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Faith and Football with Earl Smith

After 23 years as chaplain in a maximum security prison, Earl Smith ministers to two very different groups of men: the newly crowned NBA champion Golden State Warriors and the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers.

After 23 years as a chaplain at California’s San Quentin State Prison, Earl Smith accepted a different kind of challenge: ministering to some of the world’s most talented athletes as chaplain for both the Golden State Warriors of the NBA and the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers. Enjoy these images of Smith lending spiritual support to the 49ers and even some of their opponents.

Chaplain Earl Smith prays with Moran Norris during a 2007 road game against the San Diego Chargers.

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Chaplain Earl Smith prays with Moran Norris during a 2007 road game against the San Diego Chargers.


Smith ministers to Donald Strickland before a 2008 game against the Miami Dolphins at Dolphin Stadium.

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Smith ministers to Donald Strickland before a 2008 game against the Miami Dolphins at Dolphin Stadium.

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Smith prays with Patrick Willis during a 2009 preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas.

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Smith prays with Patrick Willis during a 2009 preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas.


Smith greets Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner at the end of a 2009 game in San Francisco.

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Smith greets Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner at the end of a 2009 game in San Francisco. At right is Arizona Cardinals running back Jason Wright.


Smith prays with Kevan Barlow (left) and Anthony Adams in the locker room before a 2005 home game against the Indianapolis Colts.

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Smith prays with Kevan Barlow (left) and Anthony Adams in the locker room before a 2005 home game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Smith ministers to Chilo Rachal in the locker room before a 2008 home game against the Washington Redskins.

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Smith ministers to Chilo Rachal in the locker room before a 2008 home game against the Washington Redskins.

Read Earl’s story about his years as a chaplain at San Quentin Prison!

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