by Jamie Langbein ’13

Why Tim Tebow? Why do sports fans and non-fans alike know so much about an NFL quarterback who didn’t even begin the season a starter, who had a mediocre quarterback rating, and whose team got crushed in the second round of the playoffs? Must be his movie-star looks, right? Or maybe just the alliteration of his name?

Nope, Tebow’s notoriety results mostly from his religious beliefs.

Tebow has managed to spark a national conversation about religious devotion. Tebow is a devoted Christian, and not at all discreet about it. He is often seen kneeling down on the field and touching his fist to his forehead in a symbolic gesture of prayer. The gesture is so well known that if someone mimics the action they are considered to be “Tebowing.”

Tebow’s story starts well before he was even born. While his mother was pregnant with young “Timmy,” she contracted a serious disease that put her in a coma. The drugs used to treat her illness and arouse her from her coma caused a severe placental abruption, of which the doctors expected a stillbirth and recommended an abortion. Pamela Elaine Tebow chose to give birth instead, and Tim Tebow was born.

Growing up, his parents instilled Christian beliefs in him and his siblings as they were homeschooled by their mother. Tebow often helped his father with missionary and volunteer work.

Two years ago, during Super Bowl XLIV, Tebow appeared in a controversial pro-life ad. He shared his story in support of the pro-life organization Focus on the Family. Besides his position of quarterback on the Denver Broncos, Tebow has also preached his faith in schools, prisons, to church and youth groups, and at multiple meetings and even conferences.

It’s said that haters gon’ hate. But why? Why do they hate Tim Tebow?

Religious groups of all types are upset at his public displays – some Christian groups believe he is mocking God, other groups believe he should not be so outward with his religious practice in public. Some people, particularly fans of teams that have been beaten by Tim Tebow, dislike him because they think he is an attention-seeking but terrible quarterback, although they may just be bitter.

The guy loves God! So what? Is it a crime? If so, we’re going to need a bigger jail than Guantanamo Bay to keep these criminals contained. Tebow is not some guy begging for attention, desperate for fame to help him secure a starting quarterback position. Let him be. He is devoted to God, and no amount of harassment, criticism or praise will change his ways. So stop trying to.