More Than Just Football Stars- Part 2 of 3

Tim Tebow has much more to him than football. Born in the Philippines and a son to missionary parents, he has spent his whole life making regular trips back and forth to the Asian country to speak the enlightening word of his Christian religion. He believes that religion is what really matters. Tebow states: “So many times in today’s society, many athletes and people with pedestals don’t take advantage of it and that has always been my dream and my goal, more so than football is to be that great example and to be that role model for kids.” (YouTube) Tebow’s dream is to reach out and be known for his views all while taking advantage of his football position. As much as for his unique football talents, what else society knows Tim Tebow for is the markings of Bible verses on the eye black he wears for games. Headlines state that there is a relationship between Tebow’s signature football skills and his distinctive ways of tying religion into his game. "I was just putting on my eye black and I realized that if I put a Bible verse on it, somebody might actually get something out of it. It just gained more and more momentum and steam, more and more people have recognized it, and now it’s just got a life of its own." (nola.com) Although he uses his football perks to spread the religious culture and his intentions are good, some people see his acts in society as negative and creating conflict.
“Keep your game and religion separate.” Some fans argue against the freedom of Tim Tebow’s broadcasting. Fans’ personal opinions were posted in response that players should respect those who may have a different point of view. While some view his method of ‘reaching out’ to be effective, others argue that mixing the game with religion is taking advantage of his position and cheap (AC sports). Although the intended acts are out of pure goodness, Tebow somehow is creating great conflict in society about what is the correct way to show religious views. “There are sadly far too many instances in big time college sports where athletes demonstrate counterproductive and even illegal behavior, so spreading what he believes is the word to as many people as he can is hardly a negative act.” (AC Sports) The argument here stands unanswered. The intentions Tebow has are indeed to use his advantage as a football player to reach out, and the same goes for Colt McCoy.
University of Texas’ star quarterback, McCoy also has many noticeable skills that set him far apart from the rest of the players. Not only did he set the bar high and hold outstanding touchdown records, Colt McCoy wants to also spread his religious concern to society. McCoy, an unashamed man who claims God and give him glory, also speaks his religious views to society in the same ways as Tim Tebow. McCoy grew up in a religious household and took on the importance of spreading his religious beliefs to others.
In 2009, McCoy took part in the I Am Second religious movement, a ministry that is based on the principle of keeping Jesus and Christianity the center of one’s life. This campaign shows how he wants to be recognized as more than a football player. McCoy’s intentions are to keep reminding people that God still loves them even when mistakes are made. "I want people to know that having a personal relationship with Christ is probably the biggest decision that any of us will make. It goes deeper than going to church, than just acting like a Christian.” (News Busters) McCoy stands directly in the spotlight and understands the risks that can be taken when speaking out in society. His pure intent is to reach out; however, much like Tebow’s problem, people in society also have conflicts when it comes to accepting his views and the way he broadcasts it to the public.