Ratings

Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content

Guide to Rating System

LANGUAGE

VIOLENCE

SEXUAL CONTENT

ADULT THEMES

Ratings Explanation

Language: A reference is made to people “cursing at them with every four-letter word and more.”, though no curse words were used. Vulgarities directed to his parents were also mentioned, but again no words were used.

Violence: Football. A dog was beaten/injured. Harassments from opposing team fans included threats of physical harm. “Hundreds of calls and text messages were being sent every hour….Crazy, violent, or sexual messages, or all three.” Beer was thrown on to the coach by hostile crowd.

Sexual Content: When asked if he was saving himself for marriage his reply was, “I am.” He hopes that others “might find encouragement in my words and lifestyle to do the same and to wait until they were married to engage in sexual activity.”

Adult Themes: Tim’s mother was encouraged to have an abortion due to health concerns during her pregnancy with him. The Christian religion is discussed. Tim’s family is involved with an orphanage in the Philippines. A football player got arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Synopsis:

Tim Tebow gained notoriety in recent years as an outstanding college quarterback for the University of Florida which included two NCAA championships. Additionally, he became the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy.

Born to Christian missionary parents under miraculous circumstances in the Philippines, Tim’s home environment was a place of learning for both homeschooling and character development, as well as a place to cultivate a solid religious foundation. From the time he was young he had an intense determination to do his best and was willing to work to make it happen even when others would have thought to discourage him. His life speaks of hard work and sheer willpower from his days of playing Pop Warner football, to playing as a Gator at the University of Florida, to achieving his dream of being a quarterback in the NFL. Tim shares his ups and downs along the way not only in the game of football, but in the game of life. He chooses to be a positive influence and has a willingness to live his life as a follower of Jesus Christ. In his own words, Tim shares the stories and experiences that have helped define his life.

Wow!! I knew very little about Tim Tebow when I bought this book. I knew he played football, and I knew he was a religious man. What I didn’t know was just how well he lived his life. He has truly worked hard for all that he has accomplished in his football career, but just as impressive if not more so is his faith and desire to do what is right. He is not ashamed of his beliefs, and openly expresses gratitude for them in his life. A couple of things stood out to me in the book. First, Tim comes from an amazing family! They love and support one another. His character was shaped within the walls of his home and it shows. Second, his desire to give everything in his life the best he has to offer was very motivating to me personally. In fact, he works so hard toward his goals that as I was reading I began to feel like a slug! He has definitely inspired me to do and be better. His example shows that we can accomplish anything we put our minds to. Additionally, I found it fascinating to learn about the ins and outs of a football game from a firsthand perspective. Here is just one of the quotes I liked.

“Some guys also seem to think that it’s impossible to resist temptation. I’ve found – as in other areas – that if I’ve already thought through a situation and have a response prepared ahead of time in the event temptation rears its ugly head, it is that much easier to resist. Of course, staying away from situations and questionable areas whenever possible, where I know there may be temptations, is an even better solution.”

I would recommend this book to all and in particular to those in the middle grades as well as high school grades.