Has Tebowpalooza become a disease in Jacksonville?
by Jonathan Loesche on Mar 4, 2010 2:03 PM EST
in Meta-Jacksonville Jaguars
Email
PrintBumper stickers, radio ads*, t-shirts, even websites dedicated to the cause. Is it the Tea Parties? No. Another club that's destined to fail downtown? No. This is the lengths that some people are going towards to get the Jacksonville Jaguars to draft Florida QB Tim Tebow.
It started innocently, and annoyingly, enough. Those with two inch thick Orange and Blue glasses figured Tim Tebow would be just the thing to cure the Jaguars ticket woes. Then Wayne Weaver made his fateful comments and the proverbial gas was thrown onto the fire.
Then Florida governor Charlie Crist got in the mix by stating he had spoken with Wayne Weaver about drafting the Florida QB.
As the draft approaches, it has grown to a fever pitch in the River City. I swear I've seen a half dozen people walking around town in custom Jaguar jerseys sporting #15 and Tebow on the back. Even more common are the "Bring Him Home Wayne" shirts. Never mind all of the bumper stickers, pins, and car magnets slapped on half the cars in this town.
With the town in such a frenzy, is it such a wonder why the national media still drinks the Tebow to Jacksonville Kool-Aid as much as they do? An entire city seems infatuated with one player to the point it could cause the death of it's biggest asset.
What happens when the Jaguars don't take him with the tenth pick the draft? Or more likely doesn't take him at all? Will some people actually make good on their threats to not renew their season tickets? I doubt it. However, it may end up feeding into the apathy this town seemingly has with the team. I hope not. I hope most of the guys doing this are simply Gator fans who can't afford to make it to Gainesville. I hope actual Jaguar fans will be rational when draft weekend leaves and Timmy is in a far off land as a 3rd team TE.
Either way, the obsession Jacksonville has formed around Tim Tebow would be classified as psychotic in any other situation. I just hope therapy consists of having to wait until Training Camp.
*I wish I was kidding on the radio ads part, but go listen in to 1010xl when you get the chance. You'll hear one eventually.
71 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
That is simply ridicoulos
I mean the behaviour not your article John. Everyone says who has shows any logic in this subject Tebow needs 2 YEARS to develop to something NEAR prostyle as a QB?
Did the folks in Jville want that?
Vic Ketchman said; he thinks Tebow is a tight end in the NFL; there he can be somethhing good; but other then that…
It’s crazy. But I have a very good barter scenario for this people:
BUY 30.000 SEASONTICKETS FOR 3 YEAR NOW AND YOU GET TEBOW!
You want him in big large numbers? Then you can őprove your loyality to the Jaguars with this!
Life without knowledge is death in disguise
by Zoltan from Budapest on Mar 4, 2010 2:23 PM EST reply actions
Tebo-ner
This city has a stiffy for Tebow. I think its only Gator fans though. I blame them for the attendance at Jags games. Once the JaGator fans see UF losing 3 or 4 games a year they will stop going to G-ville on Saturdays and refocus on the Jags.
Probably the worst thing that could happen
from a ticket sales perspective would be for him to be drafted by TB or MIA. Especially TB since he has a better chance of seeing the field there.
Yes. Bad for the Jags.
The ones who live in the Gainesville and Orlando areas certainly will. I think we all know that we need some occasional area-fans to attend games in order to sell out.
Hm
I live in Melbourne, which is about the same distance from Jacksonville and Tampa. Jacksonville might be a bit further away. Being a student, I can afford to go to two… maybe three games a year. Hopefully, when I get out of school I’ll be able to afford season tickets. Anyway, if Tebow were to go to Tampa and be a starter, I just might go to one game to see it. Just one, in the first season he starts. I’ve got a lot of Tampa friends and family, so I wouldn’t be lacking for company.
Of course, that would only be once for me, but I would do it. And honestly, there are a ton of Gator fans in the area that I can see buying tickets just to see Tebow – if only for a game or two.
