Michigan State linebacker Chris Norman didn't know it at the time, but his life-changing moment would come in part because of an elbow injury he suffered during the 2011 Capital One Bowl when the Spartans lost 49-7 to Alabama.

Norman tore his triceps tendon and suffered damage to the ulnar collateral ligament of his elbow, keeping him out of spring practice and preventing him from even lifting weights.

"At the moment, football was No. 1 in my life, and that's what I was worshiping " Norman told MLive.com last summer.

On May 24, 2011, after reconsidering his priorities, Norman decided to devote his life to Jesus Christ.

This week, while some of Norman's former teammates were participating in the NFL Combine, Norman spoke of making the "easy" decision to forgo a chance to pursue a professional football career in order to pursue seminary, according to the Ionia Sentinel-Standard.

The 6-foot-1, 233-pounder finished his career at Michigan State with 197 tackles in 50 games, including 32 starts.

Prior to focusing on his faith, Norman recalled himself being an angry and shy person who he said "didn't really respect people because I really didn't know how to." The Detroit native had been in the church choir, but became more deeply involved in his faith after joining Athletes in Action Sports Ministry and attending the Ultimate Training Camp in Colorado.

"Life took a complete 180," Norman said. "When I did it, people were really confused and probably fearful because it was like, 'Where did you come from?' You're not the same person that you used to be, and honestly, I wouldn't have any other way.

Norman in his senior season served as a team captain and made 51 tackles after earning an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection as a junior.

In that time, following Jesus became a priority.

"It trumps football," Norman said. "It trumps other relationships. It trumps everything. It's really been the foundation of my life ever since then."