Should Tim Tebow zip it? No, I am not talking about the Denver Bronco’s quarterback throwing a ball into double coverage but rather knocking off the Jesus talk.
Former Bronco quarterback Jake Plummer (2003-2006) thinks Tebow should:
Tebow, regardless of whether I wish he’d just shut up after a game and go hug his teammates, I think he’s a winner and I respect that about him,” said Plummer. “I think that when he accepts the fact that we know that he loves Jesus Christ, then I think I’ll like him a little better. I don’t hate him because of that, I just would rather not have to hear that every single time he takes a good snap or makes a good handoff. (link to full USA Today article)
Tebow is an interesting guy. In college he was the media darling, now in the NFL he is their polemical piñata which they continue to strike in order to get the candy of high ratings. There are so many facets to the public fascination, for good or for bad, with Tebow.
But what I hear from Plummer here is, “You are impressing me by the success on the field. I want to be down with you. I want to root for you. I think I can get behind you. But you are making it more difficult by reminding me that you love Jesus all the time. Curb the Jesus talk and I’ll like you more.”
I am pretty sure that Tebow is hearing this from other people as well. It would be a good career move for him to cut back on the Jesus references. People, like Plummer, could get behind him more easily.
But just like the criticism of his awkward and somewhat uncomfortable quarterbacking mechanics I don’t get the impression that Tim Tebow really cares. I think he is who he is. Whether on the field or in the locker room or in a public place, he goes 100%. The thing that people love about him on the field is what irks them in his Christianity. He is full-boar, 100% all-in. It will be interesting to watch his career and its corresponding tone.
So, should Tebow curb the Jesus talk? I say, “No.” Keep going at full-throttle. Don’t worry about impressing or currying favor from former NFL players or TV commentators. Be yourself and serve Christ, in the game and in the press room.
What do you think?
Update: Tebow did an interview with Skip Bayless about Plummer’s comments and why he talks about Jesus all the time.
“I want to give him honor and glory whenever I have the opportunity.”
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9oSpQprZ9I&w=560&h=315]
