‘He Transcends Cities & Teams’: ‘Tebowmania’ Is Driven By Allegiance to Faith & Football
- Posted on March 23, 2012 at 7:06am by
Billy Hallowell
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(AP) — Florida graduate and lifelong Gators fan Mike Beattie followed every development of the Tim Tebow trade. After it finally ended, his wife turned to him and said, “Do we have to start rooting for the Jets?”
“I guess so,” he responded.
And there it is: the definition of Tebowmania.
Many of the same people who adored Tebow during his four years in Gainesville, Fla., followed everything he did in Denver. And now that the quarterback has been traded to the New York Jets, they almost certainly will do the same. Even if it is the hated Jets.
“He transcends cities and teams,” said Randy Echevarria, president of the Jacksonville Beach Gator Club. “It just doesn’t matter to Tebow fans.”
And there are legions of them — and it‘s a group that’s ever growing.
His flocks of fans have as much to do with his faith and image as his football skills. A devout Christian, Tebow has been a role model since his days at Florida, when he led the Gators to two national championships and captured the 2007 Heisman Trophy.
Between mission trips overseas, prison ministry, hospital visits, charity work and fan events, Tebow has become one of professional sport’s most compelling — and polarizing — athletes.
His ardent supporters praise his good deeds and eagerly point out that he has won football games at every level since Pop Warner. He became must-see TV last season while winning seven of his first eight starts, many of them in come-from-behind fashion, and converted nonbelievers.
Sales of his jersey ranked second in the NFL in 2011, behind only league MVP Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers, and could be found at stadiums thousands of miles from Denver. His every move drew attention, none bigger than his sideline prayer that set off the “Tebowing” craze.
But Tebow critics also lurk around every corner, waiting for him to fail. They mocked his unorthodox throwing motion and his paltry completion percentage (46.5), and dissected every in-game facial expression from coach John Fox and executive John Elway.
The bottom line, though, was Tebow got attention from people everywhere.
“He’s humble, works his tail off, is quick with a smile and has a larger-than-life personality,” Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley said. “He’s just a good person, and he stands for all the right things.
“Religiously, no matter what side you’re on, you realize he’s a good human being who represents his faith and his family in the right way. He always represented the Gators in the right way, and he’s a guy that Gator fans will always love.”
No doubt many Broncos fans feel the same way.
Valda Edson, a 13-year-old girl from Parker, Colo., was having trouble dealing with news of Tebow’s departure from Denver. So she decided to write him a letter.
“I don’t know too much about football, but I know for sure you’re an amazing player,” she wrote. “Whichever team you end up on I will root for you. … I hope you go to a great team and win. I’m so glad you came to the Broncos. Denver got a taste of Tebow. Just to let you know, I will always cheer for you. Love you. I hope to meet you someday.”
With Tebow on the move, fans in Denver are making a last dash for memorabilia.
Eric LaBeaux, who works at Sportsfan in Littleton, Colo., said the sporting goods store sold every remaining Tebow jersey this week.
“It’s amazing,” he said. “I’ve been a Broncos fan since the `80s. I’ve watched their good and bad. I wasn’t a huge fan, per se, but I like what he did for the community. In our store, he’s made us a mint. You don’t get sports guys like that anymore – upstanding.”
He’s going to make money for stores in the Big Apple, too.
At the Jets Shop in midtown Manhattan on Thursday, a steady stream of customers stopped by hoping to buy Tebow jerseys. The store didn’t have any premade ones yet, so many fans took advantage of a sale on personalized apparel to make their own Tebow jerseys.
And that’s before he had even picked up a playbook.
Amid pressure from fans, Tebow took over as Denver’s quarterback following a 1-4 start last season. He led the Broncos to the playoffs for the first time in six years.
In the postseason, Tebow threw the game-winning touchdown pass on the first play of overtime to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-23. Denver lost the following week at New England, 45-10. Although he energized the team, Tebow’s long, looping delivery led to some accuracy issues. And with his eagerness to run, he’s hardly the prototypical pocket passer.
His fans don’t care.
