Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the better part of the last half decade, you probably know who Tim Tebow is – and you probably also know he’s quickly become one of the most polarizing players in the National Football League. Doubt me? I’ll probably get more hate mail just from sharing this story than anything I ever wrote about Sarah Palin. Why? Well, if you’re like me, the quick answer is that the dude appears to have no business playing quarterback in the NFL. BUT somehow, the guy keeps managing to pull off victories. And the more “he” wins, the more the story continues to be about Tebow… and not The Broncos.
And then there’s the other camp. Yes, there’s another camp.
Again, unless you’re completely oblivious to all things sports-related, you probably also know that Tim Tebow is an extremely proud and devout Christian. He eats, sleeps, and breathes God’s message. He gives praise in press conferences and he prays during field goals. And in fairness, none of that really begins to do justice to the man Tim Tebow appears to be or the path he seems to lead.
That said, in your face religion, tends to wear on less than overly religious people; and it seems to be wearing a little thin with some who think there’s a place for that sort of thing and a place for football. Beyond the fact that many believe Tebow’s prayers, Jesus shout-outs, and general “Tebowing” is a bit overkill for the sidelines of a professional football game, many have taken issue with how the quarterback’s Faith has begun to overshadow his team and his teammates’ successes.
Turn on ESPN at any time of the day for one of their infamous 30-minute loops. You’ll see what I’m talking about here. I’m a fan of the dude and frankly, it’s getting annoying.
Former Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer was among the first to express some frustration with Mr. Tebow…
“I think he’s a winner, and I respect that about him. I think that when he accepts the fact that we know that he loves Jesus Christ, then I think I’ll like him even better. I don’t hate him because of that. I just would rather not have to hear that every single time he takes a good snap or makes a good handoff. Like, you know, I understand, dude, where you’re coming from. . . . But he is a baller.”
Another quarterback widely known for his Faith, Kurt Warner, was asked by the Arizona Republic to share some thoughts on Tebow and the balance of being proud of one’s Faith and overkill in the world of sports.
“I know what he’s going through, and I know what he wants to accomplish, but I don’t want anybody to become calloused toward Tim because they don’t understand him, or are not fully aware of who he is. And you’re starting to see that a little bit.”
“There’s almost a faith cliche, where (athletes) come out and say, ‘I want to thank my Lord and savior,’ ” Warner said. “As soon as you say that, the guard goes up, the walls go up, and I came to realize you have to be more strategic.
“The greatest impact you can have on people is never what you say, but how you live. When you speak and represent the person of Jesus Christ in all actions of your life, people are drawn to that. You set the standard with your actions. The words can come after.”
I’m inclined to agree with Warner here, but I say that only from the position of my own personal taste for such things. I tend to follow the mindset that my Faith is a relatively private matter; and that demonstrations of that Faith should be reserved to moments and places where they are appropriate. To me, that’s not the sideline.
When I hear the obligatory “Thanks to the Man Above” in the post-game presser, I too roll my eyes. When I see Tebow praying for field goals, I can’t help but think – “Doesn’t God have better things to be doing?” When I hear Tebow – or others – say that “God willed them to victory” I can’t help but wonder – “Why don’t the Raiders have any Christians on their team?”
Either way, I applaud Tebow for ignoring people like me or those even more cynical that think the whole thing’s nothing but a show. We’re talking about it aren’t we? If that’s his plan, I’d say it’s working. So good on ya Tim if that’s the “angle” you’re working. Just don’t be surprised when beer drinking tailgaters “Tebow” a six pack and then get irritated when you thank Jesus and your mom; but forget your defense the next time you go 7 for 24 and “You” win the game 7 to 6.
I think Tim Tebow can make comments about Christ when appropriate. When God wants to bless someone, it may defy human logic. When God asked me to start a Christian sportswear company called Love Sportswear and work to bring down a sportswear company named after the pagan goddess Nike… to many it appears impossible. When God told me I was to contact Tim Tebow to endorse it… I did… because I believe nothing is impossible with God.
“I think Tim Tebow can make comments about Christ when appropriate.” – I wholeheartedly agree.
And I wish you nothing but the best of luck with your pursuits. The link included here didn’t work, but if you shoot me a working one, I’d be more than happy to plug your enterprise if and when it would be fitting.
I can’t decide whether I totally agree with Warner’s comments or not. I get where he’s coming from, but I also think it’s a part of the world view that God has no place in society other than in church. That certainly isn’t Christ’s example, is it?
As for getting tired of the over-exposure on TV, I agree. I am a fan of Tebow’s for a variety of reasons but it’s getting old. But I blame ESPN and the myriad of other sports TV and radio shows, not Tebow.
Fair points. I think my position somewhat mirrors where you’re coming from. I certainly have no problem with his expressions of Faith – and feel as if I’d be assuming my opinion even matters on such things to even begin to go there. I’m tired of the football/sports side of it – the Tebow’s winning games nonsense as if he’s the only guy on the team… and the God is willing him to victory business as if he’s specifically chosen to shine down his favor upon him and not every other Christian in the league.
Warner went through it as well. I suppose his opinion carries some weight. Seriously doubt Tebow will be taking it, though.
To each his own.
tim tebo and kurt warner are doing what all christians are called to do we are to lights to the world and how can a person call themselves christians if they are ashamed of our lord and savior Jesus Christ this is so good to see
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