Tim Tebow Endorsement Sought By 2012 GOP Candidates

Nevermind politicians and pundits. Certain Republican presidential candidates are hoping for an endorsement from an even higher power: Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. More than one candidate has reached out to the NFL star hoping to win his backing, but to no avail.

The quarterback's popularity and conservative leanings make him an attractive backer for the GOP field. Tebow became famous even among non-sports fans after scoring a series of upset wins, and for his signature praying pose. An Evangelical Christian, he has taken a public pro-life stance.

From the AP:

Sensing the excitement and loving his message, Tebow is also being courted by Republican presidential candidates. The quarterback recently told The Associated Press he's been asked by more than one of the contenders for his support. He wouldn't name names, but did say he'd declined the offer.

"I think you have to have so much trust in who you support, just from product endorsements to endorsing a candidate because if that person or company does something (bad), it reflects on you," said Tebow, who's a pitchman for Nike, Jockey and FRS energy drink.

Tebow has become something of a theme in the Republican presidential primary. It started with Rick Perry's debate comment that his struggling campaign was like the underdog quarterback that no one believed in. "I hope I am the Tim Tebow of the Iowa caucuses," said the candidate. (Shortly after the comment Tebow went on a losing streak, and Perry finished in fifth place in Iowa.)

Not to be out-Tebowed by the Texas governor, a PAC supporting Michele Bachmann released an ad around the Iowa caucus likening the Minnesota congresswoman to Tebow. They both have no baggage and are Christian, said the ad, "and like Tebow, she keeps fighting and she just keeps winning votes." Bachmann has since suspended her campaign after a sixth-place finish in Iowa.

The beloved quarterback recently wowed fans yet again after leading the Broncos to an upset win at Sunday's NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Some even say you could see a mile-high halo above his head.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article stated the Broncos/Steelers game was on Monday. It's been changed to reflect the correct date.

Comments

[unimatrix0]

01:02 AM on 01/28/2012

An endosement from a 1%-er, and what does that mean? If he likes your policies that means they probably benefit him. Let's se the endorsement from the average americans (teachers, fire fighters, policemen), oh wait a minute they all speak collectively through their unions which the republicans are tryong to break. Maybe the CEO of CitiGroup will endorse you, wouldn't you be proud to boast about that one?

[strawberrykiki]

02:21 PM on 01/19/2012

How about Gingrich/Tebow?? Dream team!! Haha!!

[Steve Hunt OKC]

02:40 PM on 01/13/2012

Wow. These candidates, along with so many of his critics (Bill Maher especially - uggh) forget this guy is still pretty much a kid...23 or 24. What a joke things have become.

[truenewyorkfan]

08:32 PM on 01/12/2012

Lets bring more unwanted attention to a quarterback. This is a joke. Why is it our politcal system has devolved into something of a pop-culture phenomenom?

Even if you ignore the debate, the media follows the President like he was a celeb. Why?

Tebow is a good developing QB (I'd take him over Sanchez) not a political tool. Its so dumb. My bet is it was Santorum or Perry.

[bmwracer]

02:35 PM on 01/11/2012

If Tebow endorses a GOP-er, all the more reason to despise him.

[juzcuz]

07:30 PM on 01/11/2012

I tend to agree with you. Until he revealed that he's a 'christian' (evangelical no-less) and supporter of bigoted gay-bash group Focus on the Family and started his theatrical prayers - I suppose he could have been a good Univ of Florida qb... but now I think he's just been lucky and won't got too much further than zilch. He's a brain-washed child from bigoted parents, probably spoiled rotten and just lucking out with the Broncos.

[truenewyorkfan]

08:34 PM on 01/12/2012

You're assumption into his Childhood is wrong. Tim was for a portion of his life in the Phillipines as a missionary helping people.

To call his parents bigoted seems bigoted on your part.

[cougarsrus]

02:55 PM on 01/12/2012

I don't despise him, I like him and really enjoy watching him play football. He's added some much-needed excitement to the Broncos. If he does endorse a GOP candidate, I will think much less of him, however, and I hope he continues to refuse to do so. It would be polarizing to the community. This is football, not politics, and Bronco fans are from all sides of the political spectrum, and all should feel welcome to cheer on their home team and home quarterback.

