Tim Tebow Turning the Football Field Into Church?
Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos’ starting QB, has been the center of debate not for his awkward throwing mechanics, but for the faith that he brings on the field each game.
Tebow has received criticism for praying on the sidelines of the NFL games, in which he has a 6-1 record as a starting QB, and speaking about his affinity for Jesus Christ.
Jake Plummer, who played in Tebow’s position on the Broncos five years ago, appeared on the XTRA Sports 910 radio show in Phoenix recently to discuss the controversial current Denver QB. Although Plummer admitted to having respect for Tebow’s efforts on the field that have improved the Broncos record, the retired QB seemed disturbed by Tim’s expression of faith.
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“Tebow, regardless of whether I wish he’d just shut up after a game and go hug his teammates, I think he’s a winner and I respect that about him,” Plummer said. “I think that when he accepts the fact that we know that he loves Jesus Christ then I think I’ll like him a little better. I don’t hate him because of that, I just would rather not have to hear that every single time he takes a good snap or makes a good handoff.”
Kurt Warner, another retired NFL QB, also questioned Tebow’s public display of faith.
“Put down the boldness in regards to the words, and keep living the way you’re living,” Warner said. “Let your teammates do the talking for you. Let them cheer on your testimony.”
Dan Britton, Executive Vice President of Ministry Programs for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, told The Christian Post that people may feel negatively about Tebow because they may be unfamiliar with genuine leadership in Christ.
“The bottom line is we have a young godly leader able to motivate his players because of who he is in Christ. Everyone on the outside wants to second guess because maybe we have gaps in our own life because we think someone cant be as good as that,” Britton explained. “He’s walking the talk that makes people uncomfortable because other people realize they don't walk the talk. We have a outstanding man of god and people can’t define it, box it up and put a bow on top of it.”
Britton said that many people have issues with Tebow because they are so used to witnessing inconsistent leadership in society.
“There’s always a motive or something beneath the surface,” he told CP. “Everyone is always skeptical (of Tebow,) waiting for it to reveal itself, something like he cheated the school system or he has a girlfriend on the side.”
Despite the criticism that Tebow has been receiving for being vocal about his belief in Jesus Christ, Britton said the athlete is in a good position, because he does not make football the extent of his existence.
“If you told Tim Tebow that his career would be over he would probably transition without the blink of an eye. His world doesn't depend on football,” said Britton, whose organization has worked with Tebow on numerous events in the past. “In the FCA, we teach our athletes that as a believer in junior high, college or professional sports there is the understanding that their sport is not their god. It’s not about getting glory for themselves, but reflecting the glory back to god.”
Britton explained that the playing field can serve as church for Christian athletes.
“Worship and church is not just about a brick building,” he said. “Therefore the playing field can be a sanctuary where athletes get to glorify god and use the gifts God has given them to perform, pray and compete just like they’re in church.”
