Who is Tim Tebow and Why is Everyone “Tebowing”?
posted on December 19, 2011 at 4:42 pm
Hey ladies! Have you “Tebowed” today? Do you even know what “Tebowing” is? Well everyone’s doing it, or at least talking about it, so let’s join the discussion.
Tim Tebow is the quarterback for the Denver Broncos. The first time his name came to my attention was in a Focus on the Family commercial during the 2010 Superbowl. The ad was a pro-life piece that featured Tebow and his mother and caused quite a stir.
Earlier this year I saw Tebow in an interview with former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. The interview is below; I urge you to watch it because it demonstrates how genuine Tebow is. Pay attention to his story about putting Bible verses under his eyes and the response he received. The interview also shows and discusses the controversial Focus on the Family ad.
http://youtu.be/cuVIMIux9yY
Tebow’s popularity has been on the rise and now we’re in the midst of Tebow mania. His name is everywhere. Even Rick Perry, a Republican running for president, referenced Tebow in a recent debate, stating, “I hope I am the Tim Tebow of the Iowa caucuses.”
Why the sudden burst of Tebow mania? The Denver Broncos have been on a winning streak, but haters question Tebow’s abilities as a quarterback. The Broncos’ pattern has been a poor first half and a great comeback. Critics say Tebow’s not a great player and that the plays are set up to accommodate his weaknesses.
But it’s not just his style that’s annoying the critics: It’s the fact that Tebow is known for taking a knee and praying on the sidelines or gesturing to God when he makes a good play or gets a touchdown.
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf (1 Peter 4:16).
Tim Tebow taking a knee has become such a phenomenon that people have labeled the act “Tebowing.” There’s even a formal definition: “(vb) to get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different.”
Tebow always has been very open about his faith. But the success of the Broncos has placed him and his love for Jesus Christ in the spotlight. As a result, he’s now a target for those who are non-believers or those who hate the Broncos. The backlash has been ridiculous and hostile.
The following image is of Detroit Lions player Stephen Tulloch “Tebowing” right after sacking the Broncos quarterback. Tebow graciously stated that he didn’t think it was a disrespectful gesture, but really?
And just this week Bill Press, former CNN host and liberal radio guru, insisted that Tebow’s faith is “in your face.” Tebow’s public displays of faith also have incited questions about his personal life, such as if he’s saving himself for marriage:
http://youtu.be/5uR1981qW0A
Appropriate?
Is being a Christian a spectacle? In one way, the publicity’s great because it’s an opportunity for Tebow to demonstrate how he’s walking the walk, but that was a ridiculously unrelated question.
It can be disheartening for Christians to witness people mocking Tebow, but understanding why they do it may make it easier to tolerate. I believe that people make fun of him for two reasons:
- They are jealous of his courage. I think they wish they too were as comfortable with their faith. More so, they wish that they had such courage and conviction about anything that’s important to them.
- They are uncomfortable with Tebow’s openness regarding his faith. They don’t know how to handle it when he takes a knee or talks about Jesus Christ, so they mock or belittle it.
Tim Tebow always has exalted Christ openly. It’s what he was taught to do as a Christian.
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Hebrews 13:15).
In one way it’s annoying and insulting when haters mock Tebow’s faith, but in another way all this attention is inspiring. Even in a negative light, the act of “Tebowing” gets people curious. They learn what it is, how it originated, and ultimately they learn about him and his courage to express his faith in a way that’s natural to him, no matter what those around him say or do.
Ultimately, I don’t believe that Tim Tebow cares about the criticism or appeasing the haters. He cares about pleasing God. When God’s number one in your heart, nothing else matters. It takes a lot of courage to take a knee in the middle of a packed football stadium. But this action reflects who Tebow is. He walks the walk.
The quarterback does a lot of charity work with children, especially in the Philippines where he was born. In January 2010 he launched the Tim Tebow Foundation, which currently is helping fund a 30-bed children’s hospital in the Philippines. He also does missionary work with his father’s charity organization, the Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association. This is only a tiny portion of the good works Tebow does.
