Tim Tebow: How He Manages to Defy Expectations Every Day
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He cannot win a Florida High School State Championship.
He cannot play college football.
He cannot win a NCAA championship.
He cannot win the Heisman Trophy.
He cannot play in the NFL.
He will not be drafted in the first round of the NFL draft.
Well, you know the drill, as you know the story by now, cover to cover.
Polarizing. The single most-used word in the English dictionary for the past six months and one that deserves to be placed next to Tebowing.
Let's fast forward, with a few more "cannots"...
He cannot be an NFL QB.
He cannot win in the NFL.
Let me first state for those of you who do not know or understand me, I support Tebow as an NFL QB and really do not concern myself very much with his off-the-field life, as I am here to talk football.
Furthermore, and with all due respect, I am really not interested in how you feel about him off the field as I prefer to discuss and debate with you, as always, Tim Tebow, the NFL QB.
I prefer the description of a fan as a supporter or detractor in lieu of hater or Tebowmaniac.
You can label me a supporter in a football sense, with boundaries.
I support Tebow in an objective sense as both a sports writer who has followed him very closely and personally for six years and as a passionate Bronco fan.
I have always believed that if anyone can be what they want to be or must become, Tebow is capable of being that person.
I admire that quality in a person and enjoy watching progression, in anyone.
Maybe he defies your expectations as a supporter or maybe as a detractor, as it works both ways.
Since this is my story and I am a supporter, I will take the liberty to follow my spin, and you're encouraged to feel free to comment.
I believe that Tebow continues to exceed expectations, for two primary reasons.
One, because the bar has always been set, foolishly low for him, coupled with the "no can do" attitude.
Many have been trained to take the easy way out by opting to say and feel that what is difficult, is best left alone instead of attacking an obstacle to further success. Many are more comfortable with what they have and would rather feel safe and secure, rather that navigate uncharted and uncomfortable waters.
This belief and behavior is foreign to Tim Tebow.
The recipe of being a defeatist and saying "no you cannot," mixed with someone who possesses a fiery and steely determination and a thirst to prove you wrong at all costs is volatile, and one that will yield you, none other than Tim Tebow.
No, no, no and no again, is all he has ever heard about fulfilling his dream of being a successful NFL QB from almost everyone, outside of his family, coaches and teammates who believed in him.
When will detractors realize that you're simply feeding the beast of Tebow by continuing to say no; you cannot?
Tebow thrives on hearing what he cannot do and uses this as motivation to continue to conquer mountains as he has been doing on the football field for the past nine years.
He can be doubted forever because he's an unconventional QB, but the reality is he has achieved everything he has set out to accomplish in a grand fashion that most of us will never experience.
When does doubt turn to the benefit of the doubt?
Another aspect that feeds his ability to exceed expectations is a heartfelt desire and impassioned understanding that he becomes a better QB when those around him are better, from the inside out.
This is an easy concept to wrap your arms around but a difficult one to see through to fruition.
In any walk of life, a person who depends on others, will be better at what they do, when they feel important and valued. If all individual working parts can be made to feel and thus operate as such, the machine in total will operate from a good place.
It's common courtesy in the NFL for a successful QB to reward his offensive line with a some sort of gift, having monetary value.
Tebow may in fact partake in this ritual, but what he does every day with all of his offensive teammates, in my opinion, is far more valuable than any material token.
He genuinely and sincerely cares about his teammates and lets them know just how important they are to him and to that overall machine's success. When given an accolade, he's first to deflect and defer to his teammates.
This behavior might nauseate some as this is behavior we are not accustomed to in the degree we're experiencing, but ask yourself if you would want to work in an environment where you're truly and honestly appreciated in such an open manner?
Might the good feelings you inherit, assist in reaching your individual potential and in making the sum of all parts the best it can be?
Tebow is an unselfish athlete with a high IQ who knows enough to recognize that he will be better at what he does, if his teammates raise their potential to their fullest.
He's a leader and not a follower and nor does he concern himself with anyone's perception of him, enabling him to be comfortable in his own skin and to communicate with his teammates in a way and degree that's unfamiliar in such a brutal game.
In the end, whether the aforementioned attributes translate to a memorable NFL career, is anyone's guess, but for now, I will in fact give him the benefit of the doubt and put the burden of proof on his shoulders.
Whether you care for this NFL QB or not, be forewarned. He will continue to exceed expectations, every day and on a large stage, as he's a polarizing personality who welcomes and thrives from the everyday challenges that many shy away from.
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