The Gadfly:

Tebow Time

By Mike McCarville

For those feeling inundated by the non-stop prattle of the 2012 presidential campaign, there’s an alternative: Tim Tebow.

The Denver Bronchos quarterback, whose on-the-field expression of his Christian faith apparently has angered some, has become a cultural icon and he’s liable to prove that in spades tonight when the Bronchos meet the New England Patriots in a prime-time game. Some experts say the ratings could set an all-time high for such events.

I suspect that may be true. Tebow’s game last week had the largest audience in memory, and his (divinely inspired?) pass that ended the overtime in a record 11 seconds had his fans cheering and his detractors wearing frowns on their faces.

Tebow’s is an intriguing story. The humble son of missionaries is self-effacing, a man of demonstrated good cheer and caring for his fellow man. Tebow’s become not only a household name, but a revered one to many, who see in him a role model no matter how well, or poorly, he plays on the field.

Columnist R. Emmett Tyrrell, who often writes with a fluidity of language to be admired, summarized the Tebow “magic” this way:

How can anyone dislike him? He runs charities in the  offseason. He invites sick children to games. He does all manner of good deeds.  He is the son of missionaries, and he takes his religion seriously.

This appears to be a problem for some players in the  NFL and other concerned Americanos. Some have uttered insults at him over his  religion and, in fact, over his general good-guy deportment.

Why should this be? One can strut and perform the most  lurid dances on the field. One can demonstrate on behalf of various  controversial causes. Nary an eye is batted. Yet a show of piety to one’s  Creator is deemed an offense.

By the way, Tebow was not the only person on the field  expressing a prayer. I saw a fellow from the Steelers make the Sign of the Cross  repeatedly, and after an exceptionally good pass, I dare say Roethlisberger  raised his hands to the heavens. So what is so outrageous about a pause for a  prayer of thanksgiving?

I predict that Tebow is in for some serious  controversy in the weeks and years ahead. Some say he does not deserve his fame,  that he is an unorthodox passer and a terrible ball handler.

I do not know what they think they know. He is as  strong as a bull, and his running and passing win games.

Yet his real problem is the religious angle. Many  Americans do not like it. They prefer their own gestures of false piety. They  need our prayers.