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What is Testosterone?

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men and plays an important role throughout the male lifespan. Most of a male's testosterone is produced through the testicles. Also called the male sex hormone, testosterone starts playing its part during puberty.

When a male goes through puberty, testosterone helps males develop:

  • Facial Hair
  • Body Hair
  • Deeper Voice
  • Muscle Strength
  • Increased Libido
  • Muscle Density

As boys turn to men and men grow older, testosterone levels deplete naturally. Sometimes, events like injuries and chronic health conditions like diabetes can lower testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much T, it results in hypogonadism. When this happens, the testosterone must be replaced, or the male will suffer from symptoms like muscle loss, low libido, and even depression.

How does TRT work men

How Does TRT Work?

TRT is exactly what it sounds like: a treatment option for men that replaces testosterone so that your body regulates hormones properly and restores balance to your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates the symptoms that men experience with low T.

Originally lab-synthesized in 1935, testosterone has grown in popularity since it was produced. Today, TRT and other testosterone treatments are among the most popular prescriptions in the U.S.

Without getting too deep into the science, TRT works by giving your body the essential testosterone it needs to function correctly. As the primary androgen for both males and females, testosterone impacts many of the body's natural processes – especially those needed for overall health. For example, men with low T are more prone to serious problems like cardiovascular disease and even type-2 diabetes.

When your body quits making enough testosterone, it causes your health to suffer until a solution is presented. That's where TRT and anti-aging medicine for men can help. TRT helps balance your hormones and replenish your depleted testosterone. With time, your body will begin to heal, and many symptoms like low libido and irritability begin to diminish.

What Causes Low T

What Causes Low T?

For men, aging is the biggest contributor to lower testosterone levels, though there are other causes like obesity, drug abuse, testicular injuries, and certain prescribed medications. Sometimes, long-term health conditions like AIDS, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease can lower testosterone levels.

When a man's testosterone levels drop significantly, it alters his body's ratio of estrogen and testosterone. Lower testosterone levels cause more abdominal fat, which in turn results in increased aromatase, which converts even more testosterone into estrogen.

If you're concerned that you might have low T, you're not alone. Millions of men in the U.S. feel the same way. The best way to find out if your testosterone is low is to get your levels tested.

For sustainable testosterone replacement therapy benefits, you must consult with hormone doctors and experts like those you can find at Global Life Rejuvenation. That way, you can find the root cause of your hormone problems, and our team can craft a personalized HRT plan tailored to your needs.

Lowered Libido

Low Sex Drive

One of the most common reasons that men choose TRT is because they have lost that "spark" with their partner. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not performing like they used to. Intimacy is a powerful part of any relationship. When a once-healthy sex life dwindles, it can cause serious relationship issues.

The good news is that low libido doesn't have to be a permanent problem. TRT and anti-aging medicines help revert hormone levels back into their normal range. When this happens, many men have a more enjoyable life full of intimacy and sex drive.

Inability to Achieve and Maintain Erections

Inability to Achieve and Maintain an Erection

Weak erections – it's an uncomfortable subject for many men in the U.S. to talk about. It's even worse to experience first-hand. You're in the midst of an intimate moment, and you can't do your part. Despite being perfectly normal, many men put blame and shame upon themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while the inability to perform sexually can be caused by poor diet, obesity, and chronic health conditions, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.

Fortunately, weak erections are a treatable condition. The best way to regain your confidence and ability in bed is to speak with your doctor. Once any underlying conditions are discovered, options like TRT may be the best course of treatment.

Hair Loss

Loss of Strength and Muscle Mass

Loss of Strength and Muscle Mass

Do you find it harder and harder to work out and lift weights in the gym? Are you having problems lifting heavy items that you once had no problem lifting?

Recent studies show that when men are inactive, they lose .5% of muscle strength every year, from ages 25 to 60. After 60, muscle loss doubles every decade. While some muscle loss is common as men age, a significant portion can be tied to low testosterone levels. When a man's T levels drop, so does his muscle mass.

Testosterone is a much-needed component used in gaining and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors prescribe TRT Florham Park, NJ, for men having problems with strength. One recent study found that men who increased their testosterone levels using TRT gained as much as 2.5 pounds of muscle mass.

