Tim Tebow and 5 NFL Stars Who Have Instantly Re-Energized Their Fanbases

No matter when it happens, getting that re-energized boost like the Energizer Bunny can be exhilarating for any fanbase.

Also, to some extent, the position doesn't really matter as long as the player significantly contributes to winning regardless. So to keep the energy flowing, here are five players who have helped give their respective fanbases even more to cheer about.

Cam Newton: QB, Panthers

After using his legs so much at Auburn, it was unclear how well Cam Newton would transition into the NFL. We knew he had a strong arm and was fairly accurate coming in, but he never really stood in the pocket.

Well, Newton has dashed all of his haters' wishes this season and has been putting up numbers to build a solid case for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Carolina has never really had a quarterback of his potential and after throwing for 3,573 yards (as well as 554 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns) and 15 touchdowns to 16 interceptions. That's great for a rookie.

Also, consider that the aging Steve Smith and tight end Greg Olsen are his only two receiving targets to go with not much of a ground game (if it weren't for him) and a struggling defense, the Panthers future rests on his shoulders.

Nonetheless, Cam has responded greatly to his critics and Carolina's fan base has their franchise quarterback.

Jimmy Graham: TE, Saints

Even when the New Orleans Saints won the Super Bowl after the 2009 season, they never really had a dominant tight end. Sure, Jeremy Shockey was solid, but the lack of production at the tight end position really hurt their offense the past two seasons.

Well, along came Jimmy Graham and that dimension of the Saints offense is virtually impossible to stop. This season, Graham has compiled 1,101 receiving yards on 80 receptions (101 targets) and eight touchdowns.

All of which lead the team.

Had New Orleans had this type of production at the tight end position last season, not only would they have made a deep run into the playoffs, but it would give them a solid matchup (at the very least) to Atlanta and Tony Gonzalez.

Needless to say, that's basically been the case this season and because of Graham, The Big Easy literally makes it look easy when throttling opposing defenses each week.

Torrey Smith: WR, Ravens

Although the Baltimore Ravens currently control their own destiny atop the AFC North, they still have yet to get over the Pittsburgh hump in the postseason.

And even when the Ravens swept the Steelers in the 2006 season, they didn't have a stud wide receiver who could stretch the field (Mark Clayton was the leading wide receiver that season).

This season however, has taken new hope with the forward pass to rookie wide receiver Torrey Smith. Smith is one of the fastest NFL wide receivers and leads Baltimore with six touchdowns.

Now, he many have just 37 receptions for 693 yards, but much of that is because of running back Ray Rice's versatility. That said, Smith averages 18.7 yards per catch so stretching the field is his primary responsibility.

Against a tough defense like the Steelers, elongating the defenders opens up the playbook quite a bit. Smith has done that and will continue to do that in the hopes of the Ravens making another trip to the Super Bowl.

Rob Gronkowski: TE, Patriots

For as great as the New England Patriots have been with Tom Brady at the helm, they've never had an overly dominant tight end like they way Rob Gronkowski has played this season.

Prior to Gronkowski, Brady's best tight end was Benjamim Watson who never reached 700 receiving yards or 50 receptions. In addition, that's one major area that has plagued New England in recent years.

Not having that established tight end allows the linebackers to play a softer zone and focus on the crossing patterns, as opposed to playing single coverage on a beastly tight end who's just as good, if not better than any of Brady's wide receivers.

It's perhaps one area that cost them a Super Bowl appearance in 2006, win in 2007, and an early playoff exit in 2009 and 2010.

Well, Gronkowski has been so dominant this season (71 receptions, 1,088 yards, 15 touchdowns) that any linebackers core will have trouble manning up on him. His presence will open up the defense even more and quite possibly have extended Tom Brady's career.

And what Patriots fan wouldn't love to see Brady under center for another five years?

Tim Tebow: QB, Broncos

Alas we come to Tim Tebow, or as Liu Kang says at the end of Mortal Kombat, "I am the chosen one." (fast-forward to 6:30 mark to hear the line).

And although that's basically people like me saying that about Tim Tebow, he's clearly has been the chosen one for saving the Broncos season and potentially giving them a franchise quarterback. Now, he still has much to develop this offseason. However, Denver fans are definitely loving the ride.

Prior to Tebow taking over, the Broncos were 1-4 and playing like arguably the worst team in the NFL. Now, they've won seven of eight (including six consecutive) and are on the verge of making the postseason for the first time since 2005.

His play is unconventional, but that's what makes watching him play so exciting. Predicting what's going to happen is literally impossible however, his passion, energy, and effort is second-to-none.

That's why he can be considered the chosen one and rightfully so, because all he's done thus far is win games. All stats aside, it's without a doubt that Tebow has re-energized the Denver fan base, for at least the immediate future.

Make no mistake about it, it has been a total team effort in the Mile High City. But Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn, or Jay Cutler (if they still had him) would not be putting up late game numbers like Tebowmania.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27