Tim Tebow: The Greatest of All-Time?

Preface:  I am a fiercely loyal Gator fan, going back to when I was six or seven years old (1983-1984).

My first, though hazy memories, of the Gators were listening to Larry Munson (dad is a Dawg) through that terrible 24-3 loss to Georgia, and Bell overcoming injury for the improbable comeback over Auburn in 1986. 

Therefore, when comparing players, it is hard for me to go way back to the days of Baugh, Staubach, and Unitas.

With that said, however, I simply do not understand the deal with Tim Tebow. He is a great college player, inspirational leader, Christian person, etc., but one of the greatest players of all-time? I just do not get that.

He may very well leave Florida as the most decorated player of all time, helped along by the ESPN and CBS love-fest coverage. There is no doubt that winning a National Championship and Heisman, coupled with contributing to another national title is a rare feat. Still, one of the greatest of all-time? 

There is a strong case that could be made that Tebow is not even the greatest quarterback of this decade. USC offered Leinart and Palmer. Oklahoma counters with White and Bradford. Then of course, there was Vince Young and even Pat White. I would actually give Tim a nod over these players, but still, a case could be made.

Statistics are not the best tool for comparison either. The 20/20 that Tebow accomplished in 2007 will likely be reproduced over the next several years, as more teams move into the spread option offense.

Dan Lefevour of Central Michigan nearly succeeded the same year, finishing with 27 passing and 19 rushing touchdowns. Plus, if Florida had any semblance of a running game in 2006-2007, Tebow’s numbers would have been even lower.

In terms of leadership, is Tebow really that much better than someone like Jay Barker, who had far less physical tools, but was a pure winner? Tommie Frazier was a winner as well. Even Tebow’s childhood idol, Danny Wuerffel, demonstrated rare leadership qualities. Was Chris Weinke or Jason White any less of a leader on their title teams?

I've just been discussing quarterbacks, but what about the other 21 positions on the field? Where do you put Tony Dorsett, Herschel Walker, or O.J. Simpson? 

What about the great defenders—Hugh Green, Bronco Nagurski, Dick Butkus, even Lee Roy Selman?

All in all, Tebow probably belongs in the Top 20 of all-time college football players, but to put him at No. 1?  I think that is a stretch.

Finally, here is hoping coach Meyer does not read this, or I might be kicked out of Gator Nation forever.