“TEBOW, TEBOW!” the fans at Bronco stadium chant as Tim Tebow, #15 takes the field for the first time late in the game against the Chargers in week 5. At that point as a backup quarterback he hasn’t done a whole lot this season except sit on the sidelines and cheer for his struggling last place team, yet he is one of the most loved or despised players garnering national sports attention each day. Since he has started the last 7 games he has been the hottest news buzz even beyond sports with ESPN, CNN, Fox News and anyone who can write (or try to like me). What’s up with Tebow mania and why is he such a polarizing sports figure? It’s his faith in God and bold declaration that whenever he has a public opportunity he will give credit (praise) to God first, his teammates and coaches second, and third grateful for an opportunity to play the game. But despite the fact that he lives the Christian walk who serves the community, loves his family, supports the church and stays clear of the entrapments of this world, he is one of the most ridiculed, mocked and despised players in the league. Consider the Detroit Lions.
In Tebow’s second game as a starter they faced the surging Detroit Lions with the most powerful player in the league, Ndamukong Suh, a Portland native. In that game, the Lions completely dominated the Broncos and made Tebow look like a high school QB running for his life. During the game two Lions players, S. Tulloch and T. Scheffler mocked him with a “Tebowing” celebration on the field. New Webster word, “Tebowing” the act of kneeling on one knee, head bowed, with fist on forehead in earnest prayer. After the game the Lions ripped into Tebow as an inept NFL QB. At that moment they appeared correct and that Tebow’s NFL career might be short lived. But something improbable happened, Tim Tebow kept his faith centered on God, kept working hard at his profession, believed in his teammates, and kept a positive attitude. Since that game things have dramatically changed for both teams.
The Broncos have won 5 straight games, taking first place in their Division with Tebow winning the reluctant praise as a “winning” QB even from his most ardent critics. The Lions on the other hand have gone from dominant team, feared and respected by all, to likely missing out of the playoffs losing the past 3 of 4. Their star defensive player N. Suh embarrassed himself and the team with a cleated stomp on a player lying on the field with a two game suspension, loss of pay and a car wreck in Portland this past week. After a few other incidents involving their coach and unsportsmanlike penalities, the Lions are getting the reputation of being an undisciplined, immature team that has a lot to learn in life and on the field.
Now, the Broncos could falter and not make the playoffs and that would bum me out, and Tebow could fizzle out as a NFL QB and I would be disappointed. But, even if Tebow’s NFL career is short lived he made a HUGE impact in simply being who he is, a committed Christian who walks the walk and gives praise to God for all accomplishments in his life. That’s why I cheer for Tim Tebow and I hope he wears the Bronco jersey for years to come. For the Lions teammates instead of mocking Tebow maybe you should bow on your knee and join him in prayer giving thanks that you get to play America’s favorite game.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11
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