Jeremy Lin & Tim Tebow Are Great Idols for Kids

We’re blessed to have two fabulous – dare I say historic – idols for kids in professional sports right now.

Jeremy Lin and Tim Tebow are gifts.

For me, as a kid growing up in Pittsburgh in the late 60s and 70s, it was Roberto Clemente. He played his heart out, he had his many unconventional habits (e.g. neck-twitching before each at-bat), he was the first Latino superstar in baseball, and he was extremely generous to the place of his impoverished upbringing – Puerto Rico.

Many adults scoff at idolization by children, but I can say that focusing on such a great man helped build my character. I committed myself to always bust my butt like Roberto in all the sports I played, and later, I carried this over to other activities. I liked, and still like, being unconventional. I have my quirks (I never wear a tie), and like Roberto, I display them proudly.

The problem isn’t idolization of athletes. It’s in our supply of potential “idols.” Let’s face it – most great athletes don’t have exemplary characters.

Lin and Tebow are different. They’re unselfish. They’re modest. They play very, very hard, but they play fair. They don’t criticize the many who have criticized them.

So, I say, talk up Lin and Tebow to your kids. Buy your kids books about those guys (the first chapter book I read was about Roberto). Watch them on TV. Revel together in their miraculous success. Lin’s last-second three-pointer to win the Knicks’ game last night was one of those unique moments of pure unadulterated sports joy, and his interview after the game is a huge lesson in character.

And Tebow last fall??? Sheesh, I didn’t even feel too bad when he beat my Pittsburgh Steelers in dramatic fashion in the playoffs a month ago.

Our kids are blessed to be growing up with Tebowmania and Linsanity in their midst. Let’s use them.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Magdalen B.

3:21AM PST on Feb 25, 2012

Idols? There's that brain dead "winner of a reality show" reference.Could we call them heroes? The only people I'd call "idols" spell it differently.

send a green star

Marianna B M.

2:58AM PST on Feb 25, 2012

IDOLS???? YOU SHOULD HAVE NO OTHER GODS OR IDOLS BEFORE ME....'GOD'

Lynn C.

9:08PM PST on Feb 23, 2012

Catherine T.

5:38PM PST on Feb 23, 2012

i like mac danzig and ron artest.

Dominic C.

5:34PM PST on Feb 23, 2012

Really love their attitude and team spirit. These guys are not physically good but intelligent as well in their plays and sportsmanship.

Ron B.

5:15PM PST on Feb 23, 2012

Since God says not to have any other gods before him, these two "idols" had better watch their step...

Fred K.

4:55PM PST on Feb 23, 2012

As long as Tebow plays 'By The Rules' in his football games and 'Advertises' rather than 'Proselytises' his faith, he's fine. If Lin sets an example by playing basketball 'By The Rules', he's fine. It's better than the usual hypocrisy of cheating politicians, corrupt officials, sex-pervert priesthoods, and incompetent or biased teachers.

Whether or not Tebow is narcissist, he's not costing anyone else their esteem by his actions. He's welcome to it.

Joe R.

3:34PM PST on Feb 23, 2012

Sports / entertainment figures are so overrated. Beware of a cult of personality.

paul m.

2:23PM PST on Feb 23, 2012

Chrildren/young adults and some older need good role models !!

Gloria H.

1:13PM PST on Feb 23, 2012

If nothing else, idols teach hanging in there and going after your dream. I guess Donald Trump might serve as an example for somebody...somewhere. Maybe when he looks in the mirror? Idols are human, in Donald's case, very much so.