Father William Dowd Watches Over The New York Giants
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - When Eli Manning tosses a Hail Mary pass, there really is someone reciting a Hail Mary.
WCBS 880's Sean Adams On The Story
Podcast
"When somebody's there to catch it, Good Lord. Hallelujah! I'm jumping up and down on the side with the rest of them," said Father William Dowd.
Dowd, the New York Giants chaplain and a longtime fan, says most people don't know this, but those hulking gridiron heroes take a knee, hold hands, and pray before every game.
Dowd says they even pray on their own before a game.
"Guys run off into a corner. I see 25 guys or more just go in a corner and pray on their own," he said.
Father Dowd believes this spirituality has kept the team grounded.
"I feel the guys have found strength and unity. You'll even hear them being interviewed, Sean, and they'll say 'You know, it's not about me. It's about the team. What can I contribute to the team.'," he told WCBS 880 reporter Sean Adams.
"Coach Coughlin has said that from the beginning, you know. Nobody stands out. One for all, all for one," he said.
Saturday, before the Super Bowl, Father Dowd will celebrate the team's Mass.
"Sean, I'm working hard on that homily," he said, adding he hasn't yet come up with the exact theme.
What do you think about religion and sports? Sound off in the comments section below!
