As a reward for leading the Broncos to their first playoff win in six years, Tim Tebow accepted a pay cut.
It’s all about the view of the beholder.
Tebow’s contract calls for him to receive a $250,000 bonus for each playoff win he produces. Throwing an 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime Sunday to give the Broncos a 29-23 upset of the Pittsburgh Steelers clinched Tebow his bonus.
He also received a $22,000 playoff share that all Broncos players receive so Tebow’s grand payment for his Steelers’ win was $272,000.
But consider this: Tebow drew $6.73 million in salary and bonuses during the 17-week regular season. That comes out to $395,882 a week. So even with his playoff bonus and share, he is earning 31 percent less than what he makes on a weekly basis during the regular season.
“Why do you think I keep telling you guys that none of us are in this for the money?” said Broncos coach John Fox.
Then again, Tebow doesn’t get a bonus if the Broncos lose a playoff game. He can add an extra $1 million in bonuses if his Broncos run the postseason table and win the Super Bowl.
Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com
