Tebow: Quarterback. Missionary. Role Model? Believe it!

Credit: Ric Tapai/NFL Photos

"After all these years I completely understand why Tim Tebow is admired by so many, and it is not because of what he did on the field, but in fact, who he is" 

Yours truly wrote those words on February 6th, 2010 (Jumping Aboard The Tim Tebow Bandwagon) in response to the controversial legendary status of Tim Tebow at the University of Florida. At the time, I found Tebow to be a superb athlete with amazing will and leadership, but a poor quarterback with limited tools. Sound familiar? However, it was shortly before his departure to the NFL that I understood what makes Tim Tebow, well, Tim Tebow - his character. A character that embodies leadership, honor, respect, and a personal favorite, faith.

As the sides continue to be drawn on the support/hate on Tebow, his legacy continues to grow to new heights. And while the physical ineptitude is very apparent, Tebow continues to win, and continues to find a way to get the job done. 

He still remains highly controversial at the professional level, and is now as mainstream as any celebrity or athlete. From the coined phrases of "Being Tebowed" and "Tebowing", the controversy of Tebow grows by the day. With every game he plays, both the arguments for and against him are made.

Yet, he continues to win. 

So what? He can't pass!

Yet, he continues to win.

On this ride, Tebow is defying the rule that has been in place within the sports world for centuries: Talent > Everything. For the first time ever, a player's character is what makes him valuable to a winning team. 

Imagine that. 

I especially realized this when my former college roomate and bestman, who coaches football and baseball at the High School level and is as meticulous on fundamentals and mechanics as they come, had the following statement about Tebow in a text: 

"...I like what he is about."

Couldn't have said it better myself. 

In an age where the prima donna athlete reigns with personal sneakers, endorsements, and the "building of their brand", Tebow is out of the ordinary from which our society expects from it's athletes.

This character attribute has been raved about going back to High School as the most recruited player in the nation. He's been a special person for a long time. A person that is determined to not let doubters get the best of him, a person that perseveres, and a person that is a natural leader. 

His Broncos teammates rave about his leadership, and his ability to communicate with others. They are a team that supports him, and are willing to run through a wall for him.

Speaking of running through things, Tebow would and will run through any member of the defense seeing how he never slides, giving his all on every play. 

He's a guy that hasn't and doesn't change regardless of his surroundings or his situation.

How can you not?

He honors his parents, believes in team and family, and would never embarrass your organization.

Who wouldn't want their child to look up to a player like Tim Tebow? 

But let me guess, he still can't pass, right?

His faith, the source of his character, is also a topic of debate from the masses. Some find it to be too much, while others find it refreshing to see a person in his position not jaded by reality. Regardless, it seems the topic of God is on the lips of everyone because of Tebow. Whether it be for the purposes of a punchline, joke, or even sincere, Tebow has managed to bring Christ to the center of discussion.

Personally, as stated above, I find his faith to be his most admirable characteristic.

And as moments like this past Sunday's continue to happen with Tebow pulling off another win - and yes the Steelers were Tebowed, and he was indeed seen Tebowing after the winning touchdown was scored - it becomes more difficult for anyone to reasonably root against this guy. In fact, personally, I truly believe that this man is being used by the big man upstairs for specific reasons.

Throwing for 316 yards on Sunday, with an average of 31.6 yards per completion is not a coincidence folks.

I don't buy into conspiracy theories either. That's pure divine statistics.

And as I stated earlier this year via the DP Twitter account, "If Tebow brings people to Christ through football, then I hope he wins the Super Bowl"

And I will still stand by that statement.

Ain't that the truth...

Nonetheless, Tebow is easy to root for. And quite honestly, a wonderful story in so many ways.

A God fearing young man that is making the best of his situation, and not getting lost in the fame. 

He's more than just an NFL quarterback. He's more than just a missionary for Jesus Christ.

After years of being annoyed with the borderline criminal actions, selfish attitudes, and the counterfeit make up of our athletes, we finally have an athlete that is what we've been clamoring for - a role model.

So why are we continuing to hate on Tim Tebow?