Whether you like him or not, the name 'Tebow' has entered our households and our vocabulary since his debut in the NFL with the Denver Broncos. Not necessarily for his raw talent and ability at the quarterback position, but more so for his faith. It happened one fateful afternoon when Tim Tebow took a knee to celebrate and to thank God for his success in the game. "Tebowing" was born. In fact, students have gotten suspended because of it. It's become a national sensation. Even the sports guys on CBS are doing it.
I don't know Tebow's true intentions. Based upon his character and the way he's carried himself through this media blitz, I have to believe Tim Tebow is a sincere Christian who took a knee to thank God and the media has blown it way out of control (I know it's hard to believe the media can do something like that).
Again, Tim Tebow is not that great of a quarterback (yet). His arm is certainly not the subject of all the attention. It's his bravery to share his faith. Is there a place in pro sports for an outspoken faith? Maybe. The mostly, if not all, secular media eats this stuff for lunch. They find a guy like Tim Tebow who says he's a Christian, a guy who gives God all the glory due to his success, and the media crucifies him.
I think Tim Tebow is a great role model for young athletes, or for anyone really. What he's doing takes guts. As I mentioned earlier, I don't know his intentions. Is he doing it for the attention? Is he really an honest, humble man of God? I don't know. But what I do know is (from what we see on TV) Tim Tebow is a great guy.
Some might say all this Tim Tebow talk puts a bad light on Christianity. Pray to God about anything and you'll get it, is what we hear on TV. Be an outspoken Christian who plays sports and you'll lead your team right to the Superbowl (read "The Big Game", for legal reasons). Was there an Angels in the Outfield thing going on in Sunday's game against Pittsburgh? Maybe. Did God have a hand in the game-winning play in overtime? Maybe. Do I believe in coincidences? Sometimes. Yes, it was absolutely crazy Tim Tebow threw for 316 yards Sunday night (John 3:16). It was even crazier his average yards per throw was 31.6. Coincidence or God saying he's a Broncos fan?
I'm a Christian myself and I don't know what to make of all this. I was raised to give God the glory, especially when things were going well. I get where Tim Tebow is coming from. I get he's on a national stage and he has the opportunity to spread the fact he has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I get it. Part of me applauds him for his convictions. Part of me thinks there are other strong, passionate Christian athletes who we don't hear about, and that's maybe the way it should be. I don't know. I wish I had the answer.
Maybe it's because we haven't seen a professional athlete like this before. I can't remember, in my lifetime, an athlete who has been this open with their faith. I'm having an even harder time thinking of an athlete who was open with their faith who received this much attention from the media. The only one I can think of is Kurt Warner. However, I don't ever remember the attention Tebow is getting.
Someday it will die down. Who knows? Maybe Tim Tebow will show other Christian athletes it's ok to be open with their faith. I think that would be awesome.
I'm not really sure how to wrap this all up, but I do know one thing. If I were in Denver, I would be the biggest Tebow fan there is. Heck, I'm a fan now. What a great example he is and I hope he continues to be.
What are your thoughts on all of this Tebow stuff?