The Cult of Personality

He defies all sports logic. He is on paper; a third string Quarterback. He defines fan favorite. He is the cult of personality. He is most importantly, a Winner. Tim Tebow is an enigma wrapped in a mystery. He has the arm strength of a college quarterback and the accuracy of a high school quarter back. He has completed 50% of his passes in a game once, he has had a two completion game. His jersey was sold more than any other player when he was a third string quarter back. I could sit here all day writing fun Tim Tebow facts, however the bottom line is he is a winner.

Why did a Quarterback who possesses none of the skills required to be a starter get a shot; because of Public Relations. Denver entered this season with virtually no play-off aspirations, lead by a safe QB option; Kyle "the Legend Killer" Orton. From day one of training camp the fans were chanting two syllables; "TE-BOW". Denver's coaching staff logically ignored the fans demands and started Kyle Orton. Orton would in fact be backed up by former hyped prospect Brady Quinn. This left Tebow as the third string Quarterback. Based on his skills set, this seemed like an applicable spot on the depth chart.

As the season began to play out, Denver did as many expected and lost....repeatedly. As the losses mounted the Tebow chants began to get louder. These chants grew despite ridicule from head coach John Fox, every football analyst, and local hero John Elway. Entering their bye week 1-4 the Denver coaching staff decided to give in to the fans pressure and start Tim Tebow week six after the bye. Contradictory to many Quarterback changes, this one was not a football move, it was a Public Relations move. That sounds ridiculous doesn't it? A professional organization going against their instincts and starting someone at the most important position in sports based on their fan base' demand. Even though the coaching staff would never admit it, Denver viewed the 2011-2012 season as a lost campaign and started Tim Tebow with the purpose of proving to their fans he was NOT the starting Quarterback of the future in Denver.

The move to anoint Tebow as the starter in Denver was a public relations move by the coaching staff. This was evident by skipping over the number two starter on the depth chart and putting in the third string starter. By making him the backup quarterback the Denver coaching staff and indicated coming out of pre-season that they thought Quinn gave them the second best chance to win behind Orton. Quinn was overlooked and Tebow jumped into the starting role after Orton was publically chastised by fans. Every incomplete pass would result in a louder "Tebow" chant. His name was being chanted on the road as well as at home games.

Sometimes the fans know best. Despite lacking the skills stereotypical to an NFL Quarterback, Tebow has won six of his seven starts, leading the Broncos to the cusp of the NFL playoffs. His personal statistics are significantly underwhelming, however his heart and will to win are unmatched. With the city of Denver behind him it should be interesting to see how far Tebow can carry the Broncos in their "lost season of 11-12"