Joey Porter

Porter with the Dolphins in 2009
Free Agent
Linebacker
Personal information
Date of birth: (1977-03-22) March 22, 1977 (age 35)
Place of birth: Kansas City, Missouri
Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) Weight: 248 lb (112 kg)
Career information
College: Colorado State
NFL Draft: 1999 / Round: 3 / Pick: 73
Debuted in 1999 for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Career history
Pittsburgh Steelers (1999–2006) Miami Dolphins (2007–2009) Arizona Cardinals (2010–2011)
Career highlights and awards
First-team All-WAC (1998) Third-team All-American (1998) 4× Pro Bowl selection (2002, 2004, 2005, 2008) 4× All-Pro selection (2002, 2004, 2005, 2008) Super Bowl champion (XL) Co-Pittsburgh Steelers Team MVP (2002) AFC Sacks Champion (2008) Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
Career NFL statistics as of Week 9, 2011
Tackles 667 Sacks 98.0 INTs 12 Stats at NFL.com

Joseph "Joey" Eugene Porter (born March 22, 1977) is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Colorado State.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Porter earned a Super Bowl ring with the Steelers in Super Bowl XL. He has also played for the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals.

Early years[link]

Porter's prep career took place at Foothill High School in Bakersfield, California. He was a two-time All-Conference selection as wide receiver and running back for the Trojans. His senior season, he led the team to a 9–2 mark and a berth in the sectional playoffs, rushing the ball 86 times for 1,086 yards. After his final season at Foothill, he was named to the All-Section and All-State teams. He lettered twice in football, plus twice in basketball. He also played soccer as a youth.

College career[link]

After his time at Foothill, Porter was a standout on the football field for the Colorado State Rams. He began his college career as an H-Back and did not see his first action on the defensive line until his junior year. He was a third-team All-America and All-Western Athletic Conference first-team selection by The Sports Network. He registered 22 career sacks. As a senior, he recorded 53 tackles (36 solos) with eight quarterback pressures and 12 tackles for losses of 67 yards. He finished third in NCAA Division I-A with a school single-season record-tying 15 sacks for minus 63 yards. Majored in Exercise and Sport Science.

Professional career[link]

Pittsburgh Steelers[link]

Porter was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round (73 overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft. During the preseason, Porter wore number 95, the first Steelers to wear the number since Steelers linebacker great Greg Lloyd was released following the 1997 season. However, despite his similarities to Lloyd in terms of playing style and vocal leadership (or perhaps because of it), Porter changed his jersey number to 55 just before the start of the regular season in order to develop his own identity. He also took 55 in honor of his childhood hero, Junior Seau.

He finished the preseason as the team's leading tackler, compiling 22 total tackles, including 18 solo stops. He also registered a team-high four sacks and forced a fumble. He went on to excel on special teams during the regular season, with his time on defense increasing as the year went on. His first career sack came on Cleveland Browns quarterback Tim Couch on September 12, when he also forced a fumble on the play. He partially deflected a punt against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 2. In the season finale against the Tennessee Titans, Porter accumulated six tackles and a sack. He also forced and recovered a Neil O'Donnell fumble and returned it 46 yards for a score.

Porter prior to a game in 2006

In 2000, Porter finished second behind Jason Gildon and set a career high with 10.5 sacks on the year. He and Gildon also tied a franchise record with 24 sacks as a duo. On the year, he registered 74 tackle (51 solo), one interception, three passes defensed, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He was voted the AFC Defensive Player of the Month in October. Against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 15, he registered eight tackles (seven solo), three sacks including one for a safety, four quarterback hurries and a forced fumble. He had five tackles and two sacks in a game against the Baltimore Ravens two games later. Porter's first career interception came against the Tennessee Titans on November 5 on a pass from Steve McNair. His second career touchdown came on a 32-yard fumble recovery against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 12. He closed out the season with 1.5 sacks against the San Diego Chargers on December 24.

During the September 17th game against the rival Cleveland Browns in Cleveland, Porter tackled punter Chris Gardocki while Gardocki was trying to punt the ball. While Porter would be penalized for roughing the punter, Gardocki briefly laid motionless, then subsequently flipped the middle finger twice to Steelers head coach Bill Cowher. The incident, caught on live television, resulted in a $5,000 fine for Gardocki.^[1] The two would later be teammates with the Steelers from 2004-2006.

Porter had a career day against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 21, 2001, recording six tackles, four sacks and a pass deflected while earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Two weeks later he registered four tackles and two sacks against the Baltimore Ravens. He missed the season finale against the Cleveland Browns - the first time he failed to play in his NFL career - due to a shoulder injury. Porter finished with 59 tackles and nine sacks on the season.

In Week 2 of the 2002 season, Porter had what is likely the best game of his professional career. In a 30–17 loss to the Oakland Raiders on September 15, Porter racked up seven tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and two passes defensed. The performance, during which he returned one interceptions 84 yards, earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He recorded five tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble in a 34-7 blowout against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 13. On the year, Porter had nine sacks - the third straight year of eclipsing the mark - while setting career highs in tackles (88), interceptions (4) and interception return yards (153). He was selected to his first Pro Bowl following the season.

In 2003 Porter recorded the lowest sack total of his career since his rookie year, while missing two games due to a gunshot wound on August 31, 2003 outside of a Denver bar, just before the beginning of the season. He recorded a sack and recovered a fumble in his first game back against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 21. On October 26 against the St. Louis Rams, he had six tackles, a pass defense and two sacks—his only multiple-sack game of the year. In 14 games played, Porter totaled 65 tackles, five sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and four passes defensed.

Porter during a Steelers game in 2006

Porter bounced back in 2004 with the second Pro Bowl selection of his career. In an October 31 win against the New England Patriots, Porter had four tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles. He was selected the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance. He recorded two sacks against the Washington Redskins on November 28, and had his lone interception of the season on December 26 on a pass from Baltimore Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller. He finished the year with 53 tackles, seven sacks and an interception.

On November 14 against the Browns in Cleveland, Porter and Browns running back William Green were both ejected prior to kickoff due to a pregame fight. Porter's backup, James Harrison (who would ultimately replace Porter in the starting lineup after Porter left Pittsburgh), would get his first NFL start in place of Porter.

Porter had one of his best years in 2005 as his team went on to beat the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL. Porter was named to the third Pro Bowl of his career and the second in two years. On the year, he tied a career high with 10.5 sacks while adding 56 tackles, two interceptions and four forced fumbles. He recorded a sack in four of the team's first five games of the season. In a 41-0 blowout win over the Cleveland Browns on December 24, Porter had five tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble.

Porter at Super Bowl XL's media day.

In what would be his final year as a member of the Steelers, Porter had what many would consider a down year. He recorded 6.5 sacks on the year, but six of them came in three games against the mediocre offensive lines of the Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the other half sack came against the Cleveland Browns. In the season opener against the Miami Dolphins, he intercepted a Daunte Culpepper pass in the fourth quarter and returned it for his first interception touchdown to seal a victory. He missed two contests in October while nursing a hamstring injury. Porter finished the year with 55 tackles and 7 sacks.

Miami Dolphins[link]

With the Steelers in transition under new head coach Mike Tomlin, the team released Porter on March 1, 2007 in lieu of paying him a $1 million roster bonus. He received immediate interest from a handful of teams, including Pittsburgh's three division rivals—the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens. The Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and San Diego Chargers were also in the mix, but it came down to the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins. After Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron and general manager Randy Mueller flew to Porter's home in owner Wayne Huizenga's jet^{[citation needed]}, Porter was persuaded to sign with the Dolphins.

Porter was officially signed by the Dolphins on March 8, 2007. He received a five-year deal worth approximately $32 million. The deal includes a $12 million signing bonus and $8 million in guaranteed money.^[2] He immediately clinched the starting strong side linebacker, playing opposite Jason Taylor—the 2006 Defensive Player of the Year. Porter struggled during the 2007 season, amassing only 5.5 sacks, his lowest total since 2003.

