With the retirement of likely future NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler’s move to Texas, the Denver Broncos are once again looking to fill the quarterback position, and many Broncos fans are calling for one thing: “#TebowTime.”
A petition on change.org shows that 4,360 supporters have signed on in hopes to bring Tim Tebow back to lead the Broncos in the Mile High City.
With the headline “Bring Tebow back to Denver!” the petition, started by Will Garner, begs the management of the Denver Broncos, including John Elway and Gary Kubiak, to bring back “a proven winner” to lead the Denver team.
“We need a proven winner to continue to move this team in the right direction,” reads the petition. “Coach Gary Kubiak's offense would thrive with Tebow under center. He and the legendary John Elway can make this happen. We dont need a subpar throwaway from some other team, we need an original Bronco who has the fire, desire, and love of the game to play as a Bronco again! As a bonus the Bronco fans would be ecstatic! He just wins, we all know this! #TebowTime.”
According to ESPN, “Tebow hasn't played a down in the NFL since 2012 but was in training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles last season before being cut in September. He was soon picked up as an analyst with ESPN on the SEC Network.”
The 28-year-old Tebow has had brief stints with two other teams, the New York Jets (2012) and New England Patriots (2013) since his banner year during the 2011 season with the Denver Broncos. That year the beloved Christian quarterback took a struggling 8-8 team to the playoffs, where they upset the league’s leading defense the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos have signed quarterback Mark Sanchez, Tebow’s former teammate in New York, and have considered trading for San Francisco’s Colin Kaepernick.
“It's unlikely they'll give Tebow another shot,” admits ESPN, “but that's not stopping a rabid fan base from wanting to relive the glory days of #TebowTime.”
Editor's Note: Below is an update following last night's first round of the NFL draft.
The Denver Broncos drafted former Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch in the first round last night at number 26, and according to the Denver Post, Broncos general manager John Elway seemed quite happy with the selection.
"He was the guy," said Elway of Paxton Lynch. "And we're thrilled to have him."
But as far as the quarterback search among remaining veterans who could boost competition at the position, Elway says the Broncos will continue to "stay open to everything."