The Official Non-Sports Tim Tebow Thread

[Shady]

Wow, I just read this piece in ESPN. It's quite impressive. I suggest everyone give it a read.

I've come to believe in Tim Tebow, but not for what he does on a football field, which is still three parts Dr. Jekyll and two parts Mr. Hyde.

...

Every week, Tebow picks out someone who is suffering, or who is dying, or who is injured. He flies these people and their families to the Broncos game, rents them a car, puts them up in a nice hotel, buys them dinner (usually at a Dave & Buster's), gets them and their families pregame passes, visits with them just before kickoff (!), gets them 30-yard-line tickets down low, visits with them after the game (sometimes for an hour), has them walk him to his car, and sends them off with a basket of gifts.

Home or road, win or lose, hero or goat.

...

Tebow was spending that hour talking to 16-year-old Bailey Knaub about her 73 surgeries so far and what TV shows she likes.

...

For the game at Buffalo, it was Charlottesville, Va., blue-chip high school QB Jacob Rainey, who lost his leg after a freak tackle in a scrimmage. Tebow threw three interceptions in that Buffalo game and the Broncos were crushed 40-14.

"He walked in and took a big sigh and said, 'Well, that didn't go as planned,'" Rainey remembers.

...

Take 9-year-old Zac Taylor, a child who lives in constant pain. Immediately after Tebow shocked the Chicago Bears with a 13-10 comeback win, Tebow spent an hour with Zac and his family. At one point, Zac, who has 10 doctors, asked Tebow whether he has a secret prayer for hospital visits. Tebow whispered it in his ear. And because Tebow still needed to be checked out by the Broncos' team doctor, he took Zac in with him, but only after they had whispered it together.

...

And it's not always kids. Tom Driscoll, a 55-year-old who is dying of brain cancer at a hospice in Denver, was Tebow's guest for the Cincinnati game. "The doctors took some of my brain," Driscoll says, "so my short-term memory is kind of shot. But that day I'll never forget. Tim is such a good man."

...

So that's it. I've given up giving up on him. I'm a 100 percent believer. Not in his arm. Not in his skills. I believe in his heart, his there-will-definitely-be-a-pony-under-the-tree optimism, the way his love pours into people, right up to their eyeballs, until they believe they can master the hopeless comeback, too.

Remember the QB who lost his leg, Jacob Rainey? He got his prosthetic leg a few weeks ago, and he wants to play high school football next season. Yes, tackle football. He'd be the first to do that on an above-the-knee amputation.

Hmmm. Wonder where he got that crazy idea?

"Tim told me to keep fighting, no matter what," Rainey says. "I am."

ESPN

I have no idea what kind of QB he'll turn out to be. But he's a pretty impressive person, no matter what.

Edited January 13, 2012 by Shady

[Boges]

Wow, I just read this piece in ESPN. It's quite impressive. I suggest everyone give it a read.

I have no idea what kind of QB he'll turn out to be. But he's a pretty impressive person, no matter what.

Yeah but he's trying to indoctrinate people with his religion so he's a bad person.

[bush_cheney2004]

Tim Tebow walks the talk....same as Drew Brees. Class act with or without Jesus.

[sharkman]

Well isn't that something. I hope he always stays centered about God, life and career like that.

[msj]

Tebow is well known for this (well, to anyone reading SI it is).

But then many athletes and famous people get involved with various causes/charities.

Some get lots of attention like Tebow and others not so much.

<shrug>

[Shady]

Tim Tebow walks the talk....same as Drew Brees. Class act with or without Jesus.

Exactly. It really has little to do with religion. Even in Tebow's case. Just good people acting like good people.

[waldo]

(Matthew 6:5-6)

And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

is Tebowing... seeking the approval of people rather than intimacy with 'your Father'? Is a philanthropist... as much of a philanthropist, when overtly announcing the philanthropy? Just sayin.

[msj]

is Tebowing... seeking the approval of people rather than intimacy with 'your Father'? Is a philanthropist... as much of a philanthropist, when overtly announcing the philanthropy? Just sayin.

I find this type of thinking quite annoying.

We don't know to what extent he is doing this for himself, for his mother, for his God, for his career etc...

