Perception, Evaluating, and Shedeur’s Slide

The NFL Draft wrapped up over the weekend after three days, seven rounds, and 257 players selected. It must be incredible to be an NFL draft prospect and ultimately hear your name called, but one of the undeniable aspects of the NFL Draft is how each of those players has to deal with the opinions of others.

Every player is judged, dissected, interviewed, evaluated, and assigned an opinion. We hear the term “talent evaluator” throughout the draft process, and we listen to “draft analysts” give their thoughts and views on each player chosen by an NFL team.

Players are scouted and evaluated based on their performance on the field, and they are judged based on how others perceive them as individuals.

Every year, we see that players can be misjudged, and what teams or analysts think of them turns out to be untrue or inaccurate. Sometimes, players come across a certain way that turns off teams and decide to pass on them for one reason or another.

The reality is that the perception of a player contributes to their pre-draft hype and mock drafts. Teams then perceive a player in a certain way, which determines whether or not they draft them.

Ultimately, however, once a player enters the NFL, he will have a chance to demonstrate the kind of player he truly is, regardless of how he was viewed and perceived during the draft.

Yet, how a player is viewed still matters and affects his draft stock, as we saw in this year’s biggest draft story involving Shedeur Sanders. The media and fans perceived him as a first-round pick, but he fell to the 5th round when the Cleveland Browns finally selected him 144th overall.

People will continue to discuss and debate why there was such a discrepancy in how the media and fans viewed him, as well as what NFL teams really thought of him.

How much did his “draft slide” relate to who he is as a player on the field or how he came across negatively to NFL decision-makers off the field? Were they right or wrong? Was he misjudged or evaluated properly? Is he hated for being Deion’s son? Does he need to make some changes and rethink his approach and how he presents himself moving forward?

I don’t know all the answers, but I do know that we can all relate to dealing with the opinions, views, perceptions, evaluations, and judgments of others.

We may never have to go through the grueling draft process where our character and performance are dissected in every way, but the reality is that people are watching how we live our lives every day. Yes, we are being evaluated and perceived based on how we come across.

As followers of Jesus, I find that a tension exists, which is worth unpacking. On one end, we don’t have to fear what others think about us, live our lives based on the opinions of others, or feel the pressure to please everyone.

We can declare as Paul does in Galatians 1:10 (ESV): “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

We must also be aware of how we present ourselves and come across to others or “outsiders.” We don’t want to be perceived as arrogant, a jerk, self-centered, or self-righteous, but rather to be viewed as humble, generous, kind, and compassionate.

Of course, it’s not about putting on a front for people to see or pretending to be perfect, but the genuine way we love God and others should be evident and noticed.

People should perceive and evaluate that our lives align with following Jesus. (If that’s not the case, we must make some changes, rethink our approach, and repent!)

Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV) encourages us to “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

This scripture is written for pastors or elders, but is an excellent standard found in 1 Timothy 3:7 (NLT): “Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.”

When Jesus was growing up, Luke 2:52 (NIV) says, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

What others think of Jesus matters, and what they think of us, say about us, and how we come across matters. Not as much as how God sees us, but we are representing Jesus to the world and desiring to help others know Him and experience His love and grace. It’s a benefit to earn the respect of others, so the door can be open for us to share the gospel.

With that said, the tension continues because, as we know, Jesus was persecuted and killed, and there are times when our faith in Jesus isn’t received well, and living our lives for Him results in people hating us. The difference is that it’s not based on our negative character, but they are persecuting us for our faith.

2 Timothy 3:12 (NLT) says, “Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

1 John 3:13 (AMP) adds, “Do not be surprised, believers, if the world hates you.”

Today, as we grapple with this tension, let’s be encouraged not to live for the approval of others or ride the wave of people’s opinions about us. Instead, as we follow Jesus, let’s realize that we are being scouted and evaluated.

So, if others view us favorably, let’s point them to Jesus, or if they persecute us, let’s stand firm in Christ. Either way, let’s hope they see Him in us.

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to live a godly life that honors You and represents Jesus well. Please help me come across the right way with people so they view me with respect and favor. When I’m hated and persecuted for my faith in You, please give me the strength to endure and remain steadfast. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.