Ken Rappoport - Tim Tebow: A Football Star Who Cares

A Football Star Who Cares

People have doubted Tim Tebow almost his entire life. He was told he could not do things like play quarterback, win a Heisman Trophy, or even make it in the NFL. But Tim did all of that and more. After a stellar career at the University of Florida, he became the Denver Broncos first round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. He led them to an improbable playoff victory in 2011! But as skilled as he is, Tebow is perhaps best known for his worldwide charity work.

About the Author

Ken Rappoport is a professional sportswriter with dozens of books to his credit. Some of the titles he has previously authored for Enslow Publishers, Inc., include Peyton Manning: Champion Football Star and Alex Rodriguez: Champion Baseball Star.

Before Tim Tebow had played a down in the NFL, he was already one of the most popular players in the game.

He also was one of the most discussed figures in football. Love him or hate him, Tebow had inspired an enormous amount of attention. He had as many critics as he had fans.

Everyone was waiting to see how Tebow would perform in the pros following his success in college. He had won the Heisman Trophy and played on two national championship teams with the Florida Gators.

He brought unusual talents to the quarterback position. He was a double threat because he could run as well as pass. Usually pro quarterbacks rely mostly on throwing the ball or handing it off to a running back. Tebow was not expected to succeed in the NFL. His style was not in the tradition of the great quarterbacks. Throughout his career in high school, college, and professional football, Tebow was told he could not succeed.

But Tebows dedication and faith made him think otherwise.

So meet Tim Tebow, one of the most interesting football players you will ever know.

Tebow launches a pass in a game against the Chicago Bears.

Tim Tebow faced the biggest challenge of his career.

The Denver Broncos quarterback was in a tailspin. The team had three straight losses to end the 2011 NFL regular season. Now it was the playoffs. His dream job of quarterbacking an NFL team was on the line.

Tim Tebow watches the scoreboard clock tick down at the end of a come-from-behind win during the 2011 season.

Tebow needed to reach deep within himself. He felt personally responsible for the losses. He was determined to work harder than he ever had. He did not want to let his teammates down. It was time for prayer.

For a time in the 2011 season, Tebow was unbeatable. He had come off the bench to lead the Broncos to six straight victories. The streak had moved the Broncos to the top of the AFC West division. If they stayed atop their division, they would make the playoffs.

But with Tebow at the helm, the Broncos had closed out the regular season with three straight losses. They finished with an 88 record and just barely made it into the playoffs.

Many had lost faith in the young quarterback. Was his six-game winning streak just lucky?

Tebow had been regarded as a risk to play in the NFL. Pro quarterbacks were strong in the passing game. Tebow couldnt pass. That was what critics were saying about him. It was the one essential element for a quarterback in the pros. But Tebows passing percentage was the lowest among the NFLs starting quarterbacks.

Tebow saw himself as a double-threat player; part quarterback and part running back. His game relied heavily on his ability as a runner. The powerfully built 6-foot-3, 240-pound Tebow often chalked up as much yardage with his runs as with his passing.

Different? Yes, but no one could deny his faith on and off the field. He was a hot topic and a fan favorite wherever he had played: high school, college, or the pros.

Son of a missionary, Tebows deeply religious convictions had drawn attention to him. He could often be seen kneeling on the sidelines in prayer in what has become known as Tebowing.

Tebow awoke on the morning of his first playoff game. One of the first things he did was reach for his iPhone. For his fans on Facebook and Twitter, he keyed Hebrews 12:1-2, a message from the Bible.

Ive always loved that verse because its very encouraging Tebow said. It talks about having endurancewhether its endurance in your faith or endurance as we play a game.

Tim Tebow kneels down and prays before the start of the second half of a game against the New England Patriots. Kneeling in this way has been called Tebowing.

Awaiting the underdog Broncos were the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the NFLs elite franchises. They had won a record six Super Bowls and boasted a league-high defense during the 2011 season.

Game time!

Demaryius Thomas streaks down the sideline to complete an 80-yard touchdown pass.

Tebow filled the air with footballs. In the second quarter alone, Tebow completed passes of 51, 30, and 58 yards.

Then came the topper in overtime. Just eleven seconds into the extra period, Tebow threw an 80-yard pass to Demaryius Thomas.

Touchdown!

It was the quickest overtime touchdown in NFL playoff history.

Broncos win, 2923.

Tebow finished with a career-high 316 passing yards. He threw for two touchdowns, and scored another on the ground. He answered his critics who said he couldnt pass.

An excited Tebow jumped into the stands, slapping high-fives with fans. Then he fell on one knee in prayer.

His early life had prepared him for such a moment.

It was hot and the doctors were tired. There were still long lines outside the clinic in a remote area of the Philippines. So many people needed medical treatment.

Tim Tebow was ready to help. From the time he turned fifteen, Tim worked as a missionary with his father. Helping to assist the doctors was not unusual for Tim.

They were teaching us how to do things, so I really was performing surgeries, Tebow said. I couldnt do that (in the United States), but I really did it there.

Tebow was born in the Philippines on August 14, 1987. He is the son of missionary parents. Missionaries travel to remote areas of the world to provide much needed medical and dental treatment.

Making a difference in peoples lives was ingrained in his upbringing and very important to Tim. His other love was football. His dream was to become a quarterback.