Now that the Broncos’ season is over, and Tebowmania has settled down, I would like to offer a few friendly thoughts to you as you head into the off season. Not that you know me, Tim, or will even ever see this, but for the record I feel like it needs to be said. And publicly, because you have – for better or worse – become the most famous 24-year-old in the world. (and for all those aspiring Tim’s out there, maybe you can listen in):

First, good for you, Tim. You’ve been under an intense microscope. Especially at first, even before you were announced the starter, you were perhaps the most scrutinized, and polarizing, figure in our society. You didn’t ask for that level of attention, but for lots of reasons it is the hand you were dealt. And, Tim, you did good. You were consistently gracious, humble, a faithful follower of Christ and a great teammate and employee. Good for you, Tim.

Now, Tim, there’s something you might not know, or probably agree with, but it seems to me it would be good for you to be aware of it: based on what most people say about your age group and according to everything that I know and have diligently studied, you are what is called a “late adolescent” (some want to rename the stage “emerging adulthood,” but semantics aside it is still the same thing). Here’s what that means for you:

Tim, you are a young man, and that is (obviously) not a bad thing, just a fact. What does that mean for you? It means that you are still on the path moving toward discovering the man you are ultimately going to be. Now, I am not talking about your core identity in Christ – the Tim God made, redeemed and called to serve and follow him. I’m talking about the natural and normal course of development in today’s world. Even for the most devoted of young believers, we are created as whole people, and therefore we cannot separate our “spiritual development” from what goes on as we traverse our own journey into adulthood.

Because of this, I just wanted to share three simple little thoughts for you to ponder the next few years (I know I don’t know you personally, but I have spent a bunch of time working to understand people in your stage of life, so I hope this resonates with you):

1. Find a couple of trusted older “mentor types” who could care less that you are a football player. I know you’ve grown up with a phenomenal family and great family and church friends. But for this stage, maybe it could be a gift to find a handful of solid, smart, unflappable men and women from Denver who would be willing to walk with you, listen to you, and be there for you as you navigate the next few years (I know a few like that in Denver, if you need some suggestions)
2. Get plenty of alone time and read, and read a lot, beyond the kinds of books you’re used to reading. Tim, expand your mind, and your view of people, the world and the faith. These are supremely important formative years, and even though you’re a famous icon you’re still a 24-year-old young man who desires to grow into the man God has called him to be. So read, and study, well.
3. Find a couple of friends who will tell you when you’re being foolish, or delusional, or worse. We all are fooled, and you more than anyone has plenty of press clippings and “wanna be friends” who will tell you whatever it takes to be in your inner circle. But flee the temptation to spend much time with those types. Many a famous young person has been dragged down under the weight of their own success. Friendships – real, authentic, honest and lifelong friendships will force you to stay grounded.

May these three brief thoughts help to guide you into the depth and honest growth you long for. You’re a good guy, Tim, and the future is bright. But it has nothing to do with football; it has to do with you, the man.

Chap Clark