Prince Amukamara shows what it means to be a Catholic athlete

Tim Tebow may be gone from football but he leaves behind a legacy that is greater than his inconsistent performance on the field. Tebowing, or the practice of praying after a great play, has been catching on. Now there's a new player doing it.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Giant's cornerback Prince Amukamara is being compared to Tim Tebow as more people take notice of his religious convictions.

Amukamara has been seen praying on the field, but it's his off-the-field that also has people talking. For example, the 24-year-old footballer is a virgin and is not ashamed of the fact. "Yeah, some people call me the black Tim Tebow," he told Muscle and Fitness magazine in 2011. "I am a virgin," he continued. "I'm not ashamed to say that."

It's a bit surprising considering that we afford athletes the status of icons and pretty much expect them to engage in immoral sexual behavior.

Amukamara however, is also engaged to be married. He met his fiancée at a dance where he was attending with some friends, but not drinking. His friends had to encourage him to talk to her, but he couldn't muster the courage. Later in the evening, Amukamara recounts she came by him and struck up a conversation. He asked for her email address and the rest is history.

As for drinking, he told his fiancée he'll probably have his first drink at his bachelor party.

Amukamara says he was raised Catholic, and it's from that upbringing that his strong Christian convictions and devotion o God flows. It is refreshing to have faith-filled athletes who love God and exemplify the right way to handle celebrity and blessing.

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