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March 19, 2012

Peyton Manning Picks Broncos, Tim Tebow Traded to the Jets [Updated]

The former Colts quarterback will replace Denver's outspoken Christian quarterback.

The Denver Broncos will pick up quarterback Peyton Manning and trade Tim Tebow, ESPN reports.

0319Tim_Tebow.jpg

On March 7, the Indianapolis Colts released Manning after the quarterback had sat out a season due to neck injuries. He is expected to sign a $95 million contract with the Broncos, essentially pushing out Tebow, an outspoken Christian athlete who has attracted scrutiny for his faith and football.

Tebow began starting as the Broncos' quarterback last season, pulling off late-game wins that made him one of the most talked-about athletes. Denver went 2-4 in 2011 before Tebow started and went 9-5 after he took the helm. Tebow's visible expression of faith became the internet meme "Tebowing," to get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different.

CT interviewed Tebow last year about faith, football and fame. Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner suggested that Tebow might consider toning his faith talk down. And Ted Kluck warned fans not to hold Tebow up on a pedestal. CT's April issue looks at several Christian athletes under the recent spotlight, including Tebow, NBA player Jeremy Lin, and MLB player Albert Pujols.

Update on 3/21:
Tebow was traded to the New York Jets, Jay Glazer is reporting. ESPN's Rich Cimini argues that the trade could set off a controversy for the Jets, who gave Sanchez a three-year, $40.5 million contract extension. Last season, Tebow completed just 46.5 percent of his throws, but Sanchez also struggled, fueling speculation about his future, Cimini writes.

There's also some thought that Tebow and his clean-cut image could help polish the negative perception of the locker room, torn by discord last season. But others close to the team said that was no factor whatsoever in the decision.

But there could be potential backlash for the Jets. Tebow's enormous popularity could turn into a distraction, especially for Sanchez. If Sanchez struggles, the fan base ostensibly could turn on him and start clamoring for Tebow.

In other NFL news today, league announced penalties on the Saints' management for its bounty programs, under the table payments for big hits and plays. Saints head coach Sean Payton will be suspended for a year, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is suspended indefinitely from the NFL, and the team will be fined $500,000, among other penalties.

Update 2:30 p.m.:
Adam Schefter is reporting the trade could be nullified: "Denver and Jets have encountered hangup in language in Tim Tebow's contract that could nullify trade.
(2) If the Tebow trade to Jets falls apart, St. Louis could wind up getting back into play. Sides sorting through details.
Tim Tebow has $5 million worth of recapture language, meaning Jets would have to pay back money to Denver. Jets might be unwilling. Complex."

Update 2/22: ESPN reports that Tebow will be traded to the Jets after a few hangups.

Pat Robertson weighed in on the trade, suggesting that "it would serve [the Broncos] right" if Manning's injury came back.

“I think the Denver Broncos treated [Tebow] shabbily," he said. "He won seven games, he brought them into the playoffs, for heaven sakes. I mean, they were a nothing team. He rallied them together with spectacular last-minute passes and, you know, when they beat Buffalo—I mean, Pittsburgh, excuse me—it was a tremendous victory.”

Robertson then referred to Manning's neck injury that took him out of the past season.

“And you just ask yourself, okay, so Peyton Manning was a tremendous MVP quarterback, but he’s been injured. If that injury comes back, Denver will find itself without a quarterback. And in my opinion, it would serve them right.”

Update 2/23: Without naming names, Focus on the Family president Jim Daly appears to call out Robertson for his remarks.

Is it ever right to wish ill upon someone?

I don’t think so.

The Denver Broncos newly minted quarterback, Peyton Manning, doesn’t need me to come to his defense. But his arrival in Denver has spawned something of a backlash in a few select places, with some actually suggesting that it would suit the Broncos and Manning well if he were to reinjure his neck this coming season.

A thirst for vengeance is an ugly human emotion.

Comments

The criticism that Tim Tebow receives because of his outspoken faith in God is the pro football's version of the same Christian-bashing sentiment that is evident in other areas of our society. Where is the criticism of pro athletes who show poor sportsmanship by taunting or mouth off obsenities to each other? There is in this case, as in the political arena, a double standard. Non-Christians and atheists feel it's ok for them to express their hate and disdane for anything related to God and/or anyone's public expression of such, and they often do so in a manner that is derogatory and mocking. Tim Tebow is not forcing anyone to kneel with him and pray, but is reinforcing his OWN relationship with God. I commend him for having the courage to do that, regardless of what others may think of him, and I know he will continue to "Tebow". God bless you Tim!

