At first glance you might think I would lump myself in with those who “love to hate” the Denver Broncos rookie quarterback and first round draft pick. On the contrary, I’d like to clarify that, as a lifelong Florida Gator fan I, in fact, declare Mr. Tebow to be one of the greatest college football players of all time.
Aside from that, I consider him to be an important role model for young athletes … the man is a saint. If you take away everything he’s done on the football field, would people still carry disdain toward him?
We’re talking about a man who devoted most of his high school and college summers to missionary work in places like the Philippines, Thailand and Croatia. He has been involved in his father’s missionary program since he was a boy, and views his fame as a football star as a way to garner support for this very cause.
Tebow has exemplified the role of a student athlete in his time at the University of Florida, balancing football with a rumored 3.7 GPA and a devout participation in his faith.
Some view the oft etched bible verses on his eye black, now banned by the NCAA, as a disrespectful way of forcing his faith on audiences. This is no different than NFL players engaging in prayer prior to a game, both of which I believe to be constructive ways to exercise one’s faith without imposing it upon those around them.
However you feel about the way Tebow carries himself on or off the field is irrelevant. The guy’s a winner. One Heisman trophy, twice first team All-American, two national titles, two SEC titles, three trips to the SEC title game, numerous individual achievement awards and, most importantly, academic All-American every year of eligibility.
I’ll admit, I can see where his college success might rub some people the wrong way, it’s the same reason everyone hates the Yankees (specifically Jeter and A-Rod) and if I weren’t a Gators fan, I might be in the same boat (I’ve never been particularly fond of Sam Bradford, Darren McFadden in his Arkansas days, Matt Flynn, etc.).
The thing I have a problem with is cheering against his success in the NFL. I’m sure there are people who think Josh McDaniels and Co. were absolutely nuts to take a gamble on an option quarterback in the first round of the draft, but Tebow is a workhorse and his sheer willpower alone will lead him to at least moderate success in the NFL. Plus, anybody who is willing to flaunt a Friar Tuck haircut gets at least some sort of props in my book.
I believe in the guy and I hope all his hard work gets him a shot at a starting job in the NFL and I’m sure he’ll carry on his winning tradition with the Broncos and whoever else he plays for. If not, he’s certainly got a future in coaching since he’s not short of enthusiasm. I’d love to see him takeover for Urban Meyer down in Gainesville someday when his playing days are through.
Say what you want about Tim Tebow on the football field, but I respect him for everything he’s accomplished on and off the field.
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