Tim Tebow: Polarization Not About Denver Broncos QB, but Fans' Reaction to Him

Listen up, Tim Tebow lovers.

There is no outright hatred of or disgust for the Denver Broncos quarterback, not even from noted "Tebow Hater" Bill Maher.

Rather, the groundswell of polarity surrounding Tebow is the result of the fervent support he's garnered for his piety as much as his play, statistics and quarterbacking skills be damned.

Those who would rather watch All-Pros like Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Drew Brees play the position with grace and precision while winning have had the specter of Tebow, a player who wins at all costs (pinpoint passing included), shoved down their throats.

Even though most savvy NFL fans know it takes more than one player to win football games. That's certainly been the case with the Broncos, who've benefited tremendously from the pragmatic coaching of John Fox, the tremendous pass-rushing efforts of Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller, the resurgent running of Willis McGahee and the spot-on kicking of Matt Prater.

Among other things, including the poor health of their opponents. Just ask Ben Roethlisberger's ankle, Ryan Clark's blood, Rashard Mendenhall's knee and/or the starting defensive line of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

But, because Tebow is "special," because he's a "winner," because he's a stand-up guy who's vocal and devout in his faith, we're supposed to forget about all that.

We're supposed to forget that good quarterbacks don't usually cock their arms behind their heads before they launch the ball downfield. We're supposed to forget that football is a team game, that one man does not a team make.

We're supposed to worship Tebow as some sort of symbol of all that's right with the world, because folks in this country aren't already inundated with enough celebrities and heroes to laud, on top of all the villains and infamous figures who are made targets for public derision.

Again, there's nothing wrong with applauding Tebow as a person, as far as anyone can tell. Yes, he's rather forward with his faith, in a way that can be rather off-putting to some, but he's still setting a better example than those who soak up the spotlight at every opportunity, who use the attention afforded professional athletes to boast and bicker rather than defer and express humility.

It's a good thing that Tebow doesn't push himself on the viewing public.

If only the media and his legions of devout followers didn't feel the need to step in and do just that. If only so many didn't feel the need to flood sports fans at large with images of Tebow genuflecting and exclamations of how great he is and how everyone should be on the Tebow Train.

And how those who aren't are lesser, for some odd reason.

So rather than going haywire about miracles and chosen teams and divine intervention, let's all just settle down, watch the Denver Broncos take on the New England Patriots and allow the game tape to speak for itself.

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