“It‘s interesting that people keep saying he can’t play in the NFL and yet teams are lining up to get him,” Echevarria said.
Indeed, Tebow’s hometown Jaguars and the St. Louis Rams showed interest. Many figured he would be lock to land in Jacksonville, where his fame surely would boost sluggish ticket sales and make the team relevant nationally for the first time in five years.
But in the end, Tebow went to the Jets in exchange for fourth- and sixth-round draft picks. The Broncos also received a seventh-rounder in return.
Some Tebow fans question the destination.
“That’s got to be probably the toughest thing for Tebow,” said Mike McBride, a member of the Clay County Gator Club outside Jacksonville. “One of the most critical cities in sports is New York, worse than any place in the nation. If they’re winning, fine. If they’re losing, they want you tarred and feathered and sent packing.”
But McBride, whose wife, daughter and daughter-in-law all proudly wore No. 15 Broncos jerseys in Jaguars country, also believes Tebow could use the larger platform to better share his faith.
“He’s different from everyone else,” McBride said. “I‘ll always watch Tebow hoping he’s an anomaly in a league where so many guys get to the top and get the big purse and either get in trouble or don’t play to the big purse. This kid is full motor. He might not be the best quarterback, but it‘s not because he’s not giving full effort.”
The region that might have the toughest time dealing with Tebow’s latest stop is South Florida, where the Dolphins are king and the Gators rank closely behind in the football-fervent state.
Can those Dolphins fans who love Tebow really root for him now that he plays for the AFC East rival Jets?
“I was hoping he would wind up going to the Dolphins,” said Henry Rivera, a Miami native now playing baseball at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa. “And now that he’s playing against our biggest rival, it’s heartbreaking.”
Teammate Trevor Freeman, who was sitting a row behind Rivera as they watched the New York Yankees play an intrasquad game in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, was quick to chime in.
“It’s not about the Jets; it’s about Tim Tebow!” Freeman said.
Another teammate, Will Palmerton, lived in Gainesville last year and is a Gators fan.
“I don‘t know if he’s going to quite fit in,” Palmerton said. “A better fit would’ve been Jacksonville. I mean, I’ll still root for him … maybe not for the Jets to win, but for him to do well.”
Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner, who went to graduate school in Gainesville, expects Tebow to experience some culture shock in New York. He also feels there will be some conflicted Tebow fans.
“Oh, I’m sure there will be,” he said. “Sure will.”
The Beatties are among those.
Mike Beattie’s initial reaction when he learned Tebow was landing with the Jets?
“I was disgusted,” said Beattie, a CPA in Tampa. “I just thought the Jets would be a horrible place for him. They have a loud-mouth, obnoxious coach and a divided locker room. That whole franchise is a mess. I could pick 25 other teams that would be a better fit. The Jets didn’t seem to make any sense.”
But Tebow’s there now, for better or worse, leaving Beattie no choice.
“I want him to do well,” Beattie said. “If he doesn’t play, then I’m not going to care. But it he gets on the field, then I‘m going to root for him with everything I’ve got.”
AP Sports Writers Rachel Cohen in New York, Pat Graham and Arnie Stapleton in Denver, and Ben Walker in Tampa, Fla., contributed to this report.
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Comments (60)
Joker50
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 2:37pmSo if he danced a “jig” and scratched his nuts after each touch down or completed pass, would every idiot sports fan be doing that in public??? This is soooooooo friggin’ stupid.
Report Post »tucsondon
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 1:35pmOf all the people in this world we need to worry about, Tim Tebow is not one of them. He will do fine in New York. The guy has his head on straight and his priorities in order.
Report Post »conservativeinnewhampshire
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 1:07pmAs a Patriots fan, I hate the Jets…The Jets are horrible, they will never win a Super Bowl with Mark Sanchez as their quarterback, you Tim, as a Jet, I will continue to support you! You are a fantastic role model for our children, look what our other options are for parents, Chris Brown, Kobe Bryant, Barack Obama, Whitney Houston….Thank you Tim giving America hope!
