by Rachel Binns
Angie Pressey was a freshman at Berkeley who was on her way to being a volleyball superstar when she was first introduced to Justin Forsett. At the time, he was a respectful boy who made her laugh. Today, the Baltimore Ravens’starting running back is her beloved husband. Together, they navigate Justin’s NFL career while they raise their children and use every opportunity they can to share their faith in Jesus Christ with others.
How did you and Justin meet? Was it love at first sight?
Justin and I met our freshman year at Berkeley during study hall. We both were in relationships at the time but I knew we would be friends because he made me laugh. I literally laughed at everything he said! If you ask him, I was completely infatuated with him...false! He was barely an inch taller than me and not my type, but his easygoing personality grew on me.
I don't think I can pinpoint a time when I knew that I wanted to marry him, but I knew that he had all of the qualities I wanted in a future husband. He was kind, respectful, and always in a good mood. And, above all things, he was a virgin! A virgin football player? Yes, please!! His faith wasn't something he kept behind closed doors. He lived it out daily and I admired that quality. I was growing in my faith as well.
You were a college volleyball star who also played professionally in Puerto Rico. You were also invited to join the US National team and asked to play in the 2012 Olympics. What has been your favorite moment as an athlete?
It's so difficult to pick one single moment from so many years of playing , but if I had to choose it would be the championship that I won my last year in Puerto Rico. I knew that it would be one of my last games as a professional volleyball player if I didn't make the Olympics. I prayed after the game and even though most people in the room didn't understand English, I was so connected to the Holy Spirit that I didn't care. I was so thankful that God allowed for me to end my career with a championship.
Tears streamed down my face as I praised God for the opportunity to live out a passion I had for so long. I didn't make the Olympics and ended up getting pregnant with my first son a month later, so it was my last game and I couldn't have asked for a better ending to that chapter in my life.
What is one of Justin’s NFL highlights that you will never forget?
My favorite NFL moment was Justin's first touchdown —even though I didn't see it. Ha! I think I had a hair appointment and was rushing to get back to watch the game. I blame L.A. traffic! I was listening to it on the radio and I couldn't believe my ears; I was so psyched. I was smiling so hard. He worked so hard to make the team and make the most of every opportunity, so I knew what that first touchdown meant to him. Unfortunately, I had to tell him I didn't see it but heard it. He wasn't upset because he knows that's me—always late.
With a strong lineage of professional athletes who came before them (your dad also played in the NBA), could there be some pressure for your children to excel in sports? Will you encourage them to pursue athletics?
I always joke that my kids are going to be physical specimens and decide to be artists. Honestly, I'm not going to push my kids to play sports but I will expose them to as many things as possible so they can choose for themselves what they want to do. I care about having passionate and thoughtful children. I want them to love what they do and be able to impact people in whatever career they choose.
Both you and Justin have been outspoken about your faith in Jesus Christ. How has the NFL served as a platform for your faith?
The NFL has been an awesome platform for both Justin and I to spread the word of Christ. Justin uses social media more than I do so he will tweet out his verse for the night or share what God is doing in his life and people will listen or read just because he can run with a football! It's kind of crazy, but God uses us no matter where we are in our lives to bring others close to him. I have been fortunate to be a part of the Ravens Women’s Bible Study and it has been amazing! There are many women of faith on the team, from so many different backgrounds, who are completely transparent with each other as they thirst after the word of God. I’m happy that God placed me on this team to learn from and help the wives/girlfriends on the team with their walk with Christ. The NFL can be a revolving door with so many different players coming in and out, so Justin and I relish every opportunity to meet people where they are in their faith and help them grow or start a relationship with Christ.
www.rachelterrill.com