Just about everyone with a press pass, football ticket or computer turned into a doctor during the last two weeks to evaluate Florida quarterback Tim Tebow's playing status after his concussion against Kentucky, but Tebow had little use for the opinions.
In addition to the panel of doctors and trainers advising him, Tebow got words of wisdom from another mobile, left-handed and religious quarterback: NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young.
Young suffered seven diagnosed concussions during his career, and he called Tebow to encourage him and share his experiences.
"He told me things that helped him as far as sleeping and just resting your mind, doing things and not pushing it," Tebow said. "Something big he said - and something that I do - is you always want to just go run around and do a sprint to see how it feels. Then you're taking a little step back. He said, 'Just take time off, and when they say do your tests, do them. Don't keep testing yourself.'"
Tebow said he was tested during and after Florida's 13-3 win against LSU on Saturday, but while he'll continue to be monitored, the frequent baseline tests he took the past two weeks are over.
Those evaluations, meetings with doctors and practicing with crowd noise convinced Tebow he was healthy and prepared for the game environment.
He said he wasn't concerned with taking hits during the game, and he was expecting coaches to call plays that would protect him. On Florida's first three major short-yardage situations, Emmanuel Moody, Jeff Demps and Brandon James got the carries, converting one.
"I was being patient with it," Tebow said. "That's obviously, from watching how we usually play, a little bit different, but I knew going in that was how it was going to be. I had to be patient and trust those guys, and they did a great job."
Tebow said he had little memory of being hit by Kentucky defensive end Taylor Wyndham when he was taken from the stadium in an ambulance, but his recollection returned during his hospital stay.
That experience, coupled with warnings from doctors about health implications, gave Tebow the proper perspective on his return.
"I want to be OK," he said. "I don't want to be injured or have brain trauma, I want to be OK. I think, in a way, it was humbling because you know at any moment it can be over. It wasn't something I could fight through. It doesn't matter how tough you are.
"Instantly, it's lights out, and you don't know how much football you have. It's a blessing to get back on the field, and you realize how much you love the game and love playing."
ETC: UF coach Urban Meyer said Monday he's "worried" receiver Carl Moore won't play this season because of offseason back surgery. A decision of whether to redshirt Moore will be made in the coming weeks, he said. … Linebacker Brandon Spikes was named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week for his 11-tackle, 2.5-sack performance against LSU. … Meyer said he received "non-stop" calls from Tigers fans last week, so many that he had to change his cell phone number.
