On December 6, 2011, Tim Tebow’s Through My Eyes: A Quarterback’s Journey was released via Zondervan. Nathan Whitaker is his co-author. It is based on the football player’s New York Times bestselling adult memoir Through My Eyes, but this edition is targeted for readers ages 8 and up.
Background on Tim Tebow
At 24 years old, Tim Tebow is one of the most esteemed football players in recent history. He was the recipient of the prestigious 2007 Heisman Trophy, among many other awards. Presently, he is the quarterback of the Denver Broncos.
Background on “Through My Eyes: A Quarterback’s Journey”
The book chronicles Tebow’s life from his early years, growing up in the Philippines, to moving back to the United States and being raised on a farm where he was exposed to hard work and athletics from a young age. He discusses the profound impact that his father has had on his life, who raised him and his four siblings believing in God and expresses his gratitude towards him on a daily basis.
Each chapter begins with motivational quotations from the Scriptures.
He shares that he was homeschooled by his mother, and she also served as the family ‘nurse’ whenever he and his brothers would injure themselves as kids. Yet another influential person in Tebow’s life is Coach Meyer, whom he perceived as a father-figure.
He also discusses the trials and tribulations he went through in life such as losing several games (where he took losing to heart), enduring a concussion and other injuries, and it explores how all of these obstacles have inspired him to work harder.
It also makes allusions to such country music acts as Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts and Darius Rucker, all of which are fans of the Broncos quarterback.
One of the most poignant segments in the book is when he talks about his dog, Otis, the beloved family pet that he had since the age of five. Such moments enhance one’s admiration of Tebow substantially.
In addition, the book incorporates Tebow's scholastic achievements, where he graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Family, Youth and Community Sciences, and perhaps his most significant accomplishment is the Tim Tebow Foundation, where he works tirelessly to help children in need.
It includes an “Acknowledgements” section where Tebow thanks all of the individuals in his life that have influenced him, including his inspiring mother and father, siblings, coaches, friends, co-author, among others. Finally, it concludes with a “question and answer” section, where the quarterback answers ten popular questions.
The Verdict
Tebow’s Through My Eyes: A Quarterback’s Journey is stellar from start to finish, and worthy of two thumbs up. He proves that he is a man of faith, hope, outstanding sportsmanship and humility; moreover, he is an individual who is able to go beyond the ordinary and redefine the expectations and goals of football. Whitaker does a brilliant job co-authoring this powerful book, and he really captures the conscience of this star athlete and showcases his humanitarian side, and how his faith in God has molded him into the kind-hearted and driven person that he is today.
Along with Michael W. Smith's A Simple Blessing, it is perhaps the greatest book by a Christian publisher to come out in 2011.
It is recommended for readers interested in a compelling story about the life and accomplishments of a genuine football player, who has a strong faith in God. It is safe to say that after reading this book, Tebow is the quintessential role model to anybody in sports!
For more on Tim, visit his official website.
Source
- Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker. Through My Eyes: A Quarterback's Journey. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2011.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
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