Tim Tebow Fans: Brilliant or Brainwashed?

The Jerry Sandusky scandal has polarized sports and cast it in a very negative light. In a dark era of football, Tim Tebow has lit a torch of hope to try and lifted the spirit of the viewers. His unwavering faith in God has been broadcast across every major media outlet causing him to become one of the most controversial athletes in recent memory. Every sports talk show has showcased the flaws and awe of the Broncos’ quarterback. However, throughout the uncertainty, one thing remains clear: Tim Tebow is a winner.  As a starting quarterback, Tebow has led the Denver Broncos to a 6-1 record.  With the Pro Bowl, an all-star game played at season’s end, fast approaching, numerous discussions have started up on whether or not Tebow deserves to go. Among the list of criteria on which candidates are judged is the popularity among fans, contributions to the team record, and personality.  Tim Tebow excels in all three of these categories and should thus be granted entrance into the Pro Bowl.

            The Pro Bowl aims to show appreciation for the fans by allowing for selection of players. In terms of votes received, Tim Tebow ranks fourth among quarterbacks in the AFC. His popularity among the fans has always been tremendous. Upon entrance to the NFL, his jersey was the number one selling item on NFL.com.  After becoming the starting quarterback of the Denver Broncos, his jersey skyrocketed from the fifteenth best selling jersey to the fifth most bought jersey.  Before becoming the starting quarterback, Broncos fans would buy out billboards in town to plead with coaches to play Tebow. He has reached out to every market through his widespread appeal. Tebow has become something of an icon in pop culture by becoming an official spokesperson for Nike, Jockey International, and FRS Health Energy. The “worldwide leader in sports”: ESPN has created a feature documentary on Tebow due to outstanding interest from viewers. HarperCollins released an autobiography on Tebow’s life which rose to 22nd on the Amazon bestseller list.  In terms of popularity, it is hard to find any single athlete being watched as closely as Tebow is.

            Statistically speaking, Tebow leads numerous categories among all active quarterbacks. As a dual-threat quarterback, Tim has rushed 78 times for a 5.81 gain in yards which surpasses many of the top running backs in the National Football League. Another major reason for Tebow’s success as a quarterback has been his ability to not turn the ball over. His touchdown to turnover ratio ranks second among all active quarterbacks. His win and loss ratio, possibly the single most definitive statistic in pro football, is second among all active quarterbacks. However, his most powerful quality lies not in his arm but in his ability to make players around him better.  Under Kyle Orton, the previous Broncos quarterback, the defense lay uninspired and had no sense of urgency.  Broncos Coach John Fox asked Tebow to address the team before the San Diego game. Tebow recited proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another”. This message reverberated with his teammates especially linebacker Von Miller. “I’ve never seen a human who can will himself to win like that...We came out for the game fired up. And that was a wrap.” This speech did have an impact on the Broncos as they went on to beat the Chargers and showcase Tebow’s value to his team.

            As a football superstar, Tebow took time out of his year to travel to the Philippines on mission trips, work with underprivileged children, and visit hospitals as well as prisons. While his classmates and teammates were partying during spring break, he flew to the Philippines assisting doctors with medical treatments by circumcising an impecunious village. This selfless spirit has had a positive impact on everyone around him including his coach. Urban Meyer, one of the most prolific college coaches of all-time, was so touched by Tebow that he took the family on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic.  Furthermore, his positive attitude helps provide a spark in a lately dark society. Recently, Jake Plummer commented on Tebow by stating that although he is a winner, he would like him to tone down his fervent belief in God. Tebow began his reaction with “thank you for calling me a winner.” In a society where most superstars would be irate that anyone had attempted to criticize anything about them, Tebow began respectfully and earnestly.

            Now there are critics still who state that Tebow has not put up prolific numbers like that of Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers. However, to look at this viewpoint we must examine the teammates of the respective quarterbacks.  Brady possesses targets such as Stephen Gronkowski and Wes Welker who rank across the board as the best one-two combo in the game right now.  Aaron Rodgers simply possesses an even more impressive version of last year’s Super Bowl champions and one of the best teams in recent memory. Tim Tebow’s favorite target of late has been Jeremiah Johnson. Jeremiah Johnson was only elevated off the practice squad as an undrafted 5’9 free agent from Oregon. With no impressive receiving core, Tebow has willed his team to victory. This in and of itself guarantees him the right of passage into the Pro Bowl as your win-loss column is much more important than any passing statistic in the book.  

            Tremendous Tim is not a fluke. How many games will it take for critics to understand that Tebow is a winner? He may not lead the league in the yards per game category; however, he does lead the league in the most important statistic: wins. The Pro Bowl aims to take the best players and play a game to show fans their appreciation. By willing his team to victory game after game, Tebow should be granted entrance to this game. He exemplifies the traits you look for in a man as well as a quarterback. By meeting all stages of the criteria evaluated for in admission to the Pro Bowl, Tebow should play among the stars where he belongs.