Jesus is Better | Jalen Sundell | Ep. 024

Jesus is Better | Jalen Sundell | Ep. 024

Author: Ryne Jungling May 12, 2026 Duration: 40:28
Stories of His Glory
ReligionReligion & SpiritualityChristianityEducationSelf ImprovementSpiritualitySports

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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Hosted by Ryne Jungling, Stories of His Glory explores the profound intersections where faith meets competition. This isn't a podcast about winning games, but about the personal transformations that happen when individuals in the world of sports encounter something greater. You'll hear directly from coaches, athletes, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes staff as they share unscripted conversations about the moments that defined them-stories of unexpected hope, resilience forged through loss, and the quiet impact of a life lived with purpose off the field. These narratives move beyond simple inspiration, offering tangible glimpses into how faith shapes character, leadership, and community in the high-pressure environments of athletics. Tuning in provides a space for reflection, whether you're deeply involved in sports or simply appreciate hearing about authentic human journeys. The Stories of His Glory podcast connects the universal themes of struggle and triumph to a deeper spiritual context, making it a unique listen for anyone interested in personal growth, spirituality, or the untold stories behind the scores. Each episode feels like a candid locker-room talk, focusing on real-life application and the ongoing journey of faith.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 24

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