How does an NFL quarterback become a cultural meme? Mix together strong beliefs, a refreshing personality and a flair for a dramatic style of winning and there you have it, ladies and gentlemen, Tim Tebow. Known as one of the most winning quarterbacks in college football history, the only sophomore to ever win the Heisman trophy and the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos, Tebow is a national sensation and his football skill is only the half of it.
I am a huge Tebow fan and proud of it. I just read his book, “Through My Eyes,” and I liked what I read. I, like millions of other Americans, also liked what I saw on the field in the wildcard round of the playoffs when Tebow put it away for his team in overtime with one incredible pass. But let’s be honest, that’s not why I like him.
Tebow is different and that makes a lot of people uncomfortable but why are we uncomfortable with the fact that he values more in life than football? Former NBA player Charles Barkley once said, “I’m not a role model… Just because I dunk a basketball doesn’t mean I should raise your kids.” And you know what? I agree with you completely, Charlie. Professional athletes don’t replace parents; they don’t have a line in their contract that says they have to be good role models or even good people. That’s something we the fans put on them that many of them don’t want. That’s their prerogative. But if an athlete wants to do more with his life and use his stature to help make the world a better place why is that a problem? Is it not sad that many of us are more comfortable with our quarterback being an ex-con than our quarterback being of strong faith and religious values?
Fine, maybe you don’t believe in God and you don’t want to hear it but is that a reason to want to see the man fall? People get on Tebow for not playing like a top 10 NFL quarterback right now. But because he believes in God he can’t have a couple of seasons to mature? That’s ridiculous.
From reading his book, I can assure you a couple of things: he isn’t faking his beliefs for publicity, his work ethic is truly inspirational and if his football career doesn’t work out, we can still expect big things from him.
Whether it’s on the field or off, it’s Tebow Time.
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