Allow me to start off by saying I am a Tim Tebow FANATIC. Next to Tom Brady, he is my favorite quarterback ever. I have been championing a return to football for Tebow for years. Now, that day has finally arrived.
As earlier reported by multiple league sources, the Jacksonville Jaguars are signing Tebow. His six year hiatus from the league has officially come to an end.
As a Tebow fan, this was a long time coming. I’ve been waiting for him to get another shot ever since Chip Kelly cut him in Philly.
He is one of my most favorite professional athletes across any sport. I’ve read almost all his books, own some of his merch, and I have spent hours watching Tebow speeches and highlight reels.
Since I was 10 years old watching him at Florida, I’ve been enamored with him. He’s just so different from typical pro athletes. He is a genuinely nice guy. He’s an extremely inspirational character as well.
Now, let’s put the personal stuff aside for a second. Is this a sure thing? Not in the slightest. Tebow is being signed to Jacksonville’s 90-man roster. Nothing in his contract guarantees he makes the final 53-man roster.
If the reports are true and he is solely going to be a tight end, it’s not looking good. As a result, I’d give him a 5% chance to actually make the final roster and much as it hurts me to say that.
Tim Tebow is 33 years old. He has not appeared in a regular season game since 2012. Tebow has also never played the TE position in his football career.
All of these factors don’t bode well for his chances. The only way I could see him making the team is if the Jaguars carve out a role for him similar to how the Saints have used Taysom Hill.
From what I’ve read though, that doesn’t seem to be the case.
I really hope he can make the roster. It would be another fascinating chapter in the life of Tim Tebow. Just the fact he is getting this opportunity is unbelievable.
The announcement has brought a whirlwind of hate his way. Analysts, former players, and fans alike have shown some anger towards the Tebow news.
Listen, I get it. His name and his relationship with Urban Meyer is why he is here. If those two factors weren’t involved, he probably doesn’t get this opportunity.
You can be mad about that all you want. It’s not totally unwarranted, but why is Tebow a bad guy for pursuing his dream?
I’ve seen so many people making fun of Tebow this past week. Saying he can’t stay out of the spotlight. People claiming Tebow can’t let go of his failed career.
To that I ask, is it that easy to give up on your dream? To let go of something you’ve loved your entire life?
Tim Tebow LOVES football. Reading his books, his exit from the NFL has always been a sore subject for him. Understandably so. Seeing him finally get another opportunity, whether he succeeds or not, is heartwarming.
I’m not saying you have to root for the guy, probably most people aren’t. I would bet a lot of people are rooting for him to fail.
This comeback may be the most inspiring thing he has ever done in sports. Seriously, the entire world is laughing at him, taking him as a joke. Everyone is rooting against him and predicting him to fail. Yet, he is still going for it.
He doesn’t have to do this. Tebow is a successful TV personality. He’s also involved in tons of charity work, has a beautiful wife, and a strong foundation in his faith. Therefore, he is doing this out of pure love for the game.
This is one last attempt to pursue that dream that has been there since his youth. What he is doing is not easy. Imagine having millions of people calling for you to fail. Even if it was your greatest dream, your greatest love, could you persevere?
Block out the noise and the judgement to go after what you love. All the while knowing there is a good chance you will probably fail. Hand up, I don’t think I could.
That’s what separates Tebow from the pack. Odds stacked against him, he just doesn’t care. Win or lose, he’s going to fight for it. No matter the adversity.
He proved that when he made the NFL. When he lead the Broncos from a 1-4 start to a playoff victory over the Steelers. When he attempted to play professional baseball after not touching a bat in over 10 years. That’s the kind of guy Tebow is.
It’s probably the reason I’ve always been so fascinated with him. The man does not quit. He will stop at nothing to pursue his dreams. He is the definition of an icon and a role model.
I just wish this news was met with a little less negativity. I wish more people could be rooting for Tebow to succeed rather than trying to tear him down.
Sorry if this got a little sappy. Like I said, I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time, but Tim Tebow is back. The King has returned. I couldn’t be more happy.
Best of luck to you Tim, here’s to hoping I’ll see you on my TV on Sundays very soon.
(Also, credit to me for calling this happening months, even YEARS before it actually happened).
Photo: (Jack Dempsey – AP Photo)
