Neal Pollard
I am an admitted “Gator Hater.” Growing up a huge fan of the Georgia Bulldogs, it is expected of you not to like the University of Florida. It is nothing personal; it is wholesale, institutional prejudice. While I am not likely to ever root for their football team to have a winning season, their soon to be alumni, superstar quarterback is now one of my heroes. I have tried to ignore his wholesome image and even his deep, religious conviction. Wag your head in shame at me if you will, but he killed my Bulldogs every year!
But his latest effort has me in permanent awe of him. It did not happen on any gridiron. It happened in a production studio, the work of private donors who paid the exorbitant cost for Focus On The Family to run a 30-second-ad during the Super Bowl. Feminist groups (one of them called it “extraordinarily demeaning and offensive”) and abortion advocacy groups, all of whom I thought were supposed to be pro “choice,” have excoriated Focus, CBS, and the Tebows, for running a “divisive” advertisement (I suppose “pro-choice” must mean “for” the “choice” of “abortion only”?). They are circulating online petitions to get the ad removed from the ranks of Super Bowl commercials (which includes some illustrious, wholesome spots–remember last year?!). Tebow held a news conference to address why he would appear in the ad, and he simply said he was standing up for what he and his mom so strongly believed to be right. Tim’s mom, Penny, supposedly shares her decision not to have an abortion despite her doctor’s recommendation that she do so. Several advocacy groups automatically conclude that this makes it a political commercial. Perhaps they fear a likable sports superstar telling the public that it is a good thing to choose life will be harmful to the cause they seemingly cherish dearly.
Tebow has been criticized roundly and repeatedly for dragging his faith out onto the field. It may cost him endorsements. In the current culture, it might even hurt his NFL draft position (although I would not hold my breath for that; have you seen him play?!). There is much hypocrisy here. Feminists groups ignoring the repeated, worsening sexual objectification of women in nearly any type of commercial. Abortion groups decrying someone promoting the “other” choice. Critics who do not mind hedonism, materialism, agnosticism, and the like paraded, but convulse at any sign of theism.
Yet, here is what stands out most to me. Tebow is willing to risk criticism, personal loss, and stigmatism to stand up for principles firmly rooted in biblical teaching.
What am I willing to risk for my Lord and His will? Thanks for the challenge, Tim. I wish you well.
The Preacher Pollard Blog 
Thanks for this Neal. I appreciate it. It is amazing that so much garbage is permitted on the Super Bowl commercials, yet this is recieving so much opposition. Well, maybe it shouldn’t amaze me, but is still does.
Exactly. And, despite myself and knowing better, I continue to be amazed.
Nice article Neal.
The sad little secret is there are a lot of young men and women that profess such deep and strong convictions as Tebow who never get the forum to say so.
O’Reily had an opponent to the Super Bowl ad on his show and she expressed “concerns” that the Tebow ad was interfering with a woman’s right to choose.
I guess sometimes it’s better just to get out of way of some people and let them act foolishly.
I say good for Tim and his mother.
The worth of a man is not his ability to aquire all he can to the limit that his skill and intelligence will allow, but to aquire the most difficult intangible rewards; a good character,an honest reputation and the courage to sacrifice for the good of others. Thanks, Neal for pointing out a good example.
Wise observations, brother!
Feminists are the most inconsistent people I know. So a woman wants to be heard, pays a gajillion dollars to tell her story…a story of a woman who allowed her own convictions to trump the advice of the (at the time) male-dominated medical community, and lived to see victory because she refused to cave to the pressure. She took control of her “own body” and destiny. Who could more firmly and publicly exhibit the power of personal “choice”? So why shouldn’t feminists find a hero in this woman? Because the agenda is not respect for women. The agenda is disrespect for life and the God who created it.
Wow, Cindy! That needs to be pasted and posted everywhere abortion and “choice” is discussed. Eloquently, poignantly, accurately stated! You boiled down both the feminist and pro-choice movements to its most basic properties. Thank you for such insightful observation!
Appreciate the post and even the courage of a gator, for once. Hey, if there ever were a reason to catch the superbowl commercials, this maybe the best one ever. Kudos on the post Neal!
I too am not a ‘gator’ fan. But my respect and admiration for Tim Tebow has continually increased over the months as he practices his faith to the world. What are his most basic biblical beliefs? Don’t know. Where does he stand on certain doctrinal issues? Don’t know. But I do know where he stands on ‘going into all the world…’! His convictions are refreshing and inspiring. They have helped me have a better attitude and to be more determined in sharing my faith. Wake up America–your Savior needs you!