Tim Tebow Documentary Released - Offers Surprising Insight Into NFL Quarterback
A documentary about Denver Broncos quarterback and Christian poster-boy Tim Tebow was released Tuesday.
"Tim Tebow: Everything in Between," which is available on DVD and on iTunes, is a 55-minute documentary detailing the quarterback’s life on and off the football field from the time he graduated college to his selection in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft.
“Fighting against the conventions of what an NFL quarterback is supposed to be, Tebow's single-minded determination is nothing short of inspirational. His success silences skeptics, ignites believers, and goes on to lead nearly everyone who watches to believe that all things are possible,” a promotional statement says.
Tebow’s close friend, Chase Heavener, directed the film, which gives it an organic, in-depth quality that is rare among celebrity documentaries. Tebow was unsigned during the entire filming period, so he was not beholden to any filming policies mandated by agents or the league. His trust with Heavener is evident.
“When we look back on it, probably the only time that we will be able to have that access ever. He was not owned by anyone, essentially,” Heavener told the Denver Post. “We hit it right at the perfect time.”
Much of the documentary was conducted through interviews and simply trailing Tebow to workouts, agent meetings and doctor’s visits. Viewers get a glimpse of private workouts conducted by then-Broncos coach Josh McDaniels.
The documentary strikes a satisfying balance between the football and non-football lives of Tebow. Many in the Christian community welcome Tebow, who enthusiastically speaks about his faith publicly and who spends his offseason doing evangelical work, as a figurehead in the Christian community.
But Tebow is a more divisive figure outside the Christian community. Many lament the media attention the quarterback has received since his illustrious college career at the University of Florida.
The documentary features scenes of Tebow watching television and seeing analysts critiquing his performance, as well as reading comments from so-called haters on the Internet. The manner in which Tebow reacts to the critiques will only endear him further to supporters.
Why Tebow remains to be a divisive figure in the sports world may be because he continues to receive amplified media coverage. And a documentary devoted to the quarterback will decidedly not endear him to his detractors.
However, for fans of his and of the game, the documentary provides a rare glimpse into the life of a very interesting man who plays a very popular sport.
The documentary includes a taped Q&A, blooper reel, and NFL workout film.