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Jesus is Better | Jalen Sundell | Ep. 024
Episode 24 • 12th May 2026 • Stories of His Glory • Ryne Jungling
00:00:00 00:40:27

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In this episode of Stories of His Glory, Ryne Jungling sits down with former North Dakota State Bison football standout and current Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Jalen Sundell to talk about championships, identity, faith, and discovering that Jesus is greater than even the biggest stage in sports.

Jalen shares his journey from growing up playing sports in Missouri, to winning championships at NDSU, to the unlikely road that led him to the NFL and ultimately to a Super Bowl title. But behind the success was a deep struggle of chasing fulfillment through football while feeling spiritually empty.

During the uncertainty of COVID and the loss of football, God used a simple Bible study in Romans to completely transform Jalen’s life. In this powerful conversation, Jalen opens up about surrendering his idols, learning true contentment in Christ, and why his response after winning the Super Bowl was simply:

“Jesus is better.”

This episode is a reminder that no accomplishment, trophy, or platform can satisfy the human heart the way Christ can.

In This Episode:

  • Growing up in a championship culture
  • Starting a high school bass fishing team
  • The pressure and identity tied to sports
  • How COVID became a turning point in his relationship with Christ
  • The Bible study that changed everything
  • Learning contentment apart from football
  • The unlikely road from undrafted free agent to Super Bowl champion
  • Faith in the NFL and leading other believers
  • Why “Jesus is better” means more after achieving the ultimate dream

Verse of the Day:

"But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ" - Philippians 3:7-8

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Resources:

💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org

🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate

☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND

Call to Action:

If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend.

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