JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A conservative website is calling on former University of Florida and Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow to run for a newly vacant U.S. House of Representatives seat in the state, describing the favorite son as “the perfect fit” for the spot.
In an editorial titled “Tim Tebow for Congress,” the editors of Red Alert Politics endorse Tebow, who famously won two national championships and a Heisman award at the University of Florida, for Florida’s 4th district.
The district, which encompasses the Jacksonville-area, is where Tebow grew up, and was represented by Congressman Ander Crenshaw, a Republican who is retiring.
“Talks have circled around a sheriff, a state senator, and a mayor,” the editors wrote. “But politicos have left off the best choice in this district: Tim Tebow.”
“If you think we’re joking, we’re not,” they add, listing a series of personal traits and accomplishments they say have Tebow well-positioned to run.
“He has arguably done more to help children than any current congressperson. Not only has he been a hero and a model of character for millions, he has also used the money he made through football to start the Tim Tebow Foundation, and his foundation is making a real impact, especially in Florida.”
The push for Tebow follows a Washington Examiner report published Thursday, which said Sunshine State political strategists were considering Tebow for the seat.
Red Alerts’ editors argue that “if Tebow wants to continue making a difference outside football, Congress is the next step.” And they urge that “Republicans and the NRCC should actively recruit him and welcome him into the Party,” pointing to his character and “millennial appeal.”
In the endorsement editorial, the authors highlight a recent interview Tebow did with Fox News, in which he didn’t exactly reject a question by the interviewer about whether he would “consider politics.”
“If there’s a chance you can make a difference someday in something, then that would be intriguing,” Tebow said at the time.
If Tebow did decide to run for the seat, he would certainly have the benefit of name-recognition in Florida. Tebow electrified college football during his time as the quarterback for the University of Florida, breaking records on his way to winning national championships in 2006 and 2008 and claiming the sport’s most prestigious award, the Heisman Trophy, in 2007. He also played professionally.
But more relevant to conservative circles in particular, Tebow has also been outspoken about his Christian faith. He’s participated in mission work and given speeches to various Christian organizations. His signature move on the field was to get down on one knee and pray on the field, an act eventually dubbed “Tebowing.”
He was drafted by the Broncos in the first round in 2009 and helped the Broncos win the AFC West in 2011, including a home playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was traded in the offseason after the Broncos signed quarterback Peyton Manning.