Religious devotion prevalent in NFL

Though none are quite as open in faith as Tebow, many Bears share beliefs

December 10, 2011|By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporter



"I just tell God to watch over me from the toes on my feet to the head of my crown,'' Hester said.


Hester never declared himself a saint, but he matured over the years while maintaining his faith.

"My mom taught me, No. 1, to have respect for God,'' the Bears returner-receiver said, "and to know that you can do all things through Christ.''

Hester can relate to Tim Tebow's crusade. The Broncos quarterback freely expresses his Christian beliefs, and some question why he is so outspoken. Some have suggested he tone it down.



"Tebow is taking a lot of criticism not just because of his faith. He's taking criticism because he's abnormal,'' said Sanders, now an analyst for the NFL Network. "The things he's doing and the success he's having is not normal, and people have a hard time buying into what they haven't seen. Then to top it all off, he exercises his faith.


Television cameras are certain to follow Tebow on Sunday whenever he kneels in prayer, a practice that led to "Tebowing'' becoming a part of the nation's vocabulary. Tebow has no regrets about giving voice to or being demonstrative in his faith.


His play on the field would make some believe he has divine intervention on his side. Tebow is 6-1 as a starter this season despite his unorthodox throwing style and reliance on his legs. Seven of his 10 career victories have come by way of fourth-quarter comebacks, a testament to his resilience.

"His play is evident of someone who follows God,'' said Bears quarterback Josh McCown, also an ardent Christian. "He plays wholeheartedly, with passion. That's a misnomer about Christian players; that they should be soft or they should be weak. That's not the case at all.''

Walking the walk


"Seeing him from afar and then getting to meet him and seeing his life up close, he walked the walk,'' McCown said. "That's kind of my outlook and my focus on how I want to be looked at.''


"I was kind of on both sides of it because you were quick to jump out there and say, 'Oh, look at this guy. He's praising God,' then you'd hear about him getting arrested the next two weeks,'' McCown said. "So then you're very leery of those people. Then you meet a guy like Kurt, and he's the real deal.''

Sanders, who shares Bible scripture and inspirational messages with Hester daily, wasn't always as spiritual as he tries to live today. In fact, "Prime Time'' freely admitted his off-the-field life as a pro athlete wasn't something that should be emulated.



Keeping the faith

Anthony Adams' Christian faith might be tested again Sunday in Denver.