The point is that he is doing something.

He is taking advantage of his situation (however it has been arrived at - divinely or not) to do a lot of good.

If he was not taking advantage of his celebrity then we should be calling him a douchebag.

Because he does take advantage of his celebrity to do good he is a good guy for it.

-----------------------

Having said that - I have just watched a video on NFL Network (GamePass - password protected so no link available) and the guy does come across as a religious freak. This was during the Denver/Chicago game.

At various times he is talking about god and/or praying out loud, he is singing his praise to god etc....

It is more endearing than annoying but who knows how effective the edit job was and what it's really like on the field and in the locker room.

---------------

One more thing, I won't link to the picture as to not upset Michael Hardner, but if you check out naughtybits.us at January 13, 2012 then we all have reason to praise Tebow (or sweet Jesus!).

Edited January 14, 2012 by msj

[Guest Manny]

Agreed msj that at least he's doing something, which many in a similar position of wealth such as him might not do. But it's just a drop in the bucket, really, as far as helping people in need really goes.

Still, it's not fair to be overly critical. While I understand what waldo says, those who like to show their charity to the world mainly to be judged by their fellow man, sometimes the message we project is more important then the immediate results. In this case I think the Tebow might inspire more of us to feel empathy for people who need help, and to spend some time, and share with them. These are the kind of heroes our society needs.

[msj]

Agreed msj that at least he's doing something, which many in a similar position of wealth such as him might not do. But it's just a drop in the bucket, really, as far as helping people in need really goes.

He is probably doing about 1,000 times more than you are.

Many people (rich and poor) giving a "drop in the bucket" can create a pretty big bucket.

Edited January 14, 2012 by msj

[Guest Manny]

He is probably doing about 1,000 times more than you are.

Obviously, he does a lot more than most average people.

[kimmy]

I posted in the previous thread that he seems like a very good person.

Giving almost all of his $2.5 million signing bonus to charities as soon as he had it seems like pretty convincing evidence of where his heart is at. I don't know whether he gave it to charities that will help provide food and water and medical care for children or whether he gave to his dad's crusade against Catholicism, but either way it shows incredible unselfishness.

Yeah but he's trying to indoctrinate people with his religion so he's a bad person.

And this is just a straw-man.

-k

[kimmy]

And this is a great example of why it's dumb to try and associate some kind of greater message with a sports outcome. If Tebow's "miracle" wins were proof of the power of Jesus, then what were his last two games?

This is also a great example of a strawman. I didn't know that anyone was making that kind of connection, other than maybe one or two kooks.

...

Looking at the nonsense that has followed after Tebow passed for 316 yards, I think it's become clear that Shady has vastly underestimated the number of kooks.

Ok, there might be 12, or 15. Who cares?

Yeah, maybe 12 or 15, or maybe 129 million. (source: the only network Shady trusts.)

From another article:

Tebow's appeal comes from a blend of skill, enthusiasm and outspoken faith, says the Rev. Leslie Northup, an associate professor of religion and culture at Florida International University.

"With some people, the power of their personality makes their accomplishments more compelling, and that annoys some," says Northup, an associate professor of religion and culture at Florida.

Tebow talk transcends normal football discussion. In a nationwide poll this week by Poll Position, 43 percent of respondents said they believe Tebow's success is due in part to divine intervention.

"People are watching the Tebow show because he's a second-rate quarterback, and he's winning games, often against great odds while playing his best at the most opportune times," said Carter Turner, a professor of philosophy and religion at Radford (Va.) University.

"For a large segment of the population, Tebow's success is proof that God intervenes in our lives," Turner said. "Doesn't God reward faith? Lord knows Tebow has faith."

Religious people are looking at this and finding personal encouragement in it. "If God is helping Tim Tebow, God will help me too!" Which is ok, I guess... if it makes them feel better. Will they still feel better later?

If you believe God is helping Tebow, and evidently 129 million Americans think so, at some point don't you have to ask yourself: "if God is helping Tim Tebow, why isn't God helping all the other people who are praying their hearts out?"

