Tim Tebow—the college football icon turned media star once again found himself in the national spotlight! Thanks to a classic Trump moment at the White House. During a ceremony honoring the University of Florida men’s basketball team for their March Madness championship, Donald Trump couldn’t help but praise the Gator legend in the room. But while the compliments flowed freely, so did the shade as it was aimed at one of Tebow’s former teams: the New York Jets.
On Instagram, @nypostsports posted the clip with a telling caption, “President Trump had to take a shot at the Jets when he had the chance .” Fox News followed up with a headline: “Trump praises Tim Tebow for NFL success ‘despite being on the Jets’.”
In front of the gathered crowd, Trump recognized Tebow as “one of the greatest players I’ve ever seen,” adding, “As a college player, maybe the best ever… and you did damn well in the pros, too.” Then came the trademark retort: “Despite being on the Jets, you did damn well.”
The crowd laughed, and Trump doubled down on Tebow’s iconic college legacy. He remarked, “You won two, right? And you almost won a third… Nobody did that. I think he goes down really as one of the best, maybe the best college football player.” Tebow’s brief stint with the Jets in 2012 is seen as a career detour with minimal playtime.
He just had 8 pass attempts all season, marked by an inconsistent usage in a wildcat offense. Following this, Tebow had an unforgettable playoff run with the Denver Broncos, especially the 88-yard overtime touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas against the Steelers.
Moreover, he sought to revive his sports career with a stint in minor league baseball with the Mets and a TE comeback with the Jaguars. As Trump said, “He’s a terrific guy. He is a terrific guy. He’s a winner. Boy, he was a winner.” Trump made sure to note that he is a “winner” through and through, even if, yes, he once wore a Jets jersey.
But fans on X had a different narrative altogether. Indeed, Trump’s remarks sparked a polarized debate online. Fans weren’t debating his take on Tebow’s college greatness. Instead, they fixated on his NFL success. And more specifically, whether Tebow had any of it.
Fans fixate on Tim Tebow’s NFL success
Tebow’s NFL résumé, which is seen as short-lived, uneven, and often mishandled, doesn’t exactly spell “success.” And, this is what fans on X have to say. While the crowd seemed to chuckle at Trump’s backhanded nod to Tebow’s time with the New York Jets that drew the most attention, fans are not buying his success punchlines.
Jun 14, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Tim Tebow (85) participates in passing drills during minicamp at Dream Finders Homes practice complex Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
One user put it bluntly, writing, “Trump is lying on this one. Tim Tebow never had any NFL success.” I mean, it can’t be denied that Tebow had a less than successful career in the league. Another user didn’t hold back either: “Tim Tebow was awful in the NFL. Beyond awful.” With a 47.9% pass completion rate and 8 wins to his name with 6 losses—it’s safe to say Tebow’s career was just underwhelming.
While some were calling out Trump, others went the sarcastic route. One fan questioned the very premise, stating, “I’m not sure how much ‘success’ he had while in the league. Lol.” One simply can’t deny that despite his more than successful years in college, Tebow simply has nothing much to show for his NFL journey. And then came the British wit, “Aye, love, if Tebow’s success is down to Trump’s praise, we might as well start believing in fairy tales. Proper luck that!”
Well, Trump might be praising Tebow, but he instead shined the spotlight on a less than successful career of the former NFL player. And fans simply had a field day.
The post Fans Fixated on One Thing After Donald Trump’s Backhanded Praise to NFL Legend & Jets Disrespect appeared first on EssentiallySports.
