Electronic Arts’ Madden NFL football video game series is known for its realism, but the 2013 version will take its realism further than many might like. Madden NFL 13 is due out in August for PS3 and Xbox 360, and “Tebowing” will be part of the game.
Those who didn’t pay attention to the Denver Broncos in 2011, and in particular, then QB Tim Tebow (he was traded to the New York Jets in the off-season, after the Broncos signed Peyton Manning) may not know what “Tebowing” is. It’s the form of genuflection that Tim Tebow would do after he scored a TD for the Broncos.
Indeed, just like Google has been turned into a verb, so has Tebow. There is even a website dedicated to it, called Tebowing.com. Tim Tebow, of course, isn’t the only one to “Tebow,” but it’s become popularized as a term and activity now, due to the rampant fandom that surrounds the devout Christian and NFL player.
The creator of that site, Jared Kleinstein, is also the credited with originating the term. He posted a picture of himself and friends mimicking a Tebow pose on Facebook following the Broncos’ comeback overtime victory over the Dolphins on October 23, 2011. Thus, was “Tebowing” born.
The game’s creative director, Michael Young Tweeted on Friday that “Tebowing is in for #madden13 @jpdavis1982”
Madden NFL 13 will be released on Aug. 28 and will feature Detroit Lions receiver Calvin “Megatron” Johnson as the cover art. Those whoa are familiar with Madden lore will recall the age-old “Madden Curse,” which afflicts those who are put on its cover.
Certain players who have appeared on Madden video game box art have experienced a decline in performance, usually due to an injury. Among them were Barry Sanders, who abruptly retired after his appearance on the 2000 cover and safety Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who appeared on Madden NFL 10 and was injured twice that season.
Tebow fans can feel safe, knowing that he is not on the cover.