Tim Tebow has become the most popular and polarizing backup quarterback in the game, particularly now that he’s joined the New York J-E-T-S. He could be one of the most polarizing athletes in history.
The former University of Florida quarterback is well known (and often criticized) for many reasons, including his two national championships and winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy, his frequently critiqued throwing motion, his numerous fourth quarter heroics as the starter for the Denver Broncos last season, the constant attention given to him by the media, his unwavering faith, and his uncanny personality, just to name a few. The list goes on and on.
As he became a focus of the media last season, additional attention was brought to one of Tebow’s rituals, performed at pre-game and key moments throughout the game. “Tebowing,” as it has come to be known, where he bends down on one knee while resting his elbow on the other and bows his head to pray, has become a phenomenon.
Numerous contests, viral videos, and controversies have resulted surrounding the Tebowing sensation. Even other professional athletes have replicated the action, generating additional hype. Although athletes bent down on one knee and prayed long before Tebow was thrust into the spotlight, his mystique created hysteria around the pose.
Now, Tebowing will not only be enacted in the real world (on and off the gridiron), but it can also be duplicated in the virtual world as well.
It was recently announced that Tebowing will be featured in Madden NFL ’13, the most popular video game series in history. It is not yet known what players, how, or when the famous move will be able to be triggered, but when #15 of the Jets scores a touchdown in the game, Tebowing will be a prominent celebration option. Adding such a prominent element to the biggest video game on the planet is sure to generate much attention and response.
Not only will Tebowing in Madden add additional fuel to Tebowmania, it will likely have another large effect on the New York Jets organization. As if Tim Tebow being traded to Gang Green in the Big Apple didn’t bring enough media attention, this new revelation will only bring more attention to the team which already has a highly outspoken head coach, problems in the locker room lingering from last season, and a disgruntled fan base over the recent lackluster play from starting quarterback Mark Sanchez.
At least in Madden, your high school diploma won’t be withheld and you won’t be forced to clean the gymnasium afterward, which is what happened to one Florida student in response to his Tebowing as he crossed the stage during commencement. And this is just one of the controversies to come out of Tebow’s sensation. Some students have even been suspended from school as administrators claim the gesture creates a safety hazard when performed in crowded hallways.
It is not yet known if Tim Tebow is as “excited” that Tebowing will be in Madden as he was when he joined the Jets, but many fans are. Everyone will be able to experience Tebowing in the virtual world when Madden NFL ’13 is released on August 28th.
By Valarie Hanson