When I read about that website that is petitioning for the Jags to draft Tebow (do they want him drafted in the first? Seriously?) I almost choked. Are these people serious?
by alwaysforgiven821 on Mar 4, 2010 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
If he is drafted by us, Tampa or Miami ticket sales may increase for one season, but once the Gator fans realize that he’s not starting at QB that will quickly fade. And for the Jags, that means back to square one, which is lackluster ticket sales. Tebow is not the solution for Jax, a winning franchise is.
Why all the hate??????
Vic also said Del Rio was at the combine watching tape of Tebow but they couldn’t show it on the internet. The Jags are considering taking him, but not in round 1. Why does it have to be a disease? People really want the guy to be here……so what? If we can take him in round 3 and mold him for 2 years, that is ideal. The key would be to keep McCown and not throw him in until he is ready for it. Yeah we will lose some fans if we don’t take him, I hope we lose none of you if we do.
frankDUBZ aka Frank Silba
"You have to stand for something, or you will fall for anything" - Me
by FRANKdubz on Mar 4, 2010 3:27 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Do you understand...
Do you understand that people are trying to hold the team hostage? I love Tebow, and I hope and wish that he will do great in the NFL, but the only way the Jags could draft him is if they somehow trade picks and pick up a second round pick. Why? He’ll be gone by the 3rd round – I’d bet on it. Unless he has the worst Pro Day ever, he will be a guy that someone pulls the trigger on in the 2nd. I honestly believe it’ll be the Patriots – there are a few others, but I believe that the Pats will use one of the stockpile of picks to grab him.
That being said, the Jags would either have to get a great trade from some one and acquire a few extra picks, then pick him up in the 2nd. Or they’d have to take him 10th overall. If they do that… if they do that, I believe this franchise’s time in Jacksonville will be as close to being ‘over’ as you can be. Eve if the stadium sells out. Even if he begins to develop well… nothing will satisfy these Tebow crazy crowd accept Tebow behind the center and Tebow behind the center now…
Anyway, I type this without much though or drafting, so I might not be coherent. Hope I was,
by alwaysforgiven821 on Mar 4, 2010 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah i get what your saying.......
and like I said, we will lose some fans if we dont get him. People are crazy if they want us to pick him in the first, we can’t afford to use a first rounder for a guy who needs a lot of work. The scenario you laid out is the most likely. Ideally it would be great to get him with the 10th pick of the 3rd round, but it isn’t likely. The Patriots, Cardinals, and Denver are teams that will take the gamble. I know if NE finds out we want him, they will be ringing us up for a trade on draft day. We cant afford to give up any other picks. Huge plus if we get him, if not I’ll still be in 118 all season. Let’s hope Boselli and TT get the job done and we wont have to worry.
frankDUBZ aka Frank Silba
"You have to stand for something, or you will fall for anything" - Me
Obesity is a disease
Tebow mania is just a bunch of fans supporting their boy. Forget about it.
Vae Victis!
It could be you!
What do ya, coach? He’ll be on 1010XL with David Lamm tomorrow at noon. You could race him in the parking lot. School him on how it’s done. Sound good?
Vae Victis!
4,058 New Sales (+455) 9,281 Season Tickets Renewed (33%, +6%) 37,618 Remaining to Lift Blackouts
So the team teal thing is working so i hope they continue to rally support for this team as we tries to keep LA hands off of our team.
by leopold332002 on Mar 4, 2010 5:00 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Tebow and Tickets
I certainly hope we do not take Tebow in the first round, he is simply not a 1st round draft pick. He will definately be gone in the second round I believe whole heartedly. The only way we get him is to trade down and pick up a 2nd round pick…Now, on the tickets front, I will be buying my first set of season tickets this year and it has nothing to do with Tebow (all income taxes ;) ).
You must be
My twin, b/c I don’t want him at 10, but think he will be gone by Round 3 unless we get a second. And I also bought season tickets for the first time ever this season.
Tebow!