Some of us in TN are quite upset over Peyton holding out for the money only. He becomes just one more of us who have fallen to the worldy attraction of the almighty dollar. How could he possibly need more money? He could be a great teaching coach to help others such as Tebow reach their potential. I am pleased that some teams, like our own Titans got out of a bidding war !!

First to Allan: I'm afraid that the only reason the Titans got out of the bidding war was because they were outbid!
Second, I think John Elway is a total jerk for just dumping Timmy.
Third, all of the sports pundits today are criticizing Timmy for being such a bad quarterback. They are the same ones that were selling newspapers and blabbing on the air about the activity surrounding Timmy this past year. They loved him when he was headlining their news...now they treat him like yesterday's newspaper.

Another story in the ongoing saga of professional sports. Nothing about this story is new - high-profile athletes apparently holding out for large contracts - thought I gather there is nothing definitive yet to "prove" that was Manning's motivation - instead of some more "altruistic" motive; athletes with questionable or unproven skills being dumped for more experienced winners; the Christian athlete being discriminated against because of his faith - oh, wait a minute - Manning also claims to know Christ?!? The bottom line is that sports is a business, and if we expect the NFL to behave like Athletes in Action, we are bound to be disappointed in many, MANY ways. Appreciate the people and the teams for what they prove themselves to be, and stop expecting Billy Graham to show up in cleats. In 12 Step Programs we often say, "Expectations are the mothers of all resentments." Expect them to be human, and you won't be nearly as upset

I am disappointed that Peyton Manning was willing to knock Tim out of a job so easily. He apparently is only interested in his own financial security. I believe God is in control of Tim Tebow's life and where he plays football. I personally hope he comes back closer to Florida. It will be a loss for the Broncos and a win for whoever gets Tim. God bless you Tim!

Recession? What recession- never for the truely wealthy.

The NFL creates idols, celebrities, role models & icons- do the pagan math.

How much money does PManning need- as much as he can get seemingly.smh lol

Tebow will find another team- Elway better hope that PManning can play in the Mile High elements- as is, no dome in Denver.

Just check out each NFL team and their logo(s) and do the pagan symbolic math under the cultural guise of professional sports lies.

Prophets or profits?

I like Tim and wish him well, would like to see Peyton and John take him under their wings and teach him to throw a quick outlet pass, so he can start in 4 years. It's not going to happen though. But why are Tebow fans upset at Manning? He got cut by the Colts (was not holding out for more money), he specifically told everyone that he was not going to let the Titans and Niners get in a bidding war to leverage a higher contract with Denver. Peyton is a class act, he handled this with remarkable discretion.

Christians have it so rough in this country.

No one should be suprised by Denver dropping Tebow for manning. He was a cool guy (I guess) but be serious....Manning is the better Qb of the two hands down. It's still a business at the end of the day. What Tebow SHOULD do is stick around in Denver and learn from Manning so when his number is called again, he'll be that much better at the position than before. The guys a circus right now, a freak show.

Why do we as Christians feel the need to denigrate one person to lift up another? Why can't we just lift up the one we want without putting another down?

If there was a pastor at your church who was a great guy but his actual gifting in pastoral things seemed pretty shaky, would you question it if the leadership of your church thought about looking for a pastor who actually displayed the gifts and abilities needed to fulfill his role? Tebow's a good guy and an outspoken Christian, but his skills as an NFL quarterback are very questionable. Can you blame management for looking for someone better suited to the role? Someone who they would not have to struggle constantly with in hopes he MIGHT improve those skills?

I pray the Lord gives Tim strength to deal with Coach Ryans filthy mouth. It is going to be a huge challenge. Lord watch over Tim & fill Him daily with your spirit...Philippians 4:13

Before people start criticizing Manning over going to the Broncos because it was for more money than the other teams they should find out the whole story. Manning while in Indianapolis negotiated his contract last time so that Colts could get players to help win the Superbowl. He has spent a lot of money and time helping out the children in the Indianapolis area. He will one day be in the Hall of Fame and has shown he is one of the best quarterbacks of all time.

Lots of silliness on here over this. I love Bro. Tebow but the Broncos had an organizational right to pursue Peyton and to offer him the financial package they did. Its pretty silly to think that Peyton is only after the money when you don't personally know the man or ignore all the good things he had done with what he has been given. Please, folks don't act like you know the inner workings of all these negotiations. Its pretty naive to assume that you know whats going on in anyone's heart but your own ... especially when you have no personal involvement in the matter.

Denver does not protect its quaterback well. Peyton is fragile, not young and has had relatively good protection in the past. Denver only accomplished what they did last year because Tim is elusive, tough, strong and young. I think it is unlikely that Peyton will make it thru the season unless Denver totally revamps their defense. Tebo will be great where ever he goes!

