Amid the many thrills of yesterday’s crescendo-ing college football season, this was the scene that stopped me in my tracks:

© Dave Cole, onwardstate.com

Penn State and Nebraska football players down on their knees, joined in prayer, before kickoff of the Nittany Lions-Cornhusker matchup. Offered by Nebraska assistant coach Ron Brown, the prayer was meant for these teams and their coaches. Nevertheless, the tens of thousands of fans in Beaver stadium also fell silent.

These words, delivered by Brown, stuck with me:

May we be reminded that Jesus is full of grace and truth. May the truth be known. 

A powerful reminder during a time of so much pain and heartbreak—for those players, for Penn State’s students, for all of us.

A special thanks to Penn State photojournalist David Cole for the use of his photo. Check out his work here.