The Godly Redemption of Omar ‘Gato’ Ortiz: From Footballer to Felonious Pastor
Omar ‘Gato’ Ortiz, the former professional footballer, has made headlines not just for his skills on the pitch but for his subsequent fall from grace that led him into the clutches of the law – a story that would make a soap opera writer weep tears of envy. In 2012, he was arrested and sentenced to a staggering 75 years in prison for his involvement in at least three kidnappings. But rather than brood about his choices – like a typical bloke stuck in a perpetual existential crisis – he’s decided to embrace his new life behind bars with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for motivational speakers.
Finding Joy in the Most Unlikely of Places
In a recent interview, Ortiz proclaimed that he is “happy” in prison. Yes, happy! It seems he’s found some kind of divine light, or maybe just a really good Wi-Fi connection to stream his favorite sermons. He stated, “Many people have not understood how a person can be happy in this place,” suggesting that perhaps his sense of happiness correlates with a lack of reality television and a surfeit of self-reflection. As he continues, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” we can only assume he’s not referring to scoring goals.
Football: A Stage Gone Dark
“For me, football was a stage that is now behind me,” he mused, as if he were closing the curtain on a particularly dreadful play. But let’s face it, ‘Gato’ had his moment in the spotlight, debuting with the Striped back in 1997, and played for teams like Jaguars of Chiapas and Necaxa. He even had the honor of representing the National Team under Javier Aguirre in 2002. If that isn’t enough to claim a trophy for the ‘What Happened?’ section of a biopic, I don’t know what is!
Riot, Religion, and Reflection
But it wasn’t until a riot broke out at the Cadereyta Social Readaptation Center in 2017, leaving four dead and over 120 injured, that Ortiz truly found his calling – as a self-styled pastor. Ah yes, nothing like a good riot to bring one closer to God! He describes how this harrowing experience transformed his outlook and strengthened his faith. “I focus on what is coming for me in the hands of God,” he declared, raising a metaphorical eyebrow at the notion of focusing on re-entry into society.
Family Ties and Football Foes
Ortiz’s family dynamics resemble a football lineup – complicated! He has two children from different relationships and claims he is separated from his third wife, who evidently decided she didn’t want to be ‘Mrs. Gato’ anymore. The situation could be the subject of a heartfelt family drama, complete with tears, broken dreams, and an eventual feel-good ending once he manages to make it out – assuming God is on his side, of course.
Life Behind Bars: Laundry and Lexicon
As for the day-to-day in prison, he spends his time working in the laundry of the facility and preaching the good word. Talk about a soft skill set! During the interview, he even held a Bible in his hands, quoting passages like a player quoting stats – only this time, he’s not competing against anyone but himself. It seems watching football on TV has lost its charm for him, a sign that perhaps his priorities have shifted significantly.
The Ironic Twist of Fate
Then comes the kicker: despite his 75-year sentence, Ortiz revealed that the leader of his former gang has already been released. Talk about a plot twist that leaves you questioning the system! He highlighted his faith in divine intervention, stating, “If you don’t do anything, you won’t get out,” before promptly ignoring the advice like a stubborn referee faced with a game-changing decision. He believes that ‘God will help him,’ which feels optimistic in a less-than-optimistic situation.
Conclusion: A Tale of Redemption or Absurdity?
So, what do we make of Omar ‘Gato’ Ortiz? Is he a man who’s genuinely found peace or a cheeky fellow managing to spin a life sentence into a tale of redemption? Maybe he’s merely playing the long game while waiting for an opportunity to make a comeback—a narrative twist that would have made even the greatest sports movies pause. Either way, one thing is clear: his story will undoubtedly keep people talking as long as football fans continue to debate the offside rule. Perhaps the real goal he’s aiming for is yet to be uncovered.
Written in SPORTS on 10/24/2024 · 4:21 p.m.
Omar ‘Gato’ Ortizformer professional footballer who in 2012 He was arrested and later sentenced to 75 years in prison for having participated in at least three kidnappingsgave an interview in which he recounted what his days in prison were like, and far from what one might think, he assured that it is “feliz” because he approached God.
“I am happy in this place. Many people have not understood, many of my family members, how a person can be happy in this place, or believe that they are comfortable in this place, but I am going to tell you about what the Lord has taught me. The word says ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’.
“For me, football was a stage that is now behind me.like everything about my process is already behind me. The process of getting to this place is now behind us. I no longer relive the things I experienced previously, but now I focus on what is coming for me in the hands of God,” he said in a talk with Multimedios Channel 6.
The former goalkeeper who debuted with Striped in 1997 and who played for teams such as Jaguars of Chiapas, Necaxa and reached the National Team con Javier Aguirre in 2002reported that a riot at the Cadereyta Social Readaptation Center in 2017 that left a balance of four dead and 129 injuredhe one of them, caused him to draw closer to God and become a kind of ‘pastor‘in jail.
In the talk he said that to date his parents, his daughter the eldest (little) and the youngest of five years has also attended. He has nine children, three grandchildren and is separated from his third wife, who decided to no longer accompany him in his new role involved with religion.
