The Tim Tebow Effect

Seems like the whole nation has opinion on Denver Broncos Quarterback Tim Tebow these days. Well, as a proud alumnus of the University of Florida and a die-hard Gator fan, I am among the legion of fans rooting hard for the guy.

I pull for Tebow not just because he was a great Gator or because many pundits predicted he would not succeed as an NFL quarterback. I root for #15 because in today’s society that is incessantly about “me,” Tebow is all about “we.”

There are so many reasons for Tebow’s appeal, but I believe his authentic humility is the most powerful force driving his popularity. He’s such a refreshing antidote in this narcissistic day and age and he embodies the contrast between how many athletes (or celebrities) conduct themselves and how we as fans wish they would act. Consider:

• Other athletes whine about being “disrespected,” while Tebow actually was disrespected yet never once complained.
• Other athletes go out of their way to seek attention, while Tebow just attracts attention.
• Other athletes demand respect.  Tebow earns it.

Tebow leads by example.  He’s the star, yet he’s the hardest working player on the team. He’s the first to admit he’s not perfect, and he’s quick to acknowledge how he needs to improve. And, yes, while he’s constantly praising “his Lord and savior,” he always gives credit to his coaches and teammates too.

At Allison+Partners, we have a set of core values that we strive to live by and, last month, I was humbled to be among the recipients of our agency’s “Corey Award” for “nurturing a collaborative environment.”   Watching Tebow and the Broncos during their six-game winning streak, and hearing about his motivational “iron sharpens iron” pre-game speech to his teammates, we have seen how Tebow has done just that in Denver. The Broncos are hardly the most talented team in the NFL, but they have rallied together and epitomize teamwork and chemistry.

These are good lessons not just for athletes, but for everyone. And that’s another reason why Tebow is so popular beyond the football field.

Anyone who works in a PR agency can appreciate the importance of teamwork, of recognizing the contributions of your colleagues, and of putting collective interests above individual pursuits. After all, it’s not about you or me, it’s about the client. And, as we also like to say around here, “it’s about the work.”

~Larry Krutchik, Los Angeles

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