The 2008-2009 season saw a rejuvenated Porter return to his old indomitable form, leading the AFC and finishing second in the NFL with a career-high 17.5 sacks; thus, Porter played an integral role in metamorphosing the 1-15 Dolphins of 2007-2008 into a 11-5 AFC East Champion football team. Porter has since been rewarded for his strong play and award-worthy revival by earning his fourth Pro Bowl and was named 2nd Team All-Pro.

Porter (#55) with fellow 2009 Dolphins team captains Chad Pennington, Jason Taylor and Jason Ferguson.

Porter started for the Dolphins at outside linebacker in 2009 and was named a team captain. In a poll of 296 NFL players, Porter tied Washington's Albert Haynesworth as the second dirtiest defensive player in the league. During week 9, Porter took heat from the press after calling out the New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and leaving the game after recording zero tackles and avoiding the press.

The next week, Porter was suspended for one game by Dolphins coach Tony Sparano for undisclosed reasons. He was released on March 5, 2010.

Arizona Cardinals[link]

On March 19, 2010 Joey Porter signed a three-year, $24.5 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals, with $17.5 million in guaranteed money.^[3] In his first season with the Cardinals, he put up 50 tackles and five sacks. In 2011, he only played six games due to injury, recording 16 tackles and one sack.

Personal[link]

Porter and his wife Christy have four children: two daughters, Jayla and Jasmine, and two sons, Joey Jr and Jacob. Christy opened a day center for special needs children and named it after their daughter Jasmine Nyree, who has autism, located in downtown Bakersfield.^[4] The family resides in Bakersfield, California. He has participated in the Dolphins annual charity golf tournament, which benefits the Miami Dolphins Foundation.

Joey was a fan of the Chicago Bears in his childhood, especially Hall of Fame member Walter Payton, but also lists Junior Seau as one of his role models. During his tenure in Pittsburgh, he hoped to see some action on the other side of the ball: "I thought I could help in goal-line situations," Joey says. "I petitioned Coach (Bill Cowher), but he didn't see it that way."^{[citation needed]}

On March 28, 2010, Porter was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving and assault on a California Highway Patrol officer.^[5] It was later announced that all charges were dropped.^[6]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• Miami Dolphins bio
• "Colts choose their words carefully in response to Steelers". ESPN.com. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=2290027. Retrieved 2006-01-23. 
• "Porter won't be fined for cheating remarks.". FoxSports.com. http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5259162. Retrieved 2006-01-23. 
• "NFL: Polamalu overturned interception the wrong call". ESPN.com. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs05/news/story?id=2294309. Retrieved 2006-09-07. 

Brandon Marshall

Marshall with the Broncos in 2007
No. 15     Chicago Bears
Wide receiver
Personal information
Date of birth: (1984-03-23) March 23, 1984 (age 28)
Place of birth: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Height: 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) Weight: 230 lb (104 kg)
Career information
College: Central Florida
NFL Draft: 2006 / Round: 4 / Pick: 119
Debuted in 2006 for the Denver Broncos
Career history
Denver Broncos (2006–2009) Miami Dolphins (2010–2011) Chicago Bears (2012–present)
Roster status: Active
Career highlights and awards
3× Pro Bowl (2008, 2009, 2011) All-Pro (2009) 2× AFC Offensive Player of the Week - Week 2 (2008), Week 14 (2009) Most receptions in a game in NFL history (21) 2012 Pro Bowl MVP 2005 Hawaii Bowl MVP Second-team All-C-USA (2005) List of records and milestones
Career NFL statistics as of Week 17, 2011
Receptions 494 Receiving Yards 6,247 Receiving TDs 34 Stats at NFL.com

Brandon Marshall (born March 23, 1984) is an American football wide receiver for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was selected by the Denver Broncos out of the University of Central Florida, with the 119th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.^[1]

Marshall is known for his ability to break and dodge tackles.^[2] He led all NFL wide receivers in yards after first contact for the 2007 NFL season.^[1] Regarding Marshall's breakaway ability, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers said, "Brandon Marshall is a defensive lineman playing wide receiver. He wants to inflict punishment on you. He wants you to try to tackle him so he can shove you off of him and get more yards."^[2] Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha said Marshall is "the toughest guy to bring down, one-on-one."^[3]

On December 13, 2009, Marshall set an NFL record for receptions in a game with 21.^[4] He is also one of only five players in NFL history to catch at least 100 passes in three consecutive seasons.^[5]

On April 14, 2010, Marshall was traded from the Denver Broncos to the Miami Dolphins for a second round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and a second round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.^[6]

On March 13, 2012, Marshall was traded from the Miami Dolphins to the Chicago Bears for a 3rd round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft and a 3rd round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Early years[link]

Marshall was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.^[1] He later lived in Georgia, then moved to Florida, where he played high school football at Lake Howell High School.^[7] Marshall played both offense and defense, as he earned All-State honors and was named Seminole County Utility Player of the Year. He also lettered in basketball and track three times. As a senior, Marshall won the Class 3A state triple jump championship, landing a jump of 48-feet, six-and-three-quarter inches.^[1] He also placed ninth in long jump, recording a jump of 22-feet, six-and-one-quarter inches.^[8]

College career[link]

Marshall played a total of 44 games (21 starts) at wide receiver for the University of Central Florida, wearing the number 6. He collected 112 receptions, 1,674 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in his collegiate career.^[1] His best season came in 2005 as a senior. He played in 13 games and had career highs in receptions (74), receiving yards (1,195) and touchdowns (11). Marshall's best career game came in the 2005 Hawaii Bowl, where he had 11 catches for 210 yards and three touchdowns.^[9] He was named MVP of the game. For his efforts during the 2005 season, Marshall was selected to the All-C-USA second team.^[1]

Marshall also started at safety for seven games during the 2004 season due to injuries in UCF's secondary. He made his first collegiate start at safety on October 4, 2004, against Buffalo.^[10] He recorded four tackles, including a half of a sack. Marshall led his entire team in tackles (51) during the 2004 season. He also had an interception and a forced fumble.^[10]

Professional career[link]

2006 NFL Draft[link]

The Denver Broncos selected Marshall with the 119th overall selection in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.^[1]

Denver Broncos[link]

2006[link]

Before the regular season even began, Marshall suffered a slight tear to his PCL in a pre-season game against the Detroit Lions.^[12] Although the injury sidelined him for a couple of weeks, he was able to return and play 15 games (1 start) during the regular season. Marshall had a total of 20 catches, 309 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns for his rookie year. He caught a pass in each of the Broncos' final seven games of the season, totaling 18 receptions, 287 receiving yards and 1 touchdown over that stretch.^[1] The lone touchdown came during a NBC Sunday Night Football home game against the Seattle Seahawks on December 3, 2006. In that game, Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler (who was making his NFL regular season debut as a rookie) threw a pass to Marshall on the right side of the field. Marshall broke and spun away from three tackles on his way to a career-high 71-yard touchdown. It was the second longest rookie-to-rookie pass play in Broncos history.^[1]

2007[link]

Marshall sustained injuries before the start of the 2007 season. He suffered a groin strain that kept him out of Broncos quarterback camp and team camp during May and June. He also pulled a quadriceps femoris muscle on July 10, 2007, during Broncos mini-camp.^[13] The injury left him out for nearly all of training camp until Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan ordered him to participate for the last couple of days.^[14]

On December 13, 2007, in a Thursday night road loss against the Houston Texans, Marshall caught 11 passes for 107 yards.^[15] Nine of those receptions occurred in the first half. Marshall became the only wide receiver in Broncos history to have at least 10 receptions in two consecutive games.^[16] On Christmas Eve, 2007, in a Monday night road loss to the San Diego Chargers, Marshall caught six passes for 75 yards.^[17] The six receptions in the game gave Marshall 92 total catches on the season up to that point, making him only the fifth wide receiver in NFL history (Lionel Taylor, Sterling Sharpe, Isaac Bruce and Larry Fitzgerald are the others) to have at least 90 receptions in their second season.^[18] On December 30, 2007, in a Sunday home win against the Minnesota Vikings, Marshall caught 10 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown.^[19] The 10 catches gave Marshall 102 total receptions for the year - his first career 100-catch season. He became only the third second-year player in NFL history to have at least 100 receptions in a season, joining Bruce and Fitzgerald.^[19]

