Jay, here.

This is called “Wilcox Over The Middle” for a reason: Josh is willing to venture into areas few dare to tread. And religion is one of those areas where you’re certain to take a few hits. And I don’t think this will be any exception.

In last Friday’s edition of “Wilcox Over The Middle”, Josh noted how ‘cool’ it was that the Pope blessed Kellen Clemen’s daughter. One reader disagreed with Josh on that assessment. And Josh felt compelled to respond.

As an editorial note, I have mixed feelings about what Josh has to say here. However, there is one thing that I am in complete agreement with Josh: people take note when you “talk the talk” and if you “walk the walk”.

Here’s Josh.

Wilcox Over The Middle
Josh Wilcox, DSN Contributor
April 28, 2008

In my last rambling, I wrote about how I thought it was “cool” that Kellen Clemens daughter was blessed by the pope. I feel I need to explain this a little more and where I was coming from. The reason I think it is pretty special is that does not happen to everyone and I am assuming Catholic’s think this is a big deal. Now realize I am not a Catholic, and never have claimed to be. I just think that it could not have happend to a better guy. Kellen is a man’s man and a great person. The only reason I heard about it is that the mega (ESPN or CNN) media wrote a story about it and how it brought him to tears. I just felt that in the world today a story like that was something good.

I agree 100% that religion is a personal choice. However, when you have seen the things I have seen and the new age of “Born Again”, I do not agree that it should play a giant role in sports. Everyone has their own views, ideas and beliefs, but there are instances and cases when religion plays a role in sports. Take for instance the Man of the Year in 1998, Eugene Robinson. The All-American Christian came to speak to the U of O team about making good choices and how his faith has helped him. I was not here at the time, but do know some of the players there at the meeting. However, on the night before the biggest game of his life, the franchise he played for, and his teamates, he decided to go get some action. Now it was not Elliot Spitzer by any means, but I would have thought that being a good Christan does not involve getting cheap hookers. I realize people make mistakes and no one is perfect, but to put on a front like your “Mr. Good Family Man”, and then the night before the Super Bowl get some relaxation, way to set an example.

Some players think it is their message to spread the word, and I am glad that they have that conviction. But also some of those same players become judgmental if you do not believe like they do. No one has ever asked me about my beliefs. But I believe in God and I believe that everyone has their own ways to connect with him. If you believe in something and that gives you the strength to perform, then that is really all that matters on the field. Does the fact that I did not go to the after-game prayer circle, or lead bible study make me a bad guy? Or does it? It might in some eyes, but my understanding is that you need to try to work with everyone no matter race, sex, religion, or any of that.

My roommate in Amsterdam was Kurt Warner. Now we all know his convictions, but I will tell you he never pushed anything and was always open to educate me on any questions I had. Danny Wuerffel was a player with the Saints when I got there. He was always a great man and had his convictions, but again he would never push anything on me or treat me different because I did not know what John 3:16 was. Once we were talking and I told him I had not read the Bible, and he asked, “Why not?” My comeback was “It’s not a pop up book”. A week later in my locker I found a Pop Up David and Goliath book. Still have it to this day. I have the utmost respect for those two and they helped me get some of my questions answered. In college, Josh Bidwell was one of those types of guys.  He was just a great guy and his faith has helped him along his journey.

But what does it mean when a guy is wearing a WWJD braclet with his wife or girlfriend at home, and he is out trying to get digits at a bar? I have seen that as well. Makes me just want to puke. I just don’t think Jesus would be doing tequilla shots with girls at a bar. These are the same guys out toting how they are good Christans, and praising GOD for everything. Now he may have played a role in some of the success, but last time I checked GOD did not throw a spiral, catch a pass, block a linebacker, or make a tackle.

However, I do realize that in a workplace, which a locker room is, you try to be respectful of others, and I am sure I have said some colorful things which might have used bad language. This may offend people as well, so I am sure I share some of the blame. So, I apologize for my part.

Let me just say I know for a fact that it will continue to be in the fabric of sports, and that is something I have accepted. Some of you will agree with me and some will not, but that is what makes the world go round. We all have our choice on what to believe.

Josh Wilcox, a Junction City, Oregon native was a four-year letterman with Ducks. In the Rose Bowl Season of 1994 against Arizona, Danny O’Neil threw 15 yards to Josh for the game’s only touchdown early in the fourth quarter as Oregon came from behind to win 10-9. Arizona was ranked No. 11 by The Associated Press and ranked 23d by The New York Times computer. Josh went on to catch 11 passes for 135 yards against Penn State in the 1995 Rose Bowl. After finishing his career at Oregon, Josh went on to play for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL.