Praying for Conversions

Patterson ran over to Hunter after he finished the pre-game warmup to thank him for the rosary. Patterson gifted Hunter with a game ball and the two shared their love of Jesus with one another.

Hunter Nannoshi noticed something while watching football with his dad, Ivan. The Detroit Lion’s kicker, Riley Patterson, wore a cross around his neck. That gave Hunter an idea. “I have a rosary that is the same color as the Lions colors. And when my dad told me he got us tickets to the [Bears] game, I brought it with me to give it to Riley,” Hunter said.

At the game on November 19, Hunter presented Patterson with the rosary with a little help from Nannoshi’s neighbors’ field pass. The group hailed down a field personnel worker, telling him Hunter had a gift for the Lion’s kicker.

The field personnel took the rosary and gave it to Patterson. To Hunter’s surprise, Patterson ran over to Hunter after he finished his warmup. In a moment caught on video and posted on St. William School’s social media channels, Patterson asked Hunter if he was the one who gave the rosary.

“He asked me for my name, I told him, ‘Hunter.’ He said, ‘God bless you, Hunter,’ and I said the same back,” Hunter said. “I told him I wanted to give him the rosary because him and I believed in Jesus. Riley Patterson is my favorite athlete, and I hope he wins the Super Bowl.”

Hunter’s dad, Ivan, thanked Patterson for the kind gesture. Patterson told Ivan that even though he isn’t Catholic, he appreciates the gesture and has the rosary in a special place.

“As a parent, all you want is for your children to have faith and not be afraid to tell others about Jesus,” Ivan said. “We are so proud Hunter is not shy about telling others about Jesus.”