The Christian Post reports that the University of Southern Mississippi’s head football coach, identified as Blake Anderson, wore a shirt reading “Christ is King” during the team’s Eagle Walk on Sept. 5, 2026—and later said any attention it drew was “worth it” if it pointed people to Jesus Christ.
What happened
According to The Christian Post, video posted Saturday on Southern Miss Football’s X account shows the head coach wearing the “Christ is King” shirt while participating in the Eagle Walk, which a previous team post described as part of the program’s kickoff weekend.
What he said
The outlet reports Anderson was asked at a Monday press conference if he knew he went “viral” for the shirt. He responded that he was grateful people noticed it and added, “the whole point of wearing it [was] for Christ to be glorified and to be noticed.”
He thanked Southern Mississippi’s athletic director and president, saying they allow him to “really just use my platform to share my faith.” He described himself as “thankful” and “saved by grace,” attributing “the position I’m in” to “God and just being blessed.”
On the reaction, he said, “You never know what kind of response you’re going to get. It’s been 99% positive and … a few negative, which is what I expected. I wasn’t completely aware of just where it would go.” He added, “If one person makes one person think, then it was worth it.”
His public faith footprint
The Christian Post notes that Anderson’s X biography describes him as a “Believer in Christ.” He shared a link to the press conference clip with the caption “His story … His glory” and the hashtag #ChristisKing.
Earlier comments on faith and adversity
In a 2023 appearance on the Sports Spectrum Podcast, cited by The Christian Post, Anderson recounted a player, Josh Davis, collapsing from cardiac arrest during a pre-practice warm-up earlier that year. He called it “the scariest thing” he had ever “been a part of,” told players, “If you ever thought you ever didn’t know what a miracle looked like, that was it,” and said, “God gave that kid a second chance at life, and he’s going to use it and use it well.”
He also discussed the deaths of his first wife, his son, and his father, expressing gratitude for “the peace in knowing that those that I love are in His presence,” adding that he leans on Christ and on “the … people Christ has put in your life.”
Game note
The Christian Post reports Southern Mississippi, a Sun Belt Conference member, opened its season with a 49–3 win over Alcorn State on Saturday.
What we can’t confirm
Kingdom Watch News has not independently verified the video referenced, the full context of the press conference, or the scope of reaction. The Christian Post identifies the coach as Blake Anderson serving as Southern Mississippi’s head coach; KWN has not independently confirmed that employment detail.
