Tim Tebow. Let me just say that I have rooted against him a lot in the last few years. I am a Seminole fan. My wife, Cassidy is a gator fan, but a bigger Tim Tebow fan. Hands down, he is a great athlete. Anyone who says otherwise has no understanding of sports or ability. I could not stand watching him beat the Seminoles each year. It was painful, but I learned to respect not only his leadership on the field but his leadership in life.

He is a good example of what a man of God should be in life. Why do I think this? Tim loves Jesus and is not ashamed. He kneels to give God thanks after a game ("tebowing" as they call it). He is ridiculed for his radical faith, for example, remaining pure until marriage. (Why is that funny? It takes more courage to be pure than it does to be impure!) He was raised in a godly home that taught him the importance of knowing Scripture, which was one reason he wore Scripture verses as his eye black (outlawed soon after Tebow graduated). I had the privilege to meet his mom in Jacksonville. She spoke at a women's event and did a great job. I could see her love for Christ came first in her life. Knowing her bravery to deliver Tim despite the doctors warnings reveals their outlook on life.

I was homeschooled (or homeskooled?). I know you are not that surprised! I grew up playing basketball and baseball in Palm Bay, Florida and later walked on at the college level. If the state of Florida did not allow homeschoolers to play sports in high schools, none of this would be possible. Tim Tebow was the first homeschooler to win the Heisman trophy! In most states you cannot play sports as a homeschooler. Did you know Jason Taylor was homeschooled as well? We are not all into chess club and spelling bees!

I have heard both the negative and positive things about Tim Tebow. Most of those who dislike him are usually the ones that lost to him for years. Here are a few stats from his college career:

2006, 2008 National championship
Career Passing: 661 Cmp, 995 Att, 9285 Yds, 88 TD
Career Rushing: 692 Att, 2947 Yds, 4.3 Avg, 57 TD
Career Scoring: 57 TD, 342 Pts
Consensus All-America: 2007
Heisman Voting: 1st in 2007, 3rd in 2008 and 5th in 2009
Career Pass completion percentage: SEC* 66.4 (1st)
Career passing touchdowns SEC* 88 (1st)
Career rushing touchdowns SEC* 57 (1st) (More stats HERE)

We all agree (those who are sane) that Tebow was an exceptional college QB. Even haters usually agree that he was a winner. One reason that Tebow has struggled in the NFL is because he is used to having a spread option offense. Urban Meyer was a genius to embrace his offense with Tebow's strengths. Josh McDaniel drafted him with a desire to use him in the offense. McDaniel said this about Tebow, "He has all the traits you look for. It's a good pick." Tebow was ready to prove the critics wrong and make his new coach proud. McDaniel is now gone and the new coach is not his biggest fan.

He is now the starting quarterback for the Broncos, but has yet to find his rhythm. Tebow is a polarizing athlete. He is both criticized and loved by the media. Imagine being in his shoes? If you do not win, you are ridiculed and you hear people say, "Why Tim Tebow will never be a good NFL Quarterback" or "Face it...Tim Tebow just isn't good enough."

People said that when he was in college and now they are saying it in the NFL. Whether Tebow becomes a high quality QB or not, he has consistently revealed an attitude of character. In my opinion, his example for Christ will impact many long after his football career is over. Tim will use every criticism as fuel to improve. Am I a little biased? Maybe. But I know his identity is not found in how great he throws or runs a pigskin ball across a field. His identity is in Jesus Christ and that truly is all that matters.

Do you think Tebow is good enough? I'd like to hear your thoughts!