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Congressman Tebow? Surprise Retirement of Key Florida Rep. Reportedly Sparks Effort to Draft Former NFL QB
Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Congressman Tebow? Surprise Retirement of Key Florida Rep. Reportedly Sparks Effort to Draft Former NFL QB

"He would be a shoo-in."

When Rep. Ander Crenshaw, a Republican from Florida, announced earlier this week he would retire at the end of his term, it didn't take long for some to begin speculating on who could replace him.

Crenshaw, who represents the same part of Florida that former NFL star Tim Tebow calls home, made the unexpected announcement just weeks after Tebow left open the possibility of getting into politics.

Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

"We do not pick favorites," a Republican Party strategist told the Washington Examiner. But, the individual added, "Obviously a huge Florida football star would be an interesting candidate for our side of the aisle."

Tebow was asked by Fox News in March if he'd ever consider running for political office. The former Denver Broncos quarterback replied by saying, "If there’s a chance you can make a difference some day in something, then that would be intriguing," seemingly leaving the door open to the possibility.

Pressure for Tebow to throw his hat in the ring mounted Thursday, when the conservative blog Red Alert Politics endorsed him for the seat in an opinion editorial.

"If there is any chance Tebow could run, Republicans and the NRCC should actively recruit him and welcome him into the party. While some might think Tebow could be 'the next Rick Santorum,' focusing mostly on social issues, Tebow would bring much more than that," the website opined.

"He would bring a focus on fighting for the less fortunate and using creative solutions to eradicate poverty. He would also bring millennial appeal — and the right kind of millennial appeal. Tebow's non-political accomplishments allow him to say things politicians couldn't about culture and character. He would shake up the political establishment and would have no ties to special interests," it added.

GOP adviser and strategist Brian Walsh further told the Examiner that Tebow could make a "strong contender" with his high name identification and reputation for for "hard work and strong values."

A GOP communications strategist added that if Tebow were to decide to run, he would likely win. "If he were to become the Republican nominee, he would be a shoo-in because it is a safe Republican seat," Ron Bonjean told the Examiner.

One Republican source said the party is reaching out to Tebow and even working on what could turn into a potential campaign, which the former football star could use in the August 30 primary.

"We could hit the ground running, immediately," the source told the Examiner.

Crenshaw was elected in 2000, where he has served eight terms. His final term ends January 3, 2017.

A representative for Tebow did not immediately return a request for comment from TheBlaze.

(H/T: Washington Examiner)

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