He’s penned an autobiography, has a statue in his honor, and moonlights as a model.

Yes, the Tim Tebow accolades keep on comin’ – with or without a starting quarterback label on his resume.

Tebow is number 10 on Forbes’ list of the Most Influential Athletes, a countdown dominated by NASCAR and NFL players.  Media tracking giant Nielsen and E-Poll surveyed 1,000+ adults for this year’s ranking.  Tebow actually finished 3rd in 2010, but remember, that was just after completing what’s arguably the most accomplished college career ever by a quarterback.

What make an athlete influential?  According to Forbes, it seems name recognition (duh), endorsement deals, and character.  What’s not as important is on-the-field success, as you’ll see below.  MLB is an influential no show as are last year’s Winter Olympic superstars (Shaun White, for instance).  Without further ado:

1. Jimmy Johnson – NASCAR
2. Tom Brady – NFL
3. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. – NASCAR
4. Shaquille O’Neal – NBA
5. Michael Phelps – Swimming
6. Troy Polamalu – NFL
7. Peyton Manning – NFL
8. Jeff Gordon – NASCAR
9. LeBron James – NBA
10. TIM TEBOW – NFL

As if one list isn’t enough…

While Tebow cracked the top ten of a list, another member of the Broncos organization – THE OWNER – narrowly missed.

ESPN released its Power Rankings of NFL owners, and Pat Bowlen finished in 11th place.  No AFC West owner placed in the top ten; in fact, Bowlen was the lone AFC West owner to get a vote.  ESPN AFC West blogger Bill Williamson suggested Bowlen would have placed higher had the whole Josh McDaniels saga never happened.

Too bad it did.

From the ‘Are We Not Surprised?’ Department

The Denver Broncos have not named a starting quarterback for the 2011 season.

Sorry.

John Elway was noncommittal during his interview today with Sirius/XM NFL radio.  However, Elway reiterated the team’s need to add a defensive tackle (or two) via free agency, and shared with listeners his hunch this could be a “breakout” season for running back Knowshon Moreno.

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