During the 2007 season, Marshall posted team-highs and career-highs in receptions (102), receiving yards (1,325) and receiving touchdowns (7).^[1] Marshall reached the 1,000-yard milestone during the 13th game of the season, which was a 41-7 home win over the Kansas City Chiefs. In the game, Marshall had 10 catches for 115 yards and 2 touchdowns.^[20] Among all of the wide receivers in the NFL during the season, Marshall placed fifth in receptions (102), sixth in receiving yards (1,325), second in yards after the catch (505), first in yards after first contact (319), first in number of times targeted (170) and tied for fourth in catches that led to first downs (70).^[1][21]

Following the 2007 season, Marshall, Cutler and Tony Scheffler went to Atlanta, Georgia together to train and work on timing for the 2008 season.^[22]

2008[link]

On March 22, 2008, Marshall slipped on an empty McDonald's bag while wrestling with family members, and subsequently, fell through a television set at his home in Orlando, Florida - cutting his right forearm.^[23][24][25] According to Broncos head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos, Marshall "sustained right forearm lacerations to one artery, one vein, one nerve, two tendons and three muscles."^[25] He was treated at a local hospital and later released after needing a cast and several stitches. In early April, Marshall had the cast removed from his surgically repaired right forearm and was in a sling until May.^[26] He was cleared in late-June to practice with the Broncos.^[27] He later revealed that his right hand was numb during the entire 2008 season.^[28]

Marshall officially received a three-game suspension from the NFL on August 5, 2008, due to his off-the-field issues.^[29] He appealed the decision and won the appeal, reducing the punishment to a one-game suspension and a fine of two combined game checks, which totaled $52,353.^[30]

In Marshall's first game back from suspension, he caught 18 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown, as part of a 39-38 home victory over the San Diego Chargers.^[31] The 18 receptions were a Broncos single-game record, and tied for the second most in NFL history, trailing only Terrell Owens, who caught 20 passes for the San Francisco 49ers in a game during the 2000 NFL season. Marshall's 18 receptions gave him 55 total receptions over five games, which is an NFL record.^[1] He is the first receiver in NFL history to register at least 10 receptions in four out of five games.^[1][32] His performance against the Chargers also earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for the first time in his career.^[33]

Marshall received attention for an attempted touchdown celebration during the Broncos' 34-30 comeback road victory over the Cleveland Browns, as part of a Thursday Night Football matchup on November 6, 2008.^[34] With over a minute left in the game, Marshall caught the go-ahead touchdown pass and then began to pull a glove from his pants. Denver wide receiver Brandon Stokley rushed over to Marshall to urge him to put the glove away, as it could be considered a touchdown celebration prop, which is against NFL rules (a 15-yard penalty on the kickoff could be assessed).^[34] Marshall later explained that he was intending to put on the glove (which was white with one half of it painted black) as a means to honor racial progress and unity in the United States, following the country electing Barack Obama as President.^[35] The U.S. presidential election came two days before the Broncos game against the Browns. Regarding the attempted touchdown celebration, Marshall said, "I know at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico, Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised that black glove and that fist as a silent gesture of black power and liberation. Forty years later, I wanted to make my own statement. I wanted to make my own statement and gesture to represent the progress we made."^[35] Smith and Carlos didn't initially see Marshall's attempted gesture when it happened live, but both said they appreciated and understood Marshall's intent.^[36] "He wanted to make a mark in history and feel that he was a part of the change for the better," Smith said. "He had the right idea in terms of what he was attempting to do," Carlos said.^[36]

On December 7, 2008, in the 13th game of the season, Marshall caught 11 passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns, as part of a 24-17 home victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.^[37] The 91 yards gave him over 1,000 receiving yards for the second consecutive season.^[1] Marshall had his second career multi-touchdown game as well;^[37] the first also occurred in a home victory over the Chiefs in the 13th game of the prior season. That game was also where Marshall eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for a season for the first time in his career.^[1][20]

Marshall finished the season ranked third among NFL wide receivers in receptions (104), seventh in receiving yards (1,265), fifth in receiving yards per game (84.3), seventh in yards after the catch (419), third in catches that led to first downs (65) and first in number of times targeted for the second consecutive season (181).^[38] The 104 catches were a career-high for Marshall and also made him only the ninth player in NFL history (second Broncos player) to have at least 100 receptions in back-to-back seasons.^[39] He finished first in fan voting for AFC wide receivers in the 2009 Pro Bowl.^[40] He received 18 more votes than Randy Moss to proclaim the top spot. Four wide receivers are chosen to play in the game. Fan voting accounts for one-third of the total voting (players and coaches account for the other two-thirds). He was officially picked to play in his first Pro Bowl when selections were announced on December 16, 2008. Marshall was chosen as a starter.^[41]

2009[link]

Marshall had hip surgery on March 31, 2009, to repair an aggravated hip that bothered him during the 2008 season.^[42] He returned in time for training camp in late-July; however, he didn't always fully commit to practicing. This led the Broncos to suspend him for the last two games of the preseason (he didn't play in the first two preseason contests) for conduct detrimental to the team.^[43]

In a 26-6 Thanksgiving home victory over the New York Giants, Marshall recorded six catches (including two one-handed grabs) for 86 yards.^[44] His performance earned him the Pudding Pie Award, which is given to the game's MVP by the NFL Network.

On December 13, 2009, Marshall set an NFL record for receptions in a game with 21, as part of a 28-16 road loss to the Indianapolis Colts.^[4] He broke Terrell Owens' record of 20 catches, which occurred during the 2000 NFL season. Regarding Marshall breaking his record, Owens said, "No more deserving of a guy than he is. He's just been a hard worker....I wish him well. He's going to have a great career."^[45] Marshall became the first player since 1960 to record eight career games of at least 10 catches in his first four seasons.^[46] During the game against the Colts, he also had 200 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions. His 200 receiving yards were a career high. Marshall's performance earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for the second time in his career.^[47]

On December 27, 2009, in a 30-27 road loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Marshall caught his 100th pass of the season. He became only the fifth player in NFL history (first Broncos player) to do so in three consecutive seasons; the other four are Jerry Rice, Herman Moore, Marvin Harrison and Wes Welker.^[5] Marshall was named to his second consecutive Pro Bowl when rosters were announced on December 29.^[48]

Marshall was benched for the team's final regular season game by head coach Josh McDaniels for failing to arrive at a physical therapy session on time.^[49] The Broncos lost the regular season finale in Denver, 44-24, to the Kansas City Chiefs on January 3, 2010.^[50] They missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year. Marshall ended the season tied for third among NFL wide receivers in catches (101), tied for seventh in receiving touchdowns (10), seventh in yards after the catch (527) and fifth in number of times targeted (154).^[51]

Miami Dolphins[link]

2010[link]

Marshall with the Dolphins in 2011.

On April 14, 2010, Marshall was traded from the Denver Broncos to the Miami Dolphins for a second round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and a second round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.^[6] On the same day, the Dolphins and Marshall agreed to a four-year, $47.5 million extension.^[52]

Marshall finished the season with 86 receptions for 1,014 yards and three touchdowns. His streak of three straight years with 100 or more receptions came to an end, but he did extend his streak of 1,000 receiving yards to four straight years. His best performances of the season occurred in Week 3 home against the New York Jets (10 receptions for 166 yards and 1 TD), Week 6 away against the Green Bay Packers (10 catches for 125 yards), Week 15 home against the Buffalo Bills (11 receptions for 105 yards and 1 TD) and Week 16 home against the Detroit Lions (10 receptions for 100 yards).

2011[link]

In the 2011 NFL Season, Marshall caught 81 passes for 1214 yards and 6 touchdowns. It was his fifth straight season catching 80 or more passes. In the Pro Bowl, Marshall set a Pro Bowl record by catching 6 passes for 176 yards and 4 touchdowns, with another touchdown intended for him deflected. He was named the game's MVP.

Marshall (right) talking with Dolphins linebacker Jason Taylor in 2011.

