The NFL is having a backwards week. The Pro Bowl is being played before the Super Bowl. And instead of commercials featuring cute monkeys, frustrated cavemen and talking babies being the most popular water cooler topics on the Monday morning after the game, it’s a yet-to-air Super Bowl commercial garnering all the attention and discussion in the week leading up to kickoff.
In case somehow you haven’t heard, the University of Florida National Champion quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner and NFL draft hopeful Tim Tebow is going to be featured, along with his mom, in a pro-life spot sponsored by James Dobson’s conservative Focus on the Family.
Even though nobody outside of CBS and Focus on the Family has actually seen the spot, conservatives are thrilled someone is taking a pro-life stand on the biggest world stage. Liberals are livid – Gloria Allred has already threatened a lawsuit against CBS – and pro-choice activists are calling for the ad to be yanked.
If one of my clients wanted to do this spot, I’m not sure how quickly and in how many languages I’d be able to say “no.”
You’re asking for uproar, begging for backlash.
When celebrities and sports figures insert themselves into political arenas, they open themselves up to standard political tactics – come out for a hot button issue and the other side will start building opposition research case files. You want to talk about pro-life issues? You better not have a gossipy one-night stand who went to CVS the next day to get the morning after pill.
A single skeleton in the closet can torpedo your cause, crush your endorsements and, as we’ve seen with Tiger Woods, cause a fawning public to turn against you in the time it takes Tebow to run a 40-yard sprint.
Millions of dollars down the drain instantly; a permanent stigma attached to a career.
But here is where Tim Tebow is Teflon — taking this position guarantees him sponsors.
“He is the most marketable guy we’ve ever seen coming out of college,” said CNBC’s sports business expert Darren Rovell.
Tebow should do this spot because he is authentic.
From wearing eye-black patches inscribed with Bible verses to his work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, he has never been afraid to speak his mind and publicly support his views.
In an realm where top-level athletes are instructed what to say and how to say it in hopes of developing a positive public persona that will result in landing as many multi-million dollar national sponsorship deals as possible (there’s a reason you never saw Michael Jordan take a side on any issue and why LeBron James claims to be speaking his mind while using inoffensive clichés: less controversy = more money), Tebow is the exception.
Other athletes have case files with their names on them; Tebow has laws named after him. Other athletes wouldn’t pick a side between Coke or Pepsi for fear of losing a sponsor. Tebow would not only answer, but would fervently stand by his position.
Talking about his decision to do the Focus on the Family ad, the 22-year old Tebow said:
I know some people won’t agree with it, but I think they can at least respect that I stand up for what I believe and that I’m never shy about it. I don’t feel like I’m very preachy about it, but I do stand up for what I believe and at least you can respect that. Because I do stand up and unfortunately in today’s society not many athletes do that, to stand for something.
That’s the twist of Tebow – he can turn out to be a horrible NFL quarterback and still make millions speaking on behalf of corporations and entities that support conservative causes. He can be another Heisman flame-out and be more popular than any QB in the NFL not named Manning, Brady or Brees.
Companies with conservative bents — think Walmart, Chick-Fil-A, Ace Hardware – can quickly become heroes to a majority of their consumers by creating campaigns around him.
In what is an increasingly divided country, Tebow speaks for the half that Madison Avenue often overlooks.
Tim Tebow will be selected in this April’s NFL draft. He may never reach the Super Bowl, but for many, he’ll be remembered as the star of this one.
Follow Us on Twitter
Subscribe via RSS
Got a Tip?
75 Comments
Just like the song, "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." How can anyone not respect Tim Tebow and the fact that he not only says what he believes, but he lives it. It is much more important in life to be a respected man than a respected sports figure. It is amazing to see such a young man have this already figured out. I wish Mr. Tebow the greatest success in his endeavors but with his dedication to his convictions, he doesn't need much help from me.
He's the man. 'nuff said
I admire the man, because he means what he says and not afraid to speak out. While I don't know about his playing ability, (my son is the jock and gives him a thumbs up) I have already heard some commentators already saying he was overrated. As I said, I dont know sports, but if my son gave him a thumbs up and he made it to the top in College ball, he cant be that bad. So watch out Mr. Tebow, the Progressive/Socialist are gonna be gunning for ya!!! Ya got my support, and I am sure an army of supporters as well. Keep up the good work, on and off the field.
