When a Young Athlete Chooses Music: Brandon Lake’s Journey From Sports to Worship

Brandon Lake’s story has always been one of passion, purpose, and unexpected turns. Long before filling arenas with worship anthems like “Gratitude” and “Praise You Anywhere,” he was a dedicated athlete with dreams on the field. But as revealed in a new Amazon Music Songline feature shared exclusively with People Magazine, Brandon made a life-changing decision that left his mom “heartbroken” — trading his jersey for a guitar. What followed was the beginning of a remarkable journey that shaped his music, faith, and calling as one of Christian music’s most authentic voices.

From the Field – to the Stage

Before Brandon Lake became the worship artist known for songs like “Gratitude,” his journey was rooted in something entirely different – sports. As his mother, Cindy Lake, recalls in an exclusive clip for Amazon Music’s Songline series, Brandon came into the world full of motion and team spirit. “First of all, what you see is exactly what he was from the very beginning. Brandon was full of life,” Cindy says.

That momentum carried him into sports, where he loved the competitiveness and the family-everything atmosphere of games and practice.

The Big Shift – Quitting Sports for Music

Then came the turning point. At a young age, Brandon told his parents he didn’t want to play sports anymore – he wanted to pursue music instead. According to Cindy, the announcement hit hard:

“When you came to us and said you didn’t want to do sports anymore, that you wanted to pursue playing music, we were heartbroken. We just thought, ‘No! Because we loved going to all the ball games.’”

It’s a moment many young athletes face – the tension between what’s known, safe, and expected… and what feels like a calling or a different path.

Discovering Music – Sunday School, Guitar & Self-Taught Drive

Brandon’s affinity for music didn’t arrive out of nowhere. He remembers a day in Sunday school when he saw another child play guitar – and something clicked. From there, he began playing for his youth group. 

Although he had a few teachers along the way, Brandon says much of his musical journey has been self-driven:

“I largely taught myself. My main influences were Christian music and country music: ‘That honestly formed my musical palette early on,’” he says.

That blending of Christian and country styles is part of what makes his sound unique – bridging genres and reaching listeners who might not otherwise think worship music is “for them.”

Featured on Songline – A Look Behind the Music

Brandon is the latest artist featured in Amazon Music’s Songline – a series that explores an artist’s songwriting process and journey.

In the exclusive clip, you’ll find the conversation with his mom, a snippet performance of his song “Honey in the Rock,” and an authentic look at how he got started and why he does what he does.

Why It Matters – Purpose, Passion & Heart

For Brandon, choosing music wasn’t just about swapping one pastime for another – it was about fulfilling a purpose. After the decision to pivot from sports, he committed to his craft, and he’s now using his platform to speak to people who are honest about their brokenness, and who desire connection with their Creator. In his own words following his latest album release:

“I’m not sure if I knew who this record was for when I started writing it, but as the songs came the more I realized it was … for those who are honest about their brokenness, but also have a desire to connect with their creator and experience Him in everyday life.”

That truth makes his story relatable – many of us face crossroads – stay on a familiar path, or step out into something that demands more faith, more risk, more vulnerability.

What’s Ahead – Tour, Album & More

Brandon is currently on his King of Hearts tour – wrapping for the year on Nov. 23 and resuming in March 2026. The tour supports his April-released album of the same name, which underscores his desire to create music that speaks to “the everyday walk” with God and heart.

And if you’re interested in watching the deeper story behind the album, the full Songline episode drops November 21.

Adapted from article "Why Brandon Lake's Mom Was 'Heartbroken' When He Quit Sports for Music (Exclusive)"  by Daniela Avila - https://people.com/brandon-lake-mom-was-heartbroken-when-he-quit-sports-for-music-exclusive-11842440