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.
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.