Report Post »Joker50
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 2:38pmI look to a football player for hope like I look at Obama for hope. It ain’t gonna happen. To this Tebow guy, it’s now just a sign of his popularity. It has lost it’s spiritual purpose.
Report Post »JRook
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 3:33pm“He transcends cities and teams” So far he has done relatively nothing to deserve recognition as a NFL quarterback or referring to him as an individual who transcends cities and teams is hilarious ROFLOL. I went to U of F and he appears to be one of many solid individuals and a mediocre quarterback at best. I yield to Joe Namath and Fran Tarkenton in terms of his ability and benefit to the Jets. The sports back channels seem to indicate that the Jets only considered him after Manning said he wasn’t interested and it was only the Jets and the Jaguars expressed any interest in him. Lets stay real here.
Report Post »crusaderx9
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 10:50amPressure is on Manning – he was a great QB and now must take the Broncos to the playoffs and get at least one victory just to draw even…
Report Post »MarsBarsTru7
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 12:57pmTebow is being set up for a fall. I guarantee it.
Report Post »db321
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 1:29amElway is a fool – Bronco are done – and Tebow is going to make fools of a lot of people. I hope NY trades Tebow to the Cowboys – we will take him in a Heartbeat!
Report Post »samurai2112
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 10:34amI bet when the season starts that I see plenty of Tebow jerseys in the stands as I will be wearing mine. Usually when high profile players leave your team for another there is no love lost and are given no quarter when introduced. I will guarantee that if the Tebow makes it back with whatever team to the Bronco stadium he will be given a standing ovation. Even during the superbowl runs in the late 90′s the stadium did not react like it did during the season last year. There are people we come in contact in our lives that have an “it” factor and Tim was one of those men. I wish him all the best with the Jets and in his endeavors in life.
Report Post »ranchoazulmt
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 11:35amII truely liked him. He was the best thing for the Broncos for a long time. He made me want to watch them again! I even watched the years when Elway lost as QB 55-10 in the superbowls. I like watching Tebow even better. It is going to be hard to root for the Jets but you gotta do what you gotta do.
Report Post »footsoldier
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 10:19amTo be righteous without being self-righteous….a goal we should all aspire to. Tebow will continue to inspire and provoke, wherever he is, because of who he is. May God strengthen him and continue work through him.
Report Post »crusaderx9
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 10:07amBecause of his Faith and Grace he made Hall of Famer Elway and others look petty and small. Because of Tebow everyone has witnessed everyone has witnessed the power of Faith and even the nonbelievers who gnashed their teeth took notice of Tebow’s composed commitment to his faith and his team.
Report Post »fishb8
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 9:31amI wonder about a man who is praying to god in front of a TV camera that just happens to be broadcasting to millions of people. It’s a great marketing tool and seems to be working well for him.
Report Post »Duddio
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 1:26pmKeep wondering. And while you’re at it, keep wondering about the years he’s lived doing the same things without the cameras or crowds. Mission trips, orphanage missions, visiting hospitals…. The list goes on.
But, you’re right, anybody comfortable enough to be themselves in front of a camera is surely worthy of suspicion. I mean, really, how could anyone be THAT genuine?
So, if he changed who he was to fit the camera or the crowd you’d respect him more?
You make me wonder.
Report Post »Bluebonnet
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 2:08pmFISHB8………….He never play to the TV cameras. They were the ones waiting for him to give thanks to Our Lord & Savior and turned the cameras on him.
Report Post »There are never cameras on me, but I give thanks to Jesus for everything all the time, even a good parking place. Putting God First in your life doesn’t mean you get everything you want, it means “YOU PUT GOD FIRST” good or bad. No! We don’t get all we ask for but we understand why, You don’t.
ranchoazulmt
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 4:11pmDo you really believe that is the reason for his faith?
Report Post »kevinj319
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 6:01pmStop your doubting.
Tebow prayed for the Broncos to play better, and his prayers were just answered!
Report Post »GrayPanther
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 9:20amIt will be interesting to see who and what groups attack him in New York. He is what our country and football need. Violence, sportsmanship and good behavior with a Christian peace is to be admired. I will be watching for the freaks who attack his humanity for any reason.
