Today is official eat crow day here at Gameday Cloth. With certain bets placed and my pride hanging precariously in the balance, I settled in to watch Round One of the NFL Draft. Sam Bradford – knew that was coming. I’m a believer. Everything’s looking good. Until pick No. 25.
Some of you will be upset with the bet that I placed (with my pride alone, nothing fiscal), but I stand by my feelings. As I should. Tim Tebow is not a First Round quality draft pick. Apparently, according to the Denver Broncos, I am wrong. But seriously, it’s hard to love a man who’s perfect. And if we’re all honest, that is exactly what Tebow has been for his college career.
I’d like to believe there is a dark corner back somewhere in the depths, but the kid is squeaky clean. Too clean. It’s unnerving. But since what’s important is his record on the field, then it still means he’s perfect.
I am in no way comparing the amazing athlete and leader Tebow is to the whiny ways of Matt Leinart; however, Leinart, too, was made a hero by his team, community and the media. And we’re all quite aware of what a disaster he has been on his limited field time. Big fish can’t handle the reality of the NFL. As this overwhelming hero of Florida football, I’m afraid Tebow may face the same mental challenges being a small guy in the big leagues. He won’t translate the way his worshipers and media have set him up.
Again, I by no means want to bet against anyone as an individual. He is a great football player, a proven leader and apparently as good a person as he seems. So I pay tribute and respect after losing my bet. But I will be watching the next couple years to see how he handles the pressures and faces his opponents. Tim Tebow, I hope you have a good run in the pros and continue to prove everyone wrong that bets against you. (Ahem.)
Now I’m going to run away and find my pride hiding behind a big Texas rock.
I don’t know that watching him for the “next couple years” will offer much insight into Tebow’s future as a professional quarterback, because I don’t know that he’ll play much while they continue to re-build his throwing motion.
I’m also not sure that the most valid comparison is to Leinart, who had the ghost of Kurt Warner hanging over his head (and, to be fair, has been the subject of numerous trade inquiries from other teams). Instead, I’d compare Tebow to the other Florida quarterback: Shane Matthews, Danny Wuerffel and Rex Grossman. Each was a star in Gainesville, and only Grossman has had a shred of success in the NFL.
My guess is that Tebow ends up being better than any of them. He’ll never be “the next John Elway,” of course, but in a few years, he’ll be fine. If nothing else, he won’t embarrass himself to the extent many people seem to think he will.
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By the way, cool blog — digging your website.