My How Far He's Come

Photo Credit: ForeignPolicy.com

Many of you may remember my post from early November about how Tim Tebow was named one of the most hated sports figures by USA Today. Well, Bloomberg recently released an article detailing their Top Five Athletes to Watch in 2012, and guess who topped the list?! That's right; Tim Tebow!

It just goes to show you how polarizing he can be, and frankly, how large his bandwagon has become.

The Tebow Defender has been supporting Tim since before he was even drafted!

Tim Tebow is "Still A Guy"

Video Credit: YouTube

Fun video from this weekend's Brad Paisley concert in Denver...

Spread Holiday Joy to the Philippines

Photo Credit: The Tim Tebow Foundation

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and it's the perfect time to show others you care.

As I reported on this blog a few weeks ago, Denver Broncos QB Tim Tebow is helping to raise money through his foundation, the Tim Tebow Foundation, to build a children's hospital in the Philippines. The foundation is just $500,000 away from reaching their $3.1 million goal, and every little bit helps.

If you have it in your heart to help build this 30-bed surgical facility in Davao City, please consider donating via this link.

Thank you and God Bless.

Today's Post-Game Interview

Tim Tebow leads the Denver Broncos to an amazing win over the Minnesota Vikings! Sorry 'bout your luck Percy Harvin!

The Tebow Song

In light of yet another Tim Tebow-led come-from-behind victory by the Denver Broncos, I thought I would share a song/YouTube video from one of the people I follow on Twitter (@Tyler_S_Howe).

Check it out!

Can Tebow Take Denver to the Super Bowl?

Why not? Stranger things have happened.

I really enjoyed reading this recent article by my friend and Orlando Sentinel columnist George Diaz.

Some particularly interesting excerpts...

"Let's hope that all those nerdy draftniks, know-it-all talking heads on ESPN, and NFL icons like John Elway squirm as their myopic view of the world gets Tebowed."

"It's funny how the polarizing discussion about Tebow has gone from 'he will never start'… to 'he will never win a game' … to 'he will never win a Super Bowl.' Tebow has crushed the odds on the first two assumptions, and I wouldn't want to bet against him as the Broncos seem bound and determined to ride the Tebow Train into the playoffs."

"Denver's offense will not spur the usual copy-cat playbooks because Tebow is unique. You can only run that offense with one guy."

"'What about he's not good enough, Skip?' — ESPN analyst Cris Carter debating with colleague Skip Bayless about Tebow's NFL potential. Silencio por favor. You've had your say. It's time to shut up and cut your losses."

Tebow fans can help fund the Tebow CURE Hospital one dollar at a time

Calling all Tim Tebow fans! The Tim Tebow Foundation is launching a fundraiser for the recently announced Tebow CURE Hospital in the Philippines.  The total expense of building the hospital is $3.1 million, and with only $700,000 left towards that goal, the foundation is asking Tim Tebow fans to consider joining them in this effort. 

The fundraiser, entitled “Dollar Day,” kicks off at 9 am EST Tuesday, November 29, 2011.  Every Tim Tebow fan is encouraged to donate $1 each to help the foundation realize this goal.  Donations can be made online at www.timtebowfoundation.org, and all donors will get receipts for their donations.  All proceeds will go directly toward the Tebow CURE Hospital, a combined effort between the Tim Tebow Foundation and CURE International. 

           

“I am so thankful for my fans and the support they’ve always shown me,” said Tebow.  “I am excited for this opportunity for my fans to join me in a project that is so close to my heart.”

Because Tebow has more than 1.2 million social media supporters alone, the Tim Tebow Foundation is confident in reaching the goal of $700,000 in just one day.
 

“Tim’s fans are always eager to get involved and to make a difference,” said Erik Dellenback, Executive Director of the Tim Tebow Foundation. “Dollar Day is a very real, very impactful way to help Tim reach this goal that is so important to him, and this is a great example of how a little can go a very long way.”

The Tebow CURE Hospital will be a 30-bed surgical facility focusing primarily on orthopedics with over half of the surgeries expected to be charitable. The groundbreaking will be held in January 2012, and the hospital is expected to open in mid-2013.  The hospital, which is CURE’s first in the Philippines and 12^th worldwide, will be on the island of Mindanao, a particularly poor area of the Philippines.  The hospital will also house a Timmy’s Playroom, which will provide faith, hope and love to children before and after their surgeries.  It will be the Tim Tebow Foundation’s first international playroom.

The Tim Tebow Foundation was created in January 2010. Its mission is to bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. The foundation is accomplishing this mission through the construction of the Tebow CURE Hospital, the building of playrooms in children’s hospitals, supporting orphans worldwide and making “dreams come true” for children with life-threatening illnesses.  Please visit http://www.timtebowfoundation.org for more information.

