Tebow Time

Tim Tebow does "Tebowing", photo from popdust2.

Tim Tebow--devout Christian, volunteer, role model, and, by the way, the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos--threw an 80-yard touchdown pass in the first play of overtime today to lead his team to a 29-23 win over the favored Pittsburgh Steelers. The suddenness of this play capped an exciting playoff game in which Tim Tebow made other spectacular throws. Respect for the Bronco passing game and for Tim Tebow as a bona fide NFL quarterback is growing. [Update - 1/10: the WSJ shows where the Steeler defense went wrong.]


With signal callers Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady all having MVP-caliber seasons (Green Bay's Rodgers is the favorite), the NFL's biggest story revolves around a former third-string quarterback whose unconventional throwing motion and inexperience with the pro-style passing attack led many to predict that he would never make it in the NFL. But it's his unabashed religiosity that has caused Tim Tebow to become an involuntary lightning rod for America's culture wars. (It only added to the legend that he passed for 316 yards, as in John 3:16, the passage that summarizes the essence of the Christian faith.)

Tim Tebow's one-knee genuflection has inspired imitation from fans who have posted their own poses on the web. Even an NFL player got into the act: earlier this season Detroit Lions defensive back Stephen Tulloch assumed the stance after sacking the Denver quarterback. This weekend the Lions were bounced from the playoffs by the Saints, while the Broncos move on to the next round at New England. There might be a little karma at work, although Tim Tebow wouldn't use that word.

Stephen Tulloch "Tebows"  in the Lions' 45-10 shellacking of the Broncos .