Dan Towler played for the Los Angeles Rams. He, Dick Hoerner and Tank Younger formed the Bull Elephant backfield. In 1952, Towler led the National Football League in rushing yards. His nickname, "Deacon," reflected his religious faith. After his retirement from football, he served as the pastor of a Methodist church.
Tim Tebow is not the first; Jeremy Lin will not be the last. Athletes have expressed their faith before — and will continue to.
Tebow's improbable season made him the most popular and most despised player in the NFL. He hit his knees after touchdowns. Many fans liked the sight; others mocked it. Lin does not visually draw attention to his religion, yet he openly professes his commitment to Christ. He thanks God.
He also played college ball at Harvard. Cambridge is seldom likened to a Chapel Hill along the Charles. Lin's heritage as an Asian-American has generated comments about ethnicity and stereotypes. Several commentators have cited Lin when discussing evangelical enthusiasm among Asian-American university students.
Lin stars for the New York Knicks, a team that won championships during the era of Clyde Frazier and Willis Reed. A book about the glory days is titled, "When the Garden Was Eden." Religious imagery in sports seems to be irresistible.
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