Does God care about football? I doubt it. But God loves Tebow and I believe that He is pleased with the quarterback’s devotion to faith and good works. God is rewarding Tebow for glorifying Him with such courage. I also believe that God is working through Tebow. Remember the Google response to changing the verse under his eyes in the Huckabee interview above? That’s just amazing.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
I’m so inspired by Tebow. He is a fantastic role model and we all can learn how to be better Christians through his actions. He also is a reminder that there are great Christian men that are worth waiting for!
Let’s pray for him and ask that God keeps him strong in his faith, even while he is being demeaned.
Lord God, continue to guide Tim Tebow down the path of righteousness and forever bless him with the courage and determination to follow his heart to You openly and with sincerity. May the acts and good works of Tebow be an inspiration to all that hear his story, and even to non-believers, so that they too are inspired to open their hearts up and devote their lives to You. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Have you “Tebowed” today? Do you think that his acts of faith are inspiring, or can you understand why some may find it annoying? Why do you think people mock him?
ALL COMMENTS 68
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Honestly I’m getting sick of hearing about Tebow. I’m glad that he likes to openly talk about God, but the whole “thank you for helping me make this play” type of thing… I don’t believe that your sports success has anything to do with your religion. There are plenty of very successful players that are not very nice people.
I understand what you are saying but I do believe that if we serve Christ and openly share our faith, God does sometimes reward us in small things “like making a play”. The Bible also say to do everything for Christ and that He deserves the glory. I think Tebow is just trying to give the glory to Jesus. But thats just my opinion
Success in sports has EVERYTHING to do with your “religion” when you give God the glory. Yes, there are successful players out there who aren’t the best example but they are playing for themselves. Tim Tebow is playing for God.
but what’s wrong with continually thanking God for the talent he was given? maybe He’s not thanking God for the great play, but maybe every great play reminds Him of what God gave him so he thanks God for his talent every time to glorify Him.
Sports success does have to do with your religion, somewhat. Tebow started out ok, and now look at him. All because he prayed and believed God. I believe that Tebow will lead the Broncos to high places (like the Super Bowl) with God’s help.
It’s a talent given to him by God so that he can glorify Him. Everyone has a talent that they can use for His purpose.
Since when is it wrong to thank God for everything you do in life, including some as “silly” as a football play? God needs to be your number one priority, so why not dedicate your earthly pleasures to God? God works through people in many ways, even if it seems strange. I don’t see what is wrong with it.
Tebow thanks God whether he wins or loses. God shows His love in both good times and in bad, because oftentimes we are strengthened as a result of bad times -they also help us appreciate the good times. And as my post states, it’s not about the plays, it’s about Tebow.
You get your talent from God, and you can choose whether or not to use it for him or yourself. If you have success, you should totally thank God for the talent he gave you that allowed you to win.
Soo…You’re pretty much calling God a liar because he says follow me with your whole heart (in everything you do) and I will bless you. So, I mean…He’s better than most people!
Sorry! Tried to post that comment in the wrong place!
Soo…You’re pretty much calling God a liar because he says follow me with your whole heart (in everything you do) and I will bless you. So, I mean…He’s better than most people!
Very true, Laura. Sad, but true. However, isn’t it a huge blessing that a gifted sn d humble athlete is willing to talk about Christ? Think of how many people he can touch or could look up the Bible verses on his cheeks and be won to God!
God blesses you for sharing your faith with others! for all you know tebow has won alot of souls for God! And I respect Tim tebow for that!
So proud to be a Denver girl
“Mile High is Tebowing!”
Huckabee is a great christian too!
LOVE Huckabee!
I love that he can openly thank God for little things! I have a lot of friends who mock him, but I think he is so brave, and I wish I had the courage to get down on my knees and praise God in public like that!
You don’t have to get on your knees in public to give him glory. I sometimes pray over my lunch before I eat it at school (and am going ot try to more). It may sound silly but God blessed me enough with a great school and food to eat, I think He deserves thanks! Everyone has blessings in their life that deserves gratitude towards Him. It just depends on whethter you decide to give Him glory.
This is amazing! Tebow is so inspiring! I’m glad God is working in His life to show everyone around that it’s good to stand for what you believe in!
I love Tebow!
Hes the kind of guy every Christian girl wants her husband to be like (:
Agreed!
