God. Family. Football. A Life Story of Faith, Mentorship, and Legacy

I first met Pastor Denny Duron back in the 1990s at youth retreats in Oregon. Even then, long before God. Family. Football. existed on screens, there was something unmistakable about his passion — not just for football but for each young life he ministered to. That early impression has only deepened now that the world gets to see his story unfold on Amazon Freevee and Fox Nation.

From Quarterback to Pastor-Coach: A Life Built on Faith

Duron’s journey began on the football field long before there was a docu series. Born in 1952 in Texas, he was a standout quarterback at Louisiana Tech University, leading the Bulldogs to back-to-back Division II national championships in 1972 and 1973 and earning all-conference honors.

After a brief professional stint — including time in the World Football League and signing with the Washington Redskins — God’s calling took him out of the limelight and into ministry. It was that same sense of calling that later brought him back into football, but with a renewed purpose: using the game as a platform to mentor young men in faith, character, and life beyond the field.

Duron founded the football program at Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana, and over decades the Eagles became a powerhouse — with numerous state championships and recognition as one of the nation’s top high school programs.

Today he wears many hats — pastor of Shreveport Community Church, chancellor of Evangel Christian Academy, coach, author, and communicator of faith — yet his message remains consistent: God first, family second, and football third.

The Series: Real Lives, Real Faith

God. Family. Football. premiered on Amazon Freevee in September 2023 and has since gained new life on Fox Nation, where Season 2 and beyond continue to follow the Eagles’ journey.

Unlike typical sports documentaries, this series isn’t just about wins and losses. Centered on the 2022 season, it highlights:

  • The emotional and spiritual growth of players
  • Real struggles off the field — family issues, personal goals, and pressures of adolescence
  • The profound impact of mentorship and community support

Through the cameras, viewers see what I saw in person all those years ago — a coach who genuinely cares about who his players become, not just how they perform.

Season 3, which premiered in August 2025 on Fox Nation, introduces new storylines — including rising quarterback Peyton “Pop” Houston and Damari “DayDay” Drake’s moving journey through family reconciliation — reinforcing that this isn’t just about football, but life’s victories and setbacks.

Why This Story Matters

What sets God. Family. Football. apart is its heart. Yes, there are incredible athletic moments and dramatic Friday night lights. But at its core is a message about faith-first living — a principle I witnessed firsthand from Pastor Duron decades ago. He’s not just coaching players. He’s shaping character. He’s modeling resilience. He’s pointing to a purpose bigger than any scoreboard.

And that’s what keeps audiences coming back season after season. Viewers resonate with the idea that football is real, but faith and family are deeper still.

David Almgren – Two Pastors, Popcorn and a Movie Podcast

the power of second chances

Do you know someone who is down on their luck? Living with regrets? Wondering if it’s too late to make things right? Whether it’s a string of bad decisions, an unexpected crisis, or just life piling up. We all know people (or are people) who’ve felt like hope was out of reach. But what if the comeback is closer than we think?
I’ve heard powerful stories from my friends at the LA Dream Center, accounts of people who ended up homeless and broken, often because of just a few wrong turns. But time and time again, those same people found a way back.
How? Because someone stepped in. Someone believed in them, encouraged them, and introduced them to hope. It’s been said that just one person who believes in you can change the trajectory of your life and I believe that’s absolutely true.
The idea of second chances isn’t just motivational, it’s deeply biblical. Think about Moses. David. Paul. Peter. These weren’t men who lived spotless lives. They lied. They failed. They even ran from God. But their stories didn’t end in failure. Through God’s mercy, their lives were redeemed and repurposed.
God didn’t define them by their worst moments and He doesn’t define us that way either.
These powerful stories of second chances aren’t limited to real life or the pages of Scripture—they’re also found in cinema. Over the years, faith-based filmmakers have brought hope to life in inspiring ways. Here are just a few standout films that highlight this redemptive theme that God gives us more than just a fresh start, He gives us a new story.


Breakthrough (2019) Based on the true story of John Smith, a teenager who survives a near-fatal drowning. His miraculous recovery becomes a testament to faith and the power of prayer and second chances.
The VeggieTales movie Jonah (2002) playfully yet powerfully illustrates the theme of second chances, reminding viewers that God’s mercy is always available—even when we run the other way.
A New True Story of Redemption
This fall, another inspiring story hits the big screen nationwide called “The Senior”.
No, it’s not about a retirement home. It’s the true story of a former college football star who, at age 59, gets a second chance—at life, at redemption, and with the game he loves. It’s a powerful reminder that no one is ever too far gone or too old for a comeback.
Be a Messenger of Hope
As leaders in our churches and communities, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to be purveyors of hope. You never know who’s quietly waiting for someone to believe in them. Maybe you are the person God wants to use to ignite a second chance in someone’s life. So keep your eyes open. Speak life. Be bold with your encouragement. And never underestimate the power of believing in someone who feels forgotten. Because sometimes, all it takes is one voice to turn a broken past into a redeemed future.

Dave Almgren – Faithandfamilyfilms.info and Two Pastors Popcorn and a Movie Podcast.

Have You Lost Your Vision?

Not long ago, I watched the movie ‘Sight’ about a young girl who lost her vision. She had to navigate life with no ability to see her world. I somewhat cursorily thought about the challenges that one would face with being blind, having your world upended, and about what I would do if I lost my vision. How would I handle the loss? These were good questions, but there was no real danger of it happening to me.

Fast forward just a few months and I faced the thing I thought would never happen to me; I was suddenly losing the vision in my left eye and the reality was crazy and traumatic. I began to project about what would happen If I lost the vision in my right eye too, resulting in total blindness. How would I accomplish the simple undertakings I take for granted? The possibilities took a very real toll on me. The enemy started depositing thoughts about being worthless and having to depend on others for the rest of my life. How would I have an impact or still fulfill any purpose in my life? Life would be merely an existence. I’d need assistance for the rest of my life. There’d be no path forward to fulfill God’s intended purpose for my life.

. . .So I thought, and Satan hoped for.

I went to the ophthalmologist and eye surgery was quickly scheduled. Would it work? Would I still be blind in my left eye and maybe lose sight in my right eye as well? I was anxious and scared. I decided I needed to dive into the Word to be reminded to have faith, and that God is still in the miracle business. In the movie “Sight” God used a doctor to produce a miracle in the life of the young girl. Her sight was restored through the miracle of medicine. I was now believing in the same, by faith. My surgery was successful, and it was, indeed, a miracle, ‘I once was blind but now I see!’ Did I need to go through this trial to recapture my sense of purpose and re- prioritize what’s important in life? Perhaps. I will take this win – and allow the experience to remind me once more to look to the Lord for everything I need in this life.

For those of you reading this article today, maybe you still have the ability to see with your eyes, but have lost your vision to reach the world and to impact culture? The Bible says that “without vision the people perish.” I encourage you today to hold onto God’s promises. You have inestimable value. Even through your trials and tribulations, God has a purpose, a calling for you. Consider it pure joy when you face trials. God is at work in your life as he was in mine and in the girl in the movie, ‘Sight.’

Dave Almgren – The Movie Guy and Co Host of Two Pastors, Popcorn and a Movie Podcast.