"conservatives are thrilled someone is taking a pro-life stand on the biggest world stage".. please. I'm all for pro-life advertisement and I'm a huge USA supporter, but is delusional to think the SB is the "biggest world stage".
SB 2009 audience: 151,7 million
FIFA world cup final 2006 audience: 715.1 million viewers (estimates for the 2010 one: 1.1 billion)
The USA, for how great of a country, are simply not the world (and American football is not taken seriously anywhere but in the USA). It's the same kind of delusion that have americans calling the baseball's finals the "world series"…
And again, with all the love and respect for the USA.
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by BigTweeting: BigJourno: Tebow Makes Right Choice Appearing In Controversial Super Bowl Ad: The NFL is having a backwar… http://bit.ly/d0dy3U #BigTweet…
I think it is pretty safe to guess where most of the "real" football (i.e., "soccer") athletes' (and fans') feelings lie where this subject is concerned.
Tebow's stand is awesome but regardless of how squeaky clean his life has been he is still a sinner saved by grace.
My life has been far from squeaky clean, but I also am a sinner saved by grace. I too take a firm stand on Biblical issues. If somehow I were thrust onto the world stage it wouldn't be very hard to dig up a lot of dirt on me. That was the old creature. Should the fact that I was the chiefest of sinners before somehow make my convictions now any less relevant than his? Or if someone does dig up some dirt on Tim, would that make what he stands up for any less relevant?
The problem with lifting up a man is that sooner or later he will let you down. What we need to do here is make sure
that Jesus Christ is the one lifted up. John 3: 14 – 21.
With regard to what soccer fans think, most Americans could care less. Football is our national sport (as opposed to our "national passtime", baseball). Its played by real men who don't run around in cute little shorts and whine and roll around on the ground if they're tripped holding their shins until the ref holds up a yellow card. They they hop up and are just fine again. The rest of the world can keep their pansey "beautiful game". I'll stick with real sports like football and hockey.
No we don't …Why not explain it to us…
God Bless you Tim Tebow, and this is coming from an Ohio St fan. Men with guts are hard to find these days. Stick to your guns Mr Tebow, and may you have a sucessfull NFL career. Afterwards, you can do as Steve Largent, JC Watts, Jack Kemp did as a conservative in public service. America can use more like you.
You say "American football is not taken seriously anywhere but in the USA". I guess you must be right. After all, every time they've played in the UK, the NFL has done so before mostly empty seats. How stupid can they be?
Isn't this an upside down world, where those who favor destroying human life, beings in esse and even those capable of living outside the womb, think that somehow they occupy "the moral high ground." Thanatos, death, is their idol. Aren't we a degenerate society if we in any way indulge those folks as not being beneath contempt, creatures totally devoid of the ability to experience normal human emotional feelings. They may merit pity as much as scorn, but the evil that they do should not be tolerated by any society that values human life.
Ya, and up until this year, the highest attended non-playoff game in NFL history was played in Mexico City.
Still, I won't argue that soccer is more popular than American Football. But none of this really addresses the topic here.
Or go into a full-time ministry position and do some REAL good ala Reggie White (no offense to the fine gentlemen mentioned).
Normally bias rears its ugly head and I'd say who cares? He's a Gator.
But if we don't embrace football players like Tebow then who do we embrace?
I really could care less what Tim Tebow does or thinks. I'm happy that he is happy to be alive after his mothers difficult decision, but I really don't need to hear about it when I'm watching a football game. Celebrities of all sort should keep their opinions to themselves. Make statements if you must in your music or your films, but don't go on TV telling others about what you think is right or wrong or how I should live my life according to your values. And don't interrupt my football game with your social and political rhetoric.
When did that become a requirement?
YES! Hockey!
Now we're talking MANsport.
Assuming that you're being sarcastic, I'd say the reason NFL games in the UK sell out is because of the novelty of the sport overseas, and a desire to see just what the Yanks find so intriguing about it.
Alright sensible, then don't interrupt my hockey game with a hooker doing a pole dance in a laundry mat while catching potato chips in her mouth. M-kay?
It's an ad. And ads tell us how to live our lives. That is their sole purpose. That's why so much money is spent on making them as influential as possible.
If you don't like, don't watch it.
