My Monthly Sports Minute: More Than an Athlete…
“I don’t judge my self-worth as a football player. Football is something I love. It’s a fun career deal, but it’s not what I want to do with my life, because I see football as a game.” — Tim Tebow
Since I can remember, athletes have had a larger than life persona. They have been seen as the hero or the escape goat. They have been criticized for being either too flashy or boring and without enough pizzazz, or flare. They are often given titles like “the villain” or “the savior” — depending on what sideline you’re on — and they seem to be fine with it.
Regardless of the arena, fans will pack in from near and far to see their favorite team and/or player “suit up” — in hopes of seeing something special and historic. More often than not, athletes deliver spectacular performances that result in unforgettable moments and long-lasting memories. In today’s technology and social media era, they are seen as “influencers” far beyond their sport, while reaching “the masses” like never before. They are no longer just household names on the back of jerseys. Athletes have become authors, philanthropists, motivational speakers, and even businessmen. They are seen as far more than just athletes.
“For some reason in today’s society, people look up to football players and you have a voice. And it’s because of that voice you have the opportunity to impact people’s lives.” Tim Tebow
As an avid Florida Gators fan who grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, Tim Tebow as a household name well before he ever wore “the orange and blue” while playing football in “The Swamp.” Before he ever threw a touchdown pass, won the Heisman, or helped the Florida Gators win two national championships, there was a buzz in Jacksonville about a kid with a rocket for an arm who was home schooled and raised in a loving Christian family. Always known for being proud to speak about his religious beliefs, Tebow had a wow factor, even in high school, that made many love him as a college and professional athlete.
Not only did Tim Tebow live up to the hype, by lead his high school team to a state title, he went on to set many records in the Florida college history books. After his professional football career was in limbo, he began to really go above and beyond the call of an athlete. Tebow followed up his pro football days by becoming a motivational speaking as well as an accomplished author. He also worked as a sports analyst before deciding to switch sports and play professional baseball. He currently plays for the New York Mets organization.
While his athletic abilities have helped him accomplish a feat only a handful have done — playing two different sports professionally — it is his professed faith and off the field accomplishments that have cemented his legacy. He has been apart of many mission trips to spread God’s Word and message of love around the world, even preaching in schools and villages in the Philippines. In today’s society, where sex sales and it is seen in basically every avenue of sales and marketing, Tim Tebow has always stood firm on his belief in abstinence. As a public figure, he has taken pride in staying true to God and himself. He has shown God is his top priority, regardless of how unpopular this stance is or what others think of him. Tebow has shown young people it’s okay to be popular and be different, by not doing what everyone else thinks is cool.
In 2010, he started the Tim Tebow foundation. The foundation is designed to “bring faith, hope, and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour.” Through the foundation, Tebow has been able to truly use his platform for positive change. The foundation focuses on making a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate. From Tebow’s version of a Godly Christ-centered prom to donations and work with orphans as well as hospitals, his foundation has brought smiles and hope to the faces of many, while literally changing and saving lives. Tebow’s true passion is to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. With such a clear vision, it definitely requires leadership from someone who is more than an athlete.
— Jonathan Waddell
