(AP) - It's not often that a third-round pick retires from the NFL in just his second season, but that's the story of Alabama running back Glen Coffee(notes), who announced Friday that he was leaving the game of football. Coffee explained his decision in a statement released through the team.

"This has been a tough decision for me to make, but at this time in my life I feel it is best for me that I move on from football. I appreciate what the 49ers, my teammates and coaches have done for me, and I wish them a blessed season and all the best in the future."

"It was a struggle for a long time. Actually when I look back I feel I never should have entered the draft in the first place. Football was no longer my dream. I found Christ in college. It changed my views on everything. But I still was a football player because it was expected of me, it was something I did all my life. I was basically wasting the (49ers') time."

(UPH) - First of all I would like to say that I fully support this young man's stand to commit to his faith... But, retiring from the NFL really seems a bit unnecessary?  Sure, there are some missing pieces to this story and we will truly never know what is going on in this young man's mind... But, I can't help but think that the opportunity to minister his faith was probably at its greatest as a NFL player.  I believe that living as a positive example of HIS likeness is one of the greatest ministries that you can offer to people who don't know Christ. 

I do believe that God allows us to use our talents and gifts to glorify him.  And just maybe God allows people to be an instrument of his glory in the environment that we are currently in.  But, should we focus our ministry entirely on those who are already saved?  I think that Christ would want us to be "balanced" in our great commission. 

I'm really undecided on how feasible it would be for Christians to start quitting their occupations because they worked in secular environments.  By all means, do not stay in an immoral environment that requires you to compromise your faith.  But, I really don't think that running a football would directly put you at risk of falling out of the Lord's grace.   I may be a little off base with my opinions but, no one can deny that millions of Christians work secular jobs every day.  

So, what are your thoughts on this subject?  Should your faith solely determine your job or occupation?