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Lay off legend talk

Gators quarterback Tim Tebow is a promising sophomore. That's all he is.

By GARY SHELTON
Published August 7, 2007

Florida freshman quarterback Tim Tebow is the last player to leave the field, stopping to sign a few more autographs on his way into the tunnel. The Florida Gators celebrated their 2006 BCS National Championship with fans at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
	[Brian Cassella | Times]

Superman wears Tim Tebow pajamas.

Tim Tebow's hand is the only hand that beats a royal flush.

Tim Tebow's house has no doors, only walls that he walks through.

What? And you thought that University of Florida fans would wait patiently for Tim Tebow to grow up?

He is 19 years old. He has not started a game of college football. He has yet to hoist the considerable expectations of a program, let alone carry it through the SEC.

As far as becoming a quarterback, it is fair to suggest Tebow still has a few plays to make.

As far as being a cult figure, it seems the kid is already in the end zone.

Fans want so much, and they want it so fast. This is particularly true of Gator fans, whose recent successes have left them giddy. On other fields, with other athletes, the sophomore season of a promising quarterback might be considered a growth year. At Florida, with Tebow, some fans seem to expect greatness, and they seem to expect it now.

Just asking, but has anyone ever won two Heismans in one year?

It is silly stuff, this anointing someone as a legend before he has a chance to prove himself as a player. Even as a role-playing freshman, Tebow was the most popular player on Florida's national championship team. No one was cheered longer or louder.

These days, Tebow is Paul Bunyan in cleats and Hercules in a helmet. His name is on T-shirts, his face is on magazines and after two days of preseason practice, someone may be writing a song.

Also, and this will either amuse you or amaze you, there is a Web site - www.timtebowfacts.com - that is dedicated to furthering his mythology.

Tim Tebow once got blackjack with one card.

Tim Tebow doesn't bowl strikes, he just knocks down one pin and the other nine faint.

When taking the SAT, write '"Tim Tebow" for every answer. You will score more than 1600.

Oh, come on. This is funny stuff even if you aren't a Florida fan.

In the end, the Web site isn't really about Tebow. Most of these are old Chuck Norris jokes anyway, and as such, they could just as easily be attached to Arkansas' Darren McFadden or USC's John David Booty or FSU's Drew Weatherford.

Here's the thing, though:

Are we sure all Florida fans know these are jokes?

Look, even Florida fans know the Florida fans I'm talking about. It wasn't like Tebow didn't have enough to live up to already. At Florida, expectations are no laughing matter.

Last year, Tebow was terrific. With Urban Meyer picking his spots, Tebow showed he could run, he showed he could throw and he showed he had a knack for making the big play. There was a lot to like, and Florida fans liked it a lot.

It's different, however, when a supporting actor has to carry the movie. In his first six games, Tebow has to play against Tennessee, Auburn and LSU. Later on, there is Georgia and South Carolina and FSU. Even for a legend, that's imposing.

Then there is this: In college football, it's tough to be a celebrity. What must they think of Tebow in Knoxville these days? In Tallahassee? In Baton Rouge? You would hate to see opposing crowds turn Tebow into a target.

As for me? Yeah, I think Tebow's going to be a star ... eventually. But stardom rarely comes instantly. Give the kid a chance to grow.

If I were a Florida fan, I might at least wait until the opener against Western Carolina.

Life doesn't give Tim Tebow lemons. Life asks him which fruit he wants.

Tim Tebow invented black. In fact, he invented the entire spectrum of visible light. Except pink. Tom Cruise invented pink.

Superman's only weakness is Kryptonite. Tim Tebow laughs at Superman for having a weakness.

[Last modified August 6, 2007, 22:59:58]