NBA players launch Christian sports apparel line

Photo via AP

Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Tolliver has started a Christian sporting apparel line. He’s partnered up with  D-League player Lanny Smith to create “IJNIP” In Jesus name I play.  The goal of the company mirrors a statement that newly minted Jets player Tim Tebow has made about using football as a platform. Using athletics to spread the word of God. 

Toliver has already recruited several athletes to invest in the company and even more are representing the brand on court.

Lin is a big supporter, wearing Active Faith wristbands emblazoned with “IJNIP” — In Jesus’ Name I Play — during games. And the two friends have already recruited Golden State Warriors star guard Stephen Curry and San Diego Padres pitcher Micah Owings as investors in a company that is owned exclusively by athletes.

“It kind of blew up on us overnight and it turned from something that me an Anthony were working on growing step by step to something that turned global,” Smith said.

Donte Green of the Sacramento Kings, Quentin Richardson of the Orlando Magic, Deandre Jordan of the Clippers and Derrick Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves to name a few.