Courage of Convictions? Sorry, Tebow’s Not ‘The Greatest’ … Yet

Commentary

By Bryan Robinson, Fox Nation

Now that the Denver Broncos’ miraculous playoff run has ended and Tim Tebow can go home for the offseason, it’s time for someone to really (and honestly) answer this question inspired by Peanuts’ Charlie Brown:  Can someone tell me what “Tebow-mania” is really all about?

As our favorite good ol’ blockhead charges the football held by Lucy, that question is enough to make him stop, drop to one knee, bow his head and say … Wait! Hold on a second.

Yes, the story of Tim Tebow is remarkable. His mother defied doctors’ advice to have an abortion and carried out her risky pregnancy to give birth to “miracle baby” Tim. (Mother and son shared their story in a controversial 2010 Super Bowl ad sponsored by the pro-life group, Focus on the Family.)

His openness about his faith and devotion to God make him a breath of fresh air, especially in a world today that worships the almighty dollar, Twitter, Facebook and reality TV.  This proud Evangelical Christian’s ritual of dropping to one knee and praying during football games has ignited the “Tebowing” craze – sometimes in his honor and sometimes in jest. Depending on your perspective, Tebow is either the wholesome sports hero people have craved ever since an unapologetic Charles Barkley declared “I am not a role model” so many years ago – or he’s an overbearing, Bible-thumping fool. Either way, Tim Tebow has become a pop culture phenomenon.

But is Tebow courageous? That may depend on your definition of courage. The second-year Denver Broncos quarterback is not risking his job or his career for expressing his beliefs.  His freedom to express his Christian beliefs on a pulpit as huge as the NFL is protected in this country. Tebow’s open faith – and a knack for pulling off a few dramatic wins and leading his team to a surprising playoff berth – have actually boosted his career and brought him worldwide fame.  “Tebowing” photos around the world and 9,420 tweets per second following his dramatic game-winning touchdown pass on Jan. 8 don’t lie.

However, one sports legend risked his entire career and arguably lost years of his prime by taking a stand against a war, based on his religious beliefs – Muhammad Ali. In 1966, boxing’s heavyweight champion refused to be drafted for service in the Vietnam War, saying, “War is against the teachings of the Holy Koran. I'm not trying to dodge the draft. We are not supposed to take part in no wars unless declared by Allah or The Messenger. We don't take part in Christian wars or wars of any unbelievers."

"I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong ,” Ali famously said. “They never called me n----r."

Ali lost his boxing license, his title and livelihood for his religious and political stand against the Vietnam War.  He was not allowed to “float like a butterfly and sting like a bee” for three years. Ultimately, the Supreme Court overturned his conviction for refusing the draft based on a technicality.

Ali was one of the most polarizing figures in America when the controversy over his stance against Vietnam first erupted. Some viewed him with much suspicion – while others outright hated him – because of his conversion to Islam, name change from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali and alliance with the Nation of Islam and its leader, Elijah Muhammad. But as nationwide opposition to the Vietnam War mounted, supporters rallied to Ali’s side – and his popularity grew.  Before Vietnam, Ali was a sixties folk hero. However, his stance against war and the epic in-ring battles against Joe Frazier, George Foreman and others that followed turned him into an American legend. Critics may not have agreed with his views on the war or understood his Islamic beliefs, but they could not doubt the courage of his convictions.

So, is Tebow courageous for withstanding some harsh criticism for his play before “Tebow-mania” started running wild? Members of the mainstream media (and otherwise), put your pom-poms down. At six-foot three, 236 pounds, Tim’s a big boy and a handsomely paid professional athlete; he can take it. He should consider himself fortunate that he doesn’t play in the ultra-demanding, often fickle, New York market.  (Quarterback Mark Sanchez will be picking the daggers out of his back at least until his New York Jets return to the playoffs.)

Still, Tebow is refreshing. While his brand of religious expression may not be for everyone, it’s not hazardous. And it’s good to see a celebrity act like a role model and stand for something that transcends himself.

But is “Tebowing” only the latest in a long line of trending fads that will ultimately fizzle? Will Tim Tebow be just a 2011-2012 folk hero, or will he eventually become an American icon? Drop to one knee, bow your head … and have a little faith.