Welcome to the bandwagon, America

Some folks may think I am late to the game with my "Tebow" column in today's Bossier Press-Tribune. However, to my closest friends and co-workers, they have known my "Tebowmania" for many years.

While I could write today's blog about many things, the further frenzy around Tebow, created by yet another come-from-behind win has me thinking about little else. So, I am sharing that column on my blog today, because there really isn't much else to discuss around the water cooler.

Those who know me best knew I would be writing this column at some point. Afterall, I had a poster of him with his Heisman hanging in my office for the longest time. I have his jersey — which I proudly wear. So here it is — my “Tim Tebow” column.

The first time I heard his name, my dad was telling me about this quarterback Urban Meyer was trying to recruit. “There is something special about this kid,” Dad said.

I knew Florida needed some kind of help. Meyer’s spread offense wasn’t going all that well with Chris Leak at the helm.

I witnessed the struggle first hand when we went to Baton Rouge to watch the Tigers beat the Gators in 2005. Little did I know, Tebow was in Tiger Stadium that day too — on an official visit while being recruited by LSU.

Leading up to his freshman year at Florida, I couldn’t even remember his name most of the time. I had to keep asking Dad, “What’s the name of that quarterback again?”

Dad would be ribbed by Gregg Parks at the Minden Press-Herald. “How’s that spread working in the SEC?” the die-hard LSU fan would ask.
 
“Just wait. Tebow is coming,” Dad would respond.

The rest, as they say, is history. Tebow became the first Sophomore in history to win the Heisman Trophy. He broke countless records in college and earned countless awards. He has two BCS Championship rings. He was a first-round draft pick in the NFL (a surprise to many.)

Now, Tebow is a national phenomenon. He has lovers and haters, and as of the writing of this column, a 6-1 record this season as the Broncos quarterback.

Hopefully I have adequately expressed my bias in favor of Tim Tebow — I am certainly not objective. However, I would like to offer the following opinion.

Regardless of his football prowess, there are many reasons to like this young quarterback — not the least of which is his commitment to be a role model.

As the father of two teenage boys, I see Tim Tebow as a positive Christian example. He is tough as nails on the field and unapologetic about his faith off it.

Tebow gives glory to God, both in the good times and bad. We all have heard him praise the name of Jesus after a win, but who remembers his statements about “God has a plan and a purpose” when things didn’t go well? I do.

Certainly we shouldn’t put anyone on a pedestal. Tebow worship is just as destructive as the worship of any idol. That being said, this young man is certainly doing many things right, and for that I am grateful.

When I see my 17-year-old don his #15 Florida jersey, or my 15-year-old talk about how cool it is that “tebowing,” the act of kneeling in prayer, is taking off, I smile and thank God.

There are so many negative influences in our kids lives — and it seems there are very few role models out there who encourage boys to become godly men. The fact my kids can look to someone like Tebow is a blessing.

One question to the skeptics, cynics and “haters” out there. Who would you rather your daughter date? Someone like Tim Tebow or someone like many of the other players out there? Who would you like your son to emulate? Someone like Time Tebow, or someone like Charlie Sheen?

That’s what I thought.

Not a bad column, if I do say so myself. Of course, it is easy to have a take on such a extraordinary story.

I even heard Rush Limbaugh and his audience discussing Tebow today. A caller wanted Rush to break down what the GOP presidential candidates could learn from Tebow, and his success. In addition, I've seen some Facebook posts with "Tebow for President."

I am not so sure with that line of thinking. Based on his career in the NFL thus far, his first 3 1/2 years as president would be horrible, followed by 6 months where he fixes everything.

It's a joke, people. Lighten up.


May the Blog be With You.