Tim Tebow and 9 NFL Players Whose Popularity Most Transcended the Sport

They aren't really bigger than the game, but from their popularity and press coverage, you could make a pretty good case that they are as big as any Hollywood entertainer.

Sports figures aren't just the quiet, "take a lunch pail to work" athletes anymore. They haven't been for some time, especially in the NFL.

While the NFL has worked hard to promote the teams that play the game first and the players inside the helmets second, sometimes, the popularity of these players is so large that the sports media cannot help but treat them like rock stars not only in their hometowns, but in the national media as well.

Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens

Is there another defensive player in this game who plays with the intensity of Ray Lewis?

The 36-year-old linebacker has fought injuries this year, but he remains the heart and soul of this Ravens defense.

Until he was hurt, Lewis was playing with the same intensity that had helped the Ravens claim Super Bowl XXXV.

A proven leader and one of the most loved players in this game.

Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers

Is there a defensive back in the NFL who puts his body on the line each game more than Polamalu?

He is like having an extra linebacker in the rotation for the Steelers.

He was selected 16th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft and has not stopped playing at a high intensity level.

Besides the fact he is known for his hair, there are few defensive backs who play every down like it is the final play of the game.

Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos

Has anyone ever seen such a phenomenon as this? Seriously?

The legend that is Tim Tebow continues to get bigger and bigger. He is a football player, humanitarian, devout Christian and Rock Star all rolled into one.

And to think he is now just learning to "play" the game of football. His football record aside, there is no one more popular in the game today.

Tom Brady, New England Patriots

He has a mega-hot supermodel for a wife, does some modeling on the side himself and has become the crown jewel of Boston.

Those are some pretty big shoes to wear.

Tom Brady seems to be the fine wine of the NFL, getting better with age and proving over and over again he can take the Patriots to the promised land.

Now, all he needs to do is win another Super Bowl and show that as he gets older, he can still create magic in the postseason.

Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

Before he was hurt, Peyton Manning may have been the most recognizable face in the NFL. He was everywhere.

It seemed every commercial on television was for something he was endorsing.

Manning is well-liked and a marketing dream because he has that "awww shucks" look about him that screams good ol' Americana.

When he returns to the game next year, the NFL hopefully will again capitalize on his popularity.

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

It is possible that no player has had such an effect on a city as Drew Brees.

He is one of the most loved players in the NFL and certainly the most loved in the state of Louisiana.

Brees came to New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2006 and helped to pick the city and state up and deliver a Super Bowl to the "Big Easy" in 2009.

Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears

Another one of those tough linebackers the Chicago Bears produce.

Urlacher is the man in the middle for the Bears defense under head coach Lovie Smith.

He is loved and adored by Bears fans and across the country for the hard-nosed play he delivers week after week.

Terrell Owens, Free Agent

Is there a player who garners as much attention as a liked person and one who is as controversial as Owens?

Everywhere he goes, he is loved and hated by the fans. He wants the ball, he wants to win, he wants all eyes on him.

He works hard on the field and has been one of the better receivers in the game over the last decade. This season, a torn ACL has kept him out of action.

Should he continue to play in 2012, will the madness continue to follow him?

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

He is coming into his own.

Rodgers has come out of the shadow of "you know who" to become Green Bay's favorite son.

And with the improbable Super Bowl run last season, he took what he started and continued to amaze with his arm this season and help Green Bay to a 13-1 record.

Rodgers national appeal is growing and as long as the Packers continue to shine, he will as well.

Brett Favre, Retired Free Agent

He says he is retired, but the possibility still exists.

Favre is still a well-loved quarterback who does Wrangler Jeans commercials and has his name come up when a starting quarterback goes down, or if there is the possibility that he may want to come out of retirement.

None of that has happened this year (him coming out of retirement), but as long as there is a chance, his name will still circulate with the national media.