Tim Tebow: God's Quarterback?

Tim Tebow is the most talked about, and perhaps, the most polarizing figure in the sports world. He's been called the "Mile High Messiah" for bringing the Denver Broncos back to life with his magical play at quarterback. Tebow has also been mocked openly by other NFL players and criticized by many for his religious beliefs.

"Everybody seems to be looking for some kind of deep meaning in what he does," said Father Robert Crofut of the  in Norwalk. "I believe that Tebow is just expressing thanks for who he is and the gifts that he is blessed with."

Those who criticize Tebow for pointing to the sky after completing a touchdown pass or taking a knee to pray before a potential game-winning field goal, feel he should keep his gestures private. Others say that Tebow is just being himself and staying true to his faith.

"He can't separate what he believes in just to make others happy," said Father Michael J. Bachman of . "I respect what he does even though it might not be a popular stance."

After helping the Broncos win their sixth consecutive game on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, Tebow, who won the Heisman Trophy while at the University, made sure to let everyone know who came first in his life.

"I want to thank my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ," Tebow said to Fox NFL reporter Tony Siragusa.

"He seems to be really a sincere man and he's demonstrating an act of thanks," said Crofut. "I don't think he's imposing his religion on anybody and believe his gestures are really genuine."

In a sports world that has been riddled with scandal, Tebow has been like an air freshener that covers up a bad odor. He accepts being a role model and is bothered if some people are turned off by actions when it comes to religion on the field.

"I think he's outstanding," said Joe Madaffari, athletic director at  who played quarterback at  in 1975. "What he's doing is unbelievable. He's unstoppable. But if he's trying to push his religion on people, I'm against that."

Stephen Tulloch of the Detroit Lions was apparently against Tebow and what he had been doing. In a game against the Broncos last month, the linebacker stepped in front of Denver's star after an incomplete pass and did the act of "Tebowing", the one-knee prayer celebration authored by the second-year quarterback. However, with Tebow's success and convictions, there are some who hope this will encourage others to express their beliefs more openly.

"He believes in what he's doing and that is admirable," said Father Michael Boccaccio of . "I think that no matter what religion people are they should feel free to express themselves spritually whether it's crossing themselves or wearing a yarmulke."

Tebow might not be God's quarterback, but he's wearing his faith on his sleeve and has turned many doubters into believers. The Broncos haven't lost since the first week in November and Tebow might just be on his way to authoring a "Mile High Miracle."