The most religious parts of America-- the southeastern states and Texas-- happen to be the same states that have been hit hardest by natural disasters, over and over again. Droughts, tornadoes, hurricanes. Many of these states also have the highest unemployment in America. Rick Perry asked Texans to join him for a day of prayer to pray for an end to the drought. God answered the prayers of millions of Texans by adding wildfires to the drought they were suffering. God cares about helping Tim Tebow win, but he doesn't care about the millions of Christians who were losing their homes and farms in Texas?

Does God care more about helping Tim Tebow win than about helping the millions of Christians in America who face economic hardship and natural disasters? 129 million Americans apparently thing the answer is "yes". If they're right, then the only logical conclusion would be that God is an asshole. A complete asshole.

But they don't think about that. People who think God helps Tim Tebow win don't think about the millions and millions of faithful Christians just like themselves who God doesn't help. Instead, they think that if God helps Tim Tebow, maybe God will help them too. Despite all evidence to the contrary.

-k

[Shady]

Yeah, maybe 12 or 15, or maybe 129 million. (source: the only network Shady trusts.)

I see, so if you watch the game, you also think that God helps Tebow win games?

I guess I have to turn my tv off this evening, or get lumped in with kimmy's ridiculous premise.

[Shady]

Having said that - I have just watched a video on NFL Network (GamePass - password protected so no link available) and the guy does come across as a religious freak.

I watched the same video. I didn't come away with that idea at all.

[kimmy]

I see, so if you watch the game, you also think that God helps Tebow win games?

I guess I have to turn my tv off this evening, or get lumped in with kimmy's ridiculous premise.

Read the fricken poll. It doesn't say 43% of Americans watched Tebow play. It says 43% of Americans believe God helps Tebow win games. Are you so stupid that you can't even interpret a simple poll question correctly, or is this just another pathetic dodge?

-k

[cybercoma]

This is status quo for Shady.

[waldo]

... or whether he gave to his dad's crusade against Catholicism...

yes - that 'the Tebow family' would seek out the Philippines, one of the world's most populous Catholic countries, to spread 'the word of (their brand) of Christianity' is quite telling.

apparently... there are a few Catholics out there less than enamored with 'the Tebow'

[sharkman]

Read the fricken poll. It doesn't say 43% of Americans watched Tebow play. It says 43% of Americans believe God helps Tebow win games. Are you so stupid that you can't even interpret a simple poll question correctly, or is this just another pathetic dodge?

-k

You've come on these Tebow threads repeatedly(and you are not alone) to decry the God angle and point out how dumb some Americans are, and that is fine. Of course, no one in these threads is claiming any such thing, so those of you who have been doing so could be accused of preaching to the choir, or at least protesting too much.

What I am wondering is how is it that an average team like Denver has done so well since Tebow took the helm. How is it that Tebow, who can't throw, can't read a defense, can't move the ball with any consistancy has done so well.

If you could put your finger on the top 3 reasons why, what would they be that has Denver with Tebow winning so much?

[waldo]

If you could put your finger on the top 3 reasons why, what would they be that has Denver with Tebow winning so much?

top 3? Well, either the holy trinity of 'Father, Son & Holy Ghost Spirit' or they changed up the pregame meal to include onions, bell peppers, and celery...

[Shady]

Read the fricken poll. It doesn't say 43% of Americans watched Tebow play. It says 43% of Americans believe God helps Tebow win games. Are you so stupid that you can't even interpret a simple poll question correctly, or is this just another pathetic dodge?

-k

I read the fricken poll. It gets a giant facepalm from me. Believing in divine intervention is something completely different than believing that his faith plays a role in his success. The poll seems to use these terms interchangeably. Which leads me to believe that they have no idea what the meaning of these things are either. The other thing that leads me to believe that they have no idea what they're talking about, is they reference Rush Limbaugh attributing Denver's overtime win to divine intervention. Do they not realize he was joking? Specifically at the expense of the media? TOO FUNNY!

Apparently they've never heard of Rush's "media tweak of the day." I'm not suprised.

Seriously though kimmy, you've got a bad case of Tebow Derangement Syndrome. Just let it go, you'll live a much happier life.

[Shady]

You've come on these Tebow threads repeatedly

Give her a bit of a pass. She's got Tebow Derangement Syndrome, posting polls that reference Rush Limbaugh jokes.

