In a recent interview, Jets backup quarterback Tim Tebow indicated that he could possibly consider a career in politics. Would he stand a chance? In the spirit of last nights debate and Tim’s comments, let’s look at some current athletes that could make a difference (as well as a few honorable mentions).<\/p>\n
1. Derek Jeter (SS, Yankees) – The Captain. Loved and admired, he’s sure to get a following everywhere with the exception of perhaps the New England states and Georgia. He’s a born leader and the biggest baseball legend we’ll see in our lifetime. If there’s any weak spot it’s his documented playboy reputation but he’s so revered by all, nobody asks him about it. No professional athlete has carried himself as well in the nation’s biggest media market.He started the Turn 2 Foundation back in 1996 (his rookie season) to encourage kids to live healthy lifestyles and avoid abusive substances. As a person always striving to be the best – he should aim for the White House. How fun would it be to start every State of the Union address with a roll call from the Bleacher Creatures?<\/p>\n
2. Drew Brees (QB, Saints) – If Brees ran for mayor of New Orleans TODAY he’d win against pretty much anyone. He was a MAJOR contributor to the New Orleans hurricane recovery effort through financial contributions and helping rebuild sports facilities,parks, and playgrounds. If this isn’t enough proof that Brees cares about people,he also runs<\/p>\n
a charitable foundation that raises money for cancer research. He’s a proud father and husband that has remained scandal free (Saints bounty scandal did not involve him directly).He also happens to have a degree from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. A strong candidate for local office.<\/p>\n
3. Tim Tebow (QB, Jets) – Even though his media attention has slowed down a bit on Tebow, with the Jets recent performance talk is rapidly growing about getting him into the starting quarterback job. If that happens the sky’s the limit regarding him having a platform.His views lean heavily to the right but he’s charming enough to have even the most liberal voters listen to him.He’s so likable, the guy who’s job he about to take refers to them as “good friends”. Charm only goes so far though. He’s likely to get crushed with the “golly gee” stuff when pressed with real issues. Actually after thinking about it, he’s probably too nice for politics.<\/p>\n
4. Shane Battier (SF,PF – Miami Heat) – As a two-time Academic All-American, Battier carries with him an illustrious school career from his time at Duke. He not only carried a 3.5 GPA majoring in Religion, Battier is known throughout the league as the NBA’s biggest tech and gadget geek. He actually used to cover technology as a contributor for Hoop Magazine and was voted the seventh smartest athlete by the Sporting News. With his intelligence, experience with media and understanding of various religions, Battier could make progress in the political realm. A good start would be as either Mayor of Miami or Governor of Michigan (where he’s from).<\/p>\n
5. R.A. Dickey (SP, Mets) – Ever climb Mt. Kilimanjaro? He did. He’s also a recent 20 game winner and in his late 30s, he’s never been better.He’s an avid reader but has also authored books which highlight his extremely reflective nature.He’s demonstrated an ability to learn from life and share his knowledge with others. This is an important quality to have in a leader. He suffered an injury which should have ended his career so he responded by completely reinventing himself by mastering the knuckle ball. He’s R.A. Dickey – and he’s the most interesting man in the world.<\/p>\n
6. Ross Ohlendorf (SP, San Diego Padres) Not a household name but it seems like a true political career could be in this pitchers future.He graduated from Princeton with a 3.8 GPA in Operations Research and Financial Engineering. He boasts a 1520 SAT score and is an avid reader. He’s volunteered as an intern in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (while having a professional pitching career) and also helps his father manage their herd of longhorns in<\/p>\n
Austin, Texas. Ohlendorf also worked on a cost-benefit analysis of the program that traces disease in livestock. Ross could appeal a lot of different pools of voters and has already has a chance to meet with the First Lady. Post career prediction – Governor of Texas.<\/p>\n
7. Peyton Manning (QB, Broncos) – He’s the JFK to Eli Manning’s RFK. As part of football’s royal family, he’s a proven leader who has shown a likability through commercials and press conferences. He’s also one of the fiercest competitors the NFL has ever seen and is known for his unrelenting amount of preparation each week.He’s also a master of the no-huddle offense which creates the perception that he can be decisive and make difficult decisions quickly.<\/p>\n
Honorable Mentions:<\/p>\n
Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB, Bills) – Hasn’t proven himself as a “winner” but he boasts a 1580 SAT score and an Economics degree from Harvard.<\/p>\n
Tom Brady (QB, Patriots) – He’s mentioned here because he’s expressed interest in politics in the past. A definite “winner” but a very sketchy voting record (as in, up to the time he was 26 – he didn’t vote).<\/p>\n
I’d love to hear your suggestions on what athlete’s would make good candidates! If you’d like to learn more about me or discuss any of these topics further, I can be communicated with<\/p>\n
through Twitter (@burritt15), Facebook (MVP Suite Rides), Pinterest and LinkedIn. Appreciate any feedback you’d like to offer!<\/p>\n
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In a recent interview, Jets backup quarterback Tim Tebow indicated that he could possibly consider a career in politics. Would he stand a chance? In the spirit of last nights debate and Tim’s comments, let’s look at some current athletes…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":177,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[2,6,7,20,21,23,24,27,30,31],"yoast_head":"\r\n