Chicago Bears[link]

2012[link]

Marshall was traded to the Chicago Bears on March 13, 2012, for two third round draft picks, reuniting him with former teammate Jay Cutler.^[53]

Statistics[link]

Personal[link]

Marshall has been nicknamed "The Beast" during his NFL career.^{[54][55][56][57]} Marshall enjoys restoring vintage automobiles.^[1] He is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity (initiated into the Lambda Omega Chapter) and does charity work with them. He is involved in an ongoing effort to rebuild Larimer Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.^[1]

On July 31, 2011, Marshall announced at a press conference, that he has been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and hopes to spread awareness and understanding about the illness. Marshall said his entire professional career and adult personal life has been marred with symptoms of BPD, but only recently through treatment has he learned to consciously and effectively deal with the resulting problems of his actions that have been influenced by BPD. Marshall cited a recent study that suggests at least 35% of male prison inmates nationally, and 25% of female inmates, have been diagnosed with BPD. He said he hopes to help reduce the stigma of BPD, and encourage and lead others with the disease to receive the proper care.

Legal[link]

According to Orlando-Orange County public records (case 48-2004-MM-012392-O), on Halloween 2004, while a student at UCF, Marshall was arrested in Orlando on charges of assault on a law enforcement officer, refusal to obey, disorderly conduct and resisting an officer.^[58]

On January 1, 2007, Marshall was present at "The Shelter," a nightclub in Denver, Colorado, along with teammates Javon Walker and Darrent Williams. The trio was attending a birthday party held for and by Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin. As the players were leaving the club in a limousine, Williams was fatally shot in the neck after an unknown assailant opened fire on the vehicle. Willie Clark was later charged with the murder.^[59] Walker has stated in interviews that the shooter was likely a nightclub patron whose motive was retaliation after being involved in an altercation with Marshall's cousin earlier that night.^[60][61]

On March 26, 2007, Marshall was arrested in the Highlands Ranch suburb of Denver on suspicion of domestic violence after his girlfriend reported that following a domestic dispute, Marshall prevented a taxi she was in from leaving his house.^[62] Charges from the incident were later dismissed on May 25, 2007, after Marshall completed anger management counseling.^[63]

In the early morning of October 22, 2007, Marshall was arrested in the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area at the intersection of 14th and Blake St. for driving under the influence of alcohol.^[64] A trial was scheduled for September 16, but Marshall instead agreed to a plea bargain four days earlier; he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of driving while ability impaired.^[65] He was sentenced to one-year probation and 24 hours of community service.

On June 12, 2008, Marshall was ticketed for an illegal lane change, then found to be without his license and proof of insurance.^[66] The case was eventually dropped as part of a plea bargain for the October 22, 2007 driving incident involving alcohol.^[65]

According to an article published in the Rocky Mountain News on July 28, 2008, Douglas County deputies fielded "about 11" calls to Marshall's home since January 2006. The article stated that one call resulted in Marshall being arrested (the March 26, 2007 domestic dispute), and some did not involve him at all.^[67]

A September 17, 2008 article on CompleteColorado.com stated that the solicitor's office in Fulton County, Georgia filed misdemeanor battery charges on September 10 for an alleged incident on March 4, 2008, in Atlanta, Georgia. Marshall was booked on March 6, then released the next day after posting a $1,000 cash bond.^[68] The case was assigned to Judge John Mather in Georgia state court.^[69] On August 14, 2009, a jury in Atlanta found Marshall not guilty.^[70]

On March 1, 2009, Marshall was arrested in Atlanta for disorderly conduct after allegedly being involved in a fight with his fiancee, Michi Nogami-Campbell. Marshall was released on a $300 bond.^[71] The charges were dropped the following day.^[72]

On April 23, 2011, Marshall was stabbed near his stomach by his wife, Michi Nogami-Marshall. He was taken to a hospital and was released two days later. He is expected to make a full recovery.^[73][74]

It was later revealed by police that Marshall's wife did make a brief 911 call, but it only described an unspecified emergency and no mention of a stabbing ever took place. She is charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and is free on $7,500 bail.

In a South Florida Sun-Sentinel article published on July 30, 2011, it was revealed that Marshall was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder at Boston's McLean Hospital after his incident with Nogami-Campbell.^[75] He is currently pursuing treatment for his mental illness and filming a documentary about his struggle.

On early Sunday, March 11, 2012, two days before his trade to the Bears, Marshall was accused of hitting a woman in the face at a New York club and being involved in a melee. The New York Post stated that Marshall, his wife and some friends were at Marquee when a brawl ensued, and Marshall punched the woman below her left eye, although he may have been attempting to hit the woman's friends.^[76] The investigation later ended after a lack of evidence of Marshall's role in the incident.^[77]

Accomplishments[link]

Awards and honors[link]

• 3× Pro Bowl selection (2008, 2009, 2011)
• 2× AFC Offensive Player of the Week - Week 2 (2008), Week 14 (2009)
• Pudding Pie Award (2009)
• 2012 Pro Bowl MVP
• 2005 Hawaii Bowl MVP
• Second-team All-C-USA (2005)

NFL Records and milestones[link]

• Most catches in an NFL game (21).^[4]
• Third-most catches in an NFL game (18).^[31]
• Most receptions spanning five games in NFL history (55).^[1]
• Only player in NFL history to have at least 10 receptions in four out of five games.^[1][32]
• First player since 1960 to record eight career games of at least 10 receptions in his first four seasons.^[46]
• One of only five players in NFL history (first Broncos player) to catch at least 100 passes in three straight seasons.^[5]
• Ninth player in NFL history (second Broncos player) to have at least 100 catches in back-to-back seasons (2007 and 2008).^[39]
• Caught 102 passes in 2007 (second-career NFL season), becoming only the third second-year player in NFL history to have at least 100 receptions in a season.^[19]

Pro Bowl records[link]

• Most Receiving Touchdowns in single game with (4)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• Player card on ESPN.com
• Player bio at NFL.com
• Player bio at Miami Dolphins official website
• Player bio at Denver Broncos official website
• College player bio at UCFAthletics.com

Tim Tebow

Tebow warming up before a game in January 2012
No. 15     New York Jets
Quarterback
Personal information
Date of birth: (1987-08-14) August 14, 1987 (age 24)
Place of birth: Makati City, Philippines
Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) Weight: 245 lb (111 kg)
Career information
College: Florida
NFL Draft: 2010 / Round: 1 / Pick: 25
Debuted in 2010 for the Denver Broncos
Career history
Denver Broncos (2010–2011) New York Jets (2012–present)
Roster status: Active
Career highlights and awards
2× BCS National Championship (2007, 2009) 2× SEC Championship (2006, 2008) 2× First-team All-American (2007, 2008) Second-team All-American (2009) 3× First-team All-SEC (2007, 2008, 2009) AP Player of the Year (2007) Davey O'Brien Award (2007) 2× Maxwell Award (2007, 2008) Heisman Trophy (2007) Quarterback of the Year (2007) SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2008) Manning Award (2008) William V. Campbell Trophy (2009) Other awards and honors
Career NFL statistics as of Week 17, 2011
TD–INT 17–9 Passing yards 2,383 Passer rating 75.1 Rushing yards 887 Rushing TDs 12 Stats at NFL.com

Timothy Richard Tebow ( /ˈtiːboʊ/; born August 14, 1987) is an American football quarterback for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Florida, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2007 and appearing on BCS National Championship-winning teams in the 2006 and 2008 seasons. After graduating, he was drafted by the Denver Broncos as the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Tebow is known as a dual threat quarterback, adept at both rushing and passing the football. With his unorthodox NFL quarterback skills, frequent demonstrations of his religious devotion, and his team's success, Tebow has attracted unprecedented praise, criticism, and attention from the sporting media and beyond. Commenting on Tebow's play and the attention he has garnered, many football players and observers have said that they "have never seen anything like it."^[1][2][3][4]

Tebow played quarterback for Nease High School in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and was ranked among the top quarterback prospects in the nation as a high school senior.^[5] He ultimately chose to attend the University of Florida. As a backup and situational quarterback,^[6] Tebow helped the Gators win the national championship during the 2006 college football season. Tebow was the Gators' starting quarterback during the 2007 season when he became the first college sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy.^[7] In 2008, Tebow led Florida to a 13-1 record and its second national championship in three years, and was named the offensive MVP of the national championship game. The Gators again went 13–1 in 2009, Tebow's senior year. At the conclusion of his college career, he held the Southeastern Conference's all-time records in both career passing efficiency and total rushing touchdowns, appearing second and tenth (respectively) in the NCAA record book in these categories.^[8]

Tebow was selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos. He started the last three games of his rookie season and became the Broncos' full-time starting quarterback beginning in the 6th game of 2011. The team was 1–4 before Tebow became the starter, but immediately began winning with him on the field, often by coming from behind late in the 4th quarter, until they won their first AFC West title and first playoff game since 2005.

