You Can't Avoid Boyd - Chuck Norris Wears Tim Tebow Pajamas

Chuck Norris Wears Tim Tebow Pajamas

I realize ESPN and the NFL Network talk about him 24/7, and everyone’s mom even knows about him, but I need to speak my piece on Jesus Christ Superstar, Tim Tebow.

I know he is an easy target because he might be the most religious person of all time and his passing awkwardness as a professional quarterback, but this man should be Time’s Man of the Year. He’s 8-3 as a starter in the NFL after a successful high school and college career. All of his pro wins have involved some sort of comeback, most occurring in the 4^th quarter. Some people are questioning if the Detroit Lions’ recent losing streak is a result of mocking Tebow during their blowout victory over Denver six weeks ago. Tebowing became a fad, then an official word via the Global Language Monitor, whatever the hell that is. He has become a cultural icon despite the haters.

The haters have been there since Tebow hit the national scene. His religious beliefs were the subject of ridicule (Tebow did missionary work in the Philippines for three summers, wore Bible verses on his eye black until it was banned, and stated he was a virgin due to his religion.) While his style of running and throwing dominated the college scene, people questioned how he’d transition to the pro game. Experts claimed he couldn’t make the throws a NFL QB needed to make, his throwing style would never work on Sundays, and that his running style would get him killed against bigger, faster defensive players. Some even questioned if he would be drafted as a quarterback or if he would have to change positions like many option-style QBs before him. When the Broncos traded up for him in the 1^st round of the 2010 draft, people thought it was a huge reach and was going to be a bust.

Going into this season, the people in Denver wanted Tebow to start from the get-go. However, there were two exceptions: Head coach John Fox, and VP of Football Operations/NFL legend John Elway. Both men were new to the 2011 staff and were not with the team when they drafted Tebow, thus owing no loyalty to him. Tim didn’t help his case by having a horrific training camp (Local reporters said he looked like the 4^th or 5^th best QB on the Broncos during the summer.) Despite fans purchasing a billboard to show support for their favorite young player, Tebow remained on the bench until replacing Kyle Orton at halftime in Week 5. This is where the legend begins. He nearly overcame a 16 point deficit in a game Denver still lost. After this game, he was named the starter against the Dolphins. His starting days looked to be over as he played as well as I would have had for 57 minutes. Fortunately for Tebow and Denver, there are 60 minutes in a football game and Tebow managed to lead his team to 18 unanswered points in an overtime win. After the Detroit loss, Tebow has managed to win his last six games despite very ugly stats. The Denver Broncos were left for dead after the first month of the season. Now, they are leading the AFC West.

Former players maintain that Tebow, despite his initial success, is ultimately doomed to fail unless he changes his playing style. Steve Young believes Denver is doing Tebow a disservice by encouraging his style of play, which he claims has no chance of succeeding long-term. I think Young should shut the fuck up. I am no expert in the matter, but Tebow has been successful thus far. Right now, we have to give him the benefit of the doubt since he has won over 70% of his NFL starts, beating some strong defenses along the way. He always puts the team above himself, acknowledging “Bronco Way” over “Tebow Way”. It’s a rare thing these days for an athlete to value his team’s success over personal accomplishment. He’ll be the first to admit he’s not the reason his team has rebounded. His defense and rushing offense have picked it up since their slow start. Some breaks have fallen their way during the winning streak, like Marion Barber’s brainfart/fumble. However, Tebow is leading the ship and his players and coaches have nothing but good things to say about him.

I don’t believe Tebow can have a successful NFL career without improving his passing game. However, nothing this man has done his entire life suggest he is not prepared to do so. This was a man who should have never been born. When he was a fetus, his mother contracted a serious illness that should have rendered him a stillbirth. An abortion was recommended, but the parents refused. Instead, he has become a positive inspiration for many. While his play can be dissected, his results cannot. Who cares if he threw the ball underhand? He’s still winning games. He’s been a winner his whole life. People need to relax and enjoy the ride, since no one knows when it will end, including the so-called experts. Until then, I will continue to cheer for him except if he plays the Giants or his inevitable Monday Night Football debut. Jon Gruden gets excited for Tyler Palko. I can only imagine the on-air orgasm he’ll have over Tim Tebow.

                -Written by Marcus Boyd