Believe it: Tebow works another miracle in Denver
No. 15 Tim Tebow threw for 316 yards for the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
January 8th, 2012
11:00 PM ET

Believe it: Tebow works another miracle in Denver

The astounding story of Tim Tebow added another chapter Sunday as the controversial quarterback led his Denver Broncos to a stunning 29-23 overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL wildcard playoff game.

On the first play from scrimmage in overtime, Tebow heaved a pass 18 yards to receiver Demaryius Thomas, who stiff-armed Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor and sprinted down the right sideline for an 80-yard touchdown.

The Broncos led 20-6 at halftime, but the Steelers - led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's 289 yards passing - clawed their way back to tie the game at 23 with time running down in regulation. Neither team could get close enough for a winning field goal, and the contest moved into overtime.

The league instituted complicated new overtime rules for the playoffs, but the rule differences never came into play as Tebow and Thomas wrapped it up in 11 seconds - the shortest overtime in NFL history. The referee's explanation of the rules before the coin toss actually took up more time than the extra period.

Tebow has been criticized since his college days at the University of Florida for his awkward throwing motion and his overt Christian faith - including his practice of bowing in prayer after touchdowns. But Denver fans, and eventually the Broncos front office, embraced him this season as he led a series of late-game comebacks.

On Sunday he threw for 316 yards (which some people noted might be punctuated 3:16, for the cornerstone verse from the Gospel of John); 204 of those yards were throws to Thomas.

At the postgame news conference, Tebow acknowledged that football success is great but tried to put it in perspective.

"Football is amazing. We love it. We're so passionate about it as you could see right there (on the final play)," he said, according to video on NFL.com. "But the real win, at least I would say today, is being able to comfort a girl who's been through 73 surgeries before the game, and get a chance to go hang out with her now. That's the biggest win of the day. So they're both exciting, but that's what I'm even more proud of."

Tebow Time now moves on to New England, where the Broncos will face Tom Brady and the top-seeded Patriots on Saturday.

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Filed under: Pro football • Sports • Tim Tebow
soundoff (625 Responses)
  1. jojo

    THE DEVIL MADE HIM DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    January 9, 2012 at 11:26 am | Report abuse |
  2. Bobbo

    The message of Jesus has almost NOTHING to do with winning a game!! Tebow, while a sure-fire Christian, is placing the entire Gospel message on the wrong level! He really needs to have a well-focused pastor have a long talk with him. Winning a game, making a TD pass is NOT what it is about! I suggest Tebow supporters re-red the Christian Testament with some solid help from a biblical scholar.

    January 9, 2012 at 11:29 am | Report abuse |
    • Opinionated

      I think the guy has a thankful heart. But actually neither you or I or the media has any idea of exactly what is happening. It is just high and mighty of you to suppose you know what is in his heart. Or that you would know his pattern of giving and loving others. I think only God knows us entirely. We best concentrate on our own souls.

      January 9, 2012 at 11:37 am | Report abuse |
    • gyno_american

      Did you even read this article? That's what I thought.

      January 9, 2012 at 11:42 am | Report abuse |
  3. joseph w, ryder

    we have a world of pros and cons, most people who are in deep trouble says God told me to do it? The agnostics just cant let it go, its just a game, not a matter of life and death. Excuses usually the topic, everyone has a reason, team of subnormal humans lucky to win only if the other team had all there players it would be a different outcome, like the old Clech'e, Chicago cubs wait till next year, I guess you'll have to. I always like new winners and those who oppose everything are very bitter people. Question: if everyone could carry a gun to the game and could lawfully use it how many would be dead, its the same thing, winning is everything

    January 9, 2012 at 11:33 am | Report abuse |
  4. Opinionated

    I am sick and tired of the media making fun of Tebow because he is a devout Christian. You would never do this to a Muslim. As a Christian, I am insulted over the Christian jokes and belittling. It is his right to drop to his knees if he wishes whether I or you chose to do so. I am in admiration of the courage and faith that he has in the face of the media's insults. This says so much about his character. . . his endeavor to always show humility. That looks so much better than jigs and self promotion to me. You Go Tebow!

    January 9, 2012 at 11:34 am | Report abuse |
    • KS

      No, muslims in the NBA get suspended for not standing up during the star spangled banner 🙂

      January 9, 2012 at 11:41 am | Report abuse |
  5. Plswakeup

    What happened was, last week, God wasn’t busy slamming earthquakes, tsunami, floods or hurricanes on us so he had time to stop by an NFL game to help out one of his most faithful follower!

    January 9, 2012 at 11:35 am | Report abuse |
  6. Kevin

    Everyone here is writing about Tebow and his Christian beliefs. However, his comment about spending time with the young girl had no reference to his religion. Sounds to me that he is just a good person. Seems that some folks with these posts are fixated too much on what he did NOT say in this quote.

    January 9, 2012 at 11:36 am | Report abuse |
    • Chris

      Nicely said.

      January 9, 2012 at 11:51 am | Report abuse |
    • Sean

      Like you said the comment about the girl is irrelevant. What people are responding to is the article. And the belief by Christians that ‘god’, who is too busy to stop the earthquakes, tsunamis, slavery, ect ,ect. Has time to stop and cheer on ONE guy in the NFL.