Report Post »SpeckledPup
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 9:18amlet’s not forget his hospital, charities, and the Faith & Goodwill he extends as he meets with wounded soldiers and escorts terminally ill and cancer patient children to football games and dances. Tebow = a Good Man. a Godly Man.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 9:01amI am SICK that the Pat‘s didn’t pick him up. TIM, if things don’t work out because of the haters in NYC, PLEASE come here. PRETTY PLEASE? ;)
Report Post »LOJ
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 8:58amI have great Respect for Tim Tebow as a smart, capable youth, who lives by honor, God, and plays a good game of Football. He would be an asset to any team because of the good heart behind the man.
Report Post »debbieschreib
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 8:36amI am a tim tebow fan who is now a Jets fan. This man is a hero, to me, to millions .. for his courage and integrity .. so please Lord .. keep a watchful and loving eye on your son, that he may be all that your plans require of him. May we all have the courage and Integrity of Tim Tebow.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 9:03amI can‘t bring myself to be Jet’s fan, even for Tim. :(
Report Post »sempek1
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 8:20amTebow in New York?? May God be with him always.
Report Post »TEARS FOR AMERICA
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 8:20amBronco’s are boobs…Tebow rocks! May God bless him beyond measure in the days ahead to stand for the Truth and excel beyond belief! Go Tebow!
Report Post »ranchoazulmt
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 4:16pmI had the same thought. First it was Shanahan. Then it was Orton was the guy since Tebow sat out his whole first year. The he gets the chance and they clinch a play-off berth (conference win).
Report Post »How is Manning not going to be like Favre? No one mentions this. Did Farve ever play ball like he did in Green Bay?
No.
Who thinks that Manning will be as good in Denver as he was in Indy?
Gonzo
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 8:16amI don’t want to take anything away from Tebow because I think he is a fine young man and I really like him. It is a sad commentary on society though that a fine, young, Christian man seems to be such a anomaly in America today.
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 8:39amI will admire him, all the while cheering on the Pats to crush him and the New Jersey Yets
Report Post »YAHSHUARULES
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 11:36amYou are absolutely right on that. Here is a link to a video that really puts in perspective what is wrong with America and how deep the rot is and why someone like Tim Tebow is seen as so extraordinary. In the days of our Founders he would have been an average man, a decent, moral, ethical man of honor and principles but they were for the most part all like that. Its just there is so much corruption and vile filth now, so much perversion and compromise that he stands out so nobely from it. He shines with an inner spirit strength and its wonderful to see. I was a lifelong Bronco fan having been raised in Colorado but no more I will watch Tim Tebow whereever he plays. Someone said how the Jets were such a divided team and loud mouth coach and on; just a perfect platfrom for Tebow to show what a real man of God can do when he brings the love of Yahshua in.
Report Post »We wrestle not against flesh but spirtual wickedness in high places:
http://youtu.be/LJc8Mzg0C-c
hi
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 12:37pmGonzo That is so true. A few years ago my son and I prayed he’d find some nice Christian friends at his new school.
Report Post »A few days later he said,”Mom, can we pray I just find any friend at school?” Awwww:(
biohazard23
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 8:03am“….he’s a guy that Gator fans will always love.” Really? Well, this FSU fan and UCF grad likes Tebow a lot. Can’t say that I did while he was still at UF, but now that he’s not… I just couldn’t cheer for the Gators even with Tebow throwing the ball. Actually, ESPECIALLY with Tebow throwing the ball! I’ll be rooting for him to do well despite his being with the Jets.
http://www.timtebowfoundation.org/news/2011-11-29-dollar-day-kicks-tebow-cure-hospital
Report Post »TEARS FOR AMERICA
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 8:25amDarkness loves an audience…I choose Light and the many stories of Tebow’s philanthropy and love for those who are hurting and in pain is endless…your crybaby story will never defame this young man, sorry.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 10:15amAs a Dawg fan, I know what you mean. He‘s a lot easier to cheer for since he’s not wearing Gator orange and blue.