Tim Tebow is known for sharing his Christian faith with fans and in clinics, hospitals, market places, schools, and orphanages.^[9][10]

Early years[link]

Tebow at the 2006 U.S. Army All-American Bowl as a high school senior.

Tebow was born in Makati City in the Philippines, to American parents who were serving as Baptist missionaries at the time. His mother, Pamela Elaine (née Pemberton), is the daughter of a U.S. Army colonel, and his father, Robert Ramsey Tebow II, is a pastor.^{[11][12][13][14][15][16]} While pregnant, his mother suffered a life-threatening infection with a pathogenic amoeba. Because of the drugs used to rouse her from a coma and to treat her dysentery, the fetus experienced a severe placental abruption. Doctors had expected a stillbirth and recommended an abortion, even though illegal in the Philippines, to protect her life,^[11] but she decided not to have one.

Tebow is the youngest of five children.^[17] All of the Tebow children were homeschooled by their mother, who worked to instill the family's Christian beliefs along the way.^[13] In 1996, legislation was passed in Florida allowing homeschooled students to compete in local high school sporting events. The law specifies that homeschooled students may participate on the team of the local school in the school district in which they live.^[18] The Tebows lived in Jacksonville, Florida, and he played linebacker and tight end at the local Trinity Christian Academy for one season. Tebow's preferred position was quarterback, but Trinity football team's offense did not rely on passing the football, so he moved into an apartment in nearby St. Johns County, making him eligible to play for the pass-oriented offense at Nease. His performance soon turned heads and led to a minor controversy regarding the fact that he was a home-schooled student having his choice of school to play for.^[19]

Tebow came into national prominence as a junior at Florida's 4A Nease High School. Tebow was soon known not only for his running and throwing, but for his intense competitiveness and uncommon physical courage. Later that same year, he suffered an injury to his right leg late in the first half of a game. Originally thought by the Nease coaching staff to be a bad cramp, he played the entire second half with a broken fibula, at one point rushing for a 29-yard touchdown. After the game the extent of the injury was discovered and he was held out for the remainder of his junior season.^[20] Nevertheless he was named Florida's Player of the Year and became a major college football quarterback prospect.^[21] During his senior season he led the Nease Panthers to a state title, earned All-State honors, was named Florida's Mr. Football and a Parade magazine high school All-American, and repeated as Florida's Player of the Year.^[21][22] Tebow played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas which featured the top 78 senior high school football players in the nation and was shown nationally on NBC television.^[23]

Tebow was considered one of the nation's top recruits and was the subject of an ESPN "Faces in Sports" documentary. The segment was titled "Tim Tebow: The Chosen One", and focused on Tim's homeschool controversy and missionary work in the Philippines, as well as his exploits on the field of play and the college recruiting process.^[24] Tim Tebow was also featured in Sports Illustrated on the "Faces in the Crowd" page.^[25] In 2007 he was named to FHSAA's All-Century Team that listed the Top 33 football players in the state of Florida's 100 year history of high school football.^[26]

Despite having family ties to the University of Florida, where his parents first met as students,^[27] Tebow considered other schools, including Alabama.^[28] One of the reasons he gave for eventually choosing Florida was coach Urban Meyer's spread option offense, an offense for which Tebow was deemed an archetypal quarterback.^[29]

Tebow spent the three summers prior to enrolling at the University of Florida in the Philippines, assisting with his father's orphanage and missionary work.^[30]

Effect on homeschooling movement[link]

On January 7, 2007, Tebow was featured prominently in an ESPN "Outside The Lines" feature on homeschooled athletes seeking equal access to high school athletics in other states. Because a homeschooler's access to public and private school athletic functions vary by state, Tebow and New York Jets defensive end Jason Taylor (who was allowed to play at his local high school in Pennsylvania) argue in favor of extending the right to play for local teams to more states.^[31]

Upon becoming the first home-schooled athlete to be nominated for the Heisman Trophy, Tebow remarked, "That's really cool. A lot of times people have this stereotype of homeschoolers as not very athletic – it's like, go win a spelling bee or something like that – it's an honor for me to be the first one to do that."^[32]

Tebow's example inspired equal access supporters in other states, including Alabama and Kentucky.^[33][34][35] Tebow received the 2008 Quaqua Protégé Award as an outstanding home-education graduate.^[36]

College career[link]

Tebow received an athletic scholarship to attend and play for the Florida Gators football team from 2006 to 2009.^[37] While he spent his freshman year as a backup, eventual career highlights at Florida include winning the Heisman Trophy in 2007, leading the team to a BCS championship in 2008, and a 13–1 2009 season. The Gators coaches selected him as a team captain in 2008 and 2009, and he is the only three-time recipient of the Gators' most valuable player award, having been chosen by his teammates in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

2006[link]

Despite a strong showing in his first intersquad scrimmage, Coach Urban Meyer named Tebow second string behind Chris Leak.^[38] Although Tebow remained the backup throughout the season, Tebow was a significant contributor to the Gators' 2006 success.

Tebow made his college debut coming off the bench in a goal line situation against Southern Miss. He rushed for a touchdown on a designed quarterback scramble on his first play.^[39] In his next game, he led the team in rushing yards against UCF.^[40]

Tebow made his SEC debut against the Tennessee Volunteers on September 16. His performance included a ten-yard run on his first carry and converting a critical fourth down near the end of the game, which led to the Gators' go-ahead touchdown.^[41] Tebow's biggest game in the season came against the LSU Tigers on October 7, where he accounted for all three of the Gators' touchdowns, passing for two and rushing for another.^[42] Tebow played a role in the Gators' victory in the 2007 BCS National Championship Game against Ohio State. He threw for one touchdown and rushed for another, finishing with 39 rushing yards.^[43] He finished 2006 with the second-most rushing yards on the Gator team.^[44]

2007[link]

Tebow (on right) and other Gator QBs during pre-game warm-ups.

Although questions about his passing skill loomed, Tebow was named the Florida Gators starting quarterback for the 2007 season.^[45] He opened the year 13-of-17 for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns in his starting debut against Western Kentucky University.^[46] Tebow finished the regular season with the second highest passing efficiency in the nation with 177.8. Additionally, he averaged 4.3 yards per carry on the ground.^[47]

Tebow set numerous personal, school and national records in the 2007 season, including:

• University of Florida single-game quarterback rushing yards, 166, week 4^[48]
• SEC season rushing touchdown record, 20^[49]
• Career high single game rushing touchdowns, 5, Nov. 10
• SEC season total touchdowns (passing and rushing), 55^[50]

On November 24, against the Florida State Seminoles, Tebow threw for three touchdowns and rushed for two in a 45–12 rout of the Seminoles. It was later revealed that Tebow fractured his right hand during the third quarter but played the rest of the game. He had to wear a cast for the next three weeks.^[51]

After the 2007 season was over, Tebow was recognized as a first-team All-SEC selection and a consensus first-team All-American,^[52] and won the Heisman Trophy, given to the most outstanding college football player of the year. He also received the Davey O'Brien Award, annually given to the best quarterback in the nation, on February 18 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Heisman Trophy[link]

Tebow in 2007

On December 8, 2007, Tebow was awarded the Heisman Trophy, finishing ahead of Arkansas's Darren McFadden, Hawaii's Colt Brennan, and Missouri's Chase Daniel. He was the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy.^[20] He garnered 462 first-place votes and 1,957 points, 254 points ahead of the runner-up, Arkansas running back Darren McFadden.^[53][54] He finished the regular season as the only player in FBS history to rush and pass for at least 20 touchdowns in both categories in the same season.^[55] He had 32 passing touchdowns, and 23 rushing touchdowns. Tebow's rushing TD total in the 2007 season is the most recorded for any position in SEC history.^[56] The total also set the record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in FBS history. Tebow became the third UF player to win the Heisman Trophy, joining Steve Spurrier and Danny Wuerffel.^[57]

2008[link]

Before the 2007 season had even come to a close, Florida coach Urban Meyer stated that he would likely use two quarterbacks during the 2008 season to take some of the workload off of Tebow's shoulders.^[58] Tebow led the Gators in rushing in 2007^[59] but also had to play through a bruised shoulder and broken non-throwing hand.^[58]

Before the 2008 season even started, Tebow had his name pulled from consideration for the Playboy Preseason All-American team because it conflicted with his Christian beliefs.^[60]

On November 1, 2008, playing against the Georgia Bulldogs, Tebow ran for his 37th rushing touchdown, breaking the school record previously held by former Florida running back Emmitt Smith.