We’ll get him. Just be prepared, folks. Understand that it’s out of your hands, either way. If we get him don’t cry, if we don’t…don’t cry. I mean seriously, we’re men. Suck it up. You all want to do mocks, and speak as if you have true football insight. The fact is, if you were worth your salt you’d have a job scouting for a football team. So you wouldn’t be here playing make believe, you’d be making money…making football decisions. Just enjoy the ride. It’s not up to you….thank God.
Vae Victis!
Hey, you are kissing Tebow's butt a little bit too much right now
and its starting to be sickening to me because one man isn’t bigger than the team. Support the team regardless not because of one guy because he’s a good character guy. There’s are some good character guys on the Jaguars too so show the same love to them and you is showing to Tim Tebow. Oh by the way the Jags aren’t getting him because just like Gene Smith say he’s drafting to win every year not for just this year so sip on it.
by leopold332002 on Mar 4, 2010 7:38 PM EST up reply actions
Look, Leopole
I support the team. I invest my cash. I go to the games. Do you? I love the Jags, I love ‘em all. I love DG. I wouldn’t want Tebow or any other rookie to usurp him for the next year or so, because I believe in him. If you need to get sick, get sick. Don’t tell me how to live, I got this. I can back Tim and support my team all day long. I don’t answer to you. Sip on some shut up.
Vae Victis!
Also
There’s are some good character guys on the Jaguars too so show the same love to them and you is showing to Tim Tebow.
Learn to speak, don’t step to me with nonsense.
Vae Victis!
Hey, i like your attitude and my bad about my errors but i was typing out of anger.
But i just wanted to make sure you support the Jaguars first because i’m tired of people making this guy bigger than the team. I do support the Jaguars every since 1997 and i’m known around here for my passion for the hometown team. IMO its getting ridiculous with this tebow hype and not enough about the team itself. I just had to vent for a minute but my apologies to you for my errors and rant but when it comes to this team my heart is in the right place.
by leopold332002 on Mar 4, 2010 9:20 PM EST up reply actions
Right on, bud
It’s all good. I’m just saying, go easy on the questioning of loyalties. You can like ice cream and still be a fan of cookies. It don’t have to be one or the other. I love both. Savvy?
Vae Victis!
It was announced today that John Gruden worked with Tebow today on his mechanics. Also, John is has/is working with Bradford, Claussen, Mccoy.
Now, Keep in mind, John is Mike Holmgren’s boy. Browns have announced they are looking for a long-term QB, trade OR draft. John could be scouting some for his ol pal Mike.
Maybe Mike will take Tebow off of our hands.
Follow me on Twitter!
(MikeH_63)
by floridafalcons#63 on Mar 4, 2010 6:51 PM EST reply actions
Is Gruden
One of those West Coast o disciples from Holmgreen. Every young west coast coach has a leader. Some have Shanahan, some have Holms.
If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik
Is he accurate enough to be a west coast qb?
If he successfully changes his mechanics it’ll go a long way, but would this be like sticking Michael Vick or Jason Campbell in the West Coast offense?
Ignore the hype; look at the results.
Tebow
Lets see, as much as Mr. Weaver may think he owns the team, we own the team, we pay for the taxes that help support the team, the over priced tickets, over priced food, we are the ones that support the team. Without us, there would not be a team, so if we want tebow we have the right to ask without being ridiculed. Would you rather cover more seats? I
Easy, Trigger
I want to see the Jaguars draft Tim as much as anyone. But this is Wayne’s rodeo. We don’t own Jack. We rent a seat. Let’s just sit back and hope they draft some fans. I’m tired of sitting in my row alone. I bet you’ll see 15 in Teal.
Vae Victis!
Overpriced tickets?
The only thing that is overpriced is the cross country flight to get to Jacksonville. Otherwise I’d be there every Sunday.
"I just love the Jaguars. Thereeee great! Wow look at the Jaguars almost won the games to the Super Bowl XXXI!" - 2nd Grade Journal entry
Follow me on Twitter
The point is...
