Tebow’s doubters remain but confidence still high

By Adam Silverstein
April 18, 2010

A survey of 21 members of various NFL personnel departments conducted by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel revealed a long-held opinion: most of the league’s top decision makers do not believe in former Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow’s ability to become a starting signal caller in the professional ranks.

Only five respondents to the survey (24 percent) believe Tebow has what it takes to make it in the NFL. Some of the dissenters’ comments make it crystal clear there are more questions than answers when it comes to the passer’s future.

Check out what NFL personnel said about Tebow, how he keeps his confidence high and whether or not he will attend the draft…after the break!

Indianapolis Colts president Bill Polian: “I honestly don’t know [if he will be successful]. There’s such a long way to go. Would I stake my job on it? The answer is no. I don’t know that he would become a quarterback.”

Anonymous AFC personnel director: “He’s a one-read guy who doesn’t see it all well. That offense helped him because they narrowed the field for him. He’s a slow decision-maker who doesn’t get it out of his hand very fast. Part of it is mechanics. The other part is he will hold onto the ball.”

Anonymous NFC personnel executive: “The greatest thing that’s ever happened to football […] you take away the leadership and all that manufactured [expletive deleted], I don’t think he has any quarterback skills and he’s not a good enough athlete to play another position. They’ve made this kid out to be perfect. I just don’t buy it.”

Then again, there are also those that support and believe in Tebow.

Anonymous AFC personnel executive: “I think he’s a first-rounder. Everyone wants the Peyton Manning, guys that actually carry teams. Well, there’s maybe three of those in the league. Ask Tebow to get on a team with talent around him, he’s going to win ball games. People want to dismiss him so easily. Well, he’s big, he’s strong, he’s fast, he’s very powerful and he’s got a strong arm. He puts the ball in a position to make people successful. That’s what you want in a quarterback.”

St. Louis Rams vice president of player personnel Tony Softli: “The thing about Tebow, I wouldn’t bet against him. It wouldn’t surprise me if the guy goes on and becomes the president of the United States. Somebody will put in a scheme and do what he does best.”

But when it all comes down to it, Tebow’s confidence in his own abilities and his desire to prove doubters and critics wrong has always been a motivating factor in his life.

“I’ve been told I should be a running back or a linebacker since I was six years old,” Tebow said according to The Tennessean. “I respond to those critics the same way I’ve responded to them since then – just go work a little harder and do a little bit better, and honestly not listen to them too much because they’re usually not the ones out there playing, and they’re usually not the ones out there coaching. So I don’t really have to pay too much attention to them. […] I never, ever think that I am a finished product. I never, ever think that I have made it, regardless of what happens, but continue to get better and never take a day off. Because you can get better at what you do every day.”

Tebow, speaking before an athletics banquet at Lipscomb University Saturday, even brushed off Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ recent comments.

“You know, I haven’t even really seen [the video]. I’ve just heard about it,” he said. “I was visiting another NFL city when that came out, and they were kind of laughing about it there, and I really haven’t even thought about it. I don’t even take that as an offense. He’s just having fun.”

Then, of course, there is the 2010 NFL Draft from April 22-24 and the standing question about whether or not Tebow will be one of 18 players in attendance. Though the league was expecting a decision Friday, he has yet to make up his mind, saying the same thing he told OGGOA a few weeks ago.

“I’m going to be with my family, and that’s one of the big things for us, is how many of the family can come to New York?” Tebow said. “The most important thing is being with my family and coach [Urban] Meyer wants to be there and some of the other coaches from Florida and a few of my best friends. I will decide sometime next week. I just have to pray about it and talk with my family about it.”

Photo Credit: Andy Lyons/Getty Images

4 Comments

  1. Ana says:

    Hey Adam,

    Just read this on ESPN “Bills to trade back into first for Tebow?” – have you heard anything on this?

  2. It is just referencing an article from the National Football Post that asserts a rumor that the Bills want to take an OT at No. 9 and then trade back into the first for Tebow. Nothing confirmed or for sure – just conjecture.

  3. PGator says:

    Great find Adam. Love the site.

  4. Ana says:

    Thanks for the answer! I know you will keep up posted. 😀

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