Tim Tebow will be fully prepared for the 2010 season as he is signed and in camp.
Although the Broncos are not expected to challenge for a Super Bowl championship and Tebow is not expected to start, he could be a factor later in 2010.
The second of Denver’s two No. 1 picks in this season’s draft was signed to a five-year contract worth $11.25 million with an $8.7 million guarantee. However, with performance incentives, Tebow could earn more than $33 million over the life of her contract.
The Denver Broncos entered training camp with Kyle Orton as the number one quarterback on the depth chart. Orton led Denver to a shocking 6-0 start last year before the Denver Broncos collapsed and finished with an 8-8 record by missing out on what seemed like a safe playoff spot.
The Denver Broncos’ other number one choice, receiver Demaryius Thomas, who was selected 3 spots ahead of Tebow, remained unsigned until recently. He signed a five-year, $12.155 million deal. The Denver Broncos’ final signing happened in time for Thomas to miss just 3 days of meetings and 4 hour-long practices on the rookie-only camp course. Thomas was the first wide receiver selected in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Tebow has brought a degree of joy and anticipation to Denver not seen since the arrival of John Elway in 1983. Tebow is being touted as a new face for the franchise, and his jersey has already been the best-selling jersey in the league before. the opening of the training camp.
Tebow is different from Elway, the Denver Broncos’ hall-of-fame quarterback, in that he’s not a pure quarterback with a rocket arm. What makes him so popular with fans is his athleticism and remarkable work ethic. He won the Heisman Trophy while playing college football for the Florida Gators in 2007. In 2008, he nearly won it again, finishing third in the race this time. He entered the 2010 NFL Draft after finishing his senior year.
Tebow is expected to be a legitimate threat from the famed “wildcat” formation, which plays best by running back, much like Michael Vick. Denver likes to refer to the “wildcat” as the “wild horse.” Brady Quinn is also in camp for Denver, as he and Tebow will likely battle for the second spot behind Orton.
Denver’s coaches will want Tebow to participate in exhibition competitions to test his ability.
Tebow has also been making sports news for his other big issue as the official spokesman for jockey underwear, which will draw some jokes from his teammates and whistles from fans.
Josh McDaniels, head coach, enjoys Tebow’s solidity. “I think that’s part of his behavior,” McDaniels said. “I think that’s also part of what he brings to your football team.”