Chicago Bears linebacker Sam Acho to speak in Judson Chapel April 4

Judson University will welcome Sam Acho of the Chicago Bears to speak in chapel at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, in Herrick Chapel, 1151 N. State St., Elgin. The event will be free and open to the public.

"We are honored to host Sam Acho on campus in chapel. We are eager for him to share his story, encourage the student body, and point to Jesus as our salvation, even in the midst of success," said University Ministries Director Chris Lash. "I believe Sam's story will resonate with much of our campus and I am eager for the Spirit to use it to encourage our student-athletes."

Acho, a 29-year-old native of Dallas, Texas, is going into his eighth pro season in the NFL. He is a linebacker with the Chicago Bears, but he started his career with the Arizona Cardinals following the 2011 NFL Draft.

Son of a Nigerian minister, Acho stands firm in his faith and isn't ashamed to share the Gospel with family, friends or his football colleagues. In fact, he has been involved with various charitable and missional endeavors locally and abroad, including supporting the efforts of Living Hope Christian Ministries, an outreach founded by his parents. The ministry includes a team of volunteer doctors, surgeons, nurses, volunteers and pharmacists who provide free medical care in Nigeria.

In 2017, he started a podcast with Relevant Brand Director Jesse Carey and Willow Creek Community Church's Teaching Pastor Steve Carter called "Relevant is Doing a Sports Podcast." The podcast focuses on the intersection of faith, pop culture and sports. To hear more, visit relevantmagazine.com.

Acho is a graduate of the University of Texas's School of Business Honors Program, and he earned an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, Ariz.

Visit judsonU.edu.