Trump’s favorite author, James Patterson, has called for a boycott of the NFL in response to the league’s handling of criminal charges against Richard Sherman and Tim Tebow. The author argues that if “the NFL [had] done [its] job,” Tebow would not have been black-balled from the league.
After many years of decreasing ratings, which were at least in part related to the political environment in the United States and the NFL, the league’s ratings have risen dramatically thus far in 2024. These figures indicate that many individuals have harmonized their political and football emotions. However, this does not rule out the possibility of individuals using the NFL for political gain.
That’s precisely what occurred after the Sunday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New England Patriots. Former quarterback-turned-tight end Tim Tebow and new Bucs CB Richard Sherman were among those who advocated for an NFL boycott, according to conservative author Nick Adams.
Tim Tebow is no longer a member of the NFL
It’s hardly a stretch to say Tim Tebow is one of the greatest college football players of all time. The 6-foot-3 quarterback at the University of Florida played the position as few others had before him.
With his huge, sweeping lefty motion, he ran the ball like a fullback and delivered a fantastic long ball. Tebow is also credited for inventing the goal line leap throw, which is still used in the NFL today. His innate leadership abilities and talents helped him win the Heisman Trophy in 2007 and national titles in 2006 and 2008.
The Denver Broncos and first-year head coach Josh McDaniels moved up to select Tebow with the 25th overall pick in the NFL draft in 2010.
The issue was that his abilities in the amateur ranks did not transfer to the professional ranks. He wasn’t large enough to go over NFL defenders or quick enough to get around them. His sluggish throwing action made him vulnerable to pass rushers, and his magnificent deep ball couldn’t compensate for his total lack of accuracy in the short and mid-range passing game.
Because Tebow is so popular, some supporters argue that he wasn’t given a fair chance in the NFL. Tebow’s supporters cite his winning record as a starter (8-6) and his stunning overtime triumph against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2011 playoffs. With 29 touchdowns in just 23 games in Denver, he was a genuine red-zone threat.
Despite this, Tebow’s career completion percentage of 47.9% and 33 sacks in 11 starts in 2011 highlight the quarterback’s overall issues in the NFL.
After two seasons in Denver and one with the New York Jets, the former Gator may have had a shot to break into the NFL as a fullback or tight end at the age of 25. However, he clung to his quarterback ambitions and was released from the league following unsuccessful efforts to play with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles.
Tebow returned to pro football as a tight end after a small league baseball career. It’s understandable that the Jacksonville Jaguars released him as a 34-year-old attempting to play a new, more physical position at the top level for the first time.
For the most part, it makes sense.
Because Richard Sherman is playing while Tebow is on the bench, a conservative author has called for a boycott of the NFL
Richard Sherman is starting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being accused with five crimes, including resisting arrest and driving under the influence.
Tim Tebow is a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback/tight end who is also a fervent Christian who has been blackballed by the NFL.
Tim Tebow is a devoted Christian who has always been quite outspoken about his faith. He is a Christian missionary’s son. In college, he drew Bible verses on his eye-black strips. And, via his faith-based charity, the Tim Tebow Foundation, he’s done a tremendous lot of good.
Tebow’s charity is dedicated to helping children with unique and complex medical requirements, orphans, and victims of human trafficking. According to TimTebowFoundation.org, the organization’s declared goal is to provide faith, hope, and love to children all around the globe.
The group, as well as the former football player, are not openly political. That didn’t stop a right-wing firebrand from using Tebow to criticize the NFL.
Nick Adams is a Republican author and commentator who describes himself as a “best-selling author endorsed by President Trump” and “President Trump’s favorite author” on his Twitter profile and website.
According to the New York Times, Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Richard Sherman returned to the NFL on Monday after an offseason incident in which he was charged with five misdemeanors, including two for domestic violence (criminal trespass and malicious mischief). Adams mentioned Sherman in a tweet, noting Tebow’s present situation.
Fans should boycott the NFL because Sherman is facing criminal charges, while Tim Tebow, a “devout Christian,” has been “blackballed” by the league.
Following Adam’s post, NFL fans, journalists, and past players reacted quickly on social media.
Adams’ post attracted a lot of attention, and several people mentioned Colin Kaepernick
This right-wing conspiracy theory that Tim Tebow is being kicked out of the NFL because he is a Christian is ridiculous. Something, something, something, something, something, something, something, something, something, something, something
Much of the reaction to Adams’ post came from NFL journalists and players who were skeptical. The fact that Tebow was a below-average NFL quarterback (as demonstrated by his sub-50 percent completion percentage) and that Richard Sherman is a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro were also problems with the concept.
Some have said that the case of former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is a more realistic example of a blackballed athlete.
Benjamin Watson, a former NFL tight end, summed up many people’s emotions when he tweeted:
Even though he’s a gator, I like and appreciate Tim Tebow. The NFL, on the other hand, did not penalize him for being a Christian. For 16 years, I prayed in public, gave interviews about my religion, and even produced an abortion documentary.
Many people behave in the same way.
Tebow’s religious views aren’t the only reason he’s not in the NFL, according to ProFootballTalk’s Twitter account. The league, according to PFT, is full with players who are outspoken about their Christian beliefs. “Yes, Tim Tebow was blackballed for being a devoted Christian,” it jokingly tweeted. Indeed, there are no devoted Christians in the NFL, and any allusions to God and Jesus are frowned upon.”
When it comes to views regarding the NFL, Adams’ remark is unlikely to sway people’s minds. However, the uproar over the post demonstrates that, even if his playing days are (almost likely) gone, Tim Tebow remains a household figure in the football world.
