BY SAM HOLLINGSWORTH
Tebowmania has been taking over the NFL for half a dozen weeks now. And on Sunday, it’ll be up to the New England Patriots to mute the fiasco and put the fiery, spiritual Tim Tebow in his place.
But to those who know him, it’s no phenomenon that Tebow and the Denver Broncos keep winning. Just ask former Tebow teammate and receiver Aaron Hernandez, who is now one of two lethal tight ends on a high-octane Patriots offense.
“He keeps plays alive, and he’s winning,” Hernandez told the media when asked about his former college teammate and friend. “A leader … I’m sure he still is. He brought a lot of energy to the game. When someone has energy, you take from it.”
Hernandez would know. While lining up together during their time at the University of Florida, Hernandez and Tebow won the 2008 BCS National Championship and put together back-to-back one-loss seasons in both ’08 and ’09, just two years after a Hernandez-less Gator squad won the 2006 National Title.
Tebow also locked down the 2007 Heisman Trophy in his sophomore season at Florida, as well as dozens of other NCAA honors and accolades throughout his tenure.
Hernandez emerged as one of Tebow’s favorite targets, and the two became close friends, as well. Hernandez recorded 111 receptions for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns while catching passes from Tebow at Florida, and in his senior season, Hernandez earned the John Mackey Award, given to the nation’s top tight end.
Tebow offered the same high regard for his former tight end Hernandez.
“[Hernandez] makes any quarterback he’s with look a lot better,” Tebow said. “He’s a phenomenal player, one of those guys when you need competitive excellence and you need someone to step up and make a big play; he’s always ready and willing. I’m just proud of him for what he’s done as an NFL player and what he did with me at Florida.”
Follow Sam @SammySports
Follow AFC East Daily @AFCEastDaily
