Combine three parts unfailing religiosity, two parts relentless competitive spirit and no parts passing accuracy. Stir. Half bake on various overheated talking head sports shows. And voila ... Tebowmania.
With high school students being suspended for emulating his signature pose, opponents mocking his ability to play his position and "Saturday Night Live" sending up the entire package, it wouldn't seem that Denver Broncos quarterback could become an even greater part of our national conversation. Wrong. Politicians are finally catching on to the power of Tebow -- especially Republicans looking to earn the favor of those who share his religious beliefs.
Last week at the latest Republican Presidential Debate, GOP candidate Rick Perry compared himself to Denver's polarizing quarterback, calling himself "the Tim Tebow of the Iowa caucuses." Chuck Laudner, an Iowa radio host, recently called fellow GOP candidate Rick Santorum (who he supports) the "Tim Tebow of the Republican process out there."
Over the weekend, another Republican personality attempted to align herself with the former Florida Gators star. Speaking with Shannon Bream on FOX News, former Alaska governor Sarah Palin talked briefly about her love for Tebow.
"Oh I am so pro Tebow, you know he is so unashamed of his savior, Jesus of Nazareth," Palin said. "He knows Jesus is going to rock your world when you give it over to him, and he's bold about it, and he knows that the son of God should be honored and praised. Tebow does that and I respect it."
If you happened to catch Tebow get mic'd up during Denver's thrilling comeback win over the Chicago Bears during Week 14 of the NFL season then you'd know that Tebow literally sings Jesus' praise during warmups and throughout the game. And, during that game in particular, the results certainly rocked the football world.
After going public with her pro Tebow stance on Sunday, Palin revealed the very next day that "it's not too late for folks to jump in" to the 2012 field. Coincidence?
Unfortunately, nobody saved Tebow and the Broncos from Tom Brady and the New England Patriots this past weekend. Of course, that controversial "SNL" sketch the night before the game indicated that the team would be on its own -- for a change -- in that contest.