      January 9, 2012 at 11:57 am | Report abuse |
    • Jwalker

      Right on. I think people are just jealous. They wish they were as talented and good natured as Tebow so they have to find something to pick on.

      January 9, 2012 at 12:16 pm | Report abuse |
  7. Nick-o

    After that final touchdown, Tebow pointed downward during his classic "Tebow" move. I wonder who helped him on that last pass. Was it the Lord or could it be, possibly........SATAN!

    January 9, 2012 at 11:38 am | Report abuse |
    • joma

      lol!

      January 9, 2012 at 11:47 am | Report abuse |
    • andy

      You gotta be a RAYDUH fan.

      January 9, 2012 at 11:55 am | Report abuse |
    • Katie

      Tebow's getting his message from SATAN? Not. His passing ratio was 10:21....check out John 10:21: “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?â€

      January 9, 2012 at 11:58 am | Report abuse |
    • Sean

      @Katie
      Better question: How can I prove if a demon can open the eyes of the blind as you put it, if you can’t even prove demons are real?

      January 9, 2012 at 12:07 pm | Report abuse |
  8. Rachel

    Hahahahah Bill Maher you doosh bag. Hahahahahah

    January 9, 2012 at 11:38 am | Report abuse |
    • Slewatha

      The real d-bags are those that think God actually cares about what happens in a game played by millionaires.

      January 9, 2012 at 11:47 am | Report abuse |
  9. Joe

    At least Teabow isn't selling drugs, killing dogs, or beating up his girlfriend or wife so why all of the negative comments about this guy from certain people? He believes in God, but isn't forcing his religious beliefs on others. So cut the guy some slack. Professional sports could use more good role models don't you think?

    January 9, 2012 at 11:39 am | Report abuse |
    • Sean

      If the man was a professional he wouldn’t be using the sport to push his religious beliefs. He might as well be putting up a billboard. THAT is the issue most people seem to have with him. My question is.. did the other team not pray heard enough?

      January 9, 2012 at 11:53 am | Report abuse |
  10. Susan

    You have to admit though, it sells copy and he is being ridden all the way to the bank. And yes, many teams face injuries, but one has to admit that the Steelers were the epitome of the walking wounded. Ben not at 100%, as much as I despise him, equals nfg.

    January 9, 2012 at 11:39 am | Report abuse |
  11. jamison

    I would say that believing in Divine Intervention probably gives Tebow an added edge while playing this game.

    January 9, 2012 at 11:42 am | Report abuse |
  12. KC

    Man the religious bigots are out in force. They hate God and a Christian like Tebow is their only way to vent.
    That is one sad life you folks have.

    January 9, 2012 at 11:43 am | Report abuse |
    • Slewatha

      The real outrage is people who would believe God cares about the outcome of a stupid game played by millionaires.

      January 9, 2012 at 11:48 am | Report abuse |
  13. Tim

    Tim Tebow and the Broncos are amazing. Best story in football. I really like Tebow. His heart is in the right place. It's wonderful that he would think about conforting a sick child at the time of one of his biggest triumphs. He is selfless. He went around the stadium thanking fans after the game (just as he did at Florida). He is incredibly inspiring. And I am an atheist and an FSU fan. It seems like his religion helps him unlock his potential and even exceed his gifts as an athelete and a human being. I don't believe that God is coming down and directly helping Tebow win a football game. But Tebow's belief in God allows him to do what he does. Some may be able to find that inspiration outside of belief, but for Tebow it is religion that does it.

    January 9, 2012 at 11:45 am | Report abuse |
    • tracie

      Very well said!!! Just love Tebow and am very happy they beat P-burg!!!

      January 9, 2012 at 11:49 am | Report abuse |
  14. Kashiwa

    Big Ben pointed to the heavens after a successful TD pass yesterday. Albert Puljos points to the sky after hitting homeruns. Lots of baseball players perform religious acts when they come to bat. There's not a lot of attention paid to them for doing so.

    Leave Tebow alone. If he wants to give thanks after scoring a TD, let him do so in peace. Look at his way of celebrating in the same way you look a the "dances" that are performed by many players after they score TDs.

    .

    January 9, 2012 at 11:46 am | Report abuse |
  15. Tim

    I am a Christian and this is how I view it:

    Does God have a divine hand in the Bronco's winning? No. He doesn't really care who wins or loses. It's just a game.

    Can God use famous people like Tebow? Yes. I don't think God care's how someone becomes famous or becomes a political leader. He does care what they do, once they get there and have influence.

    January 9, 2012 at 11:47 am | Report abuse |
    • Sybaris

      Pol Pot was famous, so was John Wayne Gacey, Jim Jones, David Koresh

      January 9, 2012 at 11:51 am | Report abuse |
    • Sean

      Prove ‘god’ cares Tim and I will eat my computer. Until then you are just giving a baseless opinion and are no different than anyone else.

      January 9, 2012 at 12:03 pm | Report abuse |
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