Whether your gym performance is lacking, or you can't lift heavy items like you used to, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.

Hair Loss

Hair Loss

If you're like millions of other men in their late 20s and 30s, dealing with hair loss is a reality you don't want to face. Closely related to testosterone decline and hormone imbalances, hair loss is distressing for many men. This common symptom is often related to a derivative of testosterone called DHT. Excess amounts of DHT cause hair follicles to halt their production, causing follicles to die.

Because hair located at the front and crown is more sensitive to DHT, it grows slower than other follicles and eventually stops growing permanently. Thankfully, TRT and anti-aging treatments for men in Florham Park, NJ, is now available to address hair loss for good.

While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone on your body. Whether you're suffering from thinning hair or hair loss across your entire head, TRT and other hormone therapies can stop hair loss and even reverse the process.

Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia

Also called "man boobs," gynecomastia is essentially the enlargement of male breast tissue. This increase in fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances and an increase in estrogen. For men, estrogen levels are elevated during andropause. Also called male menopause, andropause usually happens because of a lack of testosterone.

If you're a man between the ages of 40 and 55, and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.

Decreased Energy

Decreased Energy

Decreased energy was once considered a normal part of aging. Today, many doctors know better. Advances in technology and our understanding of testosterone show that low T and lack of energy often go hand-in-hand.

If you're struggling to enjoy activities like playing with your kids or hiking in a park due to lack of energy, it could be a sign of low T. Of course, getting tired is perfectly normal for any man. But if you're suffering from continual fatigue, a lack of enjoyment, or a decrease in energy, it might be time to speak with a doctor.

Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish activities you used to love, TRT could help.

Lack of Sleep

Lack of Sleep

A study from 2011 showed that men who lose a week's worth of sleep can experience lowered testosterone levels – as much as 15%, according to experts. Additional research into the topic found almost 15% of workers only get five hours of sleep (or less) per night. These findings suggest that sleep loss negatively impacts T levels and wellbeing.

The bottom line is that men who have trouble sleeping often suffer from lower testosterone levels as a result. If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, you might have low T.

TRT and anti-aging medicines can restore your T levels back to normal, which can help you sleep better with proper diet and exercise.

Depression

Depression

You're feeling down about everything, and there's no solid explanation for why you're in such a crummy mood. Your daily life is great and full of success, but you can't help but feel unexcited and unmotivated. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed – and it may stem from low testosterone.

A research study from Munich found that men with depression also commonly had low testosterone levels. This same study also found that depressed men had cortisol levels that were 67% higher than other men. Because higher cortisol levels lead to lower levels of testosterone, the chances of severe depression increase.

Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option gaining in popularity is TRT for depression. Studies show that when TRT is used to restore hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more improved mood. That's great news for men who are depressed and have not had success with other treatments like anti-depression medicines, which alter the brain's chemistry.

Inability to Concentrate

Inability to Concentrate

Ask anyone over the age of 50 how their memory is, and they'll tell you it wasn't what it used to be. Memory loss and lack of concentration occur naturally as we age – these aren't always signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.

However, what many men consider a symptom of age may be caused by low testosterone. A 2006 study found that males with low T levels performed poorly on cognitive skill tests. These results suggest that low testosterone may play a part in reducing cognitive ability. If you're having trouble staying on task or remembering what your schedule is for the day, it might not be due to your age. It might be because your testosterone levels are too low. If you're having trouble concentrating or remembering daily tasks, it could be time to talk to your doctor.

Why? The aforementioned study found that participating men experienced improved cognitive skills when using TRT.

Weight Gain

Weight Gain

Even though today's society is more inclusive of large people, few adults enjoy gaining weight as they age. Despite their best efforts, many men just can't shed the extra pounds around their midsections, increasing their risk of heart disease and cancer.

Often, male weight gain is caused by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism and cause weight to pile on. This phase of life is called andropause and happens when there is a lack of testosterone in the body. Couple that with high cortisol levels, and you've got a recipe for flabby guts and double chins.

Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.

What is Sermorelin

What is Sermorelin?