This is basically a controversy about free speech (not free by a long shot) and irate groups of people that object to a message urging women to please think twice about choosing an abortion. They want "choice" but don't want it discussed because women may be tempted to choose not to have an abortion. This is not a graphic(children leave the room) attack against women's choice. It is an attempt to shut opposing voices down.
Here is their version of choice:
(a) have an abortion
(b) all of the above
Excellent brother Tebow. Now go out there and hit the enemy!
God bless a real man.
Yes, the right to be able to murder a fetus is a religious tenet.
He wasn't.. american football exhibition games mostly go unnoticed on this side of the pond (differently than NBA summer tours)
Run? You mean they actually sprint for 3 seconds in between 2 minutes pauses to watch replays, measure the field, watch girls going around half naked and stuff? I see.
The average midfielder of a real football game runs 20 kms over the course of a game, two or three times a week, and still manage a 13 sec on 100 meters at the end of a game… I'd tend to bet your "real men" wouldn't survive that.
Besides, you keep calling football a game that is 90% played with the hands… shouldn't this already disqualify the game from any serious comment?
M-kay!!! Good one, that.
Sensible99 is m-kay with the pole dance, for sure.
I agree with you here, Michael. Unfortunately, the worldly don't understand that the Christian struggles with sin, too. That is why he died on the cross. None are perfect. Woe is the Christian person living in the public eye who makes a mistake. He is automatically labeled a "hypocrite" and his reputation is dragged though the mud. Jesus forgives ALL sins ALL of the time. when the repentant is sincere. The world doesn't. That is why we Christians need to be careful of what we say and do. There is always someone watching and waiting to tear us down.
Whew-hoo–another sperm fertilizes the ovum.
Another zygote on the way to humanity.
Let’s see, average cost to raise a child, now >$200,000
Wow, dudes, we know how many of you are unemployed 1 in 5 males;
underemployed; or won’t have money to raise a +5 children, like the
Tebows.
Vasectomy time….vasectomy time….vasectomy time
Join 104K+ people at FaceBook behind the Tim Tebow pro-life Super Bowl ad. http://bit.ly/a1aVoA Sponsored by LifeNews.com and Americans United for Life.
Exactly. "Pro-choice" groups are threatening to sue because they don't like his mother's choice, and his choice to talk about it? Here's a very simple quiz for these folks:
Which of the following is NOT a right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution or its amendments:
a) Freedom of speech, or
b) Freedom to "choose" an abortion?
So would you tell Ashley Judd, Susan Sarandon, and countless other famous abortion supporters to shut up and act?
UHOH-Sorry Guys
No six-kid pack for you. Average cost to raise child now >200,000.
1 in 6 US males unemployed; millions underemployed; need jobs to feed mouths.
Vasectomy time, think vasectomy–the ultimate pass to childless freedom.
I hope not. I certainly wouldn't. While I don't like hearing from them, I took an oath to protect their right to spew their nonsense.
If the right to speak freely is taken from the fool, then the wise will not be far behind. However, it would be nice if they would use some discretion once in a while.
Controversial ad? Since when is choosing life controversial?
Once the enemy defines the terms of the debate, the debate is lost.
The Pro-Deathers should be the ones using the Pro-Life definitions. A fetus is an individual with constitutional rights, just like any other US citizen. Age is not a factor.
It's a simple debate between the "choose deathers" and the "choose lifers."
It's really that simple.
Mexico, Central and South America: Predominantly Catholic, and not so much "cafeteria Catholic" as here in the US. The Islamists believe it is their duty to have as many kids as possible. Then there are the European socialist countries… who are slowly being taken over by the Islamists.
Good for Tim. I hope he has a great career I'd be more than happy if he went to my favorite team.
Who wants to be reminded on super bowl Sunday via tv commercial that we adopted Margaret Sanger's (planned parenthood founder) eugenics philosophy, You know the one, Hitler her follower carried out to justify the extermination of millions of Jews as well as others. Today its the little people that no one can see, you know the ones in their mothers womb! Statisticly,the most dangerous place for a child to reside in the world. Tim, please dont remind me that we treat our little brothers and sisters like they are trash to be disposed of! Ya the ones just like us made in the image and likeness of God. Who's value is worth more than all the worlds whealth. Say it aint so Tim, are you going to remind us that we have concience, and it may be stired. We dont want to have to contemplate the words our Lord said "What you do to the least of these you do unto me" My brothers and sisters remember these four things, life, death, heaven, and hell. For those that do not believe you will when you get there! WAKE UP!!! Thanks for your courage Tim and your Mom's too!
