New York Jets Quarterback Tim Tebow announced he will retire from professional football after next season because of health problems related to his signature prayer pose.
Speaking during a press conference, the 25-year-old confirmed rumors that he was considering leaving the Jets to focus on getting stronger and healthier.
Tebow, a devout Christian, said his propensity to kneel on the field on one knee in prayer with his head resting on his fist – an act known as Tebowing – has caused severe knee and leg pain, which limited his ability to play effectively with the Jets.
“I’m proud I could share my faith and the glory of God with the fans,” Tebow said. “But the truth is Tebowing has caused absolute hell on my back and knees, if you’ll pardon that word."
Tebowing brought Tebow much notoriety during his tenure as quarterback with the Denver Broncos. He successfully trademarked the word “Tebowing” last year.
Tebow said doctors told him last year that the pain was due to a joint disorder and to uneven growth and inflammation of his bones, conditions that have worsened over the years. The pose put further strain on his joints and leg bones, he said.
“The more I did it, the more pain it caused,” Tebow said. “But Tebowing became so popular, I kept doing it just to please the fans. I thought God might reward me for my faith by eventually healing me, but no luck.”
Tebow said the pain sometimes made it difficult to stand up after Tebowing, leading fans to believe he was deep in prayer.
“I wish it were that simple, but if I stood up too fast I was worried I’d snap a bone or something,” he said.
Tebow said he and Jets Coach Rex Ryan decided to keep his health conditions secret and limit his playing time last season. That move lead to public criticism of Ryan that he was not using Tebow enough on the field, and of Tebow for a less-than-impressive performance.
Ryan hinted in interviews that Tebow might not return to the Jets.
Divine interception
Although his health problems affected his professional career, Tebow noted he did not blame any higher power. Instead, he hinted God may have been the reason for his success.
“I haven’t attended a football practice in about five years,” Tebow said. “I hardly trained with the Broncos. I'd just call in sick or say I’m busy with Bible study or something.
“I just show up on game day and kick butt every time,” he said. “I don’t even exercise anymore. I spend my nights watching TV, eating potato chips and reading the Bible or 'Sports Illustrated.'
“Either I was a naturally great football player who could play with absolutely no effort,” he said, “or somebody up there was looking out for me and doing all the work.”
When asked about his future plans, Tebow said he would focus on new ventures and on his personal life.
“It would be nice to eventually get married and lose my virginity,” he said. “My teammates have always told me that fornication helps relieve tension. It might be good for my health.”
