LeBron James and Tim Tebow: Which Disappointing Star Will Win a Ring First?

If you are a fan of any level of football, you would know how highly doubted Tim Tebow comes. From his time in Florida, to his time pre-NFL and now his time with the Denver Broncos, the doubt that resonates in the minds of Tim Tebow’s opposition only grows as his time in the league trails forward.

The only way it seems he can silence the people who hate him is if he leads the Denver Broncos to a Super Bowl win. It makes me giggle even thinking that this is a possibility. However, there is another man in sports who experiences a higher level of disappointment than Tebow. That man just happens to be LeBron James.

There is not another athlete that can attest to the amount of scrutiny that the former Cleveland Cavaliers current Miami Heat star can.

James has been held up beside the menacing stature of Michael Jordan and, according to the most recent comparisons, has not lived up to everyone’s first predictions of his talents. Jokes are made in his honor and although he is forced to deal with the disrespect and annoyance of his peers and Cavaliers fans, he has still made reasonable strides in the league.

Most recently, LeBron has taken to Twitter to defend Tim Tebow in response to Merril Hoge’s tweets about how unsuccessful Tebow will be leading the Denver Broncos. Hoge’s statements about Tebow and the Denver Broncos were nothing short of direct and relayed his rawest feelings about the developing quarterback.

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It all started Wednesday with this post from Hoge: "Sitting watching tape off bronco offense from last year! Orton or Tebow? It's embarrassing to think the broncos could win with tebow!!"

Over the course of four more tweets, Hoge went on to say such things as:

"QB play is not just about who works hard gives rare rare college speeches or who is a good guy!! Because orton works hard And is a good guy as well. It's about who can play!!"

"That throwing motion he changed? U can't change who u r! Just watched 2 throws and he throws like he did in college!!"

"College credentials do not transfer to NFL ... ! You must poses a skill set to play! Tebow struggle with accuracy!"

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Tebow responded with a simple "Hey Merril...... 'ppreciate that”, more than likely referring to his television commercial where he thanks all of his critics for doubting his talents and his future as a football player.

With the NBA lockout shaking down players and forcing them to find other avenues for their aggression, LeBron responded as well. Spending three tweets on his rant, James addresses Tebow’s future in the league and his thoughts of men that comment from behind a desk.

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"Tim Tebow will succeed in the NFL. He's a hard worker, a student of the game, a natural born leader and most of all a WINNER!"

"Guys get on that TV and act like they was all WORLD when they played. How bout encouraging him and wishing him the best instead of hating!!"

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Not saying that either LeBron James or Tim Tebow has some type of unlawful connection other than how their skillsets are perceived. But, it was interesting to see someone in a similar situation come to the defense of a quarterback who has yet to prove himself either.

Which will reach their potential first?

LeBron may have had a hefty headstart, but with the league on the outs with their players and teams building superteams wherever the cap space permits, it may take him a while as well. The Denver Broncos are not a team that most would consider shoo-ins for the playoffs.

Even with the addition of pure defensive mechanism Von Miller in this year’s draft, who limped off of the practice field last week, and the advanced knowledge of John Elway as the President, the franchise still has a lot to mend before defeating the likes of the New England Patriots or even the New York Jets.  Both are predicted to be two of the primary contenders for a Super Bowl position next year.

The Miami Heat squad has slightly restructured themselves by adding Norris Cole, a fast-paced guard to their roster to counteract the transition issues they experienced last season. With an incredible transition game between the two most talented players on the squad, the team was not able to exploit it because there was no one else to get involved.

Both LeBron James and Tim Tebow still have a ways to go as far as their personal legacies are concerned. At least one can realize the situation and struggles of another, even if they are not playing for the same men and one may be out of work far longer than the other.

Follow Klaibourne on Twitter: @nyhlaablack

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