CURE International heals the sick and proclaims the Kingdom of God. It is the largest provider of reconstructive surgery to disabled children in the emerging world. Since opening the doors of its first surgical teaching hospital in Kijabe, Kenya in 1998, CURE's focus on bringing healing to developing nations has resulted in more than 1.5 million patient visits and over 121,000 surgeries to correct physically disabling conditions. CURE has also trained more than 2400 medical professionals raising the standard of care in the countries where it operates.  Please visit http://cure.org/ for more information.

Old School Gator Series: Tuesday, Nov. 22nd at 8 p.m.

The next edition of the "Old School Gator Series with Roger Franklin Williams" will feature Silver Sixties-era Greats Richard Trapp (live) and Jack Youngblood (taped interview). The program will air Tuesday, November 22 at 8pm, immediately following Gator Hotline with Coach Will Muschamp, on 540 WFLA, Central Florida's Gator Nation Station. The program can also be heard live on-line at www.540wfla.com.

Some Recent Tebow Videos

I just had to share a few recent Tebow videos from YouTube. You've got to admit this kid is inspring!

Don't forget to follow me, the Tebow Defender, on Twitter and Facebook!

Tim Tebow Leads Denver to Win Over Jets

Once again, Tim Tebow proves his talents on the field. This time versus the Jets on November 17, 2011.

Honoring Gator War Heroes

This weekend, we pause to recognize those who have served our great country through various Veteran's Day remembrances and celebrations. Whether you plan to participate in a parade or quietly reflect on the service of the brave men and women who so valiantly have fought for our freedom, please take some time to privately or publicly thank a solder (or two, or three or 100)!

In honor of Veteran's Day, I have put together a special Tribute to Veterans program, which will air tonight on the Old School Gator Radio Series with Roger Franklin Williams from 8 - 9 p.m. EST on 540 WFLA-AM, the Gator Nation Station.

The program's featured guest will be esteemed Orlando attorney Tom Tart, a Gator football letterman from the Silver Sixties era and an expert on World War II era history. The program will also highlight the service and wartime stories of UF football players who served heroically during World War II, including E Fergie Ferguson, an outstanding two-way end from Stuart, who suffered fatal wounds in combat during the D-Day invasion. The program will also feature All-SEC RB Walter "Tiger" Mayberry of Daytona Beach, who served as a decorated combat aviator and was shot down and killed in a Japanese POW camp, as well as General James Van Fleet, a highly successfull coach of the 1920s era who was a highly decorated General during World War II and the Korean Conflict as well as other Gator War Heroes.

Old School Gator Program: A Tribute to Veteran's Day

The Old School Gator Series with Roger Franklin Williams will present a special Tribute to Veteran's Day program on Thursday, November 10 on 540 WFLA:The Gator Nation Station. The program will air from 8pm-9pm immediately following Gator Hotline with Coach Will Muschamp.  Featured guest will be Orlando attorney Tom Tart, Gator Football letterman from the Silver Sixties era and an expert on WW II era history. The program will highlight the service and wartime stories of Gator Football players who served  heroically in WW II, including E Fergie Ferguson, an outstanding 2-way End  from Stuart who suffered fatal wounds in combat during the D-Day invasion, All-SEC RB Walter "Tiger" Mayberry of Daytona Beach, who served as a decorated combat aviator and was shot down and killed in a Japanese POW camp, General James Van Fleet, highly successful coach of the 1920's era who was a highly decorated General during WW II and the Korean Conflict as well as other Gator War Heroes.

Tebow "Grounded by Faith and Family"

In the midst of a lot of noise surrounding his starting QB position, Tebow says during an interview with the Denver Post that he is "grounded by my faith and my family." Denver Broncos head coach John Fox indicates that Tebow will be starting again this weekend against the Oakland Raiders.

You can read the Denver Post article here.

And don't forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter (@Tebow_Defender).

Photo Credit: ESPN Commentary

GEORGIA FAN ATTACKS TRAPP 10 YEARS LATER

Gator Great Richard Trapp, star of the '67 Florida-Georgia game, shares the little known story of his unfortunate encounter with a Georgia fan who carried the pain of Florida's last second 17-16 victory forward for the next 10 years. The interview was taped at Del Frisco's Orlando as part of the Old School Legends Series presented by Del Frisco's Orlando.

Trapp's story was also aired on the "Old School Gator Series with Roger Franklin Williams" retrospective on the Florida-Georgia Series on 540 WFLA on Thursday October 27th.

RICHARD TRAPP'S FIRSTHAND ACCOUNT OF THE HISTORIC CATCH/RUN VS GEORGIA IN 1967

Gator Great Richard Trapp WR #44 gives his first hand account of the legendary catch and run against Georgia in '67 which was the catalyst for the stunning come-from-behind 17-16 win on a last second Wayne Barfield  field goal.  The appearance was taped at Del Frisco's Orlando as part of the Old School Legend's Series presented by Del Frisco's Orlando.

Trapp's historical account was also featured on the "Old School Gator Series with Roger Franklin Williams" retrospective of the Florida-Georgia series which aired on Thursday November 27 on 540 WFLA.

Most disliked figure in sports right now? C'mon!!

OK now this is going too far.

