The other devout Christian on the field
A friend sent me
an e-mail before yesterday's Steelers-Broncos playoff game. He titled it, "The
Steelers vs. God. Want to have brunch?"
The Broncos'
quarterback, Tim Tebow, has gotten endless press about his ritualistic
references in interviews to his "Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," but overlooked
is the fact that the Steelers also have a devout Christian in their ranks.
Of course, he is
a Christian of a different, less vocal kind: safety Troy Polamalu is a convert
to Orthodox Christianity. In a Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette profile last year, Polamalu discussed his
religious faith, the history of Christianity and the significance in his life
of practices such as fasting, chanting and prayer.
The media seems
obsessed with the ins and outs of God's favor and Tebow's popularity. Sometimes
I wish it could capture Polamalu's very different kind of spirituality amid the
football season's endless hype. Other times I remind myself that a rich and complex
life of faith is hard to sum up and advertise.
Comments
Kbos replied on Permalink
Troy Polamalu
I think Polamalu is a very good football player but he doesnt present his religion very much. Tebow gets the hype because every time he says something it about the Lord. Im not saying Polamalu isnt a Christian but he just doesnt express his faith as much. Tebow is probably the most popular name in the NFL right now and im sure all of the Christians are on his side. What he has done for the Broncos is unbelievable. He is not the only one who contributes to those wins, you have to look at all of the coaches and other players that put in endless amount of hours into their NFL jobs. In the end Tebow is very well viewed. Polamalu is well viewed to because he is one of the best safetys in the game but doesnt represent his Lord in the way that Tebow does.