I could care less about all american pieces of filth!
Tolerance is ok if you agree with me, we are right, your right wing lunatics are wrong so shut the heck up!
Then why are you reading an American web site, idiot?
Well over 30 million dead babies. How many women's lives were saved? Seriously. What a freaken joke abortion is. Its not about freedom, its about the convenience of killing your baby.
You have a point. I've been saying pretty much the same thing myself. Why don't we try that analysis with hockey? Cause' in Texas I'm considered a heretic for being a fan and I've had to spend a lot of time justifying my love of the game.
Now, you say that footballers average 20 kms per game about 2-3 times per week. Well I actually looked that up. And I found where they put GPS tags on hockey players, footballers and rugby players. Turns out, hockey players average 7-11 kms (this was not ice hockey-I could not find numbers on that), rugby players average 6-10 kms and footballers average 10-13 kms. Unless they are playing by Australian rules whereby they average 12-18 kms. So your statement wasn't entirely true.
Cont.
But, let's move on. I would contend that the skills required in football are high, but not comparable to hockey. In hockey one must be able to balance on razor thin blades while traveling at speeds up to 30 miles per hour in transitional patterns and maintain control of a tiny puck with nothing but a stick. Not only must this be done while fending off brutal physical attacks, but ultimately that puck must end up in a net 1/6-1/8 the size of your football goal with a highly skilled opponent blocking most of the space between the pipes. This is done for three 20 minute periods 3-4 times per week, for about nine months out of the year.
Think of this way. You have to play golf while figure skating, while playing American football, while break-dancing. But hey, at least you get the summer off when your kids are out of school. Of course don't slack off, cause you don't want to get your spine broken next season.
OK…
Glad you explained that…I'm a little dense…
Oh yeah, has a footballer ever had their throat cut on the field? No? Didn't think so. Any internal hemmorraging of organs? Playing through with shattered bones? Uh, are head injuries common with footballers? Has a footballer ever had any digits sliced off?
Just curious…
Just to say i said midfielders, not footballers. Defenders and forwards move less then midfielders (especially the ones we call wings) and the goalkeeper doesn't move at all so, which is why if the average of teh 22 is 10-13, the midfielders actually run 20.
And you do not have to defend Hockey, I was making fun (in a friendly way) of american football, I'm sure that hockey requires an immense dose of stamina and skills(altho I still think the average hockey player spends less energies, due changes and shorter times, than an average footballer, but I'm just guessing)
And I actually do not consider such things exactly good things for sport, quite the opposite. I almost had my heart passed thro by a broken epee, but I wouldn't say that is the highlight of fencing.
Well, there the 'world' of the United States of America, and then there is the rest of actual global world of nations.
Yes, but your comment included a sarcastic snipe at his "real men" statement. His interpretation involved the toughness of an athlete. Your contention was that toughness didn't matter, stamina did. My point was that hockey had both. Plus unparalleled skill and a legacy of players who were able gut out unbelievable injuries and still continue to play or return to the game after treatment. You may not consider that good for sport but it is the measure of a champion.
Sean Avery was skating in the playoffs and he knew he was hurt in the first period. But it was playoffs so he played through to the end of the game. They took him to the hospital after and found out he had a lascerated spleen. But all of these guys are like that. Toughness, skill, and stamina while gutting through pain. That's hockey.
I second that. Fast and hard action, no shields and protections.
Point taken. Although I would be very careful when making the energy expense argument. Especially to someone who likes American football. Hockey players expend on average 544 calories per hour. Footballers expend a wopping 680 calories per hour (same as rugby). Unfortunately for your argument, American football players expend 612 calories per hour (yeah I was stunned too). So it appears these are some of the the highest energy sports around. More so than basketball (500 per hour).
I think the key with American football and rugby is in the muscle contraction/force resistance aspect of the game. This doesn't exist in football. Football is pure transitional pattern running. There is no pushing a resisting force or weight that enables the burning of extra calories.
True. Even Tebow isn't going to be perfect. But, his witness about the issue is still commendable.