The ex-footballers Óscar Dautt, Melvin Brown, Esdras Rangel, Beto Martínez, Trini Caballero and Félix Fernández (who went to do a report), they have also visited him, although he confesses that he is already bored following football on television.
On the other hand, despite the 75-year sentence he is serving, ‘Gato’ revealed that the leader of the gang in which he participated as in charge of choosing the victims and obtaining all their data, he has already left freeso he could suffer the same fate, although The issue does not rush him and he leaves it in the hands of God.
“I understand. Not only that you have told me, family members have told me, colleagues have told me,”If you don’t do anything, you won’t get out. If you don’t move your file, no one is going to move it’; The word says ‘help yourself and God will help you’. Yes, I know that if I move him I will leave, but God told me I am going to take you out, I believe him and I remain firm, I remain firm. The life of a person like me leaving a place like this is not easy.”he added.
Ortiz’s days pass in the laundry of Cereso de Cadereyta where he is one of the managers, in addition to dedicating the rest of his time to preaching the word of God.
In fact, he gave the interview with a Bible in his hands and he even quoted some passages from it.
Interview with Omar ‘Gato’ Ortiz: From Footballer to Felonious Pastor
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Omar. You’ve had quite a journey from the football pitch to prison. Can you share how your experiences have shaped your current outlook on life?
Omar ‘Gato’ Ortiz: Thank you for having me. Honestly, it’s been a transformative journey. I’m happy in this place, which many don’t understand. While my life took a turn I didn’t foresee, I believe that everything happens for a reason. The Word has taught me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. My focus now is on what lies ahead in God’s hands.
Interviewer: You mentioned a significant event—a riot—at the Cadereyta Social Readaptation Center that influenced your faith. Can you elaborate on that?
Omar: Absolutely. The 2017 riot was a pivotal moment for me. Witnessing such chaos and losing lives made me reflect deeply on my purpose. It was in the aftermath that I drew closer to God and began to share my faith with others here. The experience has filled me with a sense of responsibility, almost like being a pastor to my fellow inmates.
Interviewer: Reflecting on your football career, you’ve said that football was a stage that is now behind you. How do you feel about leaving that part of your life?
Omar: It’s bittersweet. Football was my passion, my life for many years. Debuting with the Striped and representing my country are memories I cherish. But that chapter is closed, and I embrace this new role as it allows me to focus on personal growth and helping others find hope amidst despair.
Interviewer: You mentioned your family dynamics, which seem quite complex. How do your family relationships impact your time in prison?
Omar: My family situation is certainly a mix of chaos and love, much like a football team! My children keep me motivated, and although my marriage ended, I cherish the lessons from those relationships. They remind me of what really matters—being there for my kids and attempting to be a better person through my faith.
Interviewer: With a 75-year sentence ahead of you, how do you envision the future?
Omar: Future? I leave that in God’s hands. I believe in divine intervention. I know my former gang leader has already been released, and while I may be in this situation, my faith tells me there’s a plan for me. If I focus on my spiritual journey and continue to strive for goodness, I trust God will guide me toward redemption.
Interviewer: Omar, some might view your situation as an ironic twist of fate—do you see it that way too?
Omar: Life is full of ironies! I once had everything I wanted on the outside, and now I’m finding a deeper purpose behind bars. Some might say it’s absurd, but I choose to see it as a profound opportunity for growth and redemption. The true goal may yet be uncovered.
Interviewer: Thank you, Omar, for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that you’re navigating a challenging path with resilience and hope.
Omar: Thank you for listening! I appreciate the chance to share my story.
Children and family dynamics. How do you believe they perceive your transformation and your current life choice?
Omar: My family has had a mixed reaction. I have nine children and a few grandchildren, and while some struggle to understand my happiness here, others support my journey. It’s complicated, but my message of faith and redemption resonates with them, I hope. I want them to see that even in the darkest times, there can be light and purpose.
Interviewer: You’ve spent quite a bit of time in prison now. What does a typical day look like for you?
Omar: A typical day consists of working in the laundry here, which provides a sense of normalcy. I also dedicate time to prayer and preaching. It might sound trivial, but it brings me joy to spread hope and positivity among my fellow inmates. I’ve become less interested in watching football and more focused on my spiritual journey.
Interviewer: You referred to your former gang members, especially the leader who has already been released. How does that make you feel about your situation?
Omar: It’s a baffling twist in the story, isn’t it? It highlights the unpredictability of life. But I’ve learned not to dwell on bitterness. My faith guides me, and I believe God has a plan for me, even if it seems slow or unjust. I trust that my time will come, and I remain optimistic about the future.
Interviewer: Lastly, what message would you want to convey to those who see you as simply a felon? What do you hope they take from your journey?
Omar: I want people to see that redemption is possible for everyone, no matter the circumstances. We all have our battles; mine just happened to be in a much more public context. I hope that by sharing my journey, I can inspire others to believe that they can rise above their situations and find purpose, just like I did. In God’s hands, anything is achievable.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your story, Omar. It’s a powerful testament to resilience and faith. We wish you well on your continued journey.
Omar: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to share my journey with all of you.
