Honor or Dishonor? Tebowing vs. Bradying
Fads in the NFL come and go like seasons in a year, so could the wildly popular "Tebowing" meme already be a fading trend to be replaced by "Bradying?"
The new form of "Tebowing," now being dubbed "Bradying," was born during Super Bowl XLVI, moments after New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady threw a deep interception intended for versatile tight end Rob Gronkowski. Brady was then photographed in a position that almost parodied Denver Broncos famously Christian quarterback Tim Tebow's prayer stance at games.
The picture showed a sulking Brady, obviously disappointed with his under-thrown pass, sitting on the turf, legs outstretched in a V-shape, head hung low and hands clasped as in a prayer. This now famous photo is being mocked and people across the country are sending in pictures of themselves "Bradying," similar to what folks did when "Tebowing" became popular.
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This pose, however, is being questioned as to what it actually symbolizes. "Tebowing" is considered an expression of praise, and has even received its own definition: "to get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around is doing something completely different." On the other hand, "Bradying" isn't being seen as necessarily giving off the same meaning as its counterpart.
"'Tebowing' is praise of a quarterback, 'Bradying' seems to be mocking one. Even if both make you laugh a bit, I think the motives behind 'Tebowing' are more pure and will last much farther down the road," Jared Kleinstein, creator of the hit website Tebowing.com, said in a statement.
It appears for now that Brady's new pose won't last as long or even be nearly as popular as Tebow's.
"Tebowing" has amassed a huge following of people mimicking the pose, many of which understand and respect that the pose is a symbol of honor. But what does Brady's pose convey? Is his a symbol of dishonor? Some may choose to see it that way considering the pose and the events surrounding its inception. But others say it doesn't mean a thing and the fad will disappear before the month is over.
Whatever the circumstances, "Tebowing" and "Bradying" have taken the NFL world by storm, but people are predicting that "Tebowing" and its positive meaning will stick around longer than the negativity tied with "Bradying."
Both fads can be seen at the websites Tebowing.com and the new Bradying.com.
