The NBA is more than just flashy dunks and game-winning shots—it’s also a space where personal beliefs and values come into play. For some players, faith is a driving force behind their life choices. Jehovah’s Witnesses, known for their strong religious commitment and strict biblical practices, have quietly influenced the paths of a few former NBA stars. This has led fans to wonder: how many ex NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses? While the number is small, their stories offer meaningful insight into how faith can shape careers, decisions, and life after basketball in a world dominated by fame and pressure.
How Many Ex NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
While it’s a niche subject, the curiosity around how many ex NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses is growing. Based on publicly available and confirmed information, the number is few—just around two or three who have clearly identified with the faith during or after their professional basketball careers. The most reliably confirmed names include Darren Collison, Danny Granger, and Dewayne Dedmon, though with some nuance.
The low count shouldn’t come as a surprise. The beliefs held by Jehovah’s Witnesses often run counter to the entertainment-driven culture of pro sports. With strict views on modesty, neutrality in politics, and avoidance of certain celebrations and behaviors, it can be challenging to balance those expectations with the fast-paced NBA lifestyle. Still, these players found ways to honor their convictions, even if it meant stepping away from the game altogether.
Players Who Publicly Associated with the Faith
Only a few former NBA players have openly acknowledged or been credibly linked to the Jehovah’s Witness faith. Their stories reflect strong personal convictions and a willingness to prioritize spiritual values over professional opportunities.
Darren Collison
Darren Collison is the most widely recognized ex-NBA player to openly identify as a Jehovah’s Witness. After ten years in the league with teams like the Pacers and Kings, he made headlines in 2019 when he retired at just 31, despite having strong offers on the table.
His reason was clear—he wanted to focus on his faith and dedicate more time to community service. Although he made a short comeback in 2021, his decision to step away at his peak stands as one of the clearest examples of religious conviction shaping a professional athlete’s career.
Danny Granger
Danny Granger, an All-Star forward best known for his time with the Indiana Pacers, has been linked to the Jehovah’s Witness faith, especially after his retirement. While he wasn’t vocal about his beliefs during his career, reports suggest he adopted the faith in his post-NBA life.
Known for his reserved personality and values-driven lifestyle, Granger shifted his focus toward family, spirituality, and privacy—traits that align with the principles of Jehovah’s Witnesses. His name often comes up in discussions about ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Dewayne Dedmon
Dewayne Dedmon’s story is shaped by his upbringing in a household led by a devout Jehovah’s Witness mother. She discouraged him from pursuing basketball, believing it conflicted with their religious beliefs, which delayed his start in the sport.
It wasn’t until age 18 that Dedmon began playing seriously, yet he still carved out a respectable NBA career. Though he hasn’t publicly identified as a practicing Jehovah’s Witness, his background highlights how religious values can influence an athlete’s early journey.
Impact of Belief on Professional Choices
Being a Jehovah’s Witness in the NBA isn’t just a personal identifier—it’s a lifestyle. The religion places emphasis on separation from worldly values, neutrality in political matters, and avoidance of holidays and patriotic rituals. For athletes, this can mean:
- Skipping pre-game national anthems
- Turning down endorsement deals that conflict with religious values
- Limiting social activities with teammates
- Attending weekly meetings and participating in ministry work, often in place of media obligations
For Darren Collison, this resulted in walking away from a multimillion-dollar contract. For others like Granger, it meant keeping a low profile and living with spiritual intent post-retirement. These players are a rare breed in the professional sports world, where pressure to perform, entertain, and stay in the public eye often clashes with religious discipline.
Final Thoughts
Faith is a powerful force that can shape careers, priorities, and life decisions—even in the world of professional sports. The stories of Darren Collison, Danny Granger, and Dewayne Dedmon highlight how personal beliefs can sometimes outweigh fame and financial gain. While the number may be small, the impact of these players choosing faith over basketball speaks volumes. So, when people ask how many ex NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses, it’s not just about counting names—it’s about recognizing the influence of spiritual conviction in places where it’s least expected. Their choices reflect strength, purpose, and deep personal commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Only a few are publicly known—most notably Darren Collison and Danny Granger, with some connection to Dewayne Dedmon’s background.
2. Why did Darren Collison retire early?
He left the NBA in 2019 to focus on his faith as a Jehovah’s Witness and engage in community service.
3. Is Danny Granger a Jehovah’s Witness?
Reports suggest he aligned with the faith after retiring, though he wasn’t public about it during his playing career.
4. Is Dewayne Dedmon a practicing Jehovah’s Witness?
No public confirmation, but he was raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household.
5. Are there current NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
As of now, no active players have publicly identified with the faith.
