Football
Family & Faith
WELCOME TO
WITH REV. DR. MICHEL FAULKNER & REV. LEE ROUSON
RECENT EPISODES
Michel Faulkner
Rev. Dr. Michel J. Faulkner, the founder of Football Family and Faith, is a pastor, educator, former professional athlete, and civic leader whose life reflects a deep commitment to faith, leadership, and community transformation. A native of Baltimore who grew up in the Washington, D.C. area, he attended Virginia Tech on a football scholarship, where he was a four-year starter and Freshman All-American. He later completed a master’s degree in Education and Career Counseling. He went on to play professional football with the New York Jets, wearing #98, before a career-ending injury redirected his path toward ministry and public service.
Following his transition from professional sports, Dr. Faulkner entered urban ministry in New York City, where he was ordained in 1991 and served in several pastoral roles. He later founded New Horizon Church of New York in Harlem, focusing on spiritual renewal and community development. Alongside his pastoral work, he founded the Institute for Leadership, a nonprofit dedicated to developing principled leaders across faith, education, and civic sectors.
Dr. Faulkner has also served in higher education as Assistant Dean of Students, and Vice President for Urban Ministry. His commitment to civic engagement led him to serve on multiple New York City commissions and to run for public office, including a U.S. Congressional race and citywide campaigns.
Since 2018, Dr. Faulkner has lived and worked in Philadelphia, where he has continued his ministry, nonprofit leadership with the Philadelphia Council of Clergy. He founded The Core Tribute Foundation, sits on multiple boards, and has written 2 books; Restoring the American Dream, and the Joshua Generation and remains a sought-after speaker on faith, leadership, and community impact.
Rev. Dr. Faulkner is a member of the NFL Alumni Association, is a father of 3, was widowed and is remarried to Sarai, the second love of his life.
Lee Rouson
Lee Rouson is a former NFL running back, pastor, motivational speaker, and community leader whose life and work are grounded in faith, purpose, and service. Born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Rouson played college football at the University of Colorado, where he earned Freshman All-Big Eight honors and became one of the Buffaloes’ top rushers. He was selected by the New York Giants in the eighth round of the 1985 NFL Draft and wore #22 during his professional career, contributing to two Super Bowl championships with the Giants in Super Bowl XXI and Super Bowl XXV. Rouson also played for the Cleveland Browns before a severe ankle injury led him to retire from football after seven seasons in the league.
Following his NFL career, Rouson devoted himself to ministry and youth empowerment. He became involved with Sports World Ministries, sharing his testimony and encouraging students and church communities across the United States. He has served as an associate pastor at New Horizon Community Church and in leadership with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where he worked to support athletes’ spiritual growth and leadership development.
Rouson’s post-football life has also included motivational speaking, coaching, and creating spaces where young people can explore identity, purpose, and resilience. He emphasizes overcoming adversity through faith and positive choices, drawing from his own journey from professional sports to ministry and mentorship.
He lives with his wife and their four children. In every role—from athlete to pastor, speaker to mentor—Rouson remains committed to inspiring others to live with purpose, courage, and compassion
