Sports fan, yours truly.
I have a Valentine card from 2006 that proves it. “My mom,” Son scribbled, “is the best mom in the universe because she makes yummy food, and she listens to sports radio.”
Told you.
Son was not happy, however, when he noticed references to Tim Tebow in my blog. He wanted to know why I would include such a good guy on a list of people who should leave the planet.
Dramatic effect and
irony mean nothing to my boy.
It's his birthday, so
allow me to explain.
I have written about Tim Tebow three times this fall, but never sent my words into cyberspace. The first essay reflected on the vitriol of the media regarding Tebow’s ZERO chance-of-success in the Big Boy game of football; his inability to pass, lousy stats, flawed footwork, and terrible mechanics. Add his deep, public, polarizing faith, and the criticism and ridicule leveled at the guy- after just a few NFL games- was breathtaking.
As the Broncos started winning, I wrote an essay about the intertwining of religion and sports in our country. Tebow-talk focused on a flawed quarterback as a lightning rod for pro and anti faith factions, rather than on NFL quarterback as role model. Why wasn't the media celebrating a young man who was a great role model and living proof of the success that can happen when entrenched organizations think imaginatively, and figure out how to best utilize their employees' strengths?
Tebow never lashed out at his critics. As he had one improbable victory after another, I wrote an essay on character. Would this football stud who is building a hospital in the Philippines eventually please our Reality TV world and give us a sneak peek into his dark side? Is an NFL quarterback who considers a hopeful conversation with a dying child the most important conversation he’s had all week sincere or sickening? Tebow says, “At the end of the day, people will forget the touchdowns or championships or whatever it is you accomplished on the field. But what matters is how you treat people and how you handle yourself.” Can this guy be genuine and beloved in such a cynical world?
Tim Tebow is no longer a ‘loser’, because he is a winner. A media darling, Tebow's smile and shirtlessness is visible 24/7. Doubters defend their criticisms of him from months ago. “Who is he dating?” is a much bigger issue than his dedication to hard work and preparation, and his single-mindedness in overcoming obstacle and adversity.
I have written about Tim Tebow three times this fall, but never sent my words into cyberspace. The first essay reflected on the vitriol of the media regarding Tebow’s ZERO chance-of-success in the Big Boy game of football; his inability to pass, lousy stats, flawed footwork, and terrible mechanics. Add his deep, public, polarizing faith, and the criticism and ridicule leveled at the guy- after just a few NFL games- was breathtaking.
As the Broncos started winning, I wrote an essay about the intertwining of religion and sports in our country. Tebow-talk focused on a flawed quarterback as a lightning rod for pro and anti faith factions, rather than on NFL quarterback as role model. Why wasn't the media celebrating a young man who was a great role model and living proof of the success that can happen when entrenched organizations think imaginatively, and figure out how to best utilize their employees' strengths?
Tebow never lashed out at his critics. As he had one improbable victory after another, I wrote an essay on character. Would this football stud who is building a hospital in the Philippines eventually please our Reality TV world and give us a sneak peek into his dark side? Is an NFL quarterback who considers a hopeful conversation with a dying child the most important conversation he’s had all week sincere or sickening? Tebow says, “At the end of the day, people will forget the touchdowns or championships or whatever it is you accomplished on the field. But what matters is how you treat people and how you handle yourself.” Can this guy be genuine and beloved in such a cynical world?
Tim Tebow is no longer a ‘loser’, because he is a winner. A media darling, Tebow's smile and shirtlessness is visible 24/7. Doubters defend their criticisms of him from months ago. “Who is he dating?” is a much bigger issue than his dedication to hard work and preparation, and his single-mindedness in overcoming obstacle and adversity.
This week dumbstruck commentators are hyping the game of the season: Tim Tebow versus Tom Brady- in Denver on Sunday. Viewers will see unimaginable (supernatural?) circumstances occur in a football game that will prove God is controlling Tebow’s arm, as well as his words and heart.
Disclosure: I am a big fan of underdogs. People who walk the walk. Character. Humility.
I am also a big fan of
drama. (Surprise!)
So this weekend, I
am hoping that during half-time at Sports
Authority Field at Mile High, Tim Tebow discovers an
oversized golden playbook in the Broncos locker room. As the second half
of the game begins, Tebow runs toward the 646 cameras on the sidelines. He
holds the book up to the cameras so viewers can see the title of the golden
tome: TEN INSTRUCTIONS for the USA- scripted in bold black calligraphy,
of course.
The stadium is hushed.
Fans are thinking, "Denver has mountains. And 'Te-BOW' and 'MO-ses both
have 'O's. Hmmmm."
A deep voice suddenly
booms over the loudspeaker. "Gentle people- and the rest of you
sports fans- listen up! Don't make me come down there. It's too
cold, and way too close to my birthday. Open the book, Tim."
Tebowing, Tebow opens
the golden book, and turns the pages as the announcer reads, "The TEN
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Get along.
- Greenland is becoming a green land. Figure It Out.
- Respect and educate your children, so they can help you Figure It Out.
- Find a wise, capable, experienced patriot, a person of character- and make her your President.
- Any member of Congress who refuses to negotiate must not be re-elected.
- There's a big world beyond this stadium. Repeat #1.
- Converse with people instead of technology.
- Leave the judging to the JUDGE.
- Never hire an attorney who sells his wares on TV or billboards.
- Goodness and kindness exist. Celebrate them with nutty dances in the end zone."
The voice stops.
Tim Tebow looks up and then....
Stay tuned sports fans!
QUING Hereby
Decrees: No decree today.
Just thanks to you for indulging my nutty dance!
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