Why is it OK for liberal artists to take my money for a ticket to their concert and then have to listen to their political views? I paid for a ticket to listen to their music. Where is the outrage ??
Interesting that the liberals are outraged when other views are presented.
It is obvious Pro-Choice is not about Choice. It is all about Pro-Abortion. We should not accept the term "Pro-Choice" as it is not about choice but abortion.
Tony, you don't think these 30 million women were on the brink of death ?
You are so right this is about contraception after the fact.
Justice Ginsberg says it was all about population control.
I completely defend his right to say anything he damn well pleases regardless of my love or hate for what he might say. I heard an interview a few years back with John Melencamp, where he was asked his opinion on some political something or other. He replied something to the effect of; "Why are you asking me? I'm just a small town guy that rights songs people like". The point is , that celebrity makes you no smarter or better informed than any other idiot on the street. I watch sports to see guys play the game. I watch movies for the entertainment. I don't need Ashley Judd ( cute though she may be) lecturing me on the merits of eating soy margarine instead of butter, and I definitely don't need Oprah telling me who to vote for or some jock telling me right from wrong.
You want to watch real men playing a real sport? Take a look at rugby sometime.
I was around in '73 when they made abortion legal and I don't think anyone was aware that babies really needed protection from the government in order to keep their mothers from killing them. I think we thought it was natural for women to want to protect their children whether inside or outside of the body.
We were naive.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by NewsBusters, Vince Humphreys, greychampion, Michael J Vallejo, Michael J Yore and others. Michael J Yore said: (via @BigJournalism) Tebow Makes Right Choice Appearing In Controversial Super Bowl Ad [http://bit.ly/dsYs9V] #tcot [...]
[...] consider the Super Bowl ad starring college football standout Tim Tebow. The ad is a thirty-second spot produced by Focus on [...]
[...] consider the Super Bowl ad starring college football standout Tim Tebow. The ad is a thirty-second spot produced by Focus on [...]
[...] consider the Super Bowl ad starring college football standout Tim Tebow. The ad is a thirty-second spot produced by Focus on [...]
Keep ‘em coming… you all do such a nice job at such Concepts… cannot tell you the way a lot of I, for one appreciate all you do!
Nice!, discovered your blog on Ask.Glad I finally tried it out. Not sure if its my Safari browser,but sometimes when I visit your site, the fonts are really tiny? However, love your post and will be back.Bye
combined with a penis and scrotum. Drop in on Naruto Hentai Videos for more.
Good point. I like how the writter is not afraid to tell the truth about things
I pray Wayne Rooney is ok for the world cup. I heard he might be playing again next week but I don’t know if I should believe it. Anybody got any secret info?
[...] Tebow Makes Right Choice Appearing In Controversial Super Bowl Ad. Posted by Justin Simon Feb 1st 2010 at 8:56 am in Abortion, Featured Story, bigjournalism.com [...]
Visitor recommendations…
[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……
Read was interesting, stay in touch……
[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……
Websites we think you should visit…
[...]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[...]……
Lead the fashion, walk in the leading edge. Rolex Watches,GUCCI Watchs,Ferrari Watch,Prada Watchs. Wear a beautiful watch, highlight your noble, gentleman.
Potato And Leek Soup Pleasant business. I learn something many stimulating on outlined blogs mundane. It instrument be moving to aggregation off their writers and implementation a young something from their accumulation. I’d take to use some with all…
Pleasant business. I learn something many stimulating on outlined blogs mundane. It instrument be moving to aggregation off their writers and implementation a young something from their accumulation. I’d take to use some with all the acceptance in my e…
liberty reserve I got what you impart, thanks for swing up. Woh I am happy to gestate this website google….
I got what you impart, thanks for swing up. Woh I am happy to gestate this website google….
Memory Foam Mattress Reviews It’s a operative misfortune you don’t contain a deal money fix! I’d definitely give money for this rattling webpage! That i imply for the term being i’ll be mitigated bookmarking unitedly with including an individual’s Ex…
It’s a pleasing shame you don’t comprise a stretch money switch! I’d definitely fund money for this terrific webpage! That i assume for the clip i’ll be mitigated bookmarking with including an individual’s Feed that present my unsurpassable Msn rest. T…
invest liberty reserve Nice blog here! Also your web site loads up fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol…
Nice blog here! Also your web site loads up fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol…
You must be logged in to post a comment.