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As a chaplain for the San Francisco 49ers, Professor John Koeplin, S.J. celebrates pre-game Masses with players and coaches, including head coach Steve Mariucci (right).
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Praying for a Good Game
The San Francisco 49ers had a surprisingly strong season last year, earning a wildcard spot in the playoffs for the first time in recent years. This season, the team is off to an even stronger start. With a record of 8-4, the 49ers are expected to compete in the playoffs and are considered Super Bowl contenders.
What accounts for the team’s recent success? Some would say coaching or the maturation of key players. But it also could be USF’s own John Koeplin, S.J., who became the team’s chaplain last season. Perhaps it’s a coincidence, but since Fr. Koeplin began celebrating Mass with the players, the team has improved its record significantly.
Although he is modest about his part in the team’s success—“I don’t take full credit,” he said—the 49ers have won nearly every game that Fr. Koeplin has attended.
Fr. Koeplin, an enthusiastic Bay Area football fan, splits home and away games with two other Jesuits. Game days begin with an 8:30 Mass at a hotel near the stadium, attended by about 20 people. He then has breakfast with the team and attends the game, standing on the sidelines during away games.
For what does an NFL chaplain pray?
“I actually don’t pray to God to ‘please let the 49ers win today.’ God doesn’t have favorites,” Fr. Koeplin said. “We pray for wisdom for the coaches and that players play to the best of their ability and that there are no serious injuries.”
During a pre-game Mass Nov. 25, Fr. Koeplin, wearing liturgical vestments complete with a colorful stole decorated with the mascots and logos of NFL teams, reminded his congregation of 20 coaches and players of the importance of keeping an even keel in light of the ups and downs the team had experienced in recent weeks.
“I can’t help but think of the peaks and valleys that the team has gone through,” he said from his make-shift altar (a small folding table draped with a white cloth and holding a single candle, a Bible, and bread and wine for Communion). “There are things we can do: We can practice by working together as a team, being there for each other as best as we are able. We do what each of us is called to do to the best of our abilities. We make ourselves as physically and mentally prepared for each opponent as we are able. Yes, we have our regimens that we go through to bring ourselves up to game condition. And included in that for each of you here is to keep God as part of your preparation and this is something that I believe the world would do well to follow.”
The team’s goal in having chaplains available at all games is to “try to meet all of the needs of its players,” Fr. Koeplin said. His most difficult Mass was the first game after September 11. All NFL games had been canceled the previous week, and he tried to help the players understand that the best way they could help themselves—and the country— cope was to continue to reflect on the tragedy, but also get back to what they did best—playing football.
He has attended several away games with the team, flying with the players and coaches on a chartered plane, and traveling with police escort to the hotel. “There were always groupies,” he said, “but nobody ever asked for my autograph.”
The only thing 49ers Coach Steve Mariucci requested when hiring Fr. Koeplin was that he “have fun with it.”
“It’s a kick to do it, no doubt about it,” Fr. Koeplin said.
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