Donovan McNabb appeared on ESPN's "First Take" on March, 30, 2012 and his target for the day was New York Jets QB Tim Tebow. McNabb criticized Tebow for taking to Twitter and thanking his fans. However, what McNabb doesn't realize is that just because his fans aren't interested, Tebow's fans are.
McNabb was referring to the recent tweets by Tebow thanking his Denver Broncos fans for their support during the trade and saying that he was looking forward to giving everything he has to the Jets. McNabb stated, "Let it go. At some point let's focus on getting into camp and learning a new offense. There's no need to keep trying to have the fans behind you."
McNabb went on to say, "As an NFL player, and as a veteran in this game, no one cares what you're doing during the offseason. They only care about what you do on the football field." Now, while this may apply to McNabb, it is one of the things that make Tebow different. His fans do care what he does off the field. It is something that has made him a media icon even outside of the NFL world.
To Tebow's fan, he is different. While he may be a great football player, he is far more than that. He realizes that, for him, football is a job. It is a job that gives him the ability to make a difference in the lives of others. This is what his fans are interested in.
In all honesty, I don't believe the media spotlight on Tebow has anything to do with how he plays the game of football. It has to do with his character. It has to do with his leadership. It has to do with who he is off the field. This is what has made him the role model that he is.
Fans hear the constant criticism of Tebow's mechanics and don't care. All they see is a strong young man determined to get better and prove the critics wrong. All they see is a man who isn't focused on meeting the press but is focused on spending time with children facing medical issues. He would rather share his time with them than get caught up in the media circus that follows him everywhere.
So, while McNabb's fans may not care what he does off the field and during the offseason, Tebow's fan see that as just as important as what he does on the field.
We are used to football players making the news for DUIs or other colorful behavior but Tebow is redefining media attention when it comes to a football player. He is showing that once again football players can be great role models both on and off the field.
Deborah Braconnier is a former athlete and avid football fan. She is a freelance writer and Featured Contributor for the NFL and Olympics. She has followed the Denver Broncos since she was a child became a fan of Tim Tebow during his run as a QB for the Broncos. She looks forward to following his career with the New York Jets. Follow her on Twitter at @fwcdeborah.
Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.
No comments:
Post a Comment