If NFL quarterback Tim Tebow has any hard feelings about the New York Jets releasing him last Monday, he can at least take solace in being the most influential athlete in sports.
Despite being a third-string backup quarterback and throwing only eight passes last season, a Forbes poll declared him the most influential athlete. The poll indicated that 29 percent of the respondents judged Tebow to be the most "influential," enough to win the honors.
Tebow beat out Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt and Derek Jeter.
Tebow will need to use some of his influence to find a team this offseason. After a dreary season in New York, he's a free agent after clearing waivers last Tuesday and still searching for a team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins were considered possible destinations for Tebow, but they both recently denied having any interest in signing him.
His accuracy and ability to throw the ball is reported to be his biggest hindrance to finding a team. NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon recently said that Tebow couldn't throw the ball well enough to even play in the Canadian Football League.
The 25th overall pick of the 2010 NFL draft had his best days with the Denver Broncos, but the team traded him after they signed Peyton Manning in 2012. Tebow spent most of last season on the Jets' bench.
In his three-year NFL career, Tebow has thrown for 2,422 yards and 17 touchdowns, while running for 989 yards and 12 touchdowns.