I came across a recent USA Today article, which includes a poll, about the most disliked figure in sports right now. On the poll, figures such as Tiger Woods, Michael Vick, Kim Kardashian, Lebron James, David Stern/NBA Owners, and... TIM TEBOW?!

Thankfully, Tim isn't leading the poll in votes, but he's tied in percentage points with Michael Vick!! Michael Vick, an animal abuser! What has Tim done that even compares to Vick's actions? How can he even be placed in the same category as Tiger Woods?

Sure, he's polarizing, but MOST DISLIKED figure in sports? There's something very, very wrong with this.

Listen to Track from Tim Tebow Foundation Interview

Hear Roger's interview last week with Erik Dellenback, Executive Director of the Tim Tebow Foundation.

http://snd.sc/ta0POC

"OLD SCHOOL GATOR" FLORIDA-GEORGIA RETROSPECTIVE AIRS TONIGHT!

Outstanding Line-up of Gator Greats Headline 540 WFLA Exclusive!

The "Old School Gator" Florida-Georgia Retrospective will debut tonight on Central Florida's Gator Nation Station, 540 WFLA and 540wfla.com from 8pm-9pm, immediately following "Gator Hotline with Coach Will Muschamp". The program will feature:

Allen Trammell, DB/RB/PR from '63-'65, and his account of the '65 defensive struggle where JR QB Steve Spurrier led a stirring 82 yard 2-play drive in the waning minutes to give the Gators a 14-10 victory.

Chris Doering, WR from '92-'95, the all-time SEC career touchdown receptions leader, who will re-count the '94 and '95 games when the Gators scored 50+ points on the 'Dogs in Gainesville and Athens and also provide insight on how Coach Steve Spurrier reversed the tide of the Florida-Georgia Series.

Richard Trapp, WR/PR from '65-'67 and star of of the '67 game, on his legendary performance in the come from behind 17-16 last minute win over Georgia.

Jim Yarbrough, TE from '66-'68 and All-20th Century TE, on the dissapointment of the '66 game when Georgia knocked the then-undefeated Gators out of their first SEC Championship with a crushing 27-10 defeat AND the ironic future implications of that  loss.

Erik Dellenback, Executive Director of the Tim Tebow Foundation is also scheduled to join the broadcast to update Gators around Florida on great things taking place at the Tim Tebow Foundation.

ERIK DELLENBACK, TIM TEBOW FOUNDATION EXEC, WILL JOIN OLD SCHOOL GATOR BROADCAST

Erik Dellenback, Tim Tebow Foundation Executive Director, is scheduled to join tonight's "Old School Gator" broadcast to update Gators on the mission and progress of the Tim Tebow Foundation. Earlier this week the Tim Tebow Foundation announced a new partnership with CURE International.

Tonight's program will also include a retrospective on great games, great players and great moments in the Florida-Georgia Series.

The program will air live on 540 WFLA, Central Florida's Gator Nation Station, and on-line at http://www.540wfla.com/ from 8pm-9pm immediately following "Gator Hotline with Coach Will Muschamp".

OLD SCHOOL GATOR BROADCAST TO FEATURE FLORIDA-GEORGIA RETROSPECTIVE

Image courtesy of News4Jax.com

Long touted as one of THE most celebrated college football rivalries of all time, the annual Florida-Georgia game is much more than just the "world's largest outdoor cocktail party." Since the game began being played on neutral territory in Jacksonville in 1933, Gator and 'Dawg fans, players and coaches have descended upon the northern Florida city to participate in some of the season's most exciting college football year after year.

Tomorrow evening from 8 - 9 p.m. EST, immediately following "Gator Hotline with Coach Will Muschamp," on 540 WFLA-AM (The Gator Nation Station), The Old School Gator Series with Roger Franklin Williams will feature a retrospective on the Florida-Georgia series.

Topics and guests will include:

• Allen Trammell, RB/DB/KR from '63 - '65 and his recollections of the '65 game, a defensive struggle won 14-10 on a late 2-play 82-yard drive led by QB Steve Spurrier.
• Richard Trapp, WR/PR from '65 - '67, star of the '67 game
• All-20th Century TE Jim Yarbrough, '66 - '68 and Trapp discussing the disappointing 27-10 loss to Georgia in '66
• Chris Doering, WR from '92 - '95, discussing his recollections of the '94 and '95 games when Florida scored over 50 points on Georgia in both Gainesville and Athens and Coach Steve Spurrier's influence on turning the tide of the series and establishing a culture of dominance by the Florida Gators.
• Erik Dellenback, Executive Director of the Tim Tebow Foundation, is also scheduled to make a special appearance via phone from Jacksonville to update Gators on exciting recent developments at the Tim Tebow Foundation.

For those in the immediate listening area, tune your dials to 540 AM from 8 - 9 p.m. to tune into this exciting rivalry retrospective. For anyone who is not in the immediate listening area but would still like to tune into the program, listen live at http://www.540wfla.com/.

GO GATORS! BEAT GEORGIA!

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