I am not a football fan, but one would have to live under a rock not to have heard all the buzz about evangelical football player Tim Tebow this season.  This young quarterback for the Denver Broncos has orchestrated several last minute, come from behind victories this season, all the while openly giving the glory to Jesus.  While fellow NFL players, commentators and fans have been critical of Tebow's uncompromising profession of his faith, I, at the risk of sounding like a FOX news reporter, appreciate and am inspired byTebow's openness about the Lord.

Terrell Suggs, a pro bowl linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, has very publicly blasted Tebow.  "Once again, God had to save Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos," Suggs told reporters.  " Like I said, they didn't win (against the Raiders). It's simple -- you win, you're division champs. He couldn't even give them two drives. They lost, 7-3. Two drives gives them 9-7."

Of course, trash talk has always been a part of athletic competition.  Watch my brother and me play ping pong, and you'll hear some trash talk to make even Suggs impressed!  But just as trash talk in sports goes back centuries, so do many players strong Christian convictions.  Honus Wagner baseball cards are the most valuable in the world due to the fact that only a few were ever made.  He soon refused the card manufacturers use of his image, because baseball cards  were distributed with tobacco at the time, which went against his religious convictions.  Other baseball players such as Yankee second baseman Bobby Richardson and Dodger star Orel Hirschiser were also devout believers.  And who can forget Giants pitcher Dave Drevecky's heroic bouts with cancer. Also, the NBA had Doctor J, A C Green and David Robinson.  Pro football, too, has had others before Tebow, including defensive linemen Rosey Greer and Randy White. 

Then there are the athletes who have found a deep faith after their sports career had already passed its peak:  hall of fame pitchers Steve Carlton and Fergie Jenkins, basketball legends Pete Maravich and Meadowlark Lemon, former heavy weight champion and electric grill pitchman George Foreman.  Of course, the truth is, evangelical Protestantism is not the only game in the locker room.  Atlanta Braves' two time MVP Dale Murphy was very outspoken about his Mormon faith.  Several Roman Catholic baseball players are known to do the sign of the cross before each at bat.  And of course there's Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Mohammad Ali, both committed Muslims. 

Some fans and commentators have alleged that a deep religious faith prevents athletes from being competitive enough for the professional level.  I remember discussing this with former Red Sox outfielder Bernie Carbo.  He said, "Let them say that to Randy Johnson (6' 7" all star pitcher and Christian) just before stepping into the batter's box.  A 98 MPH fastball inches from their ear would change their tune!"

So why the hype about Tebow?  Perhaps a string of improbable wins this year has some people wondering if God might actually be on his side, and they're not real comfortable with the idea.  More likely, though, it's because football has become increasingly a cult of self.  When a player scores a touchdown, the antics in the end zone are often arrogant at best, and sometimes border on promoting self worship.  Tim Tebow doesn't do this.  He kneels down and thanks God.  Whatever the reason people criticize him, Tebow has people talking, which always is a good thing.  It's also usually an uncomfortable thing, though, when the discussions have implied themes like "Who's in charge in the universe", "Who are we answerable to", "Where do our talents come from", and "Are any of us really as important as we think we are?"  Discussions like these can even frighten a 6'3" 260 pound linebacker like Terrell Suggs.