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MO-WY-NFL, God Works Everything for Our Good · 307 Faithful

• Devin Davis: welcome everybody to the 307 faithful podcast. I'm your host, Devin Davis. And, to my right, to your left, I have my cohost who's back after a sabbatical of about a month or so. I was busy. A senior in high school. So this is Paxton Yates. Paxton is finally joining us today, but we have an extra special guest today. Thanks Aaron Fruit at the University of Wyoming. He connected us John Michael Gielenborg. So John Michael is a tight end, moving on to the NFL, hopefully, right? ⁓ And so it's just ⁓ honor to have Jay Mike. with us today. yeah, we ⁓ been talking. I don't know a lot about you just ⁓ other than that you play for the University of Wyoming and that you had a played at the senior bowl and you're Missouri. But tell us a little bit about yourself if you don't mind. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, thanks Devin and Paxton for having me on. It's an honor and a joy. So yeah, I was and raised in Kansas City, like 15 minutes south of downtown Kansas City. I was actually born and raised in Kansas, but went to high school and all that stuff in Missouri. I was like right on the state line, pretty close to ⁓ the FCA headquarters. I used to see that all the time. It's right by the Chief Stadium and stuff like that. Born and raised there, I got three sisters, ⁓ older, one twin, one younger. I ⁓ just all sports when I was younger and grew up ⁓ in a home actually. Went to Catholic grade Catholic high school, played all sports except for football, ironically. When I got to high I was like baseball, basketball. And in my senior year, we got a new high school football coach and he was just like, his pitch to me was basically come out and have fun. ⁓ senior year, ⁓ know, play with the boys. We were supposed to be pretty good that year too. So it was like, you you just, you'll play receiver. You're an athletic kid. It will be super simple. So I did, I went out and played and got hurt after three games. ⁓ ⁓ I was pretty upset because I knew I thought it was going to disrupt basketball. That was kind of like, I was like, dang, I want to play basketball in college. That was my goal right there was to play NII or D2 basketball. And had gotten hurt after three games of football, but Wyoming kind of came in ⁓ was recruiting me. And even after I got injured, they stayed recruiting me and they were like one of the only schools that was actually sticking around. And they offered me at some point and when they offered me my coach at the time was like, You should just do it like you need to. You need to just go do this because you're tall. You're athletic and Wyoming is a great developmental program. They believe in you. They had a lot of conversations with my head coach because obviously I was inexperienced and they believed in me and. He sort of encouraged me to go do it and I did and. Came out to Wyoming in 2021. Having very little football, football knowledge, football experience, all those sorts of things and. Devin Davis: you JohnMichael Gyllenborg: as far as like the faith side of things go as well, I was in the same boat. I just would describe the way that I was being very naive and ignorant is good way to state my state. when I first, that first fall camp practice for Wyoming my freshman year was probably the worst day of my life. I never thought that I was gonna quit. I'd never have thought I was gonna quit something in my life until that day. I actually thought I was gonna quit. Like I was wondering why did I do this? This sucks. I hate this. And I remember calling my parents and kind of telling them the same sort of thing, but you stick it out and it didn't get easier for a long time, but you just get better and better and better and slowly you start to see. Like, wow, okay, I'm starting to enjoy this. And you fall in love with the game, so to speak. And in that time, you know, as I said, I was raised in the Catholic church by a Catholic family and went to Catholic school, but I had no idea who Jesus was. ⁓ didn't know anything about the Bible except some of the fun stories maybe. to idea, ⁓ or me, like being saved was just be a good person and... do what you're told in terms of like go to church on Sunday and et cetera. And Trayton Welch who played Ted in Wyoming, he's now with the New Orleans Saints. was a great influence for me, like on the football field and in of the faith. I remember we had a discussion one day. We had several discussions because I was high and mighty. didn't think, you know, I thought I knew everything. I was a Catholic, you know. going to church on Sundays and all that sort of stuff. And he asked me like, where are you going to go when you die? And I said, don't remember exactly what I said, but I said something along the lines of probably heaven. And he said, why? ⁓ why probably? And I said, well, I'm a good person and I we'll see what happens. And he shared the gospel with me. of course, nothing really with me. ⁓ It was process. It really wasn't until like my sophomore year that I finally went to a Bible study with him and Buck Coors, who was another former player. we were, they were reading through Romans. It was just us three, me, Buck and Traiton. were reading through Romans chapter three. And of course I'd never really ever read the Bible or understood anything about the gospel to this point still. And they were kind of explaining to me how We're sinners ⁓ there's nothing you can do that can save you. It's only through Christ and ⁓ faith and faith alone in Christ. And like that stuck with me. It was like a, just an amazing like wow feeling. Like I've never heard that in my life. Maybe I had, but to that it was like, wow, I've never heard that. Like, can you say it again? Can you say it again? Can you say it again? Type of thing. that certainly the seed. I didn't give my life to Christ that day, but the seed was planted. since then, about three years ago, it's just been a journey of growing. And I've come out of Catholic Church and started going to Laramie Valley Chapel and continuing to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ and using the platform that He's been giving me to share gospel. Devin Davis: I tell you what, man, that's a, that's a pretty incredible story. mean, cause you, you had like a life transformation in a short period of time, right? From, from what you had been raised as not a football player, not a, a, a, a, a, a Christian, a born again Christian, right? And that all happened within the matter of, mean, you got there in 2021, so just a couple of years, didn't it really? JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, you know, of course I had like Trayton and Buck are two of the most mature Christian men that I've ever been around period. And to have them in the locker room on the football team and around being around them every day, was that process a lot easier than it ⁓ might like on paper because Trayton was such a giving, humble servant. Devin Davis: Yeah. Still that's so crazy to me. Like it's just such a testament to how God works like you said you didn't play football till your senior year and you you weren't really Christian but then all of sudden in a couple years you just obviously you're going to the NFL, you fingers crossed and And now you like you're truly like a Christian, know what it means to be a Christian so I mean just crazy how like Your entire perspective of what you thought was gonna happen compared to what actually happened was so different JohnMichael Gyllenborg: it's, it's ⁓ and I alluded to how just naive I was going into college in so many different ways. And one part of me looks back and is like, that I was, at least in terms of like football, because I think if I would have known more about what I was truly getting into, it would have been a lot harder to actually do it. But of course, Devin Davis: You JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Of course, like it was just one of those things you dive in at first to football and it's just like, keep your head down, keep going. And of course the faith aspect of things came around about a year later. but yeah, I would have never ever have thought, you know, in high school going to Wyoming, which like, I had never even ⁓ anything about Wyoming at that time, that it would be such a life. transforming process in five years for me. Devin Davis: Yeah, in a lot more eternal ways than football. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: For sure, for sure, of course. Devin Davis: You know, that's the, thought you were coming here to play football. God had other plans for you though. Right. