Arena Bowl kickoff changed to avoid Tim Tebow's first Jets preseason game

Tebow has the ability to change television schedules. (US PRESSWIRE)

Tim Tebow once admitted that politics could be in his future but even as a 24-year-old backup quarterback he's still surprisingly powerful. Maybe not Barack Obama powerful, but not bad for guy who currently resides down the depth chart behind Mark Sanchez.

In February, commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the 2012 NFL season would commence Wednesday, September 5 instead of the customary Thursday kick-off because it conflicted with President Obama scheduled speech at the Democratic National Convention. And while the occasion lacks the same noteworthiness, Tebow, too can cause schedules to be rearranged. And he can do it in the preseason.

Specifically, the Arena Football League announced Friday that the start time for Arena Bowl XXV has been moved back to 10:30 p.m. ET because the original kickoff time conflicted with the NFL Network airing the Jets-Bengals preseason get-together. Tebow, who was traded to New York this spring, will be making his first appearance with his new team. And now, he'll be the lead-in to the Arena Bowl.

"We were presented with the option to air the game tape delayed, but didn't feel that this would be fitting," Arena Football League Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz said (via Oursportscentral.com). "A multitude of countries around the world have watched recent ArenaBowls live, our fans want it live, and we know that if any city can handle a late party, it's New Orleans."

So mark your calendars, everyone, because on August 10 you'll be treated to not only Tim Tebow preseason action, but the Arena Bowl (where, ironically, some folks think Tebow should be playing).

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