OPINION:
There has been no more polarizing figure in professional sports over the past year than Tim Tebow (“Tebow has earned starting status in 2012,” Web, Monday).
Whether it was his string of fourth-quarter comebacks, his thrilling overtime playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers or his public displays of his faith, Mr. Tebow’s name generates a wide range of reactions from the general public.
Mr. Tebow’s faith is an integral part of the player, the man and the human being. In this day and age, when media outlets are littered with player indiscretions and mistakes, it’s refreshing to see one man who practices what he preaches. Mr. Tebow is a man who works hard on and off the field, using his celebrity to help those less fortunate, including sick children in the Philippines (for whom he helped build a children’s hospital).
Many of our revered sports stars are defined solely by their athletic accomplishments on the field, but Mr. Tebow actually seeks to do more with the talents he has been given. Here, finally, is a professional athlete who realizes the obligation he has to use his platform as an NFL player to make a positive impact in people’s lives. As his college coach, Urban Meyer, once said, “Tim Tebow lives his life to make the lives of others better.”
When talking about religion and faith, many times public opinion is divided. As a man of faith myself, I can totally understand and appreciate Mr. Tebow’s authentic displays of thanks and praise. However, regardless of your religious beliefs, he must be respected and admired for having the courage to share his convictions with millions of people all across the world.
Mr. Tebow may never be an all-pro NFL quarterback, but he has become an all-world human being, and at the end of the day, which do we as a society value more?
EUGENE T. LEE
President, CEO
ETL Associates Inc.
New York
Please read our comment policy before commenting.