He’s one of the most well known players in the world of football. He’s a Christian - and he’s not afraid to admit it.
As far as football goes, critics are quick to comment that Tim Tebow throws one of the ugliest balls in the game while relentlessly harping on the fact that he was barely able to complete half of his passes through the 2011 regular season, but pinpointing Tebow’s flaws in no way diminishes his feats.
After selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos, Tebow transformed the 1-4 team as the starting quarterback. He then managed to win six games in a row — half of them in overtime — and topple the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs. Despite complaints that his playing style isn’t up to NFL standards, it’s hard to deny that the former Heisman trophy winner pulls through when it matters most with his sudden turnaround games and fourth quarter comebacks.
But it isn’t even Tebow’s occasional imperfections on the field that gain him the most criticism — it’s his persistent declaration of his Christian faith.
Bending on one knee to pray, dubbed “Tebowing,” and donning Bible verses written on his eye blacks before the NFL banned it, the quarterback intersects how he plays with what he believes. There’s no doubt Tebow’s public declaration of faith has sparked a national conversation about religion’s role in American culture, but amidst the conversation it’s important to remember that freedom of religion doesn’t mean freedom from religion.
Those who feel threatened by Tebow’s scripture when tuning in to a scrimmage should remember that Tim Tebow’s personal decision to be bold in his faith does not force them into any type of obligation or infringe on their personal rights. Tebow, in fact, has just as much of a right to live out his beliefs in a way that he sees fit, as anyone else has to do the opposite, or to openly practice another faith. Tebow is simply a Christian in the public sphere who happens to play professional football.
Therefore, because of who he is and what he does, the desire to combine his faith and his career path draws more attention than it would the average Joe, but Tebow’s public image shouldn’t be grounds for denying him the privilege of expressing his beliefs in his daily life, which for Tebow means life in the NFL.
If writing John 3:16 on his eye blacks is a source of encouragement for Tebow, then let it be his source of encouragement. We need to recognize that our freedom of religion allows us to choose the way we want to worship, but it does not give us freedom from religion by allowing us to avoid exposure to other’s practices.
What’s so bad about the way Tebow lives his life anyway? If anything, he offers a refreshing break from superstar athletes caught up in criminal charges, drugs and self-indulgence. At 6-feet-3-inches tall and 240 pounds, Tebow is a role model of a powerful man who is both compassionate and selfless.
And he’s more than just talk - Tebow actually lives out his morals. A virgin in adulthood, Tebow publicly announced in 2009 his vow to save himself for marriage and most recently, refused to appear in his underwear for a Jockey ad campaign.
Not to mention that before each game in the 2011 season, Tebow flew out a different sick person and their family to see the Broncos play, have them great seats, paid for their hotel and meals and hung out with them before and after the game.
Tebow is relentless. Despite incessant criticism, he has a fierce conviction and refuses to back down for what he believes in. No matter how he passes the ball, or how he chooses to show his beliefs, you can’t deny that he is anything but genuine.