How a CCM Guitarist Became a Soccer Team’s Unofficial Ambassador

Biblical Moses sought to prevent revelry; Soccer Moses lives to promote it.
Stephen Mason, dressed as “Soccer Moses,” before a 2021 MLS soccer match in Nashville, Tenn. / Mark Humphrey / AP

PICTURE THIS: A man they call Soccer Moses is descending a set of stadium stairs, parting not the Red Sea but a crowd of Nashville soccer junkies. As he reaches the bottom of the stairs, he puts on a Gibson guitar and performs a celebratory riff, which is a tradition for the Nashville Soccer Club, a Major League Soccer team. As Soccer Moses shreds his guitar, fans surround him and wave signs, scarves, and a Pride flag. One of the many differences between the biblical Moses and Soccer Moses is evident in this scene. Biblical Moses sought to prevent revelry (Exodus 32:18-19); Soccer Moses lives to promote it.

Soccer Moses is the unofficial team mascot for Nashville SC. Why, if Nashville SC is not connected to religion in any way, has a zealous fan taken it upon himself to dress up like Moses and become the team’s unofficial ambassador? Well, to understand that you first need to know the identity of the man donning the wig, fake beard, and flowing garments.

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