Tebow led the Gators to a 12–1 record in 2008. After clinching the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division title, the team played for and won the SEC title in the 2008 SEC Championship Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide. The win secured the #2 ranking in the final BCS standings, which earned the Gators the chance to play the #1 ranked Oklahoma Sooners in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game, which they won 24–14.

Tebow finished third in the 2008 Heisman Trophy voting, with Oklahoma's Sam Bradford taking the top spot followed by Texas' Colt McCoy, despite Tebow receiving the most first-place votes.^[61][62] Tebow also won the Maxwell Award in 2008, becoming only the second player to win the award twice.^[63]

On January 11, 2009, at a national championship celebration held at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Tebow announced that he would not make himself eligible for the 2009 NFL Draft, but would instead return for his senior season at Florida.^[64] One day later, he had surgery on his right shoulder to remove a bone spur in an effort to reduce chronic inflammation.^[65]

2009[link]

Tebow opened the 2009 season continuing a streak of throwing and running for a touchdown in blowout wins over Charleston Southern and Troy. He ran for a touchdown in the third game, a win against Tennessee, but failed to throw for a touchdown for the first time since his freshman season.

In answer to an interview question, Tebow stated that he was a virgin.^[67] The statement was subject to much discussion about whether the question was necessary, including criticism of the reporter who originally asked.^[68]

Tebow started against Kentucky despite suffering from a respiratory illness and taking two bags of intravenous fluids before the game.^[69] He ran for two touchdowns to put him in 2nd place on the all-time SEC touchdown list and he also threw for a touchdown. Late in the third quarter, he was hit in the chest by Kentucky defensive end Taylor Wyndham, fell backwards, and hit the back of his head on the knee of Florida tackle Marcus Gilbert, who was wearing a hard knee brace. Upon impact, Tebow briefly displayed a prominent fencing response with his left arm, indicating that a concussion had taken place.^[70] He lay motionless for several minutes before being helped to the sidelines. Once there, he vomited. He was taken by ambulance to the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center.^[71][72] A CT scan showed no bleeding in the brain, with the injury described as a mild concussion.^[73][74] Coach Urban Meyer stayed the night in the hospital with Tebow, who was discharged in the morning.^[75] Coincidentally, Florida did not have a game scheduled for the following Saturday, and Tebow was cleared to play in the Gators' next contest at LSU on Oct. 10, two weeks after the incident^[76]

On October 31, 2009, while playing against the Georgia Bulldogs, Tebow ran for his 50th and 51st rushing touchdowns, breaking the SEC career record previously held by former Georgia running back Herschel Walker.^[77] His penultimate collegiate game, the 2009 SEC Championship, saw him once again facing the University of Alabama. Tebow threw for 245 yards and a touchdown and led the team with 63 yards rushing, but the Gators fell 32-13 and lost their chance to play for a second consecutive national title.^[78] Florida beat Cincinnati 51-24 in the 2010 Sugar Bowl the following January. In what was Tebow's last college game, he completed 31 of 35 passes for 482 yards and 3 touchdowns and accounted for 4 total touchdowns and 533 yards of total offense, which set a record for a Bowl Championship Series game.^[79]

Tebow graduated from the University of Florida in December 2009, with a bachelor's degree in family, youth and community sciences.^[80]

College statistics and records[link]

At the end of his college career, Tebow held 5 NCAA, 14 Southeastern Conference, and 28 University of Florida statistical records.^[81] He was the SEC's all-time leader in career passing efficiency (170.8), completion percentage (67.1%), passing touchdown to interception ratio (5.5 to 1), rushing yards by a quarterback (2947), rushing touchdowns (any position) (57), and total touchdowns responsible for (145).^[8][82] Among many mentions in the NCAA Division-I record book, Tebow is ranked second in career passing efficiency, third in career yards per attempt (9.33), 8th in career rushing touchdowns, and also owns the record for most consecutive games in which he both threw at least one touchdown pass and scored at least one rushing touchdown (14).^[83]

^[84][84]

"The Tebow Rule"[link]

In 2010 a new rule for the next NCAA football season banned messages on eye paint. This rule was dubbed "The Tebow Rule"^[85][86][87] by media because it would have affected him.^[87] During his college football career, Tebow frequently wore references to biblical verses on his eye black. In the 2009 BCS Championship Game, he wore John 3:16 on his eye black; the verse was the highest-ranked Google search term over the next 24 hours, generating over 90 million searches.^{[88][89][90][91][92]} Additionally, later, when Tebow switched to another verse, there were 3.43 million searches of "Tim Tebow" and "Proverbs 3:5-6" together.^[93] Tebow stated of the searches "It just goes to show you the influence and the platform that you have as a student-athlete and as a quarterback at Florida".^[93]

The NFL already has a rule like this in prohibiting players from wearing messages on eye black; so, Tebow would not be able to continue the practice in the NFL.^[87] Despite the media labeling it as the Tebow rule, the NCAA denies the rule was influenced by Tebow particularly, since many other notable players (Reggie Bush and Terrelle Pryor for example) wear or have worn messages on eye black.^[94][95] An NCAA spokesman said "When this rule was proposed the committee did not focus on any one team or student athlete. That measure reinforces what the intended use of eye black is, which is to shade the eyes from the sun."^[95]

Professional career[link]

Pre-draft[link]

After passing on the 2009 NFL Draft for his senior season at Florida, Tebow went on to enter the 2010 NFL Draft. Despite his college success, Tebow's NFL potential was much debated. According to former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden, he could "revolutionize" the pro game. Says Gruden: "Tim Tebow is 250 pounds, and he's the strongest human being that's ever played the position. He can throw well enough at any level."^[96] Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy said he would pick Tebow with a top 10 pick, and would take him over any quarterback in the 2010 draft.^[97] On the other hand, NFL analyst Mel Kiper, Jr. believed Tebow did not have the intangibles to play quarterback in the NFL. "I don't think he can be a fulltime quarterback. I don't think he can be the quarterback of the future for you, but I do think in the third round, maybe the second round, he'll be the same as Pat White", said Kiper.^[98]

Tebow was particularly mentioned as a potential third round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars, his hometown team. Some, including Florida governor Charlie Crist, suggested that Tebow could be the remedy for dwindling Jaguars ticket sales at EverBank Field.^[99] Early in the 2009 season, Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver stated: "He (Tebow) clearly is an outstanding football player and would be an asset to any football organization. Clearly there's going to be a groundswell for Tebow, and we'll have to make that evaluation if we have a draft pick that's going to be anywhere near him."^[100] Not everyone in the organization agreed, as Jaguar lineman Uche Nwaneri posted doubts about Tebow's potential NFL success on his team's website message board.^[101]

Denver Broncos[link]

2010[link]

Tebow during warm-ups with the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in 2010.

