It is refreshing to see Christianity being welcomed so openly in sports these days.

For instance, during last year’s national championship run, the Ohio State Buckeyes were commended for how strong and how open they were about their faith. A believer myself, I was proud of how they gave God all the glory for the accomplishments they have received.

If you were not paying attention over the weekend, Ryan Day and his staff continued to glorify our Lord and Savior, as it was revealed inside their National Championship rings was a cross.

It is a beautiful display of recognizing their championship season and thanking God for making it possible.

What’s also great about it is how very people in the mainstream media, if any, are complaining about it, which got me thinking. Why?

Why hasn’t anyone complained?

It’s interesting when you think about it.

If you recall, when Clemson was making its run through the College Football World and won two national championships in a three-year span from 2016-’18, Dabo Swinney and the Tigers were taking cover from the mainstream media when it came to their Christian belief.

In fact, Swinney has been dodging stray bullets from columnists and other media types regarding his Christian convictions for more than a decade. He was constantly criticized and attacked by non-religious groups for his players openly praising God and speaking about their faith.

Swinney was even attacked when players, like former Clemson great DeAndre Hopkins, posted their baptism on social media.

However, Clemson’s head coach never buckled under pressure. He never gave into the criticism and tried to hide his feelings. Nope, he instead continued to praise God in everything he did.

Swinney travels the country during his off-time and preaches the gospel. He spreads the Good News through FCA meetings or talking to a church. Sometimes it’s in front of 300 people, while other times it’s in front of a church of 3,000.

“I know I have a responsibility to use my platform, but also to honor God, and that is really what I try to do,” Swinney said.

Recently, Swinney joined his quarterback, Cade Klubnik, in his hometown of Austin, Texas to speak to other fathers about their faith and why it’s important to be positive Christian role models in their children’s lives.

“I am passionate about what I do, and I am certainly passionate about getting a chance to talk to three thousand men and their sons about a relationship with Christ,” Swinney said. “I am passionate it about that, I am not going to miss that opportunity. That’s an amazing opportunity.

“Again, whether you have three thousand people or in Myrtle Beach speaking to three hundred a few weeks ago. If just one person walks away wanting to grow in their faith or meets Christ. In my opinion, that is worth my time, for sure.”

The good news is Swinney is not getting attacked by the mainstream media as much anymore, at least it does appear that way. And it’s good to see other coaches and players, especially in this day and age, praise Jesus for their success and not come under fire anymore either.

The point of all of this, I guess, is the mainstream media has come a long way and has finally understood, whether they are believers or non-believers, people have the right to say and give thanks to whomever they want.

Maybe because Dabo Swinney and others took so many stray bullets for so long, other Christian athletes and coaches are reaping the benefits. I do not know for sure, but it sure is refreshing to see.