For the typical all-world quarterback, the spoils of gridiron war often include a proverbial "get out of jail free" card - turning college towns across the country into their own personal camps run-amok.
From hundred-dollar handshakes to recruiting tactics including lewd after-hours parties with doe-eyed coeds, the world of collegiate football remains riddled with ruffianism and indecency.
And then there is Tim Tebow.
Lauded for his exploits both on and off the field, the Gators quarterback continues to transcend the stereotype of big man on campus while rewriting the definition of student-athlete. The story of Tim Tebow, with perhaps the word "epic" being more apropos, speaks of a unique soul who utilizes his football stardom to further the lives of those less fortunate. From the man who trades in his Spring Break to provide medical assistance in the Philippines comes word of his latest endeavor, which serves as yet another reminder of Tebow's sheer selflessness.
An article in the St. Petersburg Times spoke of Tebow's philanthropic efforts in which he challenged the status quo set forth by the NCAA to usher in a new era where he could use his celebrity to bring financial aid to those in need. Working with the NCAA to ensure he did not violate terms of his eligibility, Tebow helped organize a series of fundraising events over the course of the week preceding the annual Orange and Blue game. Ranging from a trip to an amusement park with a group of underprivileged children to an ice cream social at Shands Children's Hospital, Tebow gave up countless hours of his free time for the greater good simply out of the goodness of his heart.
Thanks to his tireless efforts and a commitment to serving others, Tebow managed to secure donations of $300,000 in a matter of seven days - funds set to provide relief both locally and abroad. With $200,000 allocated for Uncle Dick's Home, an orphanage frequented by both Tebow and his father Bob in the Philippines, and $100,000 for Shands Children's Hospital, Tebow's actions conjure imagery of a seasoned philanthropist, hardly a 21-year-old quarterback. What makes Tebow's off-the-field achievements even more outstanding is the fact he can stake a legitimate claim as college football's best player.
Truth be told, excellence on the football field, on some level, happens each and every college season.
Recall the 2008 campaign a decade from now, and we highly doubt legions of fans sans those hailing from Lubbock, Texas, will fondly remember Graham Harrell's 45-touchdown season for Texas Tech. With Tebow, some degree of success can be gauged by his numbers, but his greatest value must be measured by his intangibles - a mastery of the notion of leadership that falls second to none. A dual-threat in the truest sense of the word, Tebow separates himself from the laundry list of collegiate greats ranging from Archie Griffin to Lawrence Taylor thanks to his willingness to make the world a better place.
From his role as a complementary player while a freshman to leading man during last season's championship run, Tebow's legacy will forever be highlighted by his humanitarian works - even if he secures a second Heisman Trophy in the fall.
With Tebow set to return to UF for what should prove to be a memorable senior season, the Editorial Board asks The Gator Nation to capture each and every moment along the way. While nay-sayers will casually dismiss the achievements of Tebow as a product of the Florida media hype machine, reality reveals a man who is nothing short of a once-in-a-lifetime person, let alone football player.
Through his insatiable hunger for success combined with an unrelenting refusal for failure, Tebow the quarterback and Tebow the humanitarian become one.
