Year in Review – As 2011 draws to a close, football quarterback Tim Tebow wins my 2011 ‘Athlete of the Year’ honors. Tebow, who was born in the Philippines to missionary parents, is leading the Denver Broncos into the playoffs after a rocky 1-4 start to the 2011-2012 season. More than that, however, the 24-year old shows the most character and resolve out of any athlete in sports today.
Honorary Pinoy >
In November, Tim Tebow — through his foundation — announced that he would build a $3 million children’s hospital in Davao City, Philippines. (See article) Throughout high school and college, Tebow spent thousands of hours as a volunteer in the Philippines despite his hectic schedule as an athlete. That adds to his accolade of having led the Florida Gators to two national championships.
BOOK: Tim Tebow’s “Through My Eyes”
What he has done in the National Football League (NFL) is unprecedented. Nearly all football experts said the first round pick would be a failure at the pro level due to his unorthodox style. Despite his limitations, Tebow is leading the Broncos in an improbable run into the playoffs after several miraculous comeback wins.
Rocky Balboa in Cleats >
In my opinion, Tim Tebow is a modern-day Rocky Balboa. He’s the guy no one expected to be a success, but through sheer determination, faith and old-school grit, achieves personal excellence in his own unique way. He is an inspiration for today’s youth, a football myth donning cleats.
It’s disgusting that certain elements of the media have bashed Tebow’s inspirational story, mostly because of his constant expression of his Christian beliefs. Interestingly, the secular left goes nuts when someone practices their religious freedom in a country where this right is firmly safeguarded in our constitution.
Crtitics need to be reminded that it takes nothing to downplay a man’s heart and soul. But it takes thousands of hours of dedication, hard work and pain to compete at the highest level.
Why would people intentionally diminish the moral highground and dedication of a Tim Tebow?
I have an idea.
It’s because an athlete like Tim Tebow makes many people (subconsciously) feel inferior; he reminds hateful critics that they themselves are not up to par in terms of character and accomplishment.
What this young man achieved in 2011 is one for the ages. Tim Tebow may never be inducted into the football hall of fame. That’s not why he is sportsman of the year. Athletic competition teaches us values that are more important than what can be measured in stats.
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Copyright 2011 Marv Dumon. This material may not be published, rewritten or redistributed. All rights reserved.
