Face Reality: Tim Tebow Needs to Protect Health, Not an Optimistic Year

There’s no doubt college football benefits when Tim Tebow plays—a folksy quarterback with religious beliefs symbolizing humankind and aspiration for a better future. Not only is he an ambassador for college football, but the top-ranked Florida Gators, whose showdown against fourth-ranked LSU might dictate a national title.


At large, bowl implications are pivotal, if the Gators are craving to defend their title, but more significant is Tebow’s health status.

Two weeks ago, Superman indicated to the nation that he’s just as human as the rest of us living in a society were citizens believe their beloved heroes are invincible and made of steel.

Unfortunately, a horrid scene occurred on the field when Tebow collided brutally with a team-mate’s knee, bouncing off the turf as he sustained a concussion, quickly becoming another victim of head trauma in a win over Kentucky. A vital injury scared Gainesville, stopped Gator Chomps, left fans in a state of shock and elicited constant queries about his status for the biggest game yet on the calendar.

It shouldn’t matter which team the Gators are playing, but what should matter is protecting Tebow. Another significant blow to the head is risky, meaning it could be career-threatening or life-threatening. Urban Meyer should weigh his options carefully before rushing a hesitant Tebow back in a position, where contact generally transpires.

No doubt he’ll be the primary target on LSU’s agenda in a Saturday afternoon SEC clash. But more importantly, Tebow must be protected from sustaining another concussion. In recent years, players have died when medical staff failed to monitor thoroughly, allowing players to return prematurely.

If the Gators were to bring back Tebow, the program isn’t only jeopardizing a successful title run, but risking a life.

No game is that important, in which someone’s health is vulnerable of more unpredictable trauma, creating hapless ordeals and chaotic burdens. Knowingly, the importance of Tebow’s presence is crucial, if the Gators desire a victory.

This is a huge burden on Meyer, publicizing that the former Heisman winner is a game-time decision, and that he’s ready to return in a hostile game. Not good or a clever choice in a bitter territory, where he'll take unsympathetic abuse for two-hours.

He runs often, meaning the defense is already familiar with his game plan and well-designed options. And you can’t imagine him making an impact immediately, sluggish while still recovering. Since his concussion, Tebow hasn’t played and had limited practice, making it difficult to predict.

There’s not much to anticipate, when he really should sit this one out. Most have urged Tebow not to play until a well-known doctor gives advice and clears him. Losing a game won’t destroy an entire season with the SEC ranked as the best conference in football.

If the Gators lose to the Tigers, a national title remains irrefutable, and will keep hopes alive. In likelihood, they’re only victims of BCS fraud by dropping two or more games. That’s not envisioned because of their depth and defensive regimen, giving them slight advantages in the toughest conference.

You shouldn’t worry about the Gators. You should heavily worry about Tebow.

There’s much on the line in severe weather conditions, with heavy rains expected in the forecast. The top-ranked Gators seemingly care about prestige and bidding for a national title, rather than the most-lovable player in college athletics.

Believe it or not, we don’t want to sadly witness another devastating scene, like watching him vomit as he’s carted off the field and later seen in an ambulance. The worst-case scenario is a foolish decision might backfire on Meyer, but, of course, the best-case scenario is Tebow might throw a game-winning touchdown pass in the final seconds. You never know.

Even though, Meyer has mentioned earlier in the week that Florida’s medical personal will decide if Tebow plays in game with bowl implications. The problem is, Meyer is allowing such a thing, knowing it was a severe and frighten injury.

So, why is he putting his respectful leader in such a predicament, where matters can become worst? Is it because he’s desperate to defend a title? Is it because his reign and legacy is significant, and Tebow brings most glory before departing to the NFL?

As most of us fathomed that Meyer’s mind is greatly on amassing victories, and not an ailing quarterback, the NFL is paying close attention. Last week, a statement was released of studies, and unmasked that NFL retirees are likely to suffer memory lost. Between the ages of 30 and 49, retirees are likely diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

But coaches don’t realize it until it’s too late, selfishly ignoring medical advice and following their instincts. As it seems, Meyer has a self-centered psyche and protects optimistic season, jaded of injury excuses and selfish as well.

In reality, Tebow is severely injured. And to risk health is being negligent.

The best advice to offer Tebow is protecting his health, not a season of feasibility.