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, of course. that's the, that's the amazing thing is someone like just the humble servants that I've come across in my time here and, that I could hope in this last year that I had at Wyoming was to be able to keep the standard so to speak in terms of guys in on the football team, getting guys into FCA and preaching gospel and ⁓ keeping at the center of everything that we were doing as a team and with our Bible studies and those sorts of things that was certainly an emphasis us this last year. Devin Davis: So after coming to Wyoming and becoming a born again Christian, like what habits have you developed to like make sure you keep that standard and make sure you're setting a good example for those teammates around you? Like how do you lead by example? JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, I well, I think me ⁓ as a person, I think I am leader by example. That's just the route that Good. Devin Davis: Yeah, we're fine. I thought anyways, there you go. We still got you. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Sorry about that. So I think me as a person, the way that I sort of operate is that I like to lead by example. think that the way that I was, I do things on the football field and in workouts and in Bible study and all those sorts of things, know, everyone says actions speak louder than words. And it's just about building those daily habits or disciplines to ⁓ to stack over time and see improvement, successes, et cetera. As far as football go, or as far as faith goes with the football team, it's hard because there's a locker room of ⁓ 115 ⁓ us and always together. And of course it's like the Christian way of living is not the way of the world. So. you're going to stand out at times in locker room and you have to take those courageous steps in doing that. So, you know, thankfully there was a really strong group of us seniors, Evan Cain Barnett, myself. I don't to miss anyone's name, but I am. But us three, along with a lot these younger guys that are eager to learn and that are very mature themselves, We met once a week for Bible studies and it was a strong emphasis in our Bible study that like we can't just meet once a week and you yearn to grow and learn and then go back to the world and doing everything that our flesh desires. a war like every day. So staying in the word on your own and you know, finding a church and a community are things that are like paramount into growing as a Christian. as far as, again, like being in the locker room on a football team, you know you have those guys, that of believers who, of course, we're always reaching out and trying to get guys to ⁓ come and hear the gospel and let the spirit transform their lives. But it's always about holding the standard, so to speak, of like, is, as to, we're not to live as the world. where to remember what Christ has done for us and to yearn to obey and grow in his grace and knowledge. So I think leading is just all done by example and all of those things I just mentioned. Devin Davis: So you guys had just a football only Bible study just during football season and you guys continue that as well. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, so we only had during football season, we haven't continued since probably January, I think. But there's a lot of guys in that group. I live with Kaden. I see Evan Eller all the time. Those are guys I see a lot. But no, we haven't continued it. We did it during the season once a week. Of course, we have FCA meeting. those sorts of things, but staying in touch with all those guys has been really, really cool, of course. Devin Davis: Well, that's I mean, during football season, like the crazy schedule you have, probably the only time that you can have Bible study is with your with your football teammates, really. So that makes sense, really. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah. Yeah. was, ⁓ there was a point in the off season when we have more time, there was like an FCA Bible study with men. and that is one that we had, we probably had a handful of football guys that went to that. And that was a little bit more, that was also more of like an accountability group as far as like purity goes and Devin Davis: Mm-hmm. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: in our relationships and the way that we're living. that was really something that I think us football guys liked a lot. And we kind of also carried over to the football study was even though there's like 20 of us and it would take a long time to go through and ⁓ down like how everyone's doing ⁓ terms of purity. We held each other to again, like the standard. I don't want to say there's like a standard, but it's It's like a way of living that's against the world and as the Bible teaches. So that was something that was, instead of... You know, think a lot of guys will come into football Bible studies or those sorts of things and see the Bible as a, okay, how can I, what can I get out of this? Like, how can this, how can this help me be a better football player? Like what verse is going to give me the, make me play better today or whatever. think, sure, that that's one way of looking at like, Devin Davis: you JohnMichael Gyllenborg: the faith in sports, but the center of Christianity is the gospel and all that Christ has done for us and of those sorts of things. So keeping that at the center of our Bible studies was like something that we all, us all older guys who led, ⁓ was something that we made like very clear every single time we met, like, hey, this is the gospel, know, football is great and it's an opportunity to have a platform. and the Lord's given us gifts and all these things, but this is not our life. Like this doesn't define us, etc. Devin Davis: And I, and I just, mean, I'm hoping he's soaking this all in, uh, because he, he is signed to play division two football in Alamosa, Colorado at Adams state. Um, and he's a tight end and a DN. What are you going to play in college? Probably a long snapper and outside linebacker. Those are my spots. Long snapper and outside linebacker, but that's not big enough. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: ⁓ nice. Devin Davis: play Titan or the end. So, know, that's what I've kind of been talking to him about a lot is like when you step foot in that locker room, all the pressure that you get from, you know, the world, the people, the players who aren't, men of God really, ⁓ and, how many temptations there are. So surrounding yourself with other guys that are going to hold you accountable. ⁓ is, is definitely the key. And it sounds like that was, ⁓ played a huge role in your faith in college. and I'm sure that's going to be different when you head out into an NFL locker room at some point in time, ⁓ of the same thing, but I think, you know, just that iron sharpens iron thing is, is in sports, especially team sports like football. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, and I mean, you speak of the NFL, just talking with Trayton in his experience with the Saints these last couple of years, he's made it seem like at least, I mean, he's, I don't remember ⁓ he said about the Browns, but I know he said with the Saints, there was a very strong group of men that met for Bible studies and they ⁓ to church together and those sorts of things. ⁓ That's very encouraging that, you know, they're still, like very mature, faithful leaders, even at the next level with all temptations that come with being at that level and having that platform and having those, having that money and whatever. Devin Davis: So kind of connected with that. And we were talking and I know that you went to the senior bowl. How was, how was your experience both from a football standpoint? And I think I saw that they, ⁓ that been interviewed or they kind of had a special like faith night around the bowl, ⁓ I believe. about both football wise and faith wise your experience at the senior bowl. