Christian athlete Tim Tebow generated a lot of excitement when he earlier professed his interest in entering politics. Now, it looks like GOP Rep. Ander Crenshaw is looking to make this happen.

Crenshaw, 71, is planning to retire from the House of Representatives, reported the Washington Examiner. Since the former NFL quarterback Tebow lives in the same 4th Congressional District, and his business XV Enterprises and non-profit organisation Tim Tebow Foundation also reside in Jacksonville, Florida, his name was immediately floated around as a replacement.

"We do not pick favorites," a key party strategist said. "Obviously a huge Florida football star would be an interesting candidate for our side of the aisle."

The website Red Alert Politics sprang into action by making a "draft Tebow" effort, calling him "uniquely qualified to be a Florida congressman."

"Tebow would never be lost in the crowd, and this would give him an opportunity to lead on issues he is already leading on in his life: fighting poverty, defending homeschoolers, and making traditional values cool again," they said.

On the other hand, there are a number of doubters who think Tebow should steer clear of politics. "Just because your quarterback career in the NFL doesn't pan out it doesn't mean you can't have a successful career in politics – just ask Heath Shuler," said GOP advisor and strategist Brian Walsh, although he acknowledged that Tebow would definitely be a "strong contender" given his "high name ID and reputation for hard work and strong values."

Meanwhile, communications strategist Ron Bonjean said Tebow would be a "shoo-in" for a seat in Congress although he would face a lot of competition.

Others possible candidates include former Jacksonville Sheriff John Rutherford, former Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney, and Duval County property appraiser Jerry Holland. The deadline for entering the August 30 primary is June 24.