Tim Tebow Brings In a New Wave of Christian Athleticism

By Christine Thomasos, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, October 20, 2011

Tim Tebow will officially become the starting QB for the Denver Broncos on Sunday, ushering in what some see as a new brand of athlete.

Tebow inspired a new term by ESPN, known as “muscular Christianity.” The QB showcases his faith by wearing bible verses on his face, tweeting scriptures and publicly admitting his love for Jesus Christ, while drawing fans’ attention on the football field.

In an interview with Christianity Today in June, the second year NFL player spoke about being an influential figure in the NFL.

“I'm blessed to have a little bit of success in football. My biggest goal with that pedestal is to be a good role model and to take that whatever it is (platform, celebrity, whatever you want to call it) and be a great model and inspire,” Tebow told Christianity Today. “I'm thankful for the ability to share my faith in a lot of different places. It's something that I take as a responsibility and an obligation to handle as best as I can.”

However, many have been skeptical of Tebow’s Christian persona. In ESPN article titled, “Tebow 10:23” Tim Keown wrote about the player that some are looking to as the new heroic figure in football.

“He is free of sin. He is the embodiment of hope,” Keown wrote. “He is the quintessential sports messiah.”

Many have scoffed at the player for publicly admitting the devotion to his faith. Boomer Esiason, former NFL QB and commentator, was one of many to publicly criticized Tebow for his faith.

"What (former Broncos coach) Josh McDaniel saw in him God only knows,” Esiason said in August on NFL Today. “Maybe God does know - because the rest of us don't."

However, Tebow has proven himself on the field and is taking on the starting position for the Broncos come Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. Although many have questioned Tebow’s judgment on the field, the athlete said that he has no regrets thus far in his career.

“I'm a firm believer in everything happening for a reason and that God has a plan,” Tebow said. “There may be times where I want to take back something in a game, but I learn from it to improve.”