Watch CBS News

Tim Tebow's Biggest Fan Is ... Darryl Strawberry?

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Tim Tebow's role-model demeanor has brought him fame and the media spotlight. Whether it's his devotion to religion, his desire to be a starting QB or breaking up an Aaron Hernandez bar fight, he has become a model celebrity in the eyes of many individuals.

But probably the most surprising Tebow fan is former Mets outfielder Darryl Strawberry.

"I wish I could have been like a Gary Carter or a Tim Tebow when I was playing and have Christ in my life the way I do today," Strawberry told USA Today. "When Carter left here, he left here as a right man, a righteous man, who lived his life right. He loved his faith."

Strawberry, while going down in history as one of the greatest Mets of all time, battled addiction problems throughout his playing career and his post-baseball life. The 51-year-old has now became an ordained minister who is trained to help others who are currently battling or who have battled addiction.

Despite his current righteous efforts, the eight-time All-Star wishes he could go back and play out his pro career the way Tebow is doing now.

"I look at Tebow, and he gets bashed because of his faith," Strawberry said. "Let 'em laugh. Let 'em talk. He's a greater man than anyone who might be greater than him as an athlete. He's a real man. He gets challenged about his faith all of the time, but he never wavers because of opinions, or what the media is writing about him.

"His reward later on in life is going to be even greater because he stood in the midst of everybody criticizing him being a Christian and playing sports at the same time. I admire him more than he could ever imagine."

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.