One simple word dominated the 2011 NFL season: Tebow.

Denver Broncos starting quarterback Tim Tebow’s every move was scrutinized since he took his first snap of the season. The 24-year-old made headlines across the nation for his unorthodox style of play and his affinity for leading his team to late fourth-quarter comeback victories.

But Tebow also became a household name due to his openly religious beliefs. He comes from an extremely religious family steeped in Christian tradition.

Though some fans and analysts may think it’s all an act to gain attention, Tebow is genuine in his faith and constantly thanks God for the blessings bestowed upon him. He credits the Lord with giving him the talent to perform at the highest level.

Unfortunately, “Tebow Magic” ran out against the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoff on Jan. 14. Tebow capped off a miraculous overtime victory the previous week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the Patriots were too tough an order for the inexperienced quarterback.

Looking back at his first extended NFL action, Tebow certainly opened many eyes with his play on the field. He finished 7-4 as a starter during the regular season. The Broncos finished 8-8 and won the AFC West division title.

While the Broncos defense was a major factor in the team’s success, Tebow’s heroics gained the media’s attention. Very few weeks went by in which Tebow wasn’t the main subject of sports talk shows. He was even voted the most popular athlete in the country in an early January Los Angeles Times poll.

With a six-foot three-inch, 236-pound frame, Tebow is built more like a tight end or a linebacker than a quarterback. However, his strength has allowed him to be a physical runner in addition to a passer. He rushed for 660 yards during the season, which set the single-season Broncos franchise rushing record for a quarterback.

Ever since suiting up for the University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., Tebow captivated the nation with his dual rushing and passing attack, not to mention his religious tendencies. He won the 2007 Heisman Trophy and was the 25th overall pick by the Broncos in the 2010 NFL Draft.

“Tim Tebow is one of the greatest players I’ve ever seen play the game,” said Urban Meyer, his head coach at Florida. “But just as remarkable is the person he is off the field.  The unparalleled combination of his talent, competitiveness, leadership and character is what ultimately puts Tim in a unique place in the history of American sports.”

From a young age, Tebow’s religion has played a role in his life. He was born in the Philippines to Christian missionaries Pamela and Bob Tebow and was the youngest of five children. The family later moved to the Jacksonville, Fla. area.

Interestingly, all the Tebow children were homeschooled by their mother in order to ensure a curriculum that instilled the family’s Christian beliefs. Living out God’s will became a daily occurrence for Tebow. He even preached the gospels to schoolchildren on service trips to the Philippines starting at age 15.

While religion came first, playing sports was just as important for the young Tebow. Homeschooling provided flexibility for him, since he often traveled to various talent showcases and tournaments.

Though he was homeschooled, he was still eligible to play for his district’s high school sports teams. Tebow was actually a skilled baseball player for Nease H.S., Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., but he decided to stick with football–a decision that has landed him on the big stage of the NFL.

“I first heard about Tim Tebow when he was a senior in high school, and I have followed his career closely since then,” said former NFL head coach and Super Bowl champion Tony Dungy. “I’ve grown to admire his leadership, his drive and his Christian character.”

Tebow is so in tune with his religion that he used to inscribe notable Bible verses, such as “John 3:16,” in his eye black during his college games. However, the NCAA has outlawed this practice since it could be considered a distraction.

“I have learned that, though God is in control of the big picture, I am responsible for how I use my platform, whatever its size–at this moment in time–to influence others,” said Tebow in his May, 2011, autobiography “Through My Eyes,” co-authored by Nathan Whitaker.

Tebowing  Fad

Tebow’s platform has expanded immensely and appears to only be getting bigger. The fad of “Tebowing” became popular late in 2011, which involves dropping to one knee and making a fist to emulate Tebow’s touchdown celebration. It’s become so huge that the word “Tebowing” was officially added to the Global Language Monitor as a recognized word. In December, two students at Riverhead H.S., L.I., were suspended for “Tebowing” in the hallways, which caused a fire hazard.

The sports world tends to jump on the bandwagon of whichever teams or players are performing well at a given time. Though Tebow’s first year as a starter was mostly a learning experience, sports analysts are already looking ahead to the future, asking if Tebow’s style of play can last in the NFL.

Broncos’ Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway, a terrific quarterback in his own right, seems to have given Tebow a vote of confidence heading into next season. If so, “Tebow Time” has just begun.

Everyone said he couldn’t be a college quarterback, and he won two national championships and a Heisman. Then everyone said he couldn’t be an NFL quarterback, and he’s already won a playoff game in his first year as a starter. Moving forward, one can only imagine how he will continue overcoming the odds while striving to live out his Christian faith.

“God challenges us to change the world,” Tebow said. “And to accomplish this, He asks us to change it one life at a time.”