There are two sides to every point; the truth and the lie; the correct way and the wrong way; God's way or satan's way. Which one brings health, joy and happiness? Which one brings disease, sadness and misery?

In America we ARE NOT suppose to agree on every point. Nor are we to curse those who disagree with you. That is why this whole 'thing' with Tebow is beyond me. You would think that America would appreciate a man who talks without cursing, not having illegitimate kids, not raping women or men, not beating up women, etc... Why are these men held up in such high esteem? What does that make you, the person bashing Tebow? What has he done to you to make you feel all this hate about a man who probably doesn't even know your name.

The TRUTH of the matter is satan hates God and wants to do nothing but torment and hate God. Imagine that. All God wants to do is love you and bring joy, success, and happiness into your life.

Go on being BOLD and POWERFUL Tim Tebow!!!

I live in Denver and am a Christian. We were thrilled to have Tim Tebow here with us for the time he was here. I am very sad he is being traded, though I guess I understand the reasons why. It was wonderful having this exceptional young man as our quarterback, but for too short a time. I do know that God is in this one way or another and so I trust that He will use Tim where ever He takes him to play. Tim is always ready and willing to witness for his faith and that is so inspiring. I know Peyton Manning is a great quarterback and a good man and will very likely help the Broncos achieve their goals to win championships, perhaps even a super bowl. I am just sad that we won't have the opportunity to watch Tim grow as a fine Christian man and a quarterback here in Denver over the next years. We will watch and cheer for him where ever he goes. I have prayed that God would guide and protect him and his testimony and will continue to do so. Tim, may the Lord bless you as you put Him first!

I really believe that Tim Tebow was traded because Tim is a Christian and Elway is a Mormon. The reason I think that is because Tebow is out spoken about his relationship with Jesus and Elway as a Mormon does not know what that means.
Before anyone out there has a stroke, Mormons and Christians have some radical differences. '
Before anyone shows their ignorance about mormons I suggest you read the book Christianity in Crisis and Confronting the Cults.
Anyone with a minor understanding of the scripture understands this.

EM, I am not sure if you are serious, but will give you the benefit of the doubt. Nevertheless, your notion seems out of place and recommendations for apologetic reading would be better suited for another topic area. Thanks for sharing :) BJ Community Manager

Tim Tebow honored God before men. On January 8, 2012, in the football game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots, God honored His Son through Tim before men. Just as the Bible says.

Tim Tebow is an outstanding witness for Christ. How thrilling to have heard about that special day when:

Tim Tebow threw for 316 yards. The average yards for each completion was 31.6. The viewing audience for the CBS game in the last quarter hour was 31.6 percent.

May the Lord continue to bless Tim Tebow for following Him with courage.

I think that the Broncos should have hung on to Tebow. The guy got them to the play offs for heaven sake. Football can be ruthless just like any other business. Tim could have learned a good deal under Peyton, a seasoned quarterback, and in the event Peyton was hurt again, Tim could have been a great back up. I think the Broncos did a stupid thing, but I am personally happy because Tim is here, in NJ, playing for the Jets.... just a few miles from my home. I think he is just what the Jets need right about now.... an inspiring, humble, Christian. I know Tim will be fine wherever God places him.

"Christians have it so rough in this country."

I know, between an hour a week sitting a pew, engaging in moralistic thereputic deistic political activity, and a raging idolatrous devotion to sports and entertainment.. now suffering persecution at the hands of John Elway trading a quarterback to another team. How much more can we take.

Paul the apostle used a lot of sports related analogies, it would seem he enjoyed sports, too, Jim. But your point is well taken.

The Mannings are good people and I don't think Peyton should be faulted for Tim Tebow's departure. I think Manning would have helped Tim a great deal if the Broncos would have kept him. I think Kyle Orton is a pretty decent guy and Tebow replaced him in Denver. That's just how it works in sports. Elway's faith likely has little to do with Tebow's departure--unless you are talking about his belief in a style of play. Elway didn't draft Tebow and he is not a big fan of creating an offense around his style of play--which Elway likely believes cannot be sustained in the pros. Manning is Elway's kind of player because he is much more conventional. Tebow will seem out of place in New York, especially working for Rex Ryan, but he will have a good QB coach in Matt Cavanaugh. Whatever happens to Tim Tebow, it seems to me that the Almighty will be playing a bigger role than any of the aforementioned football people. Tebow seems to be a lightning rod for Divine intervention. He'll need it with the Jets, but in all fairness NY has it's share of devout people so who knows. Hold onto your hats as they say.