The Paradox of Tim Tebow

            Oh no! Not that name again. Not him! YES! HIM! I’m talking about Tim Tebow. And with his current lack of employment in the NFL I believe that many people might not ever talk about Mr. Tebow again. Why is the subject of Tim Tebow so polarizing? Why are the fans of Mr. Tebow SO fanatical and the critics of Tim Tebow SO critical?

                                                            

            The adoration of Tim Tebow comes from the fact that he was hailed quite literally as “the chosen one”. The first time I ever heard of Mr. Tebow was when he was a high school senior and ESPN gave him an hour long documentary special dedicated to his recruitment process. In said special, viewers learned about Tebow’s phenomenal athletic prowess. His leadership qualities. His profound faith. His dedication to his family. He was the sports hero that most sports writers would have a wet dream about. A Caucasian scrambling QB that wins and is a Christian. He also looks like he should be a model for Dolce and Gabana. That probably explains why Tebow got two more hour-long ESPN specials detailing his training and preparation for the NFL draft and also an examination of “Tebowmania” itself.

            Now comes the venom. Why would such a vast amount of people have such a surplus of hate for someone who is a good citizen and a good athlete? The reasoning is probably the belief that he has been catered to and protected by the media. Also the fact that his talents, while far superior to most men, seem to be pedestrian at best in the NFL. His passing completion percentage, number of interceptions thrown, and overall quarterback rating were near the bottom of the NFL. Yet he still has a plethora of endorsement deals and is a hot commodity.

            Other quarterbacks, particularly those of color, seem to not have the multiple chances that Mr. Tebow has been afforded. Maybe because his college resume was so astounding. The man was on two national championship teams. He was, at the time, the youngest player to win the Heisman trophy. He was the SEC’s all-time leaser in quarterback rating (170.8), completion percentage (67.1%), passing touchdown to interception ratio (5.5 to 1), rushing yards by a quarterback (2947), rushing touchdowns total (57), and total touchdowns (145). Tebow has many NCAA D1 records. His is second in passing efficiency, third in career yards per attempt (9.33), 8th in career rushing touchdowns, and he owns the record for consecutive games in which he both passed and ran for a touchdown (14).

               Despite all the accolades and records, Tim Tebow’s professional career has not had the consistency and excellence that his collegiate one had. Maybe it’s because he was not put in a pro style offense in college. The “spread” offense is geared more towards the athleticism of the quarterback and his ability to run and set up the pass. The spread is very effective in college, and the read/option plays and “pistol formation” became en vogue last year in the NFL with Robert Griffin III and Colin Kapernick. But, like most gimmick offenses, its vitality is short lived and both quarterbacks are experiencing sophomore slumps. And interestingly enough, Tebow refuses to switch positions and play in the NFL or humble himself and play quarterback in the Canadian Football League and refine his skills.

            My singular issue with Tim Tebow was solved when the New England Patriots cut ties with him during the pre-season. I always wondered how someone with one miraculous playoff win, sloppy mechanics, and poor decision making still had a job. When Bob Kraft and Bill Belicheat…..I meant Belichick cut ties with Tebow, it was the dawn of reality on the world of Tim Tebow. The previous season, when Tebow was with the NY Jets, was one of stagnation, frustration, and perpetual media coverage. Tebow, who was the backup to Mark Sanchez, got a press conference. What the shit was THAT about?!? And the big headline during preseason, “Tebow runs shirtless through the rain”. Really?!? I did feel sorry for Tim Tebow towards the end of the season because the Jets were such a train wreck, he really wasn’t given the opportunity to hone his skills, and he was relegated to a role that basically made him a fullback. The Jets never emphasized the wildcat formation in their offense. Moreover, they reneged on their promise to make the quarterback competition open.

            Has the NFL seen the last of Tim Tebow? The asinine fad of “Tebowing” has ceased. Has Tebow’s professional career done the same? I think that Tim Tebow has an exceptionally bright future……..as a college football analyst. Or he could capitalize on his popularity with Christians and team up with Joyce Meyers and sell out arenas all over this nation. Any way it goes, I doubt the man is going to be broke any time soon. But the question remains, how will he be remembered? I believe as a QB with a great passion for the game but a skill set that was too underdeveloped. The infamous Skip Bayless video about Tim Tebow being a “gamer”, “baller”, “playmaker”, and “shot caller” only perpetuated the fervor of his fan base. As previously stated, I don’t have any disdain against Tim Tebow. He could marry my sisters, if he was a glutton for punishment. He might be a natural “winner”. But I think most NFL teams actually want a quarterback with consistency and good mechanics.