"While evolution is a viable theory in many people's research, it should be considered what it is -- a theory," said Steve Stenstrom, an intelligent-design backer and former Stanford University quarterback who played for the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers.

"We need to recognize we still don't have answers to a lot of questions about creation. We need to be honest about that and not just throw intelligent design out because it might cause people to believe in God."

Stenstrom helped students organize the first conference on intelligent design last year while he was an adviser for Mosaic, a coalition of Christian groups at Stanford, and Cardinal Life, a Christian group for athletes in which he was an active member as a student 11 years ago.