As fans, we have the right to express our desires and wishes without being lambasted. Also, hate to tell you but football is like any other business (big business yes, but a business never the less). It is not Waynes rodeo, it is ours. I support out team, remember we pay for the salaries of the team, the stadium and the overpriced tickets and food. How much more support do you want. The business side dictates you need more butts in seats. Wayne and everyone else needs to listen to the fans—whether or not we draft Tebow.
Okay
I agree, no one needs or deserves to be ridiculed for their desires. All you can do is roll with the punches, and counter. Weaver is not the enemy. I love Wayne. He gave us the Jaguars. Trust me, he likes Tim. I know it. We’ll get him. I consider him a Jaguar already.
Vae Victis!
I disagree
Wayne owns the team. You’ll find that out really quickly if he sells it to the LA Group without asking your permission.
Secondly, anyone who thinks we should draft Tebow, or any other developmental prospect with the #10 pick deserves to be ridiculed.
Personally, I don’t want him here even as an undrafted FA because I can remember the days when Chris Doering was brought in and the mania that surrounded him and all the calls for him to be starting at WR. He didn’t make the team and while he managed to hang around the league for a 7 years, his career finished with 42 catches.
My problem isn’t with Tim, it’s with the irrational exuberance of Gator fans.
Riiiigggghhhhtttttt
As a business, yes, you want to cater to you customers needs, but at a certain point you have to make the business decision that is best for your business. What is best for the Jaguars, as a business, is to put a competitive team on the field, a team that will win year in and year out with minimum rebuilding cycles.
To best accomplish this goal you have to wisely use your resources to get the best value (bang for your buck). Taking Tim Tebow at 11 overall is like paying $75 for a Stanley hammer; you can get an Ace hammer, a quality reliable product PLUS have resources left over to invest in other areas of your team.
I, like many others here, believe that Tebow will go in round 2 by some over exuberant “QB guru” that knows they can fix Tebow for the pro game. The Jags would either have to:
a) trade away a future 1st rounder
b) trade back to accumulate a couple of extra picks and burn on of them too early for Tebow
Tebow is a remarkable guy, and I truly wish him well. But to come out as supposed fans of the Jaguars, and demand for the Jaguars to acquire a player or else in the name of customer service/ticket sales, is not putting the team in the best position to be a quality franchise. Do you hear Colts fans crying they don’t trade for a big name player or go buck wild in free agency? Do the Steelers fans get unhappy when the Steelers let go of some of their free agents to acquire compensatory picks?
Yes, the Jaguars desperately need ticket sales. But to hold a metaphorical gun to Wayne Weaver’s head, telling him to do as the fans say, is asinine. The average fan, including 98% of us here, would flat out suck as an owner/coach/gm.
If the Jags do grab Tebow I’ll support the team the best I can; if the Jags pass on Tebow I’ll support the team the best I can.
off soap box
Ignore the hype; look at the results.
What is with the dig about clubs downtown?
Am I alone on this, or has anyone else noticed all the new bars downtown? Things really seem to be gaining steam! Art walk was a lot of fun last night.
DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
by DownTownJax on Mar 4, 2010 10:22 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Redo the Landing?
That’s the first I have heard, but that would be great. The landing needs a parking garage and a Skyway stop right there. I’d love to see the skyway go to the stadium and San Marco also. Downtown is just opening up the floodgates. People need a reason to come downtown, and the businesses need people to survive. The old chicken or the egg deal. I think Jacksonville is starting to hatch.
DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
by DownTownJax on Mar 6, 2010 1:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yep
And we have to be the incubator. It’ll happen. Growth has been stunted by certain powers that be, but even with the resistance I’m slowly starting to see some positive signs. Jacksonville has potential. The nuclear carrier coming to Mayport will be a boost.
Vae Victis!
I guess I'm wrong about the Landing
I thought I’d heard something…maybe I’m thinking of Metro Park.
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2010-02-09/story/jacksonville_council_oks_downtown_projects
Vae Victis!
