Forbes Magazine just released their new list of the Most Influential Athletes. Tim Tebow, who ranked No. 3 last year, fell a few spots to No. 10 this year. This can be attributed to him being a star college player the year before – pretty much the face of the NCAA – to a rookie in the NFL who didn’t play much.

E-Poll and Nielsen Media Research surveyed over 1,000 adults as to the athletes they considered influential, while also assessing their likeability and awareness levels. The poll isn’t just about how talented the player is, it takes into account endorsements, media appearances, and off-the-field image.  In short, has the player raised interest in the sport he plays?

From Forbes.com

Still on the list but dropping from last year are LeBron (No. 2 to No. 9), whose 2010 “Decision” didn’t please many fans, and Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow (No. 3 to No. 10), who went from college star and first round NFL draft pick to mostly benchwarmer as a rookie. Nonetheless Tebow still holds the interest of NFL fans who wonder if his unconventional game will succeed in the pro ranks. One other thing about Tebow: his reputation for clean living and willingness to show his Christian faith publicly mostly serve to make him popular, though it’s a bit polarizing. The 13% of respondents who say they “dislike” Tebow or “dislike him a lot” is the most of anyone but James (15%), even as many more claim to like him.

The Top 10 is rounded out by:

1. Jimmy Johnson
2. Tom Brady
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr
4. Shaquille O’Neal
5. Michael Phelps
6. Troy Polamalu
7. Peyton Manning
8. Jeff Gordon
9. LeBron James
10. Tim Tebow

Where do you rank Tim Tebow on the list of most influential athletes? Post a comment and let us know.