Yesterday I had the opportunity to sit down and have dinner with Kevin Nickerson. This is my first of many future sit downs and I can honestly say that this was fun and authentic.
Kevin Nickerson currently serves as the Chaplain for the Los Angeles Rams, he is the youth pastor for Mission Eben Ezer Family Church, and founder of the new and upcoming organization GameBreakers Academy. Currently he lives in Carson, California and he’s been living in the South Bay for about 15 years now. To him, this is not his home. This is just his house, a place where he just stays at. His real home is where he was born at and that is in Kansas City, Missouri.
Growing up, initially he didn’t want to be a pastor. He wanted to become an NFL player and make a lot of money. God had different plans for Pastor Kevin. He was 23 years old and the Lord saved him. Two years later at 25, he got called into ministry and 15 going into 16 years after, he is serving the lord with everything he’s got.
Being called up to be the chaplain for the Rams was God’s way. Pastor Kevin was working for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. When the Rams were headed to Los Angeles, Pastor Kevin was actually responsible of finding a chaplain for them, but then things happened with the other chaplains who interviewed and Pastor Kevin got called up to be part of the team. In 2016, before the first pre season game against the Cowboys, the director of the chapel pulled him aside and asked him if he wanted to be the chaplain for the team. The players desired him to be the one to strengthen their relationship with the Lord throughout the season.
A few hobbies of his are to BBQ and fish. He doesn’t fish often, but when he does, he enjoys it. He loves watching movies with his wife Bebe. One of his favorite movies are “Trading Places”, and a movie they watch every Christmas as a tradition, “Friday After Next”. Another movie is “Love Jones” because it’s just a way to show his wife that he loves her, ya feel me.
A typical day for the Nickerson’s is getting up at 6 A.M. Some days are different because of his wife’s schedule, but most of the time he’s up at six, doing whatever he needs to do before the kids get up. Once they’re up, they get ready and out the door by 8 o clock headed to school to drop the kids off. Then either he’s in the office or in a meeting, or driving back a fourth. Whether it’s with FCA or with the Los Angeles Rams, he is always on the phone doing meetings when he is on the road.
Courtesy of Kevin Nickerson Facebook
His initial reaction to being called up to the Rams was a blessing. Growing up his desire was was to play in the NFL. He had the chance and opportunity having played in the Canadian Football League and Arena Football, but never got a chance to play at the big stage. He said that God has a sense of humor, that for him to do what he loves and to be part of an NFL team is a wonderful ride. None of this came easy.
Courtesy of Kevin Nickerson Facebook
Kevin’s passion and drive to lead young people to the Lord is none other than Tim O’ Neal. He was his football coach when he was a kid. But to him he was more than a coach. He became a father figure. He loved Kevin. What O’ Neal did for him when his father wasn’t present in his home, was one, love his beautiful sons and daughters, and two, love young people who were like him. He wasn’t a bad kid, but he wasn’t an angel. Coach Tim made sure Kevin was taken care of.
Courtesy of Kevin Nickerson Facebook
Favorite Artist: Derek Minor, Tom Misch
Favorite Athletes: All of the Los Angeles Rams, growing up Micheal Jordan, and Isaiah Thomas
Favorite Team: Kansas City Chiefs moved to second on the list, guess who’s first
Favorite Brand: Lulu Lemon
Go to Food/ Snack: Smoothies, Acai Bowls
Ice Cream: Pistachio Almond from Baskin Robins
Netflix/ Hulu: No time for binge watching, but did follow the R. Kelly documentary
“Pray, ask God for direction. Be consistent, there are going to be a lot of ups and downs but be consistent. Be faithful. Work at it. Nothing will come easy.” These are his words for those who have a goal or are in need of motivation. These words will stick with me when times get rough because at the end, all you got is God and yourself.
To read more and to follow him on this journey and to see how this all came about:
Glimpse Life 