ESPN Poll: Tebow Is Favorite U.S. Athlete

"God's quarterback" is America's favorite athlete.

A monthly ESPN Sports Poll calculated that Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow is now America's favorite active pro athlete. Tebow ranked first on the list ahead of Kobe Bryant, Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in December's top-five results. The poll results were gathered from 1,502 interviews from a nationally representative sample of Americans ages 12 and older.

"To put this in perspective, Tim Tebow rose to the top before the end of his second pro season. It took Tiger Woods three years, LeBron James eight years and Kobe Bryant 11 years," Rich Luker, founder and director of the ESPN Sports Poll, said. "I think we may be at the front end of a new era in sports stars."

The news of Tebow's growing popularity is only the latest in a string of good press for the faithful Floridian now leading the Denver Broncos. After beating the odds in coming off the bench to start for the struggling team, he went on to lead the Broncos to an AFC West division title. Tebow had arguably the best game of his pro career last Sunday in an OT win over the favored Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the NFL playoffs.

Rumors are also spreading that Tebow may be soon linked romantically to the recently divorced Pop Star Katy Perry.

“'[Katy's] mentioned on more than one occasion how much she likes Tim,' a source tells OK! magazine.'Katy’s mom firmly believes the best cure for heartache is to quickly fall in love again… In her mind, Tebow is the perfect guy for her daughter. He’s handsome, charming, intelligent and above all, a good Christian.'

Katy’s parents have gone as far as inviting Tim to speak at the church Katy used to sing at in Huntington Beach, Calif. Of course — when Katy will be there!"

It has been a good week for Tebow. Fans hope he will continue to ride high during his second round playoff game against the New England Patriots Saturday.