Tim Tebow Rumors: Why Jaguars Trade Talk is Just Media Creation

Jacksonville Jaguars team owner Shahid Khan opened a can of worms at the end of January when he said if he had been involved in the Jaguars' 2010 draft, he would have selected Tim Tebow.

This set off a huge firestorm of conversation not only in the Jacksonville area, but also the national media. Now it appears Denver is a possible destination for four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning, meaning that the former Florida Gator and Jacksonville native could be dealt to another team and the rumors are that Tebow could be headed back home.

Both Tebow and Peyton Manning have the same agent in Tom Condon, so the idea that both quarterbacks could stay in one place on one team could possibly be a stumbling block to this revelation. But Manning met with Broncos team president, John Elway, Friday to discuss the possibility of having him throw passes in Denver blue next season.

Tebow is a young passer who has been vaulted to "rock star" status and the fact that he led his team to an improbable playoff berth and run makes this story "sexier" than it probably is. Teams also in the mix such as Tennessee, Arizona and Miami all offer Manning something different that may make the teams more attractive.

The reason the media latches on to this is simple: Tebow is a lightning rod. Whether it is his stellar performance in the playoffs against Pittsburgh or his dismal showing against New England, the media jumps at a chance to attack a polarizing player like him. And it goes beyond the field. The sports media is also interested in his love life, his off time and where he stands on political issues. It's probably a good thing he turned down a chance to be on The Bachelor.

But this is football and we will stick this instance of media over-hyping the over-hyped.

Last season, Tebow was the biggest story in the NFL outside of Manning's neck injury and the fall of the Colts from NFL royalty. Ironic, isn't it, that the two forces (although highly unlikely) could be joined at the hip? If not for Tebow, it may have been an incredibly bland year in the NFL. Therefore, the media eats this up.

Tebow does nothing to help this team with his arm. The receivers are still bland at best. He would be replacing Blaine Gabbert, a second-year pro who was ranked last in the NFL of starters. If Tebow falters, who does this team turn to? Who comes in to be the savior then?

At best, this is merely speculation. For the media, it is something to write about. For the fans, it is something to think about. Yes, Tebow is a media darling, a ticket seller in Jacksonville and a marketing gem that would put the team and the city back on the map.

But until he is traded and can prove he can be a true NFL quarterback and be more consistent, this is just fodder for what the media loves. Speculation.