NFL writers honor Jets' Tim Tebow with 'Good Guy Award'

If you are among those who might doubt whether Tim Tebow is as genuine as he is portrayed, an often-jaded group is vouching for his character.

The Professional Football Writers of America named the New York Jets quarterback as the winner of its 2012 Good Guy Award.

The PFWA defines the honor as follows:

"The Good Guy Award is given to a NFL player for his qualities and professional style in helping pro football writers do their jobs."

Past winners include Jerome Bettis, Tiki Barber, LaDainian Tomlinson, Brett Favre, Kurt Warner, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers.

Before being traded to the Jets in March, Tebow sparked the Denver Broncos' run to the 2011 AFC West title amid intense national scrutiny for his polarizing playing style and world views.

"I think Tim handled himself well all season long with the kind of attention few players are asked to contend with at any point in their careers," said PFWA Vice President Jeff Legwold, a reporter for The Denver Post.

"Tim not only dealt with the traditional media obligations both locally and nationally, but he was also the focus of many non-traditional media outlets, both from in Denver and across the country. And while he didn't always let folks peer into his innermost thoughts, he did always conduct himself professionally, with a great deal of respect for both the process and the people who take part in it."

To be a repeat winner in the PFWA forum, Tebow will have to charm (and likely play well for) the New York media, which doesn't always come with a sterling reputation to match the one of the new quarterback in town.