Tebow was selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round (25th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft. The Broncos had acquired the pick in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens on the first night of the draft on April 22.^[104] The Ravens received picks in the second, third and fourth rounds which were used to select Sergio Kindle, Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta respectively.^[105] Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said about his two first-round selections, which included Tebow, "We want players who are tough, smart, have great character, love football and are passionate about coming here and helping the Broncos win a championship. I think both players fit that role, and I think that's something that we're looking for in all of our players. What we're trying to build here is team chemistry and a team that cares about winning and winning a championship, and that's it." He also added specifically about Tebow, "He has all the traits you look for. It's a good pick."^[106] Tebow responded in an interview, saying, "My greatest joy in Denver is going to be to repay Coach McDaniels for believing in me." Tebow also said of his critics, "I just have a passion to play football. When you do things different than other people sometimes do them, and you don't settle for just being average, you open yourself up for criticism. But, I'm ready for it. I've learned to live with it. I never just wanted to do things the same way everybody else does."^[107]

ESPN.com's Bill Williamson said, "Josh McDaniels' legacy is Tim Tebow."^[106]

When asked how Tebow will be used, McDaniels commented that Tebow probably won't start at quarterback as a rookie; although, he said he'll "play when he's ready." He also said that there could be some packages custom-made for Tebow right away and indicated that he could initially contribute to Denver's variation of the wildcat formation, called the wild horse formation.^[106]

The Denver Post columnist Woody Paige praised the pick, saying "Tim Tremendous may be high risk, but he will be a Mile High Reward...Tebow has become the most celebrated fourth-string rookie quarterback in NFL history, the most controversial quarterback pick by the Broncos since Tommy Maddox was chosen in exactly the same spot in the first round in 1992, the most decorated player and the most determined quarterback, and the most puzzling dichotomy, in the entire draft."^[108]

Tebow wore number 15 on his jersey for the Broncos, the same number he wore in college.^[109] He set an NFL Draft record for jersey sales.^[110] He also had the best-selling jersey in the entire NFL each month since being drafted. The Broncos, as a whole, led the NFL among all teams in jersey sales as well.^[111][112]

On July 29, Tebow signed a five-year contract with the Broncos that had a base value of $11.25 million (he can make as much as $33 million through certain performance-based incentives). The contract also included $8.7 million guaranteed.^[113]

On October 17, Tebow scored his first NFL touchdown, which was a five-yard running play against the New York Jets.^[114] On November 14, Tebow threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Spencer Larsen on his first career NFL pass attempt, as part of a 49-29 home victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. He also added a one-yard rushing touchdown in the game.^[115] His performance against the Chiefs earned him his first Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week honor.^[116]

Tebow started his first NFL game on December 19, which was a 39-23 road loss to the Oakland Raiders.^[117] Tebow completed eight of 16 passes for 138 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown pass. He also rushed for 78 yards, 40 of which came on a touchdown run in the first quarter of the game. It was the longest touchdown run for a quarterback in Broncos history and the longest touchdown run in NFL history for a quarterback in his first start. Tebow became just the third quarterback in NFL history to throw for a touchdown of 30 or more yards and run for a touchdown of 40 or more yards in the same game.^[118] He finished the game with a 100.5 passer rating, the highest ever in team history for a professional debut.

Tebow's first career victory came in his second start on December 26. The Broncos defeated the Houston Texans, 24-23, in Denver. Tebow helped rally the Broncos from a 17-0 deficit at halftime, as he finished the game with 308 passing yards and one touchdown pass. He also added a fourth quarter rushing touchdown, which capped the comeback.^[119] Tebow received his second Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week honor following his performance.^[120]

Tebow finished his rookie season playing sparingly in six games as a back-up (primarily on plays involving the wild horse formation, which is Denver's variation of the wildcat formation) before starting the last three games of the Broncos' season. He threw for a total of 654 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. He also rushed for 227 yards and six touchdowns. Tebow became the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for a touchdown in each of his first three career starts.

2011[link]

Tebow began the 2011 season as the Denver Broncos' backup quarterback, with Kyle Orton acting as the starter. After a 1–4 start and some poor performances, Orton was replaced by Tebow at halftime during a home game against the San Diego Chargers in the fifth week of the season. Tebow nearly led the Broncos back from a 16-point deficit, as he passed and ran for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Chargers ultimately won the game, 29–24. Shortly afterward, Broncos' head coach John Fox announced Tebow would start in the following game on the road against the Miami Dolphins. Tebow and the Broncos struggled in the first three-and-a-half quarters against the Dolphins, but rallied from a 15–0 deficit in the last three minutes to win the game, 18–15, in overtime. Denver became the first team in NFL history to win a game after being down by at least 15 points with three minutes to play in a game.^[121]

On November 6, Tebow rushed for 117 yards, along with passing for 124 yards and two touchdowns, as part of a 38–24 road victory over the Oakland Raiders. It was the first game in his NFL career that Tebow rushed for at least 100 yards. Broncos' running back Willis McGahee ran for 163 yards and two touchdowns, making Tebow and McGahee only the fifth quarterback and running back tandem in NFL history to run for at least 100 yards in the same game.^[122] The Broncos followed up a road win over division-rival Oakland with another road win over a division rival, the Kansas City Chiefs. Tebow completed two passes on eight attempts for 69 yards and a touchdown. His second completion, a 56-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to wide receiver Eric Decker, sealed the game for Denver. Tebow became the fifth quarterback since 1980 to win a game after being the sole quarterback on the winning team to complete two or fewer passes.^[123] Four days later, Tebow was 9-for-20 with 104 yards in a Thursday Night Football home game against the New York Jets. He led a 95-yard, game-winning touchdown drive with less than six minutes to play, and the Broncos trailing, 13–10. On third-and-four, Tebow ran for a 20-yard touchdown with less than one minute remaining. The Broncos won the game, 17–13.^[124] Tebow guided the Broncos to another comeback victory the next week—a 16–13 overtime road win over the San Diego Chargers. He ran the ball 22 times for 67 yards. His 22 rushing attempts were the most by an NFL quarterback since 1950.^[125]

In the 10th start of his NFL career, Tebow led the Broncos to their third consecutive come-from-behind win of the season after trailing going into the fourth quarter, as Denver beat the Minnesota Vikings on the road, 35–32. The following Sunday, Tebow once again guided a comeback victory, this time at home over the Chicago Bears. Denver won 13-10 in overtime after facing a 10-0 deficit with just over two minutes to play in regulation. Tebow's sixth come-from-behind fourth quarter or overtime victory in his 11 career starts was the most in NFL history for any quarterback in that time span.^[126]

Tebow and the Broncos' winning streak was broken by the New England Patriots in week 15. Tebow rushed for 2 touchdowns and accounted for almost 300 total yards against the Patriots, but Denver lost 41-23. In the Broncos' 40-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills the following week, Tebow had 1 passing and 1 rushing touchdown, but he also threw three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. He struggled for a second straight game the following week in a 7-3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, completing only 6 of 22 passes and finishing with a career low quarterback rating of 20.6 But with a week 17 loss by the Oakland Raiders, the Broncos won the AFC West title in a tiebreaker.^[127]

After the three consecutive losses, Broncos vice president and former quarterback John Elway said Tebow was playing tentatively and needed to "pull the trigger."^[128][129] On January 8, Denver hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first round of the NFL playoffs. Tebow threw for a career high 316 yards and two touchdowns, including an 80 yard TD to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime, as the Broncos won 29–23.^[129] Tebow completed 10 of 21 passes in the contest, setting the franchise record for quarterback rating in a playoff game (125.6)^[129] and an NFL record for yards per completion (31.6) in a playoff game.^[130] Media sources noted Tebow's passing yards (316) and yards per completion (31.6) evoked the Bible's John 3:16. The Nielsen ratings for the game also peaked at 31.6. John 3:16 was the top search item on Google the next morning, followed by Tebow and Tim Tebow.^[131][132]

The Broncos were handed a 45–10 defeat by the New England Patriots the following week, knocking them out of the playoffs.^[133] After the season, Elway confirmed that Tebow would be the Broncos starting quarterback going into training camp in 2012.^[134]

On April 28, 2012, the NFL announced its 91st-100th ranked players of its NFL Top 100 in which Tebow was ranked 95th by his fellow peers.^[135][136]

New York Jets[link]

On March 21, 2012, in the wake of the Broncos signing free agent Peyton Manning, Tebow was traded, along with the Broncos' 2012 7th round draft pick, to the New York Jets in exchange for the Jets' 4th and 6th round picks.^[137][138]

NFL Statistics[link]

Regular season[link]

Playoffs[link]

In the media[link]

Books[link]

On May 31, 2011, HarperCollins released Through My Eyes, an autobiography that Tebow co-wrote with author Nathan Whitaker. Tebow details his early life growing up in Jacksonville and the Philippines, as well as his college football experiences.^[139] By March 04, 2012 it had spent 24 weeks on the New York Times best seller list. ^[140] It was named the #1 sports book of 2011 ^[141] and the bestselling religion book of 2011 ^[142]. Tim followed his memoir with a young readers’ edition entitled Through My Eyes: A Quarterback’s Journey, also co-written with Nathan Whitaker ^[143].