Great article. I’ve actually been waiting for someone to write an article about a Christian athlete and I am also a huge Tim Tebow fan, and I also was wondering if any of you have heard of Philip Lutzenkirchen, he plays college football for auburn and is very vocal on his faith he also “Tebowed” before Tim Tebow did and wears a cross pendant with his uniform every game he’s so vocal that people have actually started dubbing him the “college Tim Tebow” and after everything he does he never fails to glorify God
There’s also a great article on him called ” the Legend Of Lutzenkirchen” which talks about his faith and his time at Auburn
This is GREAT!!! He is such a great inspiration. I can learn allot from him. He is not ashamed of Jesus Christ!!! Thank you for sharing!!! Love you Tim Tebow!!!
I’d like to take a second to say that so many times I have come to project inspired and the first article I see is just what I need, or something I was just thinking about that day! Same thing happened here, I was just wondering who Tim Tebow was! Anyway, I think it’s pretty great what he does! I’m glad I found out who he is
I’m so glad it came to you at the right time.
Great article! I’ve been wondering what tebowing was!
I have not ” Tebowed” today. I think that his acts of faith are inspiring. I think people mock him because this world is kind of ending up on a downward slide and they are going to learn from their mocking and may turn into a believer themselves.
People mock him because they are afraid of what they don’t know.
I also think that we live in a cynical world and people just cannot believe that someone as good and pure as Tebow actually exists…especially a man. I pray that people don’t try to tear him down to make a point. This attention is good in one way, but I’m sure there are haters out there who would love to lead Tebow to sin. Let’s pray that God keeps him strong in this time of so much media attention.
Tim Tebow is such an inspiration! When much is given, much is required. He was blessed with a very large stage on which he can minister, and he has been faithful to use that opportunity for God’s glory! I love all of the attention he is getting for his faith! Go Tim Tebow!
I love Tim Tebow!! I’m not really a football fan, but I think that the way he is open about his faith is wonderful! It is such a relief to see a public figure like him being so open and even saying that he’s a virgin! God bless Tim Tebow!
I only recently found out about Tim Tebow about 3 days ago and i also saw an interview on him on E! entertainment. i think he’s an amazing guy who is just an inspiration to all of us may he continue to be blessed.
I LOVE Tebow! Such a positive Christian man.
That sticks to his faith too.
I thought he was the quarter back for the Florida Gators…?
He was a Gator. He was picked up by Broncos last year.
He was when he played in college. Now he’s out of college and he plays in the NFL (National Football League).
Dear Nicole,
I think this article was a sighn from God to me…..I am a 13 year old born again Christian and was saved a little over a year ago. Laitly at school 2 boys who know im Christian started messing with me because of it…Anything I say now is “wrong”,and they dont care what they do to try to bring me down.. It had gotten to the point where I was getting on in the Church van on wendsdays after school and everyone was like “Whats wrong??” (I am normally an EXTREAMLY energetic happy person and am almost NEVER sad) Well I was at the end almost when I started reading this article…The cool thing?? I LOVE TIM TEBOW!!!! And I was reading when I came across the verse 1 Peter 4:16 and I decided to look it up in my Bible (I always do that just to make sure it wasent a typo) and it was like a hit in the face!!!! It made me feel 100% better and was definitly the sighn I needed from the Lord!!!!
Thanks,Laura Jo <3
Hey Laura Jo. I’m so glad you like the article and that it came to you at the right time. Stay strong. God is with you always.
Tim Tebow is the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m actually a Dallas Cowboys fan but i will support the Denver Broncos just for Tebow! =) Anyone who hates, dislikes, or is mean to him in any way is just jealous.
Yes, I have “Tebowed” today! Personally, I believe his acts of faith are inspiring. I’m going to copy what you wrote T.M. because I think you’re right “the act of “Tebowing” gets people curious. They learn what it is, how it originated, and ultimately they learn about him and his courage to express his faith in a way that’s natural to him, no matter what those around him say or do.” It’s just amazing to see a man who loves God so much.However, not everyone agrees with me and I understand why.
They don’t “get it” (non- believers). They don’t understand the power and love that Jesus processes. When people don’t understand something they tend to push it away; make fun of it. They don’t understand Tebow’s actions so they mock him. For example I was on my facebook yesterday (12/18) and so many people had posted hateful statuses such as,
“Well, it’s official; Brady’s God is more powerful then Tebow’s.”
“Maybe you should pray harder next time Tebow.”