[3dtrix]

12:54 PM on 01/11/2012

When I contemplate casting a vote - I always want to know what two critical voices have to say about my potential choice - professional athletes and movie actors.

Who knows better than they?

[BOOWAH]

11:16 AM on 01/11/2012

This election may well turn into the Crusades! Hey! Religion works as a weapon in all of these islamist countries, why won't it work here! The GOP has tried generational conflict, so now it's to be religious conflict! Divide and Conquer!

[Trekkinbob]

11:12 AM on 01/11/2012

Football - the new American religion. The GOP is looking to draft both Jesus and Tebow for their team, sponsored by Dark Aged Pilsner Beer. An old family values tradition brewed prayerfully with trickle-down for the parched throats of liberals in mind, one sip and you'll meet God himself.

[legitane]

11:10 AM on 01/11/2012

If he were Jewish or Muslim, would his endorsement mean the same ?

[truenewyorkfan]

08:35 PM on 01/12/2012

To liberals maybe.

[brickzz12]

10:43 AM on 01/11/2012

The GOPers won't want his endorsment after New England.

[lioness39]

02:44 PM on 01/11/2012

Fanned and Faved! I want a 50 point win this time. Knock 'em out, Pats!

[brickzz12]

03:52 PM on 01/11/2012

Tebow will get Tebowed!!!!!

[juzcuz]

07:32 PM on 01/11/2012

Normally I would say that - but really the Pats are NOT like they used to be; I think Broncos winning is quite feasible. I really think they play sloppy football and really not strong in any area (except maybe punt-kicking)... just been lucky up until now. I've been a 40 year fan of Denver Broncos - so don't tell me I don't know a thing or two about my team.

[chaya]

10:10 AM on 01/11/2012

This whole Tebow phenomenon makes me cringe.

You've got some young-rich-guy quarterback who makes public political pronouncements. He prays publicly on the field and God swoops down to give him victory after victory. The media breathlessly tracks him, the Evangelical special interest groups try to get him to go against gay marriage, the GOP desperately tries to get his endorsement.

What can we expect next? Will Tebow lead his people to the Promised Land? Will he don a lion skin and carry a club and go in search of the serpent? Will he perhaps even be martyred?

Evangelical Christians sure do love their idolatry.

[baldwjo]

11:09 AM on 01/11/2012

And your post makes many of us vo- mit!

[lioness39]

02:46 PM on 01/11/2012

It makes me smile. As for your rehabilitation program for Liberals: Thanks but no thanks!

[janicedow1]

12:42 PM on 01/14/2012

chaya is right. some people think he's the second coming just because he uses the words "Jesus Christ " a lot.

[Angelus2007]

05:10 PM on 01/11/2012

First, when had he made any political pronouncements? Yes, Evangelical groups get him to go against gay marriage (which he didn't do). Just as the "It Gets Better Campaign" which is a pro gay campaign did as well (which he also didn't do). And yes, GOP candidates want his endorsement. Those are not Tebows fault, he turned all those down asking for endorsements, so you can't blame him.

[DRouss3977]

09:27 AM on 01/11/2012

Timmy's endorsemen would make me want to go out and to vote for a party that destroys jobs and the economy and works for Timmy's 1%er teammates! NOT!

[truenewyorkfan]

08:39 PM on 01/12/2012

I don't think NFL players are in the 1%. Maybe elite MLB or NBA players, but unless you are talking superstar quarterback or left tackle then there is no way.

NFL owners maybe, though I'm pretty sure Buffalo has been running a near defecit for a while. Hence the Toronto series.

[ineffablet]

08:57 AM on 01/11/2012

Tim, keep your head out of these matters, don't serve yourself up to the vultures of media and politics they will chew you up and regurgitate the rest to the public.

[JAT3]

08:47 AM on 01/11/2012

Awwhh not a good thing for T to go with the REP....sorry too many avg hard working Bronco fans that see that first before his spiritual side! He goes anywhere right will be a wrong move! Hey and Colo is blue state and a lot of blue in the uniform. :)

[DandaPanda]

08:45 AM on 01/11/2012

I would much rather be the egg mcmuffin of candidates than the tebow of candidates anyday.