Reply to Felicia's "Is This Guy For Real?"

Is this guy for real? Of course as viewers of Football, or any mass-consumed form of media people always beg that question, regardless of who the subject matter is. I agree with you that especially those who are doing the consumption view the sincerity of someone’s actions with much scrutiny. That is why I don’t think the comments and questions made by the announcers were really that shocking, as well as why I too believe people were shocked by his actions.

However, I don’t understand WHY people would have been shocked. Perhaps its because American Football is such a hugely popular event in sports and many people, not only Americans, tune in to Sunday Night Football to watch the events. But, as more of a soccer fan myself, I am used to seeing players pray before games, during games, after their own goals, and after their team mates goals. In my opinion, people are less surprised by these actions.

This may be because of the viewer ship. As soccer is consumed more so by Europeans (I am in no way saying that North Americans don’t watch soccer, mind you), and Europeans have a history of being more religious, especially with a larger Christian denomination, maybe this is why people are less shocked.

Regardless, I do believe that his actions were sincere. I don’t believe that a famous person would make such an outward gesture suggestive of their faith if they were not in fact a believer of said faith. The kneel was done after a touchdown, something that he, as well as his team and fans, would have been very thankful for. In this moment of celebration, as a believer he may have felt the need to give thanks. 

As mentioned, people are more accustomed to seeing an end zone dance, and to me, that is the way in which an athlete chooses to celebrate. In this case, I believe that Tebow was celebrating by giving thanks, the same way many athletes pray before a game, as if asking for divine intervention.