Billy Graham Library Hosts Ravens’ Benjamin Watson

By Tommy Berry   •   March 27, 2017

Benjamin Watson with microphone
Baltimore Ravens' Benjamin Watson came to the Billy Graham Library on March 25 to sign copies of his book, Under Our Skin: Getting Real About Race—and Getting Free from the Fears and Frustrations that Divide Us, written with Ken Petersen. Watson is a 2005 Super Bowl Champion (New England Patriots) and a 2016 finalist for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and Bart Starr awards.
Watson signing Georgia Bulldog mascot while little boy looks on
A Georgia Bulldogs fan eagerly awaits an autograph. After an all-SEC senior campaign at the University of Georgia, Watson was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.
The NFL pro joined Franklin Graham on the 2016 Decision America Tour's Maryland stop. When he's not playing tight end for the Ravens, Watson is an author, blog writer, speaker, and frequent commentator on social media, sharing his Gospel-centric worldview on current issues.
Man reads Under Our Skin
Checking out Under Our Skin. The NFL player's next book, The New Dad's Playbook: Gearing Up for the Biggest Game of Your Life, will be released on May 2, 2017.
Picture of Benjamin Watson with finger pointed up to the sky
One fan brought a picture of Watson giving glory to God during a game.
Watson shaking hands with woman in Baltimore Ravens jersey
The Ravens tight end greets one of his fans. During his NFL career, Watson has played for the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints—and the Baltimore Ravens since 2016.
Little boy smiling and holding handmade sign
Watson and his wife, Kirsten, have five children, and the veteran player is a role model to many more. Thrilled to meet him, this boy made his own sign.
Library vice president Tom Phillips and Benjamin watson clutching hands during a prayer
Library Vice President Tom Phillips and Benjamin Watson taking time to pray in the Name of Jesus Christ.
Two boys holding helmets, books
Fans brought mini NFL helmets and books to be signed.
Girl reading Under Our Skin
Before his daughter was born, Watson wrote her a letter: "I want you to love people with the love of Christ, not seeing the outward appearance but looking at what's under their skin, in their hearts."
Little boy hugging Georgia Bulldog stuffed animal
A big hug from his Georgia Bulldog.
Watson shakes hand with man wearing Saints jersey. Two young girls stand nearby
On March 25, he (Watson) told fans why he wrote a book about racial unity, and the role faith plays in understanding people who are different than you: "What the Gospel also does is it makes us genuinely care about those whose experiences are different, whether that be black or white or wherever you may be from. It makes us care about the hurt and pain of the body, even if it's not our experience. And that's the beauty of it."