?
Jonathan, are you opposed to Tebow with any pick? Or just an anti-first round? I can’t believe you are against him coming here at all. I think he wouuld be an instant asset. He would be great for the organization, for the city, for the fans, give press to this market, etc. He just does not have the vaule at the #10 overall pick in my opinion.
my only problem with Tebow
is that Tebow Mania fans won’t let him sit on the bench where he needs to be. He will not be ready to throw a football in the NFL for awhile, however as soon as DG loses his 2nd or 3rd game you will start hearing Tebow chants. Then we will have to hear about it on that network and all the talk radio shows.
We do not need Tim...in my opinion...and here is why!
I am a Jaguar fan, and new season ticket holder (went to one preseason and all regular season games using the flex pack plan last year with my wife). hndrsn12b, we do not own this team, Mr. Weaver does. He hires people that can make good football decisions without letting their emotions get in the way. That very discipline is the backbone of any successful business. Knee jerk emotional decisions will destroy a business faster than just about anything else (except un-intended acceleration…just kidding).
I am ok with viator, hndrsn12b, and anyone else wanting Tebow in a Jags uniform next season. Everyone has a right to his or her opinion. None of us know for sure if he will be good or bad as an NFL player. Every year there are players that folks feel will be great, and are not, and those folks don’t think much of that turn out to be outstanding. Whichever way it goes, as a Jaguar fan, I will be in my seat enjoying every game next year.
Now for my reasons we do not need Tim in Jacksonville. Football is a team sport in which support from the fans and teammates is very important. I am very afraid of what hokiewolf said, and I think he is right. If David throws a bad pass or an interception, and one single dumb ass starts the Tebow chant (if we get him), and they will, it will be so extremely detrimental to this organization. And as far as him helping with ticket sales, I do not see it happening, and if it does cause a little spike, it will be short lived. Ticket sales will be generated by a winning organization. I do not see Tim Tebow being a part of the solution to the current Jaguar problems in terms of winning. If you think he can walk in and be our starting QB for next season, you are a fool. Combine that with the fact that Tim not playing right away being so very devastating to the group of blind followers (and not all Tebow supporters fall into this category), that this “blind group” will become more anti-Jag and be a distraction to the efforts of groups that are trying to build support for the team.
The facts in my opinion are this:
1. Tim Tebow is not capable of stepping into the role as a starting player for the Jags, or any other team in the NFL in my opinion.
2. The supposed fans that are hinging there Jag support on whether or not we get Tim or not are not the type of fans the Jags need in that stadium, or this area.
3. This franchise would be far better off getting the best available players in each situation (or trading to achieve that) in an effort to put the best team on the field next season that can win games, which is the long term solution to slumping ticket sales.
I wish Tim the best of luck wherever he goes, but this area is not mature enough to help him develop, if he can, into an NFL player!
You know what really sucks
I bet those Tebow chants start even if the Jaguars don’t draft him.
"I just love the Jaguars. Thereeee great! Wow look at the Jaguars almost won the games to the Super Bowl XXXI!" - 2nd Grade Journal entry
Follow me on Twitter
Sadly......I bet you are right!
We are stuck in a damned if we do, damned if we don’t. With you saying this, which I agree, it is as if the concept of Tim Tebow as a Jag has done damage to the organization already, whichever way it goes! The light at the end of the tunnel though is wins, and that is in the organizations hands. A playoff birth will make it all better, whichever way it goes!
Sadly that will be a major "fake" outrage
right after the draft. 100% sure. On those days I would feel much more sorry for Vic then he has after the usuall losses…
Life without knowledge is death in disguise
by Zoltan from Budapest on Mar 5, 2010 4:55 PM EST up reply actions
Blah, blah, blah-blahbety blah
We don’t need him, we don’t want him…he’s no good for us.
Your wasted words will never be heard just go on home, baby, and watch on TV. Weekday soap-box speciality. You know what I’m talk’n ’bout now. By the way this songs for you…Sincerely, Me.