“Tebow’s God isn’t that BIG after all…”
It’s disheartening to see things like this but people are going to say what they want too. I think Tim is handling the adversity well! I pray that he continues to remain strong and passionate in his walk with Jesus
I wrote this as my status, yesterday: Prayer during a football game > one of the most attractive things, ever #15.
You are so right. Non-believers don’t understand how God’s love works. It’s too bad, but ultimately they are the ones missing out. Tebow-mania has gotten a lot of people talking about God though, and that’s never a bad thing.
Haters gonna hate. I think he’s an awesome man. After he put the John 3:16 verse on his black paint stuff, 92 million people looked it up.
First I’d like to say God is good, and bless Nicole for creating this website, bless the contributors and Tom Tebow. This is one of those things I need help with. I was born in a Christian family but I didn’t get serious about my relationship with God until I was about 13. (I’m 16 now but I’m still learning.) I have had a hard time drawing the line between not being ashamed of Christ & making it known that I’m a Christian and being like the Pharisees (so flamboyant about being saved and constantly in people’s faces that I’m a Christian; judgmental and hypocritical I guess is what I’m trying to say). How do I know when I should speak my mind in accordance to my faith and when to let people see for themselves without me going all out? My grandmother tried to explain but I’m still a bit confused.Advice?
I have the same prob. If someone asked me if I am ashmaed of God I would prob say no. If they asked me to kneel in prayer after every touchdown I would prob chicken out. I feel like if I get to know God better that my shame will dissapear??
i love his courage to “tebow” on the sidelines, and i admire him as a strong christian, but i thought god wanted us to pray in private as a sacred thing? i always had questions about the conflict between praying in private and not being ashamed.
great article, i’ll definitely still be watching him!
Well, remember than Daniel prayed three times a day, and not in private or people wouldn’t have found out about it!
The pharisees, when they prayed in public, did it as a show of righteousness, so everyone would think they were good and everything. The difference, I think, is why you are doing it. If you want to be a witness to the unbeleivers around you, like Daniel, that is one thing. If you are like the pharisees and you are trying to get people, like other christians, to think that you are all holy and special, that is another thing.
Exactly!
I know. Same here… >.<
@lilliterra: Thanks for the clarification! (: So basically is all about the heart?
Nicole, please write an article about the difference between Tebowing type of prayer and self-righteous pharisee type of prayer! The comment above and the 3 below refer to this.
woops i meant just the 3 above
Yes, please do so that would be so helpful!
I just became a pretty big Tebow fan a few days ago! I love how he is so bold with his faith. He’s amazing! <3
Imagine how many people he is inspiring, and how many people he is leading to God. What an inspiration.
I never thought about it that way. I never knew what Tebowing is, but now that I do know, I realize that my basketball team “Tebows” every game. We always pray before every game (even though we’re a public school). And my coach always says, “Remember who you’re playing for.” Jesus is so good.
I love it! It really encourages me to keep strong in my faith. I have gained so much from this website!
That is so great to read. Thank you for your support.
Ever since I heard about Tim Tebow being a strong Christian, I loved this guy. I think he needs to just ignore the haters and keep doing what he’s doing, because there are many other people that are proud of him… Including God
Tebow’s priority is God. So who cares what haters are saying. If God is pleased with you, life is good.
I love thiiiiiiiss!
Tim Tebow is amazing!
I pray that God will continue to direct his steps so that he will continue to be an incredible witness for the Christian faith.
I think it is great that he always thanks God after making a play. I mean God gave him the talent,the least he can do is thank him for that.
I just love Tim Tebow, and I love his message. I wish more people had the strength to speak openly about their faith.
Well we can all start here, right? Tebow’s actions can be both praised and emulated. Let us learn from him.
Not trying to be disrespectful, but what a bout the verse that says “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Mat 6:6″
I am so nuts about Tim Tebow! I totally want to marry that guy… and I believe that our everything in life has to do with our relationship with Jesus and it is all the more awesome that he is giving God the glory in all things! The bible says to do EVERYTHING to the glory of the one who made you. I know I want to live my life in a way that is honoring to God in all things and praise and thank him in every situation! and ladies, I have a head start on Tim… he and I have the same birthday!!! and a lot of other things in common. i am out here Tebow!!