Jonathan Isaac

Jonathan Isaac is a professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic, who was selected sixth overall by the Magic in the 2017 NBA draft. He played one season of college basketball for the Florida State Seminoles.

Isaac is a Christian conservative who has preached at Jump Ministries Global Church in Orlando. In a game against the Brooklyn Nets in the July 2020 NBA Bubble, Isaac was the only player to stand during the National Anthem. Isaac subsequently spoke at the ReAwaken America Tour, and in May 2022 published his first book Why I Stand.

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Jonathan Isaac: Why I Refused to Kneel for the National Anthem

Stories of UsJonathan Isaac

NBA player and bestselling author Jonathan Isaac never caved under pressure to kneel for the National Anthem. Growing up in the Bronx, NY, his parents taught him tenacity and integrity, yet an abrupt move at a young age started his struggle with anxiety. His life was transformed when he finally put God first, which gave him the strength to publicly stand for what he believes, even though it went against BLM and the NBA culture.