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, it was, first of all, like it was an honor to get invited to the senior bowl and, and experienced everything that that week, you know, offered me and all of us that was there. And, like for me coming from Wyoming, think just a, a natural insecurity I had was like, I in the mountain west. I don't play in the SEC. I don't play like these big schools every week. So going to the senior bowl and playing against these really good players, am I gonna fare? ⁓ it gonna be tough for me? Am I gonna stick in? ⁓ see how works out for me. so going and performing well, was very happy with how I did in practice and all those sorts of things. Was a great confidence booster. But on the first day that I got there, I met the FCA representatives there and, like we, we began talking and ⁓ shared my testimony and they gave me the opportunity to, ⁓ think there's like a, there's a designated time on like the second day or third day you're there to, like do service in the community. FCA had a group of men that they would bring to, I don't exactly know what it was. It was some sort of seminar or, or. event with a bunch of high schoolers. There was a good amount of high schoolers there and they gave me the opportunity to go and speak at it. And of course it was a great honor and you know there's probably 20 of us that won, I think six of us that talked and we just shared part of our testimony and answered some questions. And to me that was like the highlight of the week. That was a lot of fun and to be able to share with a bunch of high schoolers. Who just they honestly look up to a lot of us because of where we're at and those sorts of things. So it's a lot of fun to be able to do those things. And it's definitely a blessing. As far as like the rest of the week went with football was it's kind of a grind of a week. Like they keep you up late and you got to get up early. They keep you busy all day. Like we're up at 6 a.m. and you have meetings, interviews. seminars, practice, you know, of course you got to eat and all those sorts of things and call your family and whatever, but it was a great week and from every standpoint, like growing in my faith and especially football side of things and kind of seeing myself, okay, I can't compete with these quote unquote big dogs. It certainly was something that a week that was really good. Devin Davis: so who ⁓ the quarterback for your, is it East West or is it North South? Or does it matter nowadays? Okay. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: It's a, it's random. they, they just split up. They'll do like half the schools on the American team and half the schools on the national team. And I was on the American team and we had three quarterbacks. quarterback, Illinois quarterback and Arkansas quarterback. And they were all great dudes. Really good players too. Like, you know, it's, it'd just be so hard to be a quarterback. competing to go to the NFL because Like those guys are so dang good and it's like what's gonna separate? This guy from this guy or this guy from this guy is just like Well in this high-pressure situation on third and seven he made a bad play and this guy made a good play so like no, don't even know how they evaluate ⁓ quarterbacks sound I sound dumb but Devin Davis: Yeah. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, they were great dudes. For sure. Devin Davis: Was there one one quarterback who kind of stood out above them all? Anybody that you played with? JohnMichael Gyllenborg: I think. Are the three guys that were on my team? They were all a little bit different. They provided different aspects. think. The Arkansas quarterback was he's a freak athlete like I know he killed it at the combine too. He's just a he's a freak athlete and has a cannon of an arm. So he's one of those quarterbacks that. Devin Davis: ⁓ yeah, that's right. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: you might say is bra or kind of a project. and the Illinois quarterback in the, the Illinois and LSU quarterbacks were more like refined, great leaders, ⁓ led the huddle. And, ⁓ you can tell they've been doing it for a while. They were, I think they were older guys, and just made right decisions. And so I think it's two different sides of the coin in terms of like the NFL evaluation for those guys is you have like the refined. more prototypical quarterbacks and then you have like the project and so it was cool to get a taste of like both, you know, both sides of that. Devin Davis: How and from, you know, like you said, there were a lot of guys that you connected with faith wise. I'm sure that's probably going to, you know, that that's awesome. You don't know who, who are those might be your teammates down the road, right? Or that you run across when you, when you play was where there anybody, I mean, putting you on the spot, was there anybody that you really seem to connect with? It just, you know, Christian to Christian kind of thing. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah. So I actually roomed with the tight end from Stanford. name is Sam Rausch. he didn't go to the FCA thing, but just rooming with him and ⁓ with him. you know, we actually had kind of similar stories in terms of coming to the faith later, like in our college career and through a Bible study actually. So that was, that was really cool. but just sharing that, that with him and You know, having the dialogue that we had as roommates, we text, you know, here and there. ⁓ So certainly someone that if we were to cross paths in the future, you know, we'll, we'll definitely be talking for a little bit. Same sort of thing at the combine. ⁓ I with Eli Stowers, tight end from Vanderbilt. Same sort of thing. Like he is very mature in his faith and we had a We did lot of talking. There's a little bit more time of the combine to relax. So being able to talk with him about his journey and kind of, you know, his, where he's at on some sort of things and really what he's like, what his focuses are in the faith right now was really cool because I I already knew that he was a pretty, you know, outward Christian man. And just to see kind of behind the scenes, you know, how cool the guy is and ⁓ How mature he really is was really cool. Devin Davis: Yeah. He's a name. You know, if you follow the NFL, I mean, he's probably what one of the top two or three tight ends out there right now. ⁓ JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah. Yeah, he he's unbelievably humble. He ⁓ he was he's really cool, ⁓ of all, but he wasn't even I this didn't get out, but he wasn't planning on doing anything at the combine because he had a hamstring injury. So he hadn't done like anything for like three weeks. Like fit like physically. Like had not run, had not done. He was, he was thinking about like jumping. said he felt good. Um, so he might've been jumping, but he had not run for like three weeks leading up to the combine. And in like two days before the actual like events that everyone sees on TV, he did some warmup stuff and he felt really good. And they gave him the green light. Um, and he went out there and ran really, really well. I think he ran like a four or five, which is elite for a tight end and. Of course he broke the vertical record. I don't know if you guys saw that, but he jumped 45 and a half, which is like just insane. he, yeah. And he. Devin Davis: 45 and a half? That's pretty high for a big boy. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: He was, and he hadn't really done much for like three weeks leading up to the combine. I was thinking to myself before he did that stuff, I was thinking, this guy is insane. Why, like you have not done anything for three weeks. Why are you going, going out here at the combine and, trying to, you know, in showing out, like, what if, what if you, like, what if it sucks? What if you don't do well? Like, I don't know. but of course he, he did really. really really well and I'm sure if he would have been healthy going into it he would have done even better. So that was really cool and I'm sure that story didn't get out but he's an extremely humble guy and you know for to have been roommates with him was was pretty cool. Devin Davis: Crushed it. I mean, and that's just, that's just crazy too, right? If all the people there are at the combine, you get roomed with a guy that's not, I mean, obviously your position, but ⁓ a solid believer as well. ⁓ I mean, it's just, just have to look at, know, I would say that all the time. It's like, when you look back over everything and, and think about how it happened and that God's hand was over every single. tiny detail with that at all. That just has to, you know, that always just makes me go, yeah, if anybody thinks that there's such thing as coincidence, they're, they're crazy. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, I completely agree. Devin Davis: How did it feel? You had to like it, you know, you're at combine here are one year high school football. And you said you didn't even, how many games did you play your senior year in football? JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Three games. Yep. Devin Davis: Three games, three games, and you're at the NFL combine. Did you ever just kind of want to go, what's going on? JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, of course. It's like even like a couple of years ago, I wouldn't, I wouldn't have really thought that this is where I was going to be. And that's again, just a testament to just keeping the faith. ⁓ In words, like just keeping your head down and moving forward. Because these last couple of seasons for Wyoming, like that, that's always the focus is, you know, this is the team. We have for Wyoming like we want to win games and represent the state and the university and all those sorts of things. And of course they didn't go as well as we wanted. But when that's all like wrapped up and over, it's. Hey, wow, you have an opportunity to ⁓ at the next level like you have the abilities and. Again, I'm not going to shy away from like the abilities of the Lord's given me it's. It's an absolute blessing and it's all him. Like I didn't ask to be 6'5 and naturally fast. Like I didn't work for those to be 6'5 and fast or whatever. And it's just like, he's given me all of this stuff and you know, I want to do is continue to work hard every day and stack the disciplines of eating right, sleeping right, know, hydrating. working hard, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. And just being thankful for everything that's to come and never making it about, this is, I have to make it, this is my identity, I have to put everything into this. It's never been about that. It's always about just trying to glorify the Lord through this entire process. Devin Davis: Amen. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: So yeah, it is a lot of fun at times to kind of sit back and think like, wow, this really is amazing. You know, it's kind of this whole opportunity and everything like that. never, ⁓ really never feel like, you know, thankfully I too up in making this about like me or I have to make it. ⁓ I to do this or that. It's just all about the Lord's will and His plan for me, and I'm going to submit to that. Devin Davis: That's awesome. Cause I feel like a lot of times we see these people and it's like, it's like you said, like they make this their whole identity, like without football, I'm nothing, you know, I work for this, I earn this, I have to do this, but it's just awesome to hear like that's how, because I, guess I've never thought about it like that. Like just being able to say the Lord gives me with this. So that's why, you know, I'm going to do it to glorify him. You know, I feel like a lot of times you just hear people making it their whole identity. So I think that's super cool. So, then they get all blown up when things don't work out. You know, I that's the about it. But I mean, I can't help but think he he's saying, you know, he was made six five and can jump and run really fast. And I'm five and really, really slow. So ⁓ and bald. I guess God has a sense of humor after all. Right. ⁓ That's why jealous. Guys, guys like, ⁓ yeah. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Okay. Yeah, yeah, we can't see it, but I'm balding too. So I like to wear a hat when I'm in public. Devin Davis: I shaved my head 26 years ago and that was the best idea that I ever ever did. I haven't had to pay for a haircut in 26 years or buy any hair care products. So it saves you saves you money. Jay Mike's very cost efficient. Well, that's that's too funny. But that's exactly right. I mean, it wasn't an accident at all that that you are who you are. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, it's awesome. Devin Davis: and, and we look at that and look at how amazing that is, but that's amazing at all to God. ⁓ mean, ⁓ he that planned out before you were even born. ⁓ And and so we look at that and we think, wow, that's, that's crazy. No, it isn't. ⁓ I mean, he wrote, you know, his son. Defeated death. Right? I mean, he was. dead for three days and then he was alive and not just alive to a couple of people alive to 500 people. and spent 40 days with his apostles. Like, okay, what you're doing is pretty awesome, but not even close to ⁓ Right. And that kind of changes your perspective ⁓ everything really. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah. Dang right. Dang right. Devin Davis: So I, yeah, I, that's what I, I, tell people a lot because really that's my motivation. ⁓ didn't, I've been involved with FCA for forever and ever as a volunteer. and just a couple of months ago, I've been working on it since last year. became a part-time staff here, in Fremont County. ⁓ And think what you've said is a lot of the motivation that I have is just to be able to share with. High school kids, college kids, like there's so much more purpose to your life. When you follow what, when you follow Jesus, when you trust in Jesus and like it just is amazing that how God transformed me. didn't figure it out until I was in the middle of my age, middle ages. ⁓ I'd of known Jesus for most all of my life, but never really truly surrendered to him. And, and, know, once you surrender to him and make him really a foundation of your life, everything changes. And it sounds like that, that happened to you as well at the university of Wyoming. So you talked about when they shared out of Romans with you, and you kind of had to think about it. Was there a moment where you, where you just like, yep, I'm going to put my faith in you, Jesus. Can you remember that, that minute when you were born again? When you. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: . Devin Davis: Committed your life to Jesus? JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Honestly, no. There really wasn't one of those cool... I'm born again and everything is, no longer desire to serve my flesh and all those sorts of things. I can't really pinpoint a moment. I do know that that day I went to the Bible study, the seed was planted, so to speak. My life didn't change. The habits that had and the way that I was carrying myself will still have the flesh and of the world, no doubt. But I became so about, okay, I've never heard that before about being saved through faith. I ⁓ to think about some things. I need to start to investigate this thing they call the Bible. And just ⁓ in and growing about what Bible really is and kind of what Christianity is. Because I think my whole life and I'm not bashing on anyone when I say this, but I think so many professing Christians, you're a or whatever, it's so to get lost in things that don't really matter and think like, eventually it all kind of leads back to, okay, this is me, I'm doing it, I need to be better and... Or, you know, I have to be better so I can get to heaven and all that sort of stuff when the reality is it has nothing to do with me. It literally has nothing to do with me and what I do. It's all about Jesus and what he's already done. And in understanding that is kind of when it took me a long time to kind of separate myself from. This is on me to is actually not on me at all. This is on our savior. And I had a lot of talks with Aaron about, you know, I'd fall into sin and I didn't think, all of sudden I'm not, don't think I'm worthy enough to be a part of FCA or those sorts of things. And he always pointed me back to Romans, Romans 8.1, therefore there is now no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus. And of, ⁓ You know, can't, again, I can't really pinpoint these times, but coming to an understanding of, you know, I like to play the scenario in my head. Let's say I died and I was in heaven. And I'm thinking, this was probably how I thought my entire life it would go. I die, you know, I'm face face with the creator and I'm kind of just like, Gosh, am I saved? Am I saved? Did I do good enough? And then I wait, you know, am I saved or not? I don't know, we'll see. But when that's basically kind of a slap in the face to everything that Christ has done, should be dying and going to heaven and knowing that we are with the Creator and knowing that we are saved only because of what He's done and nothing that I've done. You know, of course I'm gonna fall into sin and... strive to be better and kill the sin of my life and serve others and all those great things. But that's a filthy rags to our Creator. means nothing because everything is in Jesus. And I know when I die, I'm going to heaven because of Him, not because of me. Devin Davis: I love that. saw that the other day is, know, if you, when you die and you stand before God in heaven, if the first word that you say is I, you're probably not getting into heaven, right? It, because it, it's nothing to do with me. If the first words you say is Jesus, um, then, you know, that, that's, that's a game over, right? JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, exactly. Devin Davis: because his righteousness is imputed to you and that's how God sees you, which is just so humbling considering a mess of my life I've made at different stages in time that God sees Jesus just because of his blood. That's ultimate humility right there. ⁓ so I think that's what makes You know, I, I always, we always celebrated Easter, but like Easter is just become a whole different thing when you consider the whole week that led up to the crucifixion and, ⁓ you know, on Palm Sunday and the crowds crying, Hosanna, Hosanna, and like just a few days later, they're saying, crucify him. It's like how fickle we are as, as human beings, really. So you're telling me there was no bunny there, bunny giving out chocolate? JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Okay. Devin Davis: There. There was no, there's no Easter bunny. don't think they hit any ⁓ back then either. So I hate to tell you that. Well, that was my favorite part, but it is pretty. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Is it is it true that is it true that I think I just learned this do bunnies don't even lay eggs, right? Like that it just doesn't make sense Devin Davis: ⁓ Jay Mike, man, come on. I know you're from Kansas City, but no, they don't. Yeah, like how did we get this connection, right? Between bunnies and eggs. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, it doesn't make- it just doesn't make sense. Yeah, I don't. I don't know. just I just learned that and I thought. How does this what I just even make sense then? Why? don't know I. Just just move on. ⁓ Devin Davis: That probably is some connection the resurrection. I guess an egg, right? It's going to be a new life when it cracks open, but I don't get the bunny thing. But think ⁓ you know, pretty amazing to think about how your life changes once that truth really is deep into your heart. Like that's, that's how you, the lens you see everything through is the gospel. And that's what it sounds like. You're kind of saying, right? Like football, I'm a football player, but a gospel centered football player. ⁓ I'm a, I'm a dad and I'm a gospel centered dad, right? Is, ⁓ the, the, cross of Christ is the foundation for everything and who we are. and, and then that changes, changes that. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Right. Devin Davis: really from there on out. So I just wanted to ask too, like, tell us about, mean, you gave us a little bit of information about your family, but how about that you're born again ⁓ and on how's that go with your family? Where are they at in this whole journey? JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, it's I feel I am extremely comfortable sharing this it's they still go to Catholic Church and I've had many of discussions with Well, so my my grandma lives with my parents and of course, that's where I live when I go home still until I get a job in a month. Hopefully, Lord willing, Lord willing. And so my grandma and mom go to Catholic mass every morning. you know, my grandma is the typical, I don't know, I don't know how familiar you guys are with like Catholic stereotypes, but she's like the typical grandma that is just like, just, just go to church and Devin Davis: Yeah. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Like gets mad at me that I don't go to church and stuff, I, it's been a lot of just dialogue and discussion about the and that like keeping that at the center and you know, what the Bible says and how, I, you I know if I'm ⁓ qualified to be able say things like, I don't believe in ⁓ the Eucharist for X, Y, and Z, or I don't believe in infant baptism for whatever reason. But those, you know, the Eucharist in itself could be like a pretty important argument, but I think looking at things like, what is Christianity? Like, why did Jesus come? Who are we? Who is God? Like, what is all of this? Those are things that I necessarily think that are answered very well ⁓ or emphasized very well to an extent, at least to people I know in my life that go to Catholic Church. And that's kind of a big reason that I've come out of it is, I don't want to say there's levels to it, but there are levels to this. It's like, The gospel is number one, like the Trinity and those sorts of things, those are number one. Like we can't really disagree on these things and The fact that a lot of a lot of people in my life, um, like can't answer those questions. And that was me for 20 years or whatever. It's like, that has to be the first topic of discussion is like, have to, we have to make clear what is the gospel? What, what is all of this? Um, instead of like, you know, the other issues that Devin Davis: Hehe. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: that again, I'm not qualified comment on and I want to avoid any sort of like... accidental, ⁓ heretical, you know, saying, so I'm not ever gonna, you know, I'm not gonna comment on those things until I feel qualified, but, just talk, talking about the gospel and those sorts of things have been ⁓ very fruitful. but again, like this whole journey and I actually do have a lot of people in my family that, that aren't even like, they're out of the faith completely. ⁓ So, Having people that denounce the faith and then having Catholics and having myself being, it's kind of been unique and it's led me down the road of apologetics and hermeneutics ⁓ ⁓ the Bible at a deeper level. because I think that some people in my family are ⁓ stuck different spots. like some Someone in my family could be stuck at level one. They question the existence of God, or they question whether the Bible is even a reliable source of text, while other people in my family might be not understanding of what the Bible is actually saying. So, not that I am, I'm never that like, ⁓ I'm better than you guys, I know more, but. Devin Davis: . JohnMichael Gyllenborg: The Bible is very clear, like, on a lot of things a lot of people in my life, including myself for like 20 years, like I said, I'm right with them, like, don't seem to have a grasp on. And if we're going to call Jesus, the Jesus of the Bible our Savior, we need to believe and understand these things so that we can like truly call Him our Savior and walk by Him. If that all makes sense. Devin Davis: Yeah, no, for sure. Like, ⁓ one night at our Bible study with Devin described it like an onion, you know, there's layers to an onion. There's differences, but at the core, at the center, it has to be the same. think, and I think that's kind of what you're getting to. It's like, while we can disagree on some, some areas of the Bible, like the core and the meaning in the center, it's always the same. It's, gosh, do I describe it? forgot, I lost my words, but I just know I was going somewhere cool with that. ⁓ JohnMichael Gyllenborg: No, that's a great analogy for sure. Devin Davis: And that's and I and I always say, you know, too, that I think are there are there, you know, I think you can say that from the Methodist to the Lutheran to the Baptist to the Catholic. mean, there's a lot of people in all of those churches who aren't saved. I mean, and that's and that's the sad part of it all. Right. Is that people going to church ⁓ haven't really understood the gospel. But there's also a lot of people, you know, there people in the Catholic Church, I know a couple that I've kind of discipled, a couple of college wrestlers that I know 100 % love Jesus Christ and completely understand the work he did on the cross. And they have kept that at the forefront of their faith and those other traditions. They find comfort in those traditions. but they know they're not the primary thing. And so I think that's the most important part right there, as you said, right? Is, you know, the church doesn't make the difference. The of the cross is what makes the difference ⁓ and you think of, how you handle that really is what changes So I know that's interesting to think about. Yeah, that's the sad part though is, JohnMichael Gyllenborg: . Devin Davis: You know, you know, and talks in the Bible, it says, you know, when, when Jesus talks about, know, you know, depart from me, I never knew you when people come to him and, and say, I need into the kingdom of heaven. And, he's like, sorry, you know, you never, never ever truly knew me. And that's, that's a scary thing to, to deal with, uh, really, especially I've always said, especially when it's really, I mean, I hate to make it easy or hard, but it's really easy, right? To have any doubt that you are going to stand in heaven, be judged innocent, just by the blood of Jesus Christ. And that's all you have to believe. So I don't know why we humans tend to make it so difficult. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, it's Matthew Matthew 7 13 and 14. Enter through the narrow gate for the gate is wide and the way is broad at least that's. That's definitely a section of scripture that. You know I I've gone back to for that has like stuck out to me for awhile. Does it's kind of it makes you think like? It'd be it'd be really easy to to say OK. Well, we're all Christians, so we're all good. And then not challenge anyone. And when I say challenge, I mean just like help all to grow in the understanding of ⁓ Christ what he's done. So that section of scripture certainly reminds me and reminds countless of other Christians, I'm sure, that ⁓ just because know of Jesus. or you know what the gospel is, doesn't necessarily mean that you're saved or that you're in Christ. Like, ⁓ truly have to believe these things and, you know, of course repent and ⁓ but yeah, so that, it's been a lot ⁓ of growing in myself and in my family just through Devin Davis: Yeah. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Everything that I have experienced here at Wyoming separated because I was surrounded by Catholic people my entire life. And again, yeah, I talk about the Catholic Church, but like you said, this applies to every single church. There's people in every church that aren't saved or whatever, but that's just like where I go back to because that's like everyone I know back home for the most part. That's like the community that I came from, so. Devin Davis: Yeah, if you grow up in the Catholic church and went to Catholic school, that's kind of who you have around you, right? And so... JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, for sure. Devin Davis: So just a couple of things. I just was wondering, mean, it's been pretty serious talk, but it really has been good. But what kind of fun stuff does John Michael do outside ⁓ of Like what do you find joy in doing other than playing football? JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Bruh. Well, unfortunately, few of those things have been taken away. I've signed it off. can't play basketball anymore because I could get hurt. So that's tough because I love playing basketball. I'm not to say that's like where my heart is ⁓ when it to sports. ⁓ I've always basketball, ⁓ even like football in this whole experience. I wish I was in Kedunk and all of that stuff. ⁓ Um, so playing sports, I've always loved playing sports and watching sports, big Kansas Jayhawks fan, um, for basketball and those sorts of things. Of course I'm a Wyoming fan as well, but, um, I don't know if I'm allowed to be a Chiefs fan here soon. We'll see. But, uh, that's that, that, you know, I grew up a Chiefs fan, so. Devin Davis: Yeah. You JohnMichael Gyllenborg: I love watching NFL and those sorts of things. I've got a girlfriend we've been dating for two years now. hanging out with her, she's on the soccer team here and she's a year younger than me. So that's a ⁓ reason I'm back in Laramie right now is to hang out with her. ⁓ Devin Davis: ⁓ I didn't ask you that when we started, but it kind of was in the back of my mind. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, so hanging out with her and that stuff has been, we love to cook. We have very different like pop culture tastes or like movie tastes. likes, she likes lighthearted funny stuff. And I like deep dialogue filled like the Godfather and all like old classics. I love that stuff. I love to like explore those movies and she can't stand them. So. We kind of have to compromise on that at times. But yeah, I'm pretty boring, honestly. I like to stay active and cook. Those are the things I really like to do. I can't play the piano or anything like that. I wish I could. Devin Davis: And thankfully Paxton doesn't either. Cause I, I don't think he's very musical. Hey, I am, I am in the play. You you didn't know that you are in the play. Yeah, I'm in the play. So I am somewhat gifted. They let you into play with your hair colored that way. they need me. I get to wear a super tight t-shirt and flex. ⁓ ⁓ why I'm there. ⁓ actually I do. ⁓ You have any lines? I play an Irish mailman. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Do you have any lines? Devin Davis: I to do an Irish jig too. So try and learn that. What's name of the play? We're actually doing legally blonde legally blonde. Yeah. ⁓ All So, ⁓ unfortunately, ⁓ Jay you'll probably have to miss that one, but, ⁓ keep to get reserved just in case. ⁓ JohnMichael Gyllenborg: That's pretty cool. Yeah, yeah, you can just zoom you can zoom me and I'll Devin Davis: how has ⁓ in Laramie, Wyoming changed who you are? JohnMichael Gyllenborg: ⁓ I mean it's- It's it's there's not a whole lot to do here. So like it's a unique experience that. Like ties you closer with your brothers because that's all we've really done outside of football is just hang out with each other and just. Good to know each other and. All those sorts of things and. Of course. Being saved dramatically changed my life and. Devin Davis: You JohnMichael Gyllenborg: being in Laramie, it's again, I said, it's just kind of you build, ⁓ it's of like a people thing because of how there's nothing really to do. You you but again, that's with ⁓ your boys. go golf with your guys and I still, I can shoot basketball. I can ⁓ shoot hoops. I go and shoot hoops all the time still. ⁓ Devin Davis: But can you dunk? JohnMichael Gyllenborg: I can dunk, but it's not like as easy as I wish it was. No, I've never been that type of athlete. I'm more horizontal than I am vertical. ⁓ Devin Davis: me you're not throwing down windmills between the legs that's that's not your bag You But yeah, I think, you know, I hate to tell you one thing, but Paxton will agree with you a hundred percent. ⁓ Laramie doesn't have a lot of things to do. Right. ⁓ Yeah. Laramie is probably one of the most, active ⁓ place. anything to do ⁓ other maybe Casper, but JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Right going somewhere else in Wyoming Well, yeah. So we went camp, we would go camping up in Cody every summer. that, mean, that, that's kind of a given when you're here in Wyoming, you're going to explore the nature and all that stuff. So that's a lot of fun. but it's really just like, hang out, you develop these relationships and I know a lot of the guys on the team ⁓ had to leave in the portal and those sorts of things, but the advantage that Laramie and Wyoming has is Devin Davis: Yeah. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: You become so tight with the guys here, it's like, I don't want to leave these guys. You know, I want to stay. This is first of all, this was the only place that offered me. like for me, it really was not like a. An option to leave like I was always going to stay and. And all that stuff, but but other guys who maybe were in different situations, it was. Well, I these guys and you know we're. We were wanting, thought we were going to be a really good team last year. Of course it didn't out that way, but I think that's kind of an advantage Laramie has is you build these relationships. Devin Davis: I, I don't know. I, I always tell everybody and I'm not, I'm not joking at all is like, I think there's three things that mean a lot in my life as, as Jesus, number one, um, number two, family. and number three, I just, I think you probably have run into a lot of people like this. I am just so proud to be from the state of Wyoming. Um, and I'm so thankful that I was born and raised here. And you probably figure that out obviously as you've toured around, but I mean, it's a huge state, but it's a small family. And, ⁓ I think that's the connections that you make around this state or are just awesome. So, and I know that, people just love, Wyoming cowboy football. you know, so many football team we get to love. So therefore we have to, ⁓ we have team, right. And so, but that was awesome. mean, it's like going to a couple of those, ⁓ JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Hahaha Devin Davis: games, like obviously you were playing, but I go to the game as a fan and I see like the stadiums packed. It's, always pretty cool. And you see people from around the state. Exactly. I see people that I played against all season or people that I've met once, you know, just from somewhere random. Yeah. And I grew, when I went to the university of Wyoming, ⁓ man, that those were some pretty great football days. That was back in the JohnMichael Gyllenborg: . . Devin Davis: ⁓ late eighties when Paul Roach was coaching there and man, we had some, some, some killer teams. and then, ⁓ you know, the other, the other kind of connection that I have to Wyoming is that we lived for a while in Wheatland and I got to know the Bramlets really well. So you've probably heard of Casey and Corey Bramlett, probably two of the best quarterbacks that played for, for Wyoming. ⁓ but, ⁓ cowboy Joe club, mean, Wyoming is just awesome. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah. Devin Davis: ⁓ It's really cool to hear you say that like just how tight the family is and I think that's probably I can see that being probably the strongest draw at Laramie is just the camaraderie you kind of have to form with your teammates since most of them are from bigger areas and Laramie is boring. So JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah. Yeah, no, it's it's true for sure. It is it is so cool to have like the one one state. One University, one Wyoming like that kind of saying and. Like how how unique the the game day is ⁓ at War Memorial Stadium, it's. It kind of ties it all together like that whole the whole football experience. Devin Davis: Your friends in Missouri had to think you were just nuts for leaving and going to Laramie, Wyoming to play football, didn't they? JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Ha ha. Oh, I'm sure. like at the, I don't even remember. I just remember thinking at the time, okay, I'm just going to go, just going to go off to Wyoming. I'll see you guys. And it was just, I didn't even, again, like I was just naive and I didn't know what I was doing, but I couldn't be more thankful that, that, that coaching staff believed in me. And of course God planned it all. Um, so it's, it's been goes by fast. I'll tell you that Paxton. You're going to be a freshman next year. Yeah, everyone says it and there'll be times where you're like, ⁓ my gosh, this couldn't be going slower. Like this, this is just a grind. But all of sudden you'll come out of it and be like, wow, that really does go by really fast. like everything you do does Like in terms of like how you. Devin Davis: Yep. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: how you take care of yourself and how you continue to grow in your relationship with God and the people there. like those things do matter because again, it flies by and you won't have like, it's just such a unique opportunity in your life to be at college and be around people. I took for granted that like in college is the only time you're with a bunch of guys or people and they don't have like, family to attend to or things like that because in NFL it's like ⁓ I'm just I'm going to another locker room well actually you're not because all these guys have kids and wives and if they get cut they are out of a paycheck so it's a it's a pretty competitive business and it's not like you're spending all this free time with them like shooting hoops like they got to go back to their kids so it's just it's just unique time Devin Davis: Yeah, no, definitely, I'm super excited for it. Like this entire conversation just made me a lot more excited. Like I'm ready to get down there. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: That's fine, just enjoy it. Devin Davis: And, and kind of, think, drawn everything to a close, but just can't help but be a little bit curious about, I mean, it's, it's just, you know, it's just a coin flip right now for you, probably. But what, what, what are you hearing? Where are you hoping to go? Do you have anything at all on your radar as, as the draft approaches here and in about a month? JohnMichael Gyllenborg: I think I've given up trying to predict like what's going to happen. It's, it's too chaotic. of course, like the Broncos have done their due diligence. I like from my perspective, they've done like the that they need to do, like compared to teams, ⁓ the chiefs, of course, like the two kind of local spots. but I really, ⁓ at the end of day, it's just going to be about fit, I think what teams are looking for kind of a mid to late round tight end. at the end of the day, don't, I don't know that. Just kind of the way that my agent talks to me about all this is people are going to say this and that, but you really have no idea what's going to happen. And he gave me, he's given me several examples of guys who, who thought like, Wow. mean, I, when they got drafted by a team, was, holy cow. I, I talked to those guys like once, like I didn't, they were like last on my list of teams I thought I was going to go to. Um, so this whole process is kind of. kind of just been made aware to me that you don't know. You don't know anything. Your agent doesn't know anything. Your dad doesn't know anything. Don't listen to anyone because you don't know what's going to happen ⁓ draft day. Devin Davis: Yeah, again, kind of going back to that whole thing, God's taken care of you pretty well so far. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, yeah. It's definitely exciting though, like wherever I do end up, however I end up there, I'm just excited to go compete and continue to live out the Lord's will. Devin Davis: Well, well, we wish you luck with all that. This is such an awesome experience. It's gonna be so cool. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Thank you. Thank you very much. Yeah, it is very exciting. Devin Davis: So I'm, I, last question. So I'm going to Kansas city in May. I have to go for training camp to finish my FCA training. And so we'll be staying in Kansas city. Where is the go-to barbecue place in Kansas city? JohnMichael Gyllenborg: You could ask five different Kansas City people, they'll give you five different answers, but I'll give you the general spots that come off the top of my head. Because I people say, like, this spot is the best brisket, this spot's the best ribs, this spot's the best whatever. I know that Kansas City Joe's is widely considered best. Gates, I've heard, is probably the best dining experience. Like if you're gonna go sit down and eat there, Gates is probably the best. It's a little bit more upscale than some of the other ones. Jack stack is the dining experience. Gates is the opposite of that. It's just chaos, old school. It's an experience in itself as well. So, City Joe's, Jack stack barbecue and Gates. Of course there's like 10 others like Arthur Bryant's Q39, Slaps. I'm missing some, but you really can't go wrong. Devin Davis: that's that's ⁓ than we don't really have any barbecues. mean, we yeah, ⁓ out on your own smoker is about the only barbecue that we have. ⁓ JohnMichael Gyllenborg: I've been on a big, been on a big like chicken wing, like smoked chicken wing thing. So when I was home, I was, I was just hitting all the spots to try to figure out which place had the best smoked wings. And I'm not, I'm not done yet. So don't ask me which of the best. Devin Davis: You Uh, well, that's, that's great. mean, it's been just so much fun talking to you about, uh, just your faith and impact of FCA and the impact of like having faithful teammates around you. That's the, like the cool part I think is just hearing the story, uh, from there. So, I mean, this is just a pleasure, Jay Mike. mean, I, I can't tell you how thankful we are that you spent time with this, um, 307 faithful is. We just kind of started this on a whim in, December and we've, we've interviewed, think I just did my 12th one and most of the, our interviewees are high school athletes or high school coaches. so I kind of wanted to try to connect Wyoming, ⁓ and athletes as far as faith goes. And so that was the purpose, but you might be from Missouri, but you're Wyoming. And so that, ⁓ we're grateful that you came on podcast today and Man, I hate to say best of luck, but there, cause there is no luck, but I guess better is that we'll be just be praying that God puts you where he wants you. and that, he gives you everything you need to be successful. So that's, that's pretty cool. Do you have any kind of final thoughts or anything that you would like to share before we wrap it up? JohnMichael Gyllenborg: ⁓ I guess it's first thank you guys for having me on it's been it's been a pleasure to talk with you too and to share a little bit about what God's done for me and my time. layer me and like I said, it flies by. It really does. like kind of just even being out of college for like four months or whatever, you of something, something random that that I wish ⁓ did better was school. I it's funny, but kind of have been yearning to like learn, like, of course, like growing in my faith and knowledge of the Word, but just like general knowledge and like, I kind of wish I could go back and have learned better. So to anyone listening, don't have this regret. Devin Davis: Well, my mom's gonna, mom's definitely gonna bring that up to me. I say you guys kind of have ⁓ many in common here. Cause that's probably what he would say too. ⁓ JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, it's, I just think, ⁓ yeah, not like I ⁓ a buffoon in school or anything like that, but I wish that I carried a little bit. You know, I ⁓ graduated a finance degree, but I probably need to go back to school if I ever want to do something in finance, because it seems to have already left my brain. Yeah. Devin Davis: ear out the other. ⁓ right. Well, one thing that we do is we always close these prayer. So, I'm going to go ahead and pray and, ⁓ and you can go do what you're going to do today. ⁓ all Lord, we just thank you so much for this time that we've had together to able to talk about our faith, to talk about what it means to be a follower of Christ. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, exactly. Cool. Devin Davis: thanks for the story that John Michaels shared with us, regarding the way that you worked in his life and, just the guys who ⁓ love you that, reflected love into his life that just transformed it father. So I just pray for, for him at kind of this, new chapter in his life as he prepares for life after college and, what that might look like, in professional football. I just pray that you would bless ⁓ bless Michael, bless his family. ⁓ I pray that your hand will be upon this whole thing as it has been so far. Father, we don't deserve anything as we talked before. We don't earn it. We don't deserve it. Father, the only that we are found righteous is through the blood of Jesus Christ. So as we ⁓ celebrate this Easter week, I just pray that the people that listen to us to this, podcasts. they don't know you, Father, I just pray that they would read about you, would learn about you, that they trust in you because of this podcast, because of our discussion, because of the witness and the testimony of J Mike. Father, that's the whole purpose for this podcast and ⁓ that you glorified through it. And we just thank you for that. ⁓ Thank you this time together. And ⁓ we just celebrate the resurrection and it's in your son's name. Amen. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Amen. Devin Davis: Thank you, sir. Awesome. Have a great rest of your week. Uh, must be pretty awesome not to have to go to school and just work out and prepare for the draft. You bet. All right. Take care. Thank you. JohnMichael Gyllenborg: Yeah, yeah, of course. Yeah, thanks again for having me on guys. It was a lot of fun. All right, we'll see you. Devin Davis: So, ⁓ on gotta go blow my nose. Okay. This part out of the way for a minute. Yeah. ⁓ has been an awesome interview, with, with John Michael. I hope you guys liked it, man. That's just so cool to be able to have somebody, that has had his level of success in college athletics. but like, knows where he, like he said, knows where his identity is that, wherever, whatever happens next in life, that, he's completely grounded and rooted in his faith and in Jesus Christ. So, we were just very honored to be able to, to bring this to you. So, be watching John Michael, the, ⁓ draft is the end ⁓ of, I think 23rd or so of April. ⁓ And so hopefully. I'm sure he's, hoping that his name is called on one of those days, probably in the later rounds, but it'll be really exciting and, ⁓ hopefully be able to connect with the NFL draft. That's one of my favorite times is just sitting, watching the draft. So, ⁓ it'll be fun to see where, where he lands. So what did you take from that, interview? I, in what's going to stick in your mind going forward. Well, I know what my mom's gonna take from that. It's that I should study more, you know? So thanks for that comment there at the end. you only have a month and a half of school, so. That means I got a month and a half of here in it. ⁓ but I'm just kidding. No, it was really awesome. mean, really great opportunity getting to sit down and just talk with somebody who's really going to go compete at the next level. mean, that's crazy. And it's ⁓ awesome this all worked out, how we were able to get in contact with them and set this up. So. That was awesome. But I think my biggest takeaway is just, you know, like, especially going into college, going into that locker room, it's going to be, you know, finding the group of guys around me to stay grounded and help me grow in the faith and not give into a lot of the worldly temptations that come with college. You know, you know, I guess every high schooler and everybody's always heard the, uh, you know, the rumors like, you know, college is a crazy place. You're have a lot of fun, but you also, you know, there's a lot of bad that goes on there. So. Just being able to hear how he went through it, how he, saw those temptations, but was able to like avoid them ⁓ stick it out with the help of his teammates and the guys he called his brothers. So I think that's probably my biggest takeaway. Yeah. It's, it's really cool to hear about like how trait and Welsh, the impact that he had ⁓ on and how he influenced ⁓ his and, ⁓ and, buck Coors. And I mean, there were a lot of others on that cowboy football team that that influenced him and, now, you know, how he can carry that forward, ⁓ into whatever college locker room he's going into. But, know, that's the one thing about college. And I think he, John Michael's a great example of that. Excuse me. Is that you don't have to live like the world expects you to live in college. Yeah. You know, I mean, that's yeah. Let, you know, ⁓ to college and have your fun and you can be serious later. Yeah, you know, and I, I tried, tried to kind of live halfway in the world and halfway in my faith, ⁓ never completely walking away from my faith. And, that, that didn't really work out all that well either. So ⁓ admire, respect college students who can stay focused on really what really matters the most. And that's not easy to do. So. have our dogs in the room now too. So that's part of the podcast, but yeah, I think that's, that's a great, ⁓ great story. great reminder. It's pretty amazing to me that he, he started football there in 2021 and it's 2026 to see far he's grown in his faith. is it just, it's all incredible. mean, that took me a lot longer than five years. ⁓ be where he's at. So that shows you what can happen. tell his senior year high school. But you know, it was God's plan for him to go and play football at Wyoming. And I think football was just that like entryway into like, you know, finding this faith, that true faith. Like, yeah, that's why it happened. Yep. Isn't that crazy that God took a sport and used that introduce what it meant to be a follower of Jesus. yeah, I Anything's possible with God. mean, that's what the Bible says and that's what the story John Michael story really shares. But it was super awesome. You didn't talk to him today. Super grateful for the opportunity. I'm sure everybody that listens will have some great takeaways. Oh man, for sure. You'll have a totally different viewpoint of Jay Mike and watching him, uh, you know, where he goes in the draft and then where he ends up playing will be totally awesome. So I wonder if we'll come to the play. save him a front row ticket. Exactly. Yeah. So for you too. I'll be, I'll be at the play. Yeah. I can't miss it. So I was in my senior play, believe it or not. Really? Yeah. See, we got this in common. Yeah. So, you know, I guess they just need somebody to fill a role. ⁓ They you know, very awesome, personal like us. ⁓ That's us. You know, has to do it. Unfortunately as the, you know, very personable and you know, obviously the comedic relief because we're very funny. But, uh, I mean, they didn't have me flex like they said. Yeah. I I have, I have a kid like I'm wearing a super tight t-shirt, short shorts. It's gonna be a great time. Not me. So everybody, when, when does, when does your play start? That's a great question. no, think if you know Paxton, shouldn't surprise you. I think it's the week before graduation. Whatever. For a whole week. Yeah. I think it's like Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Okay. Legally, legally blonde. Legally blonde. The musical. Are you singing? Cause you'll have to find out. So if you don't have anything on your calendar, that that's something to put down because I think just watching Paxton will be worth the price of entry, although it's probably free. It is. Okay. So, but if you want to pay the actors, mean, I'm not going to decline. So you let me know he has NIL money for the school play. Yup. Okay. Yeah. You can advertise. Yes. Okay. All right. This has been awesome to have him back again, as you can tell, a little bit more humor and entertainment there, but got the main message across. that's that Jesus Christ died for you. And if you trust in him, you'll be saved. And that's what he promises. And so as you celebrate Easter this Sunday, think about where you're at in your faith. It's never too It's never too early. So put your trust in Jesus. So this has been another awesome episode of 307 faithful. I'm Devin Davis, Paxton Yates. Check us out on YouTube because then you can see our beautiful faces, but we're also on Spotify, ⁓ ⁓ then I just connected this with Amazon music too. So there's different places that you can listen and share this your friends as well. So. Thanks again. Happy Easter, everybody. Thanks for tuning in. Have a great day.