Tim Tebow. The name itself has the ability to create adulation or disdain in the hearts of many who encounter its sound. Anyone who has not been in outer space for a month knows the various types of diatribes that have been prevalent in the media over the past few weeks regarding Tebow. Yet one would be hard pressed to find an athlete who creates the sense of polarization that accompanies Tebow. Either you love him, or you loathe him. But who makes it this way? Furthermore, why does it have to be this way?
The Answer? The double standard initiated by Tebow’s own supporters.
Every other athlete in the NFL, and all of professional sports for that matter is able to be the subject of criticism without anyone even batting an eye; not Tebow though. The fable goes that since he was a boy in high school (or maybe he was already a man, like King David) people have been telling him that he could not play quarterback at the professional level. He even left a school to prove that he could – yet the story continued. He went to college and performed phenomenally. After a storied career that included becoming the only sophomore to win the Heisman trophy, he was once again told that he could not make it as a quarterback at the professional level.
However, like King David, Tebow managed to overcome the proverbial Goliath and make it to the professional level after being called upon by the modern day King Saul McDaniels – but the criticism still continues. It can’t be because what the critics say about Tebow is actually true, it must be because they don’t like him. They hate him and that is an abomination.
If You Don’t Like Him
How can people not like Tebow? Maybe it is because he is a vocal Christian athlete. Maybe it is because he is just too darn good for people even to be able to comprehend. Or, and this may be a stretch for some, maybe it’s because he is a professional athlete and with that comes criticism; it is not personal.
I am going to go with the latter. I know that it may be impossible to fathom, but maybe there are those out there who will acknowledge the fact that Tebow is the greatest human to ever live, but that still does not change the fact that he lacks certain skills at this juncture in his career. Since when does being a good person equate to being a great professional quarterback? Lord knows we have been made privy to a bevy of morally inept quarterbacks who are great.
When I hear about the fans in the Tebow flock who insinuate that those who are critical of Tebow are “haters” I automatically think of Lebron James. Different sport, mind you, but the premise is the same. When Lebron made his “decision” it was purported by Lebron that the major mitigating factor as to why he received so much backlash was race. Not that he made an immature decision and acted like a completed imbecile – it was race.
The same can be said for those who love Tebow and hope that their children can grow up to be half the man that he has become (This is not made up, it was actually written in an article).
Then You Must Hate Him
When faced with the criticism of Tebow, his contingency automatically throw out egregious accusations of being a “hater” and “less of a fan”. They take things way too personally (this is sports folks) as they go on the offensive with insidious and malevolent comments with regard to the critics’ faith base and moral turpitude.
Instead of facing the questions regarding Tebow’s throwing motion, his sub 50% completion rate, his 3-3 overall record as a starter, and the fact that cannot read a blitz, his progressions or audible against said blitz, they refuse to acquiesce. They deflect to the fact that Tebow spent his Spring Breaks in the Philippines doing missionary work while all the other kids in Gainesville were on South Beach. Or they may mention that Tebow takes being a role model “seriously” (he’s a role model for role models) and spends time praying with sick children.
These all call to the upstanding man that Tebow is, and they are irrefutable. No critic of Tebow’s has ever called his determination, work ethic, desire, or character into question. Why? Because at the very same time, they have absolutely nothing to do with football.
Will Tebow be able to live up to the hype that his flock continually presents before him? Nobody knows. Just to make sure – nobody knows. Being a winner in college does not automatically equate to being a winner in the pro’s. Just ask Matt Leinhart.
The Double Standard: Tebow is Above Criticism
With all of the talk of how hard he works, how much preparation he puts in, and how his winning attitude has completely reinvigorated a team that has looked downright abysmal at times with him at the helm, it is important to examine how unique his situation is and why he is just so darn special.
Tebow is the first athlete ever to overcome an obstacle on his way to the NFL.
Forget about the plethora of athletes who survived crack ridden homes in the ghetto where the echo of gunfire and the threat of being shot every day haunted them, Tebow’s story is unique. His high school coach told him he wanted him to play running back or tight end, and that was just the motivation that young Timothy needed. That was a life altering situation.
I can think of several athletes who also overcame obstacles to fulfill their dream. Denver’s own Rod Smith and Terrell Davis come to mind right off the top. Smith was undrafted and Davis was on the verge of being cut before they got their breaks. Even Michael “The Blindside” Oher’s story pales in comparison to Tebow, but Tebow’s movie is coming – the documentary was only the beginning. Yes, Tebow’s story is different.
If one were to mention the notion of benching Tebow after a plausible inauspicious outing this weekend in Oakland, all hell breaks loose. Any remarks leaning toward anything other than a capricious act of reverence – even disingenuously done (i.e. Tebowing) – is unduly equated to blasphemous treason and somehow gets misconstrued as the conspirators making scathing remarks about Tebow.
Hope Springs Eternal
In reading and writing this article, those with the Tebow acumen and acuity will recognize me as a “hater” too. Nevertheless, I would be remiss if I did not add that I do like Tim Tebow. Sarcasm aside, I believe he is a fantastic role model, and his desire to be the best that he can possibly be, coupled with the success that he has had despite “haters” is indeed inspiring.
However, the double standard that he has been given (not requested by Tebow himself, mind you) is utterly ridiculous.
Many fans hope that Tebow turns out to be successful, and these same fans hope that it is in a Broncos uniform. The franchise has waited a long time for someone to take the team back to the Promised Land. If it is not Tebow, then that just means the Denver Broncos, and their fans are in for a longer road than desired.
Which is really what this is all about, is it not? Yes, it is a veritable truth that football is merely a game and there are bigger things in life than this petty little sport. Tebow’s touch spans way beyond the NFL. However, while remaining a notable public figure in the biggest sport in our country, Tebow is opening himself up for shots to be taken at him.
In doing so, criticisms of Tebow are going to be prevalent. Granted, some may be unjustified, but as mentioned before, it comes with the territory.
So let us get back to talking about football.
And get rid of the double standard that Tebow never asked for.