Read a Jan. 31, 2012, essay on sports and religion by David Briggs, posted on the Ahead of the Trend blog on the Association of Religion Data Archives website.

Read a Feb. 2, 2012, column at Sojourners about some of the social justice issues that might get short shrift amid the “super excess” of the Super Bowl.

In March, the NFL levied serious penalties on the New Orleans Saints for their “bounty” program targeting opposing players. Read a March 21, 2012, article from the Times-Picayune about the situation.

More than 100 former NFL players filed a mass-tort lawsuit in federal court in March claiming that the NFL was aware of the risks of repetitive traumatic brain injury but did nothing about it. Read a March 27, 2012, article from the Washington Times about the suit.

The Rev. Pat Robertson said on The 700 Club show that because the Denver Broncos signed star QB Peyton Manning to supplant Tebow, it would “serve them right” if Manning were injured. Read about it in a March 23, 2012, article from the New York Times.

Christians in Denver, where Tebow played last season, mourned his departure but said they will root for him from afar. Read about it in this March 21, 2012, article from CNN.

The New York Times compiled a list of big-name athletes who have played in New York City and are also well-known believers in this March 21, 2012, article.

A March 24, 2012, Fox News story recounts how New York churches are already angling to get Tebow to come preach from their pulpit.

An article at Slate explores the huge number of evangelical churches in New York and where Tebow might worship.