Over the last few years, our society has been hard-pressed to find leaders that do not disappoint us in some way. Whether it is in the realm of sports, politics or Hollywood, it seems like so many of those who dominate our headlines have a moral deficiency, often involving drug abuse, adultery or questionable ethics. These men and women who, as a result of their celebrity, have the greatest opportunity to impart positive change in our society, including reality TV stars like Kim Kardashian, athletes such as Alex Rodriguez and even some members of our United States Congress, notably former New York Representative Anthony Weiner, have let down the American people.
Americans are eager to find a role model they can try to emulate, not only in the workplace but also in life. That is where Tim Tebow comes in. The Denver Broncos' starting quarterback's meteoric rise this past fall not only provided for exciting football, but also gave the American people a hero when we needed it most. He helped lead his football team to a successful season and an unlikely playoff win. But even more importantly, he has upheld a high moral standard for himself despite his good fortunes and has provided an exceptional example to all who watch him on and off the field.
Tebow's National Football League career began amidst controversy when he was selected by the Broncos in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Alhough he won a Heisman Trophy, college football's highest individual honor, and was a part of two National Championship teams at Florida, Tebow was not seen as a coveted NFL prospect. His throwing motion was often questioned and some critics thought a position change would be necessary. The Broncos, however, stuck with Tebow as a quarterback, opting to play him in a few games toward the end of last season. But it was the most recent season when things really began to pick up for the 24-year-old. As the starting quarterback from week seven onward, Tebow led the Broncos to a 7-4 record, which included some of the most improbable victories I can remember. His awesome play and religious displays on the sideline inspired one Denver fan, Jared Kleinstein, to mimic Tebow's kneeling prayers and begin calling this action "Tebowing." As Tebowing grew in popularity, so grew the American public intrigue with Tebow. As a result, Denver's first playoff game wound up being the most watched television program since last year's Super Bowl. An ESPN monthly pool taken soon after determined Tebow to be America's favorite professional athlete, a feat that took Tiger Woods three years to accomplish, Lebron James eight years and Kobe Bryant 11 years.
But what is even more impressive about Tebow is the example he sets for his fans. He openly expresses his strong religious views, which irritates some people. But looking beyond religious differences, Tebow is an exceptional person. Everyone sees the postgame interviews in which he comes across as a humble and sincere guy. But few know that every week, Tebow selects somebody who is suffering or dying from an illness or injury. He flies this person and his or her family to the Broncos game that week, rents a car for them, pays for a hotel, buys them dinner, gives them pregame field passes and tickets, talks with them before and after the game, walks them to their car and sends them home with souvenirs. I doubt that many people know that after his playoff game-winning, 80-yard touchdown throw to Demaryius Thomas a few weeks ago, Tebow spent the next hour talking to a 16-year-old who has received 73 surgeries throughout her life about her favorite TV shows. It's these acts of care, not wins and losses on the field, that really make a substantial difference in people's lives.
Regardless of what your thoughts about Tebow may be, his kindness and sympathy should not be overlooked. Plenty of people criticize his football abilities, and even more seem to allow his outward exhibitions of faith to cloud the important values his actions convey. But in a time when so many of our celebrities seem to lack moral values, it's hard to deny that Tebow may be the best role model out there.
