The Denver Broncos begin the 2010-2011 football season this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and it seems pretty obvious who the star of the game will be. Tim Tebow. The Jacksonville native and 1st-round draft pick, is not the starting quarterback. However, it has been years since an NFL rookie has received so much media attention. Tebow seems to be the perfect role model: charismatic, devout Christian, winner, etc. He has yet to prove anything in the NFL, yet his jersey has been the highest selling in the ENTIRE NFL! Furthermore, he has inked a deal with Hanes to be an underwear model and Reebok has created a "Tim Tebow" shoe.
But what interests me, is how his Christian background will be utilized throughout the season. Tebow already appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for Focus on the Family with his mom.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqReTDJSdhE
And now Focus on the Family purchased advertising airtime during all Bronco games. Whether you agree or disagree with the values Focus on the Family holds, it seems unnatural to have religious messages broadcast throughout the country during a football game. Sure there have been plenty of athletes who openly express their religious values, but never has there been such a bold move as to advertise during games of America's most watched sport. Outside of Colorado Springs, where Focus on the Family has its headquarters, Colorado is not outwardly religious. So is the goal to make people think they need to have religion? Seems like a Budweiser commercial followed by a commercial advocating pro-life doesn't quite fit together. I don't think there is a correct answer to my question, but it will be interesting to see what kind of response Focus on the Family and Tebow receive throughout the season.
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