Chris Thompson   Chris Thompson on the internet

This week, the NFL combine got underway: the players are being measured and weighed, timed and tested. But the biggest story of all, and the most intriguing story, and the most hotly debated story is Tim Tebow.

He is a man who set college football on fire with his athleticism, his power, his jump-throws, his leadership, and his impressive dual-threat ability: the man who is widely considered to be the greatest collegiate football player ever, now, for perhaps the first time, is doubted.

But now, because he has a strange throwing motion, he’s doubted. Questioned, because he played in a shotgun, spread offense at university; he’s doubted because it’s not what they look for. They doubt whether he’ll be able to play the game at a professional level because … well, because of what? Because he throws the ball in a way that doesn’t follow the book?

Ok.

I find this to be the most interesting thing about the NFL. Every year, players are doubted. Some don’t make it, not like they’d like to. Others defy odds and critics, and go on to be incredibly successful. Jerry Rice was doubted because of his speed. Maurice Jones-Drew was doubted because of his stature. But why? Why would criticise someone for their height, when short players, slight players have had success before? Look at Barry Sanders. Look at DeSean Jackson.

I would not bet against Tim Tebow. He’s just too much of a fiery, determined monster on that field. And this video sums up precisely why I think he will make it, and enjoy a successful career in the league.

In my mind, it is ridiculous to say someone is not going to be a good NFL quarterback because of their technique. Everywhere, athletes excel with “bad” technique. Michael Johnson broke the mould, Usain Bolt is breaking the mold, Walter Payton held the ball in an unorthodox way, Chris Johnson runs upright.

Tim Tebow is arguably and very probably the best college football player ever. He dominated in high school, he dominated at university, and now he can’t make it as a pro? Seems like flawed logic to me. It will be interesting to see, if he does make it, how many of these naysayers will be all-too quick to say: I knew it! I knew he’d make it all along!

Something tells me that there will be many who do.