Just be ready.
Vae Victis!
Am I the only one?
… who thinks draft picks in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd round should go to guys with lots of potential… who can make a contribution right now? Hell, last year we had a 1st round pick, a 2nd round pick, TWO 3rd round picks and a 4th round pick that made big contributions.
A guy who needs 2 or 3 years development time…. that for 5th round or lower.
Are you kidding?
You’re not the only one. Look around. I think you’ll like what you see. But you know that.
Vae Victis!
Here's an interesting tidbit that stresses patience
Andrew from Toledo, OH
Do teams value players in the draft on their ability to play right away?
Vic: That’s how mistakes are made. You end up picking a guy with great technique who’s ready to play now, but he’s as good as he’s going to get. Meanwhile, you passed on a player who, with development, will achieve a much higher level of performance in the long term. Take care of the future and the future will take care of the present.
Vae Victis!
That's why
… I added in the bit about “with lots of potential” ;)
But, I still would not waste a 3rd or 4th round pick on someone who has the potential to make a contribution in 3 years time. I want a guy who can make a contribution now, and an even bigger one in 3 years time.
The potential is astronomical
But you can’t see it. That’s cool. You’ll see. Hide and watch.
Vae Victis!
Well
You are right, I don’t really see it. But, I’m no expert…. and he may very well turn out to be good. That’s not really my point. We need someone who can produce NOW as well as in the future. If he has astronomical potential, but cannot produce for 2 or 3 years while this astronomical potential is slowly built into starting potential, the team may never see it. I’m not sure the patience of this fanbase extends that far.
I will say this
I cannot wait for the draft to be over. If we don’t draft Tebow, fine with me. If we do… well, I will support the guy. He will be a Jag then, right? And as such, I will be 100% behind him (even if that just means hoping he turns out to be good)
Good
Me too. Either way, we’ll still be Jags. If we do draft him, and people continue to be hateful, I’ll be there to bounce your words of your face. That’s who I am. If you want to be disrespectful, be prepared to be disrespected. If you want to be cool, I’m as cool as cool as the underside of the pillow.
Vae Victis!
Just to clarify
… those are “fighting words”, so I need to understand exactly what you mean by “cool” and “disrespectful”. Is not thinking Tebow is going to be the next Manning disrespectful or hateful? Is thinking he will be, cool?
Either way, I stand by what I said: if Tebow becomes a Jag, I automatically start supporting him. That does not necessarily mean I will start thinking he is a briliiant QB prospect, but I will be supporting him and hoping for the best.
I didn't mean you personally
I say “you or your” generally. Meaning those that are will be met with reciprocation, not meaning you are.
I was agreeing with you (in part)…while placing forewarning for the more venomous posters. I’m sure such words will carry as much weight as a humming bird. Never the less, I will follow through.
Besides, internet “fighting words” are impotent, no?
Vae Victis!
Correct
One of the drawbacks of the internet…. my post above was made in a light-hearted manner, and with a smile on my face. I choose to argue with people over the internet from time to time, but I could not be bothered having an “internet fight”.
Big smiley icon right here.
I don’t care if he get him or not. If we do get him I know he won’t start for some time but the whole Tebow chant if DG isn’t playing very good one afternoon will really bother me and tear apart the team. Talk about stabbing DG’s self-esteem right in the heart. And confidence does play a large role, especially at qb.If we do get him I just hope that our fans will be rational and know to be patient regarding him starting. Viator? You’ll still pull for DG right?
Damn right!
That’s my boy. I think with an improved defense, finally having decent receivers, and return of the run game DG will be dynamite.
Vae Victis!
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Mark Sanchez’s rumored squeeze, Kate Upton, is on cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue
- ‘Twould be a shame if Hines Ward didn’t retire a Steeler
- Video: Tim Tebow asked to Military Ball by Louisiana Airwoman
- We’ll see how Brandon Jacobs’ football skills translate to the squared circle
- Bill Belichick wore a hoodie to a golf tournament
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
