Tebow Time is back!
...
Alright, maybe not quite yet. However the former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner has made an impact both in the media and with the New York Mets organization.
Tim Tebow spent six years trying to make a career in the NFL. He had some success with the Denver Broncos, but once he was released from the organization he was never really given a starting opportunity with the Jets, Patriots, or Eagles.
Tebow has made the decision to close the door on football, and pursue a career in Major League Baseball. He held a skills showcase on August 30th, and has since signed with the New York Mets, with plans to play in the instructional league this fall. What many see as a publicity stunt for both Tebow and the Mets, there is evidence this is not for the PR.
During an interview with Bleacher Report, Tebow stated, "This isn't a publicity stunt, and it's definitely not for money.... This is a pay cut for me to do this. I understand how hard this is and that a lot of people think it's impossible. But [I am] passionate about the game of baseball. I love it, and I want to pursue it. Are you going to let the fear of failure or not making it get in the way of that? For me, failure is not going after it and letting the chips fall where they may. I want to be someone who goes all out and pursues what I love."
The "pay cut" Tebow refers to is from semi-leaving his occupation with ESPN as a commentator and reporter, mainly for the SEC Network.
Mets General Manager, Sandy Alderson, also defended Tebow in an article conducted by the New York Daily News:
"While I and organization are mindful of the novel nature of this situation, this decision was strictly driven by baseball .... It is not driven by marketing considerations or anything sort.”
Whether you like Tim Tebow as a person or not; or if you believe in his athletic abilities; there are two aspects you must respect about him: His work ethic and pursuit for his passions. He is not afraid of failure, and is willing to do anything he can to succeed. Many saw a glimpse of his effort and passion during his time in college at the University of Florida. After an upset loss to the Ole Miss Rebels, the Gators quarterback delivered an emotional speech in the post-game press conference (video in link):
"To the fans and everybody in Gator Nation, I'm sorry, I'm extremely sorry. We were hoping for an undefeated season. That was my goal, something Florida never has done here. I promise you one thing: A lot of good will come out of this. You will never see any player in the entire country play as hard as I will play the rest of the season. You will never see someone push the rest of the team as hard as I will push somebody the rest of the season. You will never see a team play harder than we will the rest of the season. God bless."
The Gators went on to win the National Championship that season. Certainly not all to Tebow's credit, but his style of play and leadership was definitely a strong asset to their success.
Whether or not Tebow actually excels in his pursuit for the Major Leagues, he will definitely be a positive influence around the organization and a role model for younger players to look up to. By the way, the first pitch he saw in his first instructional league game, was hit for an opposite field home run. Perhaps Tebow Mania is closer to returning than we think.
