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Yesterday the Denver Broncos solidified Tim Tebow’s long awaited position of starting quarterback official as they released their former starter from the Jay Cutler sweepstakes deal, Kyle Orton.

The move looked promising for the first six games of he and rookie head coach Josh McDaniels’ stint in Denver. It would take Orton another 27 games and another head coach amidst a flurry of disappointed fans to get his next six wins. No doubt the monumental collapse two seasons ago was pretty bad. But it’s safe to say that many of us were surprised the Broncos used their first round pick before last season on college legend Tim Tebow. From the moment the highly touted Florida quarterback arrived, it was evident that Orton’s days were numbered.

Tebow’s rookie year was filled with phrases such as “retooling his release”, or “not yet ready to be an NFL quarterback”. Orton’s job should have been safe with a player as unprepared for the big leagues as Tebow was supposed to be. He had all the support in the world from his coaches and two-time world champion owner, John Elway. But what he didn’t have is support from the fans that immediately fell in love with Tebow’s charm and disposition. And who couldn’t? The man is a saint who you can’t help but root for.

Is it really of any advantage to be supported by your coaching staff, yet be an after-thought to your fan base? Orton has proved not. But winning changes minds. Orton’s 12-21 record over two and a half seasons wasn’t nearly high enough to satisfy the Mile High faithful, especially with a looming potential star behind him. Make no mistake. The recent promotion of Tim Tebow was not entirely a coaches or owner decision. The fans had a lot to do with this. Remember back to training camp when Orton was booed as chants of “TEBOW!” erupted from the crowd. Not exactly the thing you’d like to hear before the season. But that’s the life of a QB that preceded a future superstar with as much promise as Tebow.

Don’t feel too bad, Orton will be OK. In fact he couldn’t have been waived at a better time, as four teams have lost QB’s to regular season ending injuries including Chicago where he most likely will end up.  In Denver, Orton’s name will be remembered as but a preamble to the career Tim Tebow. With a 4-1 start and the whole city behind him (with the exception of John Fox and John Elway, of course), Tebow will be fine too.

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