At PJ Media, Paula Bolyard feels kind of the same way:
Now you’d think that any team with half a brain, or even a modicum of greed, would have seen the potential — a decade of Tebwomania with the accompanying marketing bonanza. Jerseys, posters, shoes, ticket sales, TV viewers — dollar signs. They would have immediately put a team of the best coaches, trainers, and former quarterbacks on Team Tebow to do whatever it takes to transform his Heisman Trophy college skills into NFL-worthy abilities. But the media had to have its say.
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Despite Tebow’s tremendous marketing potential, even before he was cut loose from the Broncos, the whisper campaign began about how he was “polarizing” and he had “baggage” — that teams wouldn’t want the “distraction.” Ross Bentley at Bleacher Report called Tebow “ the most polarizing figure in sports.” A Business Insider headline blasted “How He Became the Most Polarizing Athlete in Sports,” citing Tebow’s homeschooling and Christian faith. (It should be noted that Michael Vick was also at one time considered “the Most Polarizing Man in Sports,” but you know, he killed and tortured innocent puppies and spent time in prison for illegal dog fighting.)
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The truth is, many of these Tebow-bashers really have a problem with God — Tebow is just a convenient conduit for their anger. When they see Tebow unashamedly discussing his faith, praying — Tebowing — on the sidelines of a football game, or hear about him preaching in a church, it makes them confront the fact that they are not right with God.I am sure he will land on his feet, though. He'll certainly never have to pay for a meal in the state of Florida. If he brushes up on his TV presenter skills a little, some smart producer might give him a show, and then the haters will have to see him even more than they would have on a football field.
You're absolutely right. Alot of franchises that have solid QBs I might be able to understand not wanting to take a chance, but the management of the Jacksonville Jaguars need to be lined up and shot. They have never had a good QB,have had rotten attendance, and the franchise is not making money. You bring in Tebow, you have an automatic built in fanbase to bring butts in the seats at the very least. And maybe, just maybe, he can replicate that Broncos season of 2011.
ReplyDeleteBut they won't listen. They run that organization about as good as Obama runs the military.
Yes, it looks like the people who run the Jaguars are the same people who owned the Cleveland Indians in the movie "Major League." Also, my favorite comments are the ones that start "You're absolutely right."
ReplyDeleteYou people have to stop. Not only do you continue to make yourselves look like the most delusional fanatics on the planet, but you're not doing anything to help Mr. Tebow out either. Most (and I do mean 'MOST')have no problem with Tim himself. They wish him no ill will and recognize his being a positive role model. The NFL, however, is a business first. His legion of fans is mostly comprised of adoring females of all ages, Florida residents, and the staunchest of conservatives. A huge majority of whom are fans for reasons other than his NFL ability, when it's his lack thereof that they fail to recognize. And THAT is why you, his fans, are the cause of his polarization. You're unknowing, oblivious, and annoying. None of you should ever engage in an NFL conversation again because YOU HAVE NO CREDIBILITY.
ReplyDeleteAny respectable NFL fan knows all of your arguments inside and out. You think you bring some authenticity to the discussion by what you think are "quality stats." Here's the thing: Football is not tennis, or golf, or wrestling. Football is a purely team sport. Did Champ Bailey, Matt Prater, Elvis Dumervil, and Willis McGahee not play a role in Denver's run to the playoffs? More so than Tebow, in fact, considering he was statistically the WORST QUARTERBACK IN THE LEAGUE. But, hey, the 32nd ranked QB of 2011 "got the win." Yeah, right. Sure he did.
"No one has given him a chance." Shut up. He received more of a chance than most prospective players and with 3 different teams. All these coaches who watched him everyday in practice and preseason know football better than anyone, including the 65 year-old homemaker from Tallahassee who wants to cry "Christian persecution." Which leads me to the worst kind of fan ...
"He's being blackballed just because of his religious beliefs." I'll make this short and sweet. According to a recent SI survey, 92% of the league's players are Christians. Literally every game concludes with a gathering of players on the field conducting prayer. You, the TV viewer, just don't see that (as if you'd actually be watching a game anyway). And if that's not enough, numerous players throughout NFL history have been outspoken with their Christian beliefs. Hall of Famer, Reggie White, was an ordained minister and praised God in every single TV interview he ever gave. I can't say I've ever heard anyone speak ill of him. And, of course, a soon-to-be Hall of Famer, Kurt Warner, was also a quarterback, Super Bowl champion, 2-time MVP, and a man who never neglected an opportunity to give all credit to the Lord. He's also a man who wasn't above working up to the NFL via the Arena League.
Lastly, spare me the Heisman crap. Yeah, tell that argument to Gino Taretta, Jason White, Charlie Ward, Andre Ware, David Klingler, etc. College skills do not always translate to the NFL.
Seriously though, if you do care at all about Tim Tebow, you really have to stop talking football. Encourage him to take his skills and talents in another direction. And while you're at it. Quit inserting politics into the discussion. You're making ME look bad, you freaking jack wagon.
Donald Alsup
Christian, Father of 2, Republican
Walters, OK