What’s All The Fuss About?

When I first moved to Florida over 10 years ago, it was obvious that folks around these parts absolutely loved the gators. I’ve heard of hard core fans but never had I experienced rabid fans until I met the Gator Nation. It was actually charming. If the Gators won, the following Monday was all smiles. If the Gators lost…you know. I’d find myself secretly rooting for the Gators. It would be awkward claiming to be a fan, being a recent transplant from Vegas. But I like the people in Central Florida and I loved it when they won. The streamers on the cars, the mailboxes and men color coordinating with orange and blue.

Along came Tim Tebow. By this time, I was fairly well versed in the discussion of the “Gator Greats” of the past; Bell, Matthews and Wuerffel, also known as BMW, along with a long and very notable list of players who have entered the NFL. How could one mention the Gator Nation without throwing out the name, Steve Spurrier? Beloved coach and mentor to many young men who went on to become professional athletes. The point I’m trying to make; Based on the rich history of this team and all of the stand out moments that have made “The Gators” one of the most formidable football programs in SEC history, it was actually amazing to see their greatest player in the entire history of Gator football emerge from the illustrious program. Tebow was a champion from day one. His indelible mark; 5 NCAA, 14 SEC and 28 Florida records, along with leading his team to the coveted national championship and he won the Heisman Trophy in 2007 becoming the first Sophomore to ever do so. It was very difficult to live in Central Florida and not get carried away with all the excitement. I was no longer secretly rooting for UF. I had become a full fledged fan. More appropriately, I was a Tim Tebow fan and then a Gators fan. It was really great to see him drafted into the NFL. I thought at the time, he will surely leave his mark.

But there were instant critics. Not just those who despised the Gators in general, but well rounded and seasoned professional broadcast pundits. Columnists and so forth all piled on. Almost in unison, most of those who make a living when it comes to writing about, analyzing or talking about professional football began to talk about the idea that Tebow would never be able to rise to the level of other players in the NFL. As a matter of fact, there were critics who didn’t care about football coming down on Tebow. He actually had the nerve to do a TV commercial with his mother during the Super Bowl in support of Pro Choice…and then came the gnashing of teeth from all the whacko lefties. How dare he use his status to champion a cause that ‘they’ were against? He shouldn’t have a voice in their mind. There is no doubt that Tim Tebow has unabashedly claimed that he is a Christian and even further that he loved Christ. Tebow claimed to have drawn his strength from Christ. Though he does not beat people over the head with his faith it is apparent that it is always at the top of his mind. There is nothing that can send a lefty into a tizzy like mentioning the name of Jesus Christ. Good grief it reminds me of the time when the Wicked Witch in “The Wizard of Oz” was splashed with some water. Meltdown after meltdown.

Now, Tebow is starting for the fledging Denver Broncos. He’s had three starts and won two of them. It’s not just winning that is great to watch. It’s about how he wins. He is all heart and every player on the field knows it, most importantly his own team. It’s considered a good game for a running back to rush for 100 yards in a game, well Tebow will rush for a 100 yards and run over linemen in the process. He doesn’t do the sissy quarterback slide, he plows over people. Why? Because he is a champion and he wants to win. Philosophically, I would argue that Tebow isn’t trying to prove anything to anyone. His faith is so simple and so bold that it is one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen. There is a verse in the Bible, Colossians 3:23; “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,”. I honestly believe that Tebow adheres to this type of integrity and that’s what so many people truly like about him. But at the same time, I believe that is what so many people hate about him.

After the Broncos won yesterday, after Tim Tebow almost single handedly brought them back after half time, and after watching the commentary by the pundits it occurred to me that many simply want to see Tim Tebow crash and burn. They are rooting against him. Not because of the colors he wears but because of the color of his heart. Jesus did say it best; Matthew 10:22 – “You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.”

I truly hope to see Tim Tebow become one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. I would almost count on it. But there is no doubt that he is a rare man. That is a result of what he has chosen to believe and how he has chosen to carry himself in regard to that faith. Next time you hear or read a pundit for professional football saying that ‘Tebow doesn’t have what it takes to be great in the NFL’ just remember that every professional football player on the field today came from a college and none of them hold as many college records as Tebow does. It makes you wonder what all the fuss is about?

Filed under: PC by Mr.PC