The Sad Story of Matt Snell
Friday, March 13, 2026
“God does not live in bitterness. He lives in grace.” – Os Hillman
How many horror stories have you heard about grudges that lasted decades let alone a lifetime? Sadly, my own family has been affected by unforgiveness that resulted in my grandfather disowning my dad and my mom cutting off all communication with her mother. Thankfully, my dad and my grandfather eventually reconciled when both of them came to saving faith in Jesus Christ; but sadly, my mom and her mother never did. Now – and very tragically – that generational curse has caused some issues amongst my siblings.
For the life of me, I cannot understand how people can carry a grudge to their graves. Yes, some wounds run very deep, but forgiving the person that hurt us is the key to healing. Otherwise, that open wound continues to fester, further poisoning the offended party.
Just this week, I read about the passing of Matt Snell, a former fullback for the New York Jets who scored the first touchdown in Super Bowl III. Not only that, but Snell gained 121 yards on 30 carries in that game, a record at the time. The AFL Rookie of the Year in 1964, Snell was named an Eastern Division All-Star in 1964 and 1966, and the All-AFL fullback in 1969.
Snell’s career was good enough for him to be inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor on November 29, 2015, along with fellow running back Emerson Boozer. However, Snell refused to attend the induction ceremony, just like he had turned down multiple invitations to participate in numerous Jets’ alumni events. Apparently, Snell had had a falling out with Jets’ owner Leon Hess many years prior and allowed the grudge to harden to the point where his pride wouldn’t allow him to reconcile with the team, even though Hess died in 1999.
My friend, if you are still harboring ill feelings towards someone over a long past incident, my advice is to forgive and move on. You don’t have to be best friends, but you are commanded by Jesus Himself to stop holding a grudge. After all, the only person that it’s hurting is you.
In fact, I once heard it said that holding a grudge and refusing to forgive someone is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.” Matthew 6:14-15 (BSB)
(See also Matthew 18:21-35)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
