Falcons Rookie Zachariah Branch Reveals the Daily Faith Practice that Keeps Him Grounded
Zachariah Eric Branch is an American professional football player for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. Playing wide receiver and kick returner, he played college football for the USC Trojans and the Georgia Bulldogs. This past April, he was drafted by the Falcons in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft as the 79th overall pick. This move allowed Branch to remain in Georgia as he began his professional journey.
Today, however, he opens up about his faith and how it means everything to him.
Long before Branch ever set foot on the football field, he was setting his heart right with the Lord. At just 22 years old, Branch told interviewers that he begins each day “not [just] necessarily game day” with God. “It’s really any day,” Branch told OutKick. “As soon as I first wake up, I got to make sure I read my devotional book — whatever the date is for that day.”
Beyond daily devotions, Branch credited his family for his faith. Though he grew up in a Christian home, he explained that it wasn’t really until his freshman year at the University of Southern California that he got serious about his relationship with God.
“I’ve always been very, very faithful as a kid growing up," he said. "But I think I started that my freshman year in college when I was at USC. I always started off with my devotional book, and that’s stuck with me through my whole career.”
Since being part of the NFL, Branch has found hope and encouragement in being surrounded by those who share the faith.
“There’s a lot of guys in the locker room who have the same morals and same values, so it’s cool to be surrounded by a lot of those different guys,” he said.
When asked how important faith is to his life, Branch boldly declared: “Everything.”
“I don’t think I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for the things God has allowed me to do and the opportunities He’s allowed me to have as well,” he explained.
Beyond God and his natural athletic ability to play sports, Branch credits football as part of the Lord’s calling on his life.
“I would be doing Him a disservice if I don’t take advantage of those things and the gifts He has blessed me with. I’m very, very grateful for the opportunities He has given me,” Branch said, “and the ones to come as well.”
After defeating the New Orleans Saints 45-24 on Monday Night Football, Branch and the Falcons improved to 2-2 on the season. Currently, after four games in the 2026 season, the rookie has caught five passes for 31 yards, according to ESPN.
Photo Credit: ©Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
Originally published October 06, 2026.
