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Lin and Tebow Make Time's List of Most Influential People

By Mary Johnson | April 18, 2012 8:13pm
MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 23: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks looks on during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on February 23, 2012 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 23: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks looks on during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on February 23, 2012 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

MANHATTAN — Two of New York's most captivating new sports stars have landed on Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Jeremy Lin, the newcomer Knicks point guard who entranced New York’s basketball fans until he was sidelined recently with a knee injury, earned a spot on the list, which also includes New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, TV show host Stephen Colbert and “Saturday Night Live” comedienne Kristen Wiig.

In the section of the magazine describing Lin, Arne Duncan, the U.S. Secretary of Education, wrote that the Asian-American Harvard graduate “debunks and defangs so many of the prejudices and stereotypes that unfairly hold children back.”

“Contrary to what you might read, Jeremy, 23, is no overnight sensation. In fact, he achieved success the old-fashioned way: he earned it,” Duncan wrote. “He worked hard and stayed humble. He lives the right way; he plays the right way.

FLORHAM PARK, NJ - MARCH 26: Quarterback Tim Tebow addresses the media as he is introduced as a New York Jet at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on March 26, 2012 in Florham Park, New Jersey. Tebow, traded from the Denver Broncos last week, will be the team's backup quarterback according to Jets head coach Rex Ryan. Tebow, the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, started 11 games in 2011 for Denver and finished with a 7-4 record as a starter. He led the Broncos to a playoff overtime win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round before eventually losing to the New England Patriots in the next round. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
FLORHAM PARK, NJ - MARCH 26: Quarterback Tim Tebow addresses the media as he is introduced as a New York Jet at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on March 26, 2012 in Florham Park, New Jersey. Tebow, traded from the Denver Broncos last week, will be the team's backup quarterback according to Jets head coach Rex Ryan. Tebow, the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, started 11 games in 2011 for Denver and finished with a 7-4 record as a starter. He led the Broncos to a playoff overtime win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round before eventually losing to the New England Patriots in the next round. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
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Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

Tim Tebow, the newest addition to the New York Jets, also made the list.

Lin wrote the entry dedicated to Tebow, commending the 24-year-old quarterback’s “fierce competitiveness, his strong work ethic and how he is a leader that his teammates trust and respect.”

“He is unashamed of his convictions and faith, and he lives a life that consistently reflects his values, day in and day out,” Lin added.

“As athletes, we pour our hearts into winning games. Tim is a reminder that life is about much more than that.”