People Selects THIS Christian Athlete as One of ‘2014's Sexiest Men Alive’

Tim Tebow shows Christianity can survive pop culture.

Christianity can not only survive, but thrive, in pop culture -- it just takes a little fearlessness in the face of the sneering media. 

In the Dec. 1 issue, People featured former NFL quarterback and outspoken Christian Tim Tebow as one of “2014's Sexiest Men Alive.’” Tebow rose to fame for his signature “Tebowing” – going down on one knee to thank God on the football field. The move earned him hate from the media, with some going so far as to say they wanted to “throw up” at the sight of him. 

But Tebow, now an SEC Network commentator and Good Morning America contributor, never caved from the media pressure. 

His interview with People reflected his faith formation. “Of course I want to look nice and have a good appearance,” Tebow reacted to his nomination. “But more than the outer shell, I want people to want to be around me for my heart.”

He explained to People, “To me, it's especially important to have a heart for kids who are hurting. Being able to make a difference is something that people should love, and that's something that's sexy about people.” 

Tebow does exactly that through his Tim Tebow Foundation. The foundation helps children by offering an adoption aid program, granting wishes to sick children and funding children’s hospitals worldwide.

— Katie Yoder is Staff Writer, Joe and Betty Anderlik Fellow in Culture and Media at the Media Research Center. Follow Katie Yoder on Twitter.