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 10:41amGonzo, go Dawgs!
@Tears, crybaby story? Huh?? It’s too early to be hitting the flask, don’cha think? No one was whining. Get help, dude. Seriously, get help…..
Report Post »jhaydeng
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 8:01amSanchez & Tebow coming to a theatre near you!!!
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 7:44am.
Well there’s at least one Christian in NYC. But, it’s kinda like watching Daniel being lead into the Lions Den….
I wonder how long the Lefty Media will be able to bite their tongues? I really expect the first time he T-Bows, Bloomberg and at least half the city will Bust into Flames………….
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 9:04amI agree100%. If he does well, they mgiht leave him alone. If he makes ANY MISTAKES at all.. he’s dead meat in that media!
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 7:43amHere’s a good self test to know whether or not you are a Socialist. When Jesus said: The love of many will wax cold. Does it mean: Many people’s love will wax cold? Or, loving many people will wax cold? It means most people just love the sheer number of people, but they don’t actually love the human being, and that’s why Hell gave up all the dead, and people no longer rule will Christ.
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 7:52amThat’s interesting 3:16, is also the same date the President just issued an Executive Order.
Report Post »momrules
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 7:41amTim will be fine. A great young man and a great role model for anyone. I guess now I’ll have to root for the Jets!
I also wish Peyton Manning well. I have always liked him too. In my opinion he is another good guy.
Report Post »blanco5
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 7:14amThis poor guy is now going into the pit of hell aka ny! I hope he changes them and not the other way around!
Report Post »RobMac68
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 7:13amTebow, an up and coming quarterback, who brought alot of attention to the Broncos, traded to the Jets and the Broncos get Manning???? Manning, an excellant quaterback, who might have 2 or 3 years left in him, if he stays healthy. What was the Broncos thinking????
Report Post »dissentnow
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 7:13amWhat Tebow does for children off the field is far more important than anything that he has done on the field. He has more character, honesty, and humility than the majority of the thugs in the NFL combined.
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 7:23amAbsolutely. He will totally transform the New York/New Jersey area. His compassion will be splattered all over the newspapers. He will show the East Coast what some Christians really do behind the scenes. Some of us don’t just sit in the pews, believe me.
Report Post »Tebow will be an asset to the jets off the field a lot more than he will be on the field. It may also get Sanchez to stop being a baby and man up too.
ColoradoMaverick
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 7:11amBeing a life long Broncos fan, I was very sad to see how they treated Tebow when Manning became available. There is a reason the Colts released him, why else would they.
Manning is a great QB, but he’s at the tail end of his career without any injuries. What’s going to happen when he gets injured again? No back up.
Pat Bowlen is an idiot. I kinda hope this bites him in the arse.
Go Tebow!!
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 7:26amI am also a Broncos fan. It was a bad move. 5 years max, then what? Tebow filled seats at any price, sold merchandise and brought them more fans than any other QB on the planet. You are right…If Peyton gets hurt, then what? Doh!
Report Post »Choctaw25
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 8:51amThe Good Ole Boy system is alive an well and living in Denver. I hope John Elway regrets the day he made that decision.
Report Post »I looked at it in a different light, consider Tim as the starting QB with Manning as a back-up. What a combination. But, Elway would have to drop his high and almighty attitude and let his QB’s call the shots.
Bluebonnet
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 2:18pmRight. I do believe the Broncos will rue the day they let Tebow go. I watched Elway come to Denver and he wasn’t that good all the time. I so well remember the last Super Bowl he lost by an enormous
defeat. I was vacationing in the Gulf Shore and a business owner was all a twitter over Elway and the upcoming super bowl. When Elway lost, the man wouldn’t even speak to us anymore. The nerve!!!
Whatever works out in New York, I’m hoping none of their hatefulness rubs off on Tim. God Bless Tim.
Report Post »Git-R-Done
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 5:01pmBluebonnet – I‘ll bet that Tim’s great attitude will rub off on New Yorkers. I hope that Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin become good friends.
Report Post »