Wristband proclaims new star’s faith in Jesus

Take a look at the wrist of New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin, and you might see something you haven’t before. Lin is sporting wristbands from Active Faith, an apparel company started by former professional basketball player Lanny Smith and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Tolliver.

It was Smith’s idea, and Tolliver, a finance graduate from Creighton who also owns various investment properties, partnered with him. Tolliver and Smith are members of the Houston- based Lakewood Church, which draws 40,000 to 50,000 attendees a week under pastor Joel Osteen. Lakewood has an Active Faith display in its stores.

The only other place items can be purchased is at Myactivefaith. com, which was re- launched this weekend, and contact can be made via Twitter @ Active_ Faith. In Jesus Name I Play bands, such as the ones Lin wears, can be purchased for $ 3.

Lin was on board with wearing the brand before his newfound stardom. He has led the Knicks to eight wins in their last nine games. A former Dleague teammate, Patrick Ewing Jr., introduced him to Active Faith.

“We had a relationship before this,” Smith says. “With him being so open about his faith, it matches up perfectly.”

Many NBA players have deals with shoe companies that might preclude them from endorsing other brands. But they can wear wristbands to show support.

By Debby Wong, US Presswire I believe: The Knicks’ suddenly famous point guard Jeremy Lin shows his Active Faith wristband, which says, “In Jesus name I play.”