Legally mandated Tim Tebow post

I don’t have a problem with Tim Tebow. I do have a problem with the cult of personality that’s sprung up around him. Now that the Broncos won a close game in overtime with a long touchdown pass after squandering a big lead, I expect that to get worse in the week ahead.

*Checks Facebook and Twitter*

Oh, wait. It already has.

I’m still trying to figure out why Tebow is such a — forgive me — god to a lot of people. Is it because he’s a rookie making a splash? Can’t be that. He’s not a rookie, and Cam Newton and Andy Dalton are much better in terms of pure quarterback mechanics and adapting to complex pro offensive schemes. Is it because of Tebow’s oft-stated faith? A lot of less-heralded pro athletes are the same way. Is it because he got off to a red-hot start? That makes sense, but doesn’t explain why Denver fans were so eager to have him replace Kyle Orton in the first place.

Maybe it’s just a case of right place, right time, right culture war. Who knows?

In any case, Iike I said, Tebow himself doesn’t bother me. He’s probably likable enough on a personal level, and he’s just doing what he does, like we all do. And as obnoxious as it is, Tebow’s religious grandstanding seems to be earnest, at least.

But please, fans and media, I’m begging you, please stop.

The fact that Tebow threw for 316 yards has nothing to do with John 3:16 any more than Ben Roethlisberger’s No. 7 represents God’s holy day (though Big Ben did seem to rest on that final Sunday series). Yes, 316 passing yards is impressive, but it’s a bronze medal next to Drew Brees and Matt Stafford this weekend. If Jesus was telling us anything through Tebow’s yardage, it’s that he’s willing to limit his chosen player to make an obscure reference to a Bible passage that needs about as much introduction as Mark Hamill at a Star Wars convention.

Also, there’s a difference between dissing Tebow the man and complaining about the media over-saturation of a young, more-lucky-than-good quarterback. It’s understandable that Tebow dominates the front page of every sports site in the hours after a thrilling overtime playoff victory. But you can barely tell that’s the reason, because he’s been the top story all year long. And that does no justice to what a compelling year this has been for pro football.

This phenomenon is exactly the kind of thing that could eventually lead to a massive backlash, which won’t be fair to Tebow. It also doesn’t make the best case for God’s sense of selection, which seems to favor gimmicky quarterbacks and world leaders of highly questionable acumen.

I want to root for a team because I like them or hate them less than their opponent, not hope they lose because I’m literally nauseated from hearing about them so much.

God.