FAW: It might seem contradictory, Bible-quoting jocks getting rich in a violent game, played no less on the Sabbath. And it is not surprising that there are skeptics who say athletes are seeking not salvation, but an edge on the playing field, using their faith as a crutch, a good luck charm.

SKIP BAYLESS: A lot of guys are looking for what I call a rabbit's foot, that they can rub before they go out, and I don't think God's real happy with that right now.

FAW: Dallas sports writer Skip Bayless says there are more phonies than genuine Christians suiting up these days, and that God could care less.

Mr. BAYLESS: I don't believe that God decrees who wins and loses football games. And in Mark's case, I'd love for him to give the glory to God after a game, but it comes across almost as if that God has chosen to bless him because he prays harder than the other quarterback did, or that they spent more time in church as a football team that week.

FAW: Brunell and his teammates deny they are using God, and insist their faith is not affected by winning or losing.

TONY BISCELLI (Praying): "Be with him as he sleeps, Holy God. Please ask Jesus to protect him all the days of his life."

FAW: As for violence, all-pro tackle Tony Biscelli, who puts family and faith before the game, says that if honoring God means hammering or even hurting his opponents, then so be it.

Mr. BISCELLI: We're supposed to go after each other hard. We're supposed to be physical. It's a physical game, and that's the way God made it.

FAW: And when the going gets rough, or when the Jaguars lose, the team's true believers can consult this special New Testament, which tells them how to handle adversity. For inspiration, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes also markets videotapes, uplifting booklets, and magazines. For younger fans, there are even playing cards -- stars on the front, testimonials on the back. And if all this is a bit much for nonbelievers on the squad, no one here is complaining publicly.

Mr. BRUNELL: Some people are very receptive, and some people would just say, "Hey, listen, why don't you just be quiet," kind of thing. Regardless of how they feel, I think Christians have a responsibility to be role models, to speak about something that goes way beyond football, something that's much more important than football.

FAW: So they continue to don helmet and pads, holy warriors, taking the field not just to win but to witness. This is Bob Faw in Jacksonville, Florida.