The “Cult Of Tim Tebow:” Both Ways, Ref

There are few more divisive sports figures than Tim Tebow.

Say his name in a room of sports fans, and note the wide variety of responses.

• Greatest college QB of all-time
• Inspirational Leader
• Overrated and a failure in the NFL
• A “joke”
• Sideshow
• Preachy
• Privileged

And perhaps you’ll get an impassioned plea begging him to “go away.”

I’m sure news of Tebow’s imminent signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars and his former coach Urban Meyer will elicit huge responses across social media and tv/radio/podcasts. The reports from myriad insiders detail Tebow’s return to the field as a tight end instead of vying for a quarterback slot. You’d most likely do well to set up a wagering platform and lay odds for where each of the talking heads fall in their analysis.

When news began swirling about the potential signing last week, the conflicting “Cults of Tim Tebow” were immediately at odds. Those that wanted his return started pointing to that magical run with the Broncos all those years ago or the legend of Tebow as a leader and a gamer. Conversely, others dismissed it categorically as a publicity stunt or favor done by Meyer and ask loudly, “Why does he keep getting shots?”

Both sides at the extremes are kidding themselves. We’re not conducting a time heist and getting Tebow back to his early 20s with a push to refine the deficiencies in his game. For the others that regularly engage in “hot take nonsense” and utilize and leverage their contacts to boost (or reignite) their careers wherever possible, I ask the simple question. Isn’t this just networking at its finest?

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I find myself intrigued by the news. Obviously, the “Move Tebow to TE/H-back” has been there forever. His completion percentage as a starter was abysmal at the NFL level, but the Broncos won. Only the power of Peyton Manning’s arrival was strong enough to soften the blow of Denver moving away from TebowMania. And there’s no question that all NFL fans and pundits would have loved to see Tebow accept that position change years ago. But think about achieving at the highest level of your chosen field and then told – “Give it up. Change over here.” I’ll clean up the “Pulp Fiction” line from Butch. “Pride messes with you.” Ambition messes with you. Your fans, friends and family might be greatly influential and keep you from accepting a lane change.

Instead of making that change, Tebow’s been a college football analyst and tried his hand at minor league baseball with the Mets organization. Oh, and he made a mint writing books and giving speeches. It should be noted that Tebow flashed some power and rose through the system before the journey ended. Tebow didn’t make contact frequently enough to extend his pursuit into the 2021 season (remember, the minor league season was a victim of the pandemic).

For those bemoaning the roster spot being denied to a would-be tight end prospect this offseason in Jacksonville, I offer the same response I did during Tebow’s minor league baseball run. Sports are played for entertainment and for profit. In the case of minor league baseball, his spot on the roster only precluded a long shot from wearing a Rumble Ponies cap and getting reps. The surefire MLB prospect was not impeded by his presence. At the same time, interest in those clubs and blogs tracking his performance gave minor league baseball a boost, and it certainly translated into additional ticket and memorabilia sales.

Similarly, the arrival of Tebow to Jacksonville is, at its surface, a curiosity and a longshot. But if he still wants to try, and he has friends in the league that will let him come to camp, then why shouldn’t he? The saying is simple. “Retirement is long.” He changed his mind, and he’s entitled to do so.

And, if you’re Shad Khan, you’ve gotten another round of interest in your squad coming out of the selection of Trevor Lawrence, and Urban Meyer’s got a trusted person in his locker room. And, as soon as pen meets paper to join the squad, the merchandising and sales opportunities are obvious. Again, it’s a for-profit venture, all, and his appearance as a camp body isn’t going to obscure the efforts of a would-be star.

Few get to check back into the league for another workout or opportunity. But, trying to argue that all circumstances are the same for players, coaches, widget makers (or insert your profession here) is just disingenuous. Past performances, myriad metrics, sales data and star power will always create areas for interpretation.

Can Tebow learn and play a new position after all of these years? It’s been a minute since he’s taken a hit on the gridiron. Tebow hasn’t been on a roster since 2012. He’s three years older than Taysom Hill, who’s occupied much of the space for the Saints that Tebow would (in theory) for the Jaguars. Of course, all bets are off if madness ensues and Tebow gets under center and winging the ball around.

Think about it. The MCU was just starting to evolve to the behemoth that it became throughout the decade.

I’m curious to watch it flow. I don’t dismiss it categorically. My high school yearbook quote was off the Elvis Presley song “Follow That Dream.”

“I gotta follow that dream wherever that dream may lead.”

Tebow’s getting another shot at the dream. I’m all for it. If it crashes and fails, it’ll do so in the public forum.

We all want to work with friends and people we know and trust. Tebow’s got that chance here in the offseason. We’ll see what he does with it.

Now, “what’s your dream?” You’re burning daylight.