Tebow or Die [SPORTS OP-ED]

Everyone has an ego but every now and again, we witness a scenario where one’s sense of self impedes their better judgment.

If you’re an NFL fan, I’m quite sure you’ve been impacted by the hoopla surrounding Denver Bronco Quarterback, Tim Tebow. The phenomenon known as “Tebow-Mania” has taken new shape since the quarterback’s 4-1 starting record. The Tebow Venn Diagram seems split between pleased praise and insulting opinion, where many fans debate over the young QB’s abilities (or lack thereof). To those who recognize the traditional requirements of an NFL quarterback, at worst, Tim Tebow can be found guilty of doing the right thing, the wrong way.

The more mind boggling element to all of this is the lack of support coming from the Bronco’s brass; namely, head coach John Fox. Surprisingly, joining Fox in the “Tebow hate” is Former Denver Bronco Quarterback and NFL Hall of Famer John Elway who has all but said that Tebow is the wrong man for the job.

I don’t think Tim Tebow is a good NFL quarterback at this time. –John Elway

While I do understand that Tebow’s quarterbacking is eye-gouging at best, and his statistics match those of a first grade gym class football game, the last people you would expect to downplay his accomplishments are the people he is winning games for; Specifically, Elway.

Simply put, Elway is one of the 5 greatest QB’s in the history of the game. As a result, he’s perhaps the MOST qualified person to place judgments on a quarterback; particularly one that plays for the franchise he took to 5 Super Bowls.

That said, just because you see the ideal quarterback when you look in the mirror, doesn’t mean you can’t praise someone else’s reflection.

For all you Coloradans, Elway will forever be remembered for his accuracy, tenacity, and Super Bowl rings. However, the enigma of Tim Tebow’s success seems to be something that Elway neither particularly relishes in, nor enjoys. It’s almost as if he sees a person who is so charismatic, likeable, and (up to this point) successful, that It may overshadow the legend that is Elway; at least for the moment.

On the other hand, there’s a part of Elway’s stance that suggests he’s awaiting Tebow to fail and doesn’t want to be hinged to the Tebow wagon when the wheels begin to fall off.

In either scenario, the self-absorption that seems to fill Elway’s head is overwhelming. What good does detaching yourself from Tim Tebow do? Anyone with two eyes can see his mechanics are horrible. I’d also argue that anyone with two eyes doesn’t particularly enjoy watching him play (don’t laugh), including Bronco loyalists.

Perhaps Tebow is not your franchise QB; but he is your starter at the most important position in sports. Would it kill you to give him just a bit of support?

We’ve seen instances before where the front-office & coaching staffs are not fond of a player, and seen how the psyche of that individual can be damaged. But Mr. Tebow doesn’t appear to be phased in the slightest; in fact, I’d argue that it only adds kerosene to his already burning motivational fire. It certainly galvanizes the “Tebow-Faithful” to a degree we probably haven’t seen since Michigan’s Fab-5. Nevertheless, I’m sure a vote of confidence from his employer could only have positive ramifications.

Hey Mr. Elway: If you look in the mirror closely, I promise you won’t see Tim Tebow over your shoulder.

Christian Bolden is a special correspondent to The Smugger. He provides social, political, and sports commentary. Contact him on his facebook and twitter