On Sunday mornings you can find Pastor Keith Welch leading services at a Norwalk church, but by the afternoon he?s hitting the field with kids half his age as a member of the New York Predators football team.

Welch, of the Church of the Nazarene, considers his preaching and playing callings from above.

?To be on the field in a game for that three hours is, to really step outside of every other pursuit or concern or worry or joy,? Welch says.

Welch is a fullback with the semi-pro Predators. A lot of his teammates and fans call him Preach, and participate in his team prayer sessions.

?I'm a pastor, but when I put on that uniform, I'm number 45. I'm a fullback and I'm going to try to knock you out if you're on the other side of the ball,? Welch says of his dual roles.

The Predators are 13-0 this season and are in the middle of the playoffs.

Related Information:New York Predators