony when it comes to his parents. His father who is currently incarcerated and never saw him play a game in college or the NFL has been instrumental in his life as a mentor. He’s also used that situation to fuel his faith. Stroud later was quoted stating the following after receiving his award, “I want to thank my community at home and so many people along the way to help grow my faith. Stroud later commented on what a friend of his told him after losing the Heisman trophy, he said “Your passion is greedy but your purpose is forever”. CJ Stroud is a worthy recipient of the faith in service award.

Jalen McGill

Rumors swirled over this past Super Bowl media week, with some close to the event saying this may be the last Super Bowl Soulful (Gospel) Celebration highlighted at the Super Bowl. Let’s keep this event in our prayers and have faith that this great event will continue for years to come.

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