Tim Tebow and Brett Favre: What Makes Them Media Gods (with Video)?

Go turn on the TV. 

Now change the channel to ESPN. 

So who were they covering? Tim Tebow or Brett Favre?

If you're looking for a sports story that doesn't involve either of those two guys, well, good luck. 

On the same day Tebow leaves practice early due to a possible rib injury (oh my!), Favre announces his retireme... oops, return.

By the way, a week from now, those will still probably be top stories.

So what is it that makes America (or maybe just ESPN) love these guys? 

Maybe love isn't the right word, but either way, you can't avoid them.

Average Joes

It may sound ridiculous considering the absurd amount of money they make, but these guys could be your next door neighbor.

And if they were, I bet they'd be the neighbor you loved.

The guy who hosts the Sunday BBQ at his house after church.

While Tebow's religious faith is no secret, it should be mentioned Favre is also a devout Christian.

I think you get the idea, if these guys didn't have cannons for arms, they seem like they would fit right in with 'the guys.'

Family Men

Unlike many athletes and celebrities, Favre and Tebow have let us in on their personal lives.

And as a result, we feel closer to them.

When Favre's father passed away, the nation grieved with him on Monday Night Football. 

Then when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, we realized just how human Favre was. 

There he was on the field acknowledging his wife after big plays and victories while she battled for her life. 

When Tebow was in college, it was impossible for there to be a national broadcast without some video footage of his family in the stands.

His mom and dad were always there. His brothers and sisters? Usually somewhere close.

One of the more memorable moments was Tebow tearfully embracing his parents prior to making his final home appearance as a Gator.

Kind of brings it all home, doesn't it?

Leaders

For three years in college, Tim Tebow carried a Florida Gators team.

The result? A national championship. Oh, and that Heisman award thing. 

Even when Tebow was a backup with the Gators during their 2006 championship run, he was still a force with which to be reckoned. He ended up scoring more touchdowns (2-to-1) than starter Chris Leak. 

What have his new Broncos teammates had to say about him?

The same things everyone at the University of Florida said. 

The guy is a leader. No one works harder. He sets the tone.

Who can hate a guy like that?

Favre is another leader. The Minnesota Vikings can attest to that after he marched them to the NFC Championship game last season.

Going to the NFC Championship is nothing new for Favre, considering it was the fifth time he led a team there. 

In the mid-90s, Favre won three consecutive MVPs, and in 1996, he won his first and only super bowl with the Packers.

Everybody loves a winner, and winning gets you fame.

Think anyone would care if JaMarcus Russell returned to football or hurt his ribs? 

Didn't think so.

Here's Favre winning a Super Bowl: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BClqFqGWbzM&feature=related

And here is Tebow practically promising a national championship: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sGv2Zw-WQw

Warriors

Injury isn't really the right word because its the lack thereof that is impressive.

These guys could be near death and still insist on playing. 

In fact, Brett Favre plans on it. But, in all seriousness, look at these warriors.

Who can forget what happened to Tebow against Kentucky? In a game he decided to play despite two bags of IV fluids prior to the start, Tebow was about nearly knocked dead on the field.

After laying motionless for minutes on the field, Tebow was taken to a hospital where he was diagnosed with a concussion.

Where was he in the Gators next game? Just leading the team to a victory over the fourth-ranked LSU Tigers.

In high school, Tebow finished a game despite having a broken leg. 

Favre is obviously famous for holding the NFL record for most consecutive starts. That streak began in 1992, and continues to this day.

Through that streak, Favre has battled numerous injuries.

Ankles, elbows, shoulders. Concussions.

None of it rattled Favre. Give him a week to rest, and he'd be ready to take the field again. 

Gutsy is the only way to describe it. 

Drama

Pretty self-explanatory isn't it?

Favre has that habit of retiring, then unretiring.

He had another habit back in '96, and that one landed him in rehab.

Oh, and he also texts teammates false information about his future.

And speaking of texting, didn't he say something dirty to a sideline reporter in New York?

Yikes.  

Tebow has a little less drama, but he's still young, so have hope.

That pro-life Super Bowl commercial certainly drew some attention. And his openness about being a celebrity and a virgin has caused many to wonder.

If there is any drama to come from Tebow it would likely be rooted in his deep religious beliefs. Religion has caused many a war, and it sure could drive some people to hate Tebow should he start openly preaching in the media.