[sharkman]

top 3? Well, either the holy trinity of 'Father, Son & Holy Ghost Spirit' or they changed up the pregame meal to include onions, bell peppers, and celery...

Oh, so you believe it's God too? I didn't take you for a religious person. Good on you standing up for what you believe though.

[kimmy]

You've come on these Tebow threads repeatedly(and you are not alone) to decry the God angle and point out how dumb some Americans are, and that is fine.

If not for "the God angle", none of us would be talking about Tebow at all. Tebow is the most popular athlete in America right now (or at least he was last week...) and it's not because he's good. He's popular because a lot of religious-minded folks have decided he's their hero. Trying to talk about Tebow without the religious angle is like trying to talk about Joan of Arc without the religious angle.

Of course, no one in these threads is claiming any such thing, so those of you who have been doing so could be accused of preaching to the choir, or at least protesting too much.

Some in this thread vigorously deny that any such thing is occurring.

What I am wondering is how is it that an average team like Denver has done so well since Tebow took the helm. How is it that Tebow, who can't throw, can't read a defense, can't move the ball with any consistancy has done so well.

If you could put your finger on the top 3 reasons why, what would they be that has Denver with Tebow winning so much?

I'm curious as to the motivation of the question. Are you suggesting that there could be otherworldly factors involved-- "Tebow sucks yet Broncos win, therefore Jesus"?

This is the non-sports Tebow thread, but the sports-related reasons for Tebow's success are, I believe:

1) really weak opposition. Up until last week, Tebow hadn't beaten a single team with a winning record all season. His previous 7 wins had been over teams with a combined record of 48-64 and none better than 8-8. The one time they did beat a winning team was last week, and the Steelers were pretty banged up.

2) a lot of help. Matt Prater's exceptionally long field-goal range got them 2 of their 3 overtime wins. Offensive line that helps Tebow and McGahee run the ball well. Denarius Thomas, not Tim Tebow, is the guy who killed the Steelers. If it were based on merit rather than celebrity, people would have been talking about Thomas all week, not Tebow.

3) Tebow doesn't actually suck. He's a terrible passer (for the time being) but obviously his running ability helps make up for it. He's not a terrible quarterback and he might be good someday. But right now, he's the new Anna Kournikova: an athlete who generates an immense amount of hype despite very mediocre on-field performance. Kournikova had boobies and Tebow has Jesus, but they're both huge celebrities for reasons that have nothing to do with their athletic performance and a whole lot to do with appealing to people for non-sports reasons.

-k

[kimmy]

I read the fricken poll.

Oh, bullshit. If you had read it, you wouldn't have responded with this ridiculous non-sequitur:

I see, so if you watch the game, you also think that God helps Tebow win games?

I guess I have to turn my tv off this evening, or get lumped in with kimmy's ridiculous premise.

It gets a giant facepalm from me. Believing in divine intervention is something completely different than believing that his faith plays a role in his success. The poll seems to use these terms interchangeably.

More bullshit. The poll is very specific:

We put these two questions to Americans in our nationwide scientific survey:

1. Are you aware of the success of Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Tim Tebow?

2. (Among those aware of Tebow’s success) Do believe that any of Tim Tebow’s success can be attributed to Divine Intervention?

There's no ambiguity at all.

Which leads me to believe that they have no idea what the meaning of these things are either. The other thing that leads me to believe that they have no idea what they're talking about, is they reference Rush Limbaugh attributing Denver's overtime win to divine intervention. Do they not realize he was joking? Specifically at the expense of the media? TOO FUNNY!

Apparently they've never heard of Rush's "media tweak of the day." I'm not suprised.

And no mention of Limbaugh either. I have no idea where that even came from. Rush Limbaugh didn't start this idea that Divine Intervention is helping Tebow win. He certainly didn't convince 43% of poll respondents of it.

Seriously though kimmy, you've got a bad case of Tebow Derangement Syndrome. Just let it go, you'll live a much happier life.

Well, I don't think I'll be hearing much about Tebow for a few months.

-k

{Jesus, why have you forsaken Timmy?! WHY???}