Sunday, December 18, 2011

Tebow Time

I'm not a huge football fan but you have to be living off the grid to not hear about Tim Tebow, the Denver Broncos quarterback who makes sure everyone is aware of his religious faith. I've only watched one Broncos game this year and that's because I was visiting friends who are longtime Broncos fans. I am impressed that Tebow is willing to take so much punishment while running the ball, but I have to wonder how long that will last. Football is a brutal sport and professional players have their lifetimes considerably shortened for the privilege of submitting their bodies to weekly beatings.

Much has been said about Tebow's constant talk about his faith. Again, that's why you nearly have to be off the grid to now know about this. The first thing out of his mouth during the interview after every game is to thank his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Far be it from me to determine that a supreme being has taken an interest in the 2011 Denver Broncos making almost every game a tale of an underdog struggling against all odds and then prevailing in a near-miraculous victory. I'll leave that to the experts.

America loves a good story and Tebow--a misfit when it comes to the traditional NFL quarterback mold--and his team's success has been a great story. The team has obviously come together in a supportive congregation behind their quarterback. He's more than willing to put himself out there and lead the team, an unconventional quarterback running unconventional plays and getting results.

But people are starting complain about all the press Tebow is getting. That is not his fault nor is it a sign that people dislike or hate the man. It's a function of our media to entertain us. Tebow and his come-from-behind wins are the story for now. If not him, then perhaps we'd be hearing more about Aaron Rodgers and the Packers as they get closer to completing a just-as-miraculous undefeated season.

When you stop and think about it, what does it matter? It's football. It's entertainment. It's supposed to get you emotional. It's supposed to distract you from the important things in life. And it's working all too well.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jesus isn't a football fan, and doesn't even own a TV. He spends Sundays playing ultimate on a team that includes Krishna and Jah. But, Mother Mary is a Raiders fan, despite her gig as a passing coach for the Cowboys back in the day. Interestingly, Allah likes the Patriots, but I digress.

Maybe I'll start praying for lower ticket prices and fewer commercials. Of course, if Quetzalcoatl gets his way next year, there ain't even going to be a Superbowl.

Hank Greer said...

Well said, Anon.