NBA star AJ Griffin snubs $17M contract to follow unconventional career as he gives up basketball at 21

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Former first-round NBA draft pick AJ Griffin is trading in his basketball jersey!

Selected by the Atlanta Hawks as the 16th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft on a four-year contract worth a whopping $17,106,137, the 21-year-old player recently announced his decision to leave the sport behind in a heartfelt video, The Sun reported.

While sharing his journey of transformation, Griffin expressed his excitement about his new endeavor, where he can pour his heart into his passion. As he reflected on this significant change, he invited fans to understand that, while it may seem unconventional, his true passion now lies in his newfound faith.

AJ Griffin reveals why he gave up basketball

AJ Griffin announced in a video on Sunday that he is leaving the sport “to follow Jesus.”

"I gave up basketball to follow Jesus," Griffin stated.

"And I know that in a lot of people's eyes, that seems like – it seems like a loss in the world's eyes. But I just want to let you guys know that I'm super-excited because I truly get to serve God, you know, with my full ‘yes,’ and I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to go into full-time ministry and truly serving the Lord with all my heart, with all my time too, as well. So, I'm just excited to see where that leads me."

In his seven-minute video, Griffin elaborated on his decision and the reasons behind it. “This decision may seem crazy or abnormal to the world but I’m not here to please man but only my Father in Heaven,” he explained in the video’s description.

He shared that he “gave [his] life to Christ in 2020” and truly embraced his faith during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“He found me,” Griffin smiled as he recounted the experience. He added, “I gave my life to Christ and it was the best decision of my life, it truly was. I think my values started to change, my heart started to change.”

Griffin admitted that basketball had been his entire life before he discovered his faith in 2020. “That was the reason why I was living,” he said, noting that once he found God, he realized his true passion was in religion.

AJ Griffin shares plans for his new life

Griffin, the son of former NBA coach and player Adrian Griffin, shared that basketball consumed his life until he discovered his faith in 2020. "That was the reason I was living," he explained, noting that finding God revealed his true passion for religion.

In recent years, the basketball star has utilized his social media platforms to read from the Bible, discuss his beliefs, and offer motivational religious messages. "You can see how I just love spreading the good news of the gospel because I know how much it’s changed my life," Griffin said in his announcement video, before adding, "I want to reach people more through my platforms. I think that sums up my testimony of why I left basketball."

Notably, Griffin faced challenges during the NBA’s summer league season, according to CBS Sports. The Houston Chronicle reported earlier this month that the Rockets bought out Griffin’s contract for $250,000, concluding his short stint with the team.

Now, it seems Griffin is moving on from basketball entirely. "Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey," he wrote in the description of his video. "As I step out of one season of my life, I’m excited to step into a new one with my lord and savior."

Internet supports AJ Griffin's decision to 'follow' his heart

After AJ Griffin revealed his unconventional reason for leaving basketball, social media users took to Facebook and expressed their support for him. 

One user wrote, "If that's his calling then that's his calling. We shouldn't be hating on that. As long as he's happy who are we to judge. He's not hurting anybody! good luck."

Another user said, "Good for him!!!! God is great all of the time and I hope he is sooo successful and bring so much attention to his ministry." 

One person shared, "What incredible faith and obedience!! Our country needs you now more than ever." 

Another commented, "He should do whatever he feels is best for him."

One individual stated, "May God bless you and guide your path..," while another asserted, "Amen! Much respect to this young man."

One netizen wrote, "Well good for him! Money isn't everything. Sometimes you realize you need to live for something higher than yourself. Take that for however you think it means. Wife, kids, family, community, your religion...it doesn't matter. You find something to live for that you put above yourself. Humble yourself."

Another added, "Follow your heart young man."

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