Green Tea and White Satin Bows

Tim Tebow. For the longest time, I honestly had no opinions of Tim. I took no side, mainly because I didn't know enough, therefore I didn't really care. But last night, as I was driving home, I listened to a conversation about him on the radio. They mentioned how Tim puts God first in his life, then his family, then his team. I had heard enough about Tebow in the past to have this not come as a surprise, but what intrigued me the most was that, after all these years, he was still quite a controversial figure. I decided to do some research.

First, I did some quick research on why most people dislike/hate Tebow. And here is what I gathered

1. Tebow talks about God at any given chance
2. He is overrated - There are plenty of good college stars who go on to play in the NFL, yet receive much less credit than Tim.
3. He played for the Gators. And now he plays for the Broncos.

In all honesty, the reason I respect the most is the last one. If you dislike Tim on the basis that you hated Florida or Denver, than I can reason. However, to hate someone for being overrated shouldn't be directed towards the player, but more towards the media. The media (as well as fans AND critics) are the people who put Tim in the spotlight, not Tim. And yes, I understand that Tim isn't media shy. He definitely seems to enjoy being the highlight of attention. Yet that's the thing, he doesn't hog the stardom. When watching other players being interviewed they normally talk about themselves. And for the most part, usually that's fine. You make an incredible game winning catch. You win an intense OT game. You lead your team back from a huge deficit. You can't help but to talk about it. But in browsing through highlights and interviews, I've realized that that is one of the things that Tebow cares about the least. I mean he obviously cares about it, but he tends to shift the focus on God, his family, the coaching staff, and his team. And as I mentioned before, God is the most important aspect of his life, next to family and his team. And that is something you can't deny about the guy. 

So here's the deal, even if you hate Tebow based solely on the fact that you're annoyed with his constant talk of God, he's still doing exactly what Denver fans want him to do... He's winning. Of course, a large part of that is the defense. But what most people fail to mention is what he does to lead his team. After talking to his team (both offense and defense) and leading them with scripture, teammate Von Miller was inspired that game leading him to 10.5 sacks and being a large reason for the Bronco's win. And to be able to lead and inspire a team of players who are more talented and more vital to the team than Tebow is, is much more commendable and respectful (in my opinion) than being able to lead a team to victory based solely on the fact that you are a good quarterback. 

This article pretty much sums up my point here: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8248a590/article/broncos-players-are-learning-to-tune-in-turn-on-to-tebowmania?module=HP11_cp

So here are some additional reasons that I've chosen to give my support to Tim. 

1. Tim receives around 400 speaking requests per month and is usually drawn to talk at places such as prisons where many, given the same opportunity, would refuse. 
2. Instead of partying for spring break, Tim decided to go on a missions trip to the Philippines. This is one of the many trips he's taken since being a kid.
3. When Mrs. Tebow was pregnant with Tim, her doctor advised her to seek an abortion after she became extremely ill. Obviously she did not do that.

Tim inspires his team and those around him to not just to be better players, but better people. I don't care about the players who live up to their hype. There will always be those guys. Rarely is there a guy like Tim, who could care less about all the criticism, and continue to lead his team to victory, not relying on his own abilities, but relying on his team and God. And although the media may not give the rest of the team their due respect of the effort they put in, Tim does. 

So you can continue hating Tim Tebow for the rest of his career. You can hate the fact that he glorifies God and gives reverence to Christ whenever possible. You can also hate how overrated he is put out to be. There's no doubt that many people will. But in hating Tebow, do you also hate the fact that he honors his teammates more than himself? Do you also hate the fact that he uses his fame and fortune to reach out to the poor as well as the neglected? Or do you hate the fact that he loves his life, his family, his team, and his faith more than his own career. More than fame. And more than his Heisman trophy and all of his other rewards.

I can guarantee you, as long as he puts God in the center of his life and keeps a strong love for his family and team, he will remain unbounded. And as a man unbounded to the weight of world, he will lead his team to victory, not just on the field, but in their own personal lives.