Louisiana Coach Fanning Faith into Football Players: ‘I Love What I Do’
In Shreveport, Louisiana, one man’s dedication to faith and football is changing lives in powerful ways. Denny Duron, former Louisiana Tech hall-of-fame quarterback, has spent over four decades using the gridiron as a platform to teach young men about God, family, and perseverance. At 72 years old, Pastor Duron remains at the helm of Evangel Christian Academy, a school he founded with a mission to mold young men of character and faith while building one
Evangel Christian Academy began in 1980 with a clear vision: to provide a Christ-centered education and athletic experience for young men. Over the years, Duron’s influence has extended far beyond the football field. With 12 district championships, 14 state championships, a national title, and 14 graduates who went on to play in the NFL, Evangel’s success is undeniable. Yet, Duron insists it’s not the trophies that matter most—it’s the spiritual impact he’s had on the players.
“I’m just so grateful to God that, at 72 years old, I have a chance to show up every morning and teach the word of God to 75 young men,” Duron shared in an interview with Fox News Digital. “Most of them have never owned a Bible until we give it to them. And they are being molded together as a beautiful family. It really is all about God and family.”
For Duron, football is simply a tool—a vehicle to share the message of Jesus with his players. “Now football is some kind of conduit through which we can put the message of Jesus into their lives,” he said. “For my boys, many of them hurt. Many of them have endured great trauma and pain in their lives and in their homes. Evangel is very different than where they live. And so we never, ever stop praying.”
Duron’s story, as told in the new Fox Nation series *God. Family. Football,* highlights the real-life struggles his players face. From family issues to peer pressure and challenges at home, the series follows Evangel’s players as they work toward their 15th state championship title while balancing the pressures of high school life. Through it all, Duron emphasizes the importance of faith and prayer, teaching his players to seek God in every situation.
Duron’s journey to becoming a pastor and coach began long before Evangel. After signing with the Washington Redskins as a third-string quarterback, he felt God’s call to leave the game behind and dedicate his life to ministry. “The Lord spoke to my heart and said, ‘This is your last day,’” Duron recalled. He left training camp, trusting God to use him in a new way—through influencing the next generation of athletes and men of faith.
Throughout his time at Evangel, “Coach Duron” has coached countless All-Americans and set national records for offensive yardage, touchdowns, and points scored. USA Today even named Evangel as one of the top high school springboards to the NFL, with several former Eagles currently playing professionally.
