Mormon Land How and why some football players are choosing one year missions | Episode 418
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Dec 3, 2025 Sports writer Kevin Reynolds and Tribune columnist Gordon Monson dive into the intriguing choice of BYU recruits Ryder Lyons and Brock Harris to serve one-year missions. They discuss how faith and the new NIL landscape influence this decision and the church's expectations around mission terms. The conversation touches on the physical and mental toll of missions on athletes and the potential benefits for BYU's football program. The duo also examines public reactions, perceptions of privilege, and the implications for future athletes.
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Money Reshapes Mission Decisions
- NIL and new college-pay realities changed the mission calculus for elite recruits like Ryder Lyons and Brock Harris.
- Making immediate millions at BYU makes a one-year mission far more attractive than a traditional two-year absence.
Harris Weighed Faith Against Earnings
- Brock Harris said he weighed life-changing earning potential against his desire for the missionary experience.
- He chose a one-year mission as a way to 'split the difference' between faith and financial opportunity.
Church Stresses Standard Mission Length
- The Church publicly reasserts the standard full-term expectation (24 months for men).
- Leaders worry that formal exceptions for elites would create precedent and perceived unfairness.