John Cena is the polarizing franchise of the WWE. He sells tons of merchandise and is wildly popular among a group of fans. His detractors, however, are vocal, pointing to his lack of in-ring skill and the constant presence of him being shoved down throats as well as the belief that others are more deserving. Cena fans and Cena haters battle for vocal supremacy at WWE events.
Tim Tebow is the most polarizing football I can ever remember in the NFL. He came into the league as a two-time National Champion, first-round draft pick and his was the number one jersey sold in the NFL before he even took a snap in the league. But Tebow’s critics point to his poor throwing mechanics and the portrayal of him as a “holy roller” as they fill talk radio and blogs.
But after seeing Tebow pull victory out of the jaws of defeat on Sunday against the Dolphins, the Cena comparison came to mind. Come Monday, some analysts knocked the former Florida Gator for his first 55 minutes of play while others pointed to the miraculous five minutes that saw the Broncos make a 15-point comeback and win in OT.
Is Tebow a big bag of suck or can he quarterback in the NFL? Is Cena good or not good? Fans of both appear to be ravenous when it comes to passionately defending their favorite. Bronco fans were chanting for #15 before he entered in the second half two games ago against San Diego. After the Miracle in Miami, some Denver fans will
Despite the fact that Cena will never be confused with Jack Brisco in the ring, he’s been a leader and a winner. He delivers when it counts and he’s never had a “bad” match in a big spot. Cena is the number one guy in the industry, in spite of a revolving cast of opponents, thanks to retirements and inconsistent booking.
Tim Tebow will never be confused with John Elway but he led the Gators to two BCS Championships and they have a statue of him in front of Florida Field. The combination of running, passing and winning brought the haters out in force but, dang! You just couldn’t beat Tebow. Once when he lost, he uttered motivational words at a press conference that became the rally cry for the rest of the season and those words live on the plaque on the statue built in his honor.
Cena’s around for the long haul while Tebow could be done at the end of this year, although the “Suck For Luck” campaign in Denver may have too many hurdles, thanks to the Dolphins and Colts really being rotten. But both elicit reactions, sell merch and have haters/fans that tweet, talk and turn out in droves to see them. Tebow and Cena are both draws, despite their limitations.
Both also keep their head about them, despite the pressure they are under. It’s not easy being the center of so much negative energy 24/7.
Winners win and haters hate.
Where do you stand on Tebow and Cena? Thoughts?
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Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