Magazines and Endorsements[link]

Tebow is a spokesperson for Nike, Jockey International and FRS Health Energy.^{[144][145][146]}

In September 2008, Tebow appeared on the cover of Men's Fitness magazine.

On April 8, 2010, Tebow was announced as the cover athlete for all three game platforms of the video game NCAA Football 11.^[147]

In 2011, Tebow was the first quarterback featured in ESPN's "Year of the Quarterback" series. The documentary, entitled "Tim Tebow: Everything in Between," followed him from the 2010 Sugar Bowl to the 2010 NFL Draft. It premiered on January 6, 2011.^[148] On November 8, 2011 the documentary was released on DVD.

On December 13, 2011, Tebow was the athlete featured on the cover of the first edition of the NFL's official magazine.^[149]

In 2011, Tebow was rendered as a superhero by Marvel Comics. His character was known as "Super Tim."^[150]

Music videos[link]

YouTube, Google Videos, Godtube, and other video-sharing websites have numerous variations of Tim Tebow college and professional football highlights in video clips of varying lengths (such as 'Tebow Magic' and 'All He Does is Win'), with various video and musical backdrops, and user views reaching into the multi-millions.^[151]

Super Bowl ad[link]

A nationwide controversy surrounded Tebow's decision to appear in an ad funded by the socially conservative organization Focus on the Family that was broadcast February 7, 2010, during Super Bowl XLIV on CBS.^[152][153] There were two 30-second commercials, which included Tebow's personal story as part of an overall pro-life stance. The abortion issue was not specifically mentioned in the ad.^[154] Pro-choice groups condemned the ad,^[155] while pro-life groups rallied around Tebow.^[156]

Tebowing[link]

Tebow kneeling in prayer.

Tebowing is a neologism for the act of kneeling on one knee in prayer with one's head resting on one's fist.^[157][158] It is derived from Tebow's propensity for kneeling and praying. The origin of the phrase is credited to fan Jared Kleinstein, who posted a picture with friends on Facebook, in which they mimicked a pose of Tebow following the Broncos' comeback overtime victory over the Dolphins on October 23, 2011.^[159] The popularity of the picture led Kleinstein to set up a website showing pictures submitted by people depicting various interpretations of Tebowing all over the world.^[159] After two and a half-months, the site received 20,000 photograph submissions from all seven continents and 20 million page views from 2 million unique visitors.^[160] The New York Times wrote "it can be hard to tell whether [people tebowing] are celebrating or mocking [Tebow] for his virtuous ways."^[158] Pittsburgh mayor Luke Ravenstahl tebowed as part of a bet with the mayor of Denver following the Broncos playoff victory over the Steelers in 2012.^[161]

Tebowing was recognized as a word in the English language by the Global Language Monitor, due to its level of worldwide usage, which was comparable to the word Obamamania (referencing President Barack Obama).^[157][162] In December 2011, the life-sized wall adhesions company Fathead released a "Tebowing" sticker that became the company's best-selling product in two days.^[163]

Evangelism[link]

In the Philippines, Tim Tebow preached the Christian Gospel in front of schoolchildren and entire villages and assisted in medical care.^[164][165] Moreover, Tebow supports more than 40 national evangelists working in that nation.^[165] In the United States, he has shared his Christian faith in prisons and schools, to church and youth groups, and at meetings and conferences.^[164][9]

An Easter Sunday crowd of roughly 20,000 listened to Tebow on April 8, 2012. He only briefly mentioned his move from Denver to New York. "Kind of got traded. I'm on another team -- excited to be a Jet," Tebow said. "Regardless of what happens, I still honor my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, because at the end of the day, that's what's important, win or lose. … We need to get back to one nation under God, and be role models for kids," Tebow added. ^[166][167]

Philanthropic work[link]

Tebow envisioned a foundation to give back to others during his college career, and he, along with other University of Florida students, created First and 15. Through this organization, Tebow raised funds for Uncle Dick's Orphanage in the Philippines, founded by his father’s nonprofit association, the Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association.^[168] He also raised monies for Shands Hospital pediatric cancer center in Gainesville and a Disney trip for disadvantaged children. Upon graduation from University of Florida, Tebow launched the Tim Tebow Foundation in January 2010.^[169]

Tebow CURE Hospital[link]

CURE and the Tebow Foundation announced plans to build a children's hospital in the fall of 2011 in the Philippines, the country where Tebow was born. The Tebow CURE Hospital in Davao City, on the island of Mindanao, will hold 30 beds and will specialize in orthopedics. Construction began in January 2012 and it is expected to open in mid-2013. CURE's 12th hospital worldwide, they hope to heal deformities such as clubfoot, untreated burns, hydrocephalus and other conditions correctable with surgery. The cost of the project, $3 million, will come from donors from CURE and the Tebow Foundation. The hospital will include a "Timmy's Playroom."^[170]

Awards and honors[link]

College[link]

2006 season[link]

• SEC All-Freshman Team^[171]
• SEC Freshman of the Week^[172]

2007 season[link]

Tim Tebow in 2007

• Walter Camp Foundation National Offensive Player of the Week^[173]
• Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Week, three times^{[174][175][176]}
• Davey O'Brien Award winner^[177]
• Heisman Trophy winner
• Maxwell Award winner^[177]
• Walter Camp Award finalist^[178]
• Sporting News Player of the Year
• Harley Award winner
• Quarterback of the Year^[179]
• First-team Academic All-American^[180]
• Manning Award finalist^[181]
• Rivals.com National Offensive Player of the Year^[182]
• Rivals.com SEC Offensive Player of the Year^[183]
• First-team All-SEC (Associated Press,^[184] Coaches,^[185] Rivals.com^[183])
• Associated Press SEC Offensive Player of the Year^[184]
• Associated Press Player of the Year^[186]
• First-team All-American by: Associated Press, Football Writers Association of America, Walter Camp Football Foundation, Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, CBS Sports, College Football News, Rivals.com, and Scout.com
• James E. Sullivan Award, awarded to the Nations top amateur athlete^[187]
• Roy F. Kramer SEC Male Athlete of the Year.^[188] Third Florida Gator to win this award, Danny Wuerffel (won twice) and Ryan Lochte.
• ESPY for Best Male College Athlete^[189]

2008 season[link]

• First-team All-America by College Football News.
• Disney Spirit Award^[190]
• ESPY for Best Male College Athlete
• Heisman Trophy finalist
• Manning Award winner
• Maxwell Award winner
• Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Week^[191]
• 2008 SEC Championship Game Most Valuable Player
• First-team All-SEC (AP,^[192] Coaches,^[193] Rivals.com^[194])
• Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Year
• Southeastern Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year^[195]
• Wuerffel Trophy winner
• First-team Academic All-American^[180]

2009 season[link]

• William V. Campbell Trophy (formerly the Vincent dePaul Draddy Trophy, "The Academic Heisman") winner
• First-team Academic All-American^[180]
• Lowe's Senior CLASS Award
• Heisman Trophy finalist
• First-team All-SEC (AP,^[196] Coaches,^[197] Rivals.com^[198])
• Second-team All-America (Walter Camp Foundation)
• Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Year
• Sugar Bowl Most Outstanding Player^[199]
• Sports Illustrated College football Player of the Decade^[200]

Professional[link]

• 2× Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week - Weeks 10 and 16 (2010)
• 2011 GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Year^[201] - Come from behind overtime win vs. Bears - Week 14

See also[link]

	American football portal
	Biography portal
	College football portal
	Florida portal

• 2006 College Football All-America Team
• Florida Gators
• List of Denver Broncos starting quarterbacks
• List of Division I FBS rushing touchdown leaders
• List of Florida Gators football players
• List of Heisman Trophy winners
• List of New York Jets players
• List of SEC Most Valuable Players
• List of University of Florida alumni

References[link]