NBA Player AJ Griffin Explains Why He Abruptly Retired at 21: ‘I Gave Up Basketball to Follow Jesus’

More than two years ago, the Atlanta Hawks selected forward AJ Griffin in the first round of the NBA Draft out of Duke.

However, before the 2024-2025 season started, Griffin announced he would be leaving the NBA. He had played in 92 games and averaged 7.5 points and 17.1 minutes per game. He was traded from the Hawks to the Houston Rockets in the offseason.

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Atlanta Hawks guard AJ Griffin, No. 14, photographed during Hawks Media Day in Atlanta on Oct. 2, 2023. (Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)

He explained on Sunday why he decided to quit basketball.

“I gave up basketball to follow Jesus,” he said. “And I know that in the eyes of many people it seems like a loss in the eyes of the world. But I just want to let you know that I’m super excited because I get to really serve God, y’all. You know, with my complete Yes, and I feel like letting go of basketball allows me to go into full-time ministry and really serve the Lord with all my heart – also with all my time I’m just excited to to see where that leads me.”

Griffin said his decision came from giving his “whole life to Christ” in 2020.

Atlanta Hawks forward AJ Griffin, number 14, dribbles against the Washington Wizards in the first half at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on April 5, 2023. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

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The 21-year-old Texas native isn’t the only NBA player who has decided to put his career on hold and dedicate his life to faith.

Darren Collison retired from the NBA for a few years to help the less fortunate through the Jehovah’s Witnesses faith.

Atlanta Hawks forward AJ Griffin, #14, eliminates Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith, #25, in the second half at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on March 25, 2023. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

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“While I still love basketball, I know there is something more important, my family and my faith,” he said in a letter to Andscape at the time. “I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and my faith means the world to me. I get so much joy from volunteering to help others and participate in a global ministry. The joy I feel is unparalleled. With that said, I have decided to retire from the NBA.”

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