AJ Griffin Steps Away from the NBA to Answer a Higher Calling

For many athletes, the dream is to reach the top league in the world and carve out a successful career.

But for AJ Griffin, the 21-year-old small forward drafted 16th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Duke, there's something more significant than basketball.

This week, Griffin stunned the sports world by announcing his retirement from the NBA, choosing instead to dedicate his life to his faith.

In a heartfelt video posted on his YouTube channel, Griffin shared that his decision is driven by his desire to pursue full-time ministry and serve Jesus Christ.

"To bring it all down to a short summary, I gave up basketball to follow Jesus," Griffin expressed in the video posted on Sunday. His departure from the sport might surprise many, but Griffin is excited about this new chapter.

"I know that in a lot of people's eyes, this seems like a loss, but I just want to let you guys know I'm super excited because I truly get to serve God with my full yes," he added.

Griffin elaborated that leaving basketball behind will allow him to fully focus on his calling and live a life devoted to faith.

"I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to go into full-time ministry and truly serve the Lord with all my heart, with all my time, too," he explained. He further shared that his journey began in 2020 when he gave his life to Christ.

"This really has to start off with me giving my life to Christ in 2020. I truly accepted Him back then. He found me. I know we say we find God, but He finds us," he reflected.

The decision to walk away from professional basketball means that Griffin will forgo a substantial financial future.

After being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2022, Griffin signed a lucrative four-year contract worth more than $17 million, with an average annual salary of $4.27 million.

Despite his bright prospects, Griffin felt a stronger pull toward his faith.

New Orleans Pelicans guard and former teammate Dejounte Murray voiced his support for Griffin's life-changing choice. "Love YOU Always Bro!!!" Murray wrote in response. "Forever With You!!"

AJ Griffin, who comes from a basketball lineage as the son of former Milwaukee Bucks head coach and Toronto Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin, played two seasons with the Hawks.

In his brief NBA career, he averaged 7.5 points and 1.9 rebounds across 92 games. However, his role diminished during the 2023-24 season, and he appeared in only 20 games as he fell out of the rotation and dealt with personal issues.

During the off-season, Griffin was traded to the Houston Rockets as part of a three-team deal that included the Miami Heat.

But now, he will not suit up for his new team, choosing instead to pursue a different path.

Griffin's journey from being a promising young NBA player to embracing a life of ministry is a testament to his courage and conviction.

While some may view his departure as leaving money and opportunity on the table, Griffin's commitment to his faith is clear: serving God is the ultimate goal for him.