I Believe in Tim Tebow

Christmas Eve is a special day for any kid. The energy level of an already-in-need-of-Ritalin young child rises considerably in anticipation of a visit from Santa (Sorry, parents). I remember routinely trying so hard to stay up all night in order to catch a glimpse of Mr. Claus. Alas, my tiny child body could never hold out long enough and I never made it until sunrise.

My parents were absolutely great when it came to Santa Claus. They would sprinkle dirt and some leaves around the fireplace, leave footprints and notes, the whole nine yards. I believed in Santa (unfortunately, much longer than is healthy) and not just because of the presents. Santa provides kids with something to believe in.

The ambiguous nature of that kind of belief is the fascination that constantly surrounds Tim Tebow. The 24 year-old quarterback is one of the biggest stories in the NFL this year and by far one of its most polarizing figures. However, it’s arguably Tebow’s off the field actions that divide spectators even more than his unorthodox play on the field.

While Tebow was in college, my brother, my friends, even my teachers and I all agreed on Tim Tebow: we disliked him. He was a goody-two shoes who threw his religious beliefs in your face, front and center. He came from a college gimmick offense and had worse mechanics than American automobiles.

We kept waiting for his “nice guy” act to wear thin. We expected he would eventually slip and reveal himself. Basically, we thought he was going to change from the publicly good natured Chancellor Palpatine to the evil Sith lord Emperor at any minute…Yes, that was a “Star Wars” reference. No, I didn’t have many girlfriends in high school—can we please move on?

But the thing is, he never changed. He continually kept winning. He continually made his teammates better. He never ceased to give credit to the players and coaches around him or put forth an inhuman like effort. The draft process began and his style never faltered. He was honest about his religious commitments and never backed down. While in your face about it, I began to feel that Tebow was never trying to convert anyone.
Tebow continued to say and do all of the right things and wound up a first round draft pick. At this point, there was no denying his rapidly expanding and passionate fan base. Countless fans, analysts and coaches connected with this guy right off the back and staunchly supported him against any such criticism. But as his followers grew, so did his detractors. The debate revolving around his faith still continues. Is it obnoxious or inspiring? Is his refusal to tame his religious commitment in public inconsiderate to others or a testament to his faith?

Side Note: Tim Tebow’s virginity—still intact or has he hit the sack? If he truly has stayed the course than he has the hottest girlfriend in post-high school virgin history and receives more female attention than “Glee”, “Vampire Diaries” and “Project Runway” combined…Maybe a devout religious man is the hot new angle to take with women.

Regardless, there is just some undeniable draw when it comes to this particular quarterback. His ability to leave audiences in awe has been well documented this season. Despite his limitations as a passer and the Bronco’s offense being more awkward to watch then Michelle Bachman and Newt Gingcrich trade jabs at a Republican debate, fans cannot take their eyes away.

Through the first three quarters of a game, Tebow looks like anything but a professional quarterback. Tim Tebow’s QB rating in that span is an uninspiring 67.7 His accuracy is questionable, his throwing motion is flawed and his ability to decipher defenses is like Brett Favre’s modesty – it doesn’t exist. And yet, regardless of these essential limitations, Tebow is 8-4 as a starter including a six game win streak this season and six come-from-behind wins in 11 career starts.

Tebow dominates the fourth quarter like Albert Haynesworth dominates cocktail waitresses. He has thrown for six touchdowns and run for another three this season. He’s at his best when the game is getting late and the score is close. In the fourth quarter of games within 7 points, his QB rating is 113.6. Tebow is the only athlete I have ever seen whose will to win is so devout that it can, at times; outweigh his inabilities as a quarterback.

Think about that for a moment.

We’ve all seen this dude play and it’s not pretty. I’m talking college walk of shame levels of not pretty. But when the fourth quarter rolls around, Tebow somehow lifts his team to another level and leads scoring drive after scoring drive. After watching him hang 35 on Minnesota for an over time victory, I was sold. Like Neo at the end of “The Matrix”, I was starting to believe.

Of course, we’ve seen the Tebow hype come back down to earth after two tough losses to the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills. But his fan’s support stays as strong as ever as the Broncos are still one win away from their first playoff appearance since 2005.

All of this plays into the growing legend that is Tim Tebow. He is a quarterback who can barely throw, a Christian evangelist and doesn’t care who knows it, a good teammate and a better leader. And if Denver can beat the Chiefs in Week 17, he’ll be a playoff quarterback.

Tebow’s success despite his inabilities has captivated fans. However, it is his controversial passion and personality that has kept those fans engaged.

We blindly believe in Santa Claus as kids without any evidence. Yet, we find comfort in that belief and ultimately know deep down that we don’t need any real proof to take solace in that faith. Beyond being just another athlete in the NFL, Tim Tebow is something to believe in.