Have you hopped on the Tebow train yet? If not you’re one of the few. According to a recent poll taken by ESPN, Tebow beat out Kobe Bryant, Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning as favorite active athlete for December 2011.
Though he’s not even got two full seasons under his belt, Tebow made his way to number one quicker than any other athlete in history of the poll, which has been published for the last 18 years. Not only that, but he’s also the second Denver Broncos quarterback to finish at the top – Broncos legend John Elway was the first.
Tebow and the Broncos have gone from underdogs to division winners to potential Super Bowl contenders. And with their recent victory over the Steelers, the Tebow Train continues to gain momentum in the mile-high city and across the nation.
So what do we know about the new golden QB? Well, among other things we know:
1. He's saving himself for marriage
One of the most memorable Tebow moments came in 2009 –which set him apart from the typically macho world of football. Yup, he said that he was a virgin, waiting for marriage. Hear that, ladies???
2. He had a global upbringing
Tebow was born in Makati City in the Philippines where his parents were doing Christian Baptist ministry work. He returned to the Philippines during his high school summers to assist his father with his orphanage and missionary work there.
3. His name has been used to refer to both an NCAA regulation and an Internet fad
In 20120, the National Collegiate Athletic Association passed a rule banning players from writing messages in their eye blacks, cleverly nicknamed "The Tebow Rule" by media because of his habit of adorning his with biblical verses. And thanks to the “Tebowing” phenomenon, Tebow's name has become a verb, with people mimicking his kneeling and praying motion and posting pictures online.
4. He was homeschooled
Tebow, along with his four siblings, were all taught at home by their mother as part of their Christian upbringing. Tebow has been quoted as saying "I think that being home schooled offered me an opportunity to learn some life lessons, and those experiences help me while I'm on the field.” He’s the first Heisman Trophy winner to be homeschooled.
Love him or hate him, Tebow’s becoming a Denver institution, and whether you’ve hopped on the train or not, there’s something to be said for rooting for our home team that’s come so far. Go Broncos!