Sermorelin is a synthetic hormone peptide, like GHRH, which triggers the release of growth hormones. When used under the care of a qualified physician, Sermorelin can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and help you feel much younger.

Benefits of Sermorelin

Benefits of Sermorelin

Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been used for years to treat hormone deficiencies. Unlike HGH, which directly replaces declining human growth hormone levels, Sermorelin addresses the underlying cause of decreased HGH, stimulating the pituitary gland naturally. This approach keeps the mechanisms of growth hormone production active.

Benefits of Sermorelin include:

  • Better Immune Function
  • Improved Physical Performance
  • More Growth Hormone Production
  • Less Body Fat
  • Build More Lean Muscle
  • Better Sleep
What is Ipamorelin

What is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin helps to release growth hormones in a person's body by mimicking a peptide called ghrelin. Ghrelin is one of three hormones which work together to regulate the growth hormone levels released by the pituitary gland. Because Ipamorelin stimulates the body to produce growth hormone, your body won't stop its natural growth hormone production, which occurs with synthetic HGH.

Ipamorelin causes growth hormone secretion that resembles natural release patterns rather than being constantly elevated from HGH. Because ipamorelin stimulates the natural production of growth hormone, our patients can use this treatment long-term with fewer health risks.

Benefits of Ipamorelin

Benefits of Ipamorelin

One of the biggest benefits of Ipamorelin is that it is suitable for both men and women. It provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies, boosting patients' overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life. When growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland using Ipamorelin, clients report amazing benefits.

Some of those benefits include:

  • Powerful Anti-Aging Properties
  • More Muscle Mass
  • Less Unsightly Body Fat
  • Deep, Restful Sleep
  • Increased Athletic Performance
  • More Energy
  • Less Recovery Time for Training Sessions and Injuries
  • Enhanced Overall Wellness and Health
  • No Significant Increase in Cortisol

Your New, Youthful Lease on Life Starts Here

Whether you are considering our TRT services, HRT for women, or our growth hormone peptide services, we are here to help. The first step to turning back the hand of time starts by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation.

Our friendly, knowledgeable TRT and HRT experts can help answer your questions and walk you through our procedures. From there, we'll figure out which treatments are right for you. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to looking and feeling better than you have in years!

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Latest News in Florham Park, NJ

Jets Rookie DL Jermaine Johnson Focused on Climbing the Next Mountain

Jets rookie DL Jermaine Johnson, the No. 26 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, had a long road to the NFL, with stops at Independence Community College, Georgia and Florida State. Johnson put pen to paper shortly after the draft, turning his childhood dream into a reality."It felt cool," he said. "It was finally like the milestone reach, but like I always like to say, 'I hit the top of the mountain, so I can focus on climbing the next one.' "That next mountain for Johnson is learning the defense. But after ...

Jets rookie DL Jermaine Johnson, the No. 26 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, had a long road to the NFL, with stops at Independence Community College, Georgia and Florida State. Johnson put pen to paper shortly after the draft, turning his childhood dream into a reality.

"It felt cool," he said. "It was finally like the milestone reach, but like I always like to say, 'I hit the top of the mountain, so I can focus on climbing the next one.' "

That next mountain for Johnson is learning the defense. But after playing for three schools, the transition hasn't been difficult.

"Junior college I was forced to be in different systems," he said. "Georgia, if you play in Georgia's defense, you can learn any defense. Then going to Florida State, I'm not too overwhelmed. It's more muscle memory getting my looks and my reps."

He later added: "It hasn't been bad at all. It's more the scheme. Coach likes it done a certain way, so it's getting those steps, right mannerisms and stuff like that. It's going really smooth."

Johnson's best ball came at Florida State when he played in a 4-3 front, which is what the Jets run and was part of the reason the coaching staff projects him as a good fit in their defense. He was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year with 12 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in one season in Tallahassee.

"It's not too different," Johnson said. "It's 4-3, but the angles that Coach wants when you get off the ball, the kind of mentality, it's not so much a man key but more of a ball key. It's stuff like that, so not too bad. It's definitely been fun, honestly. I'm learning it and getting used to it."

Johnson has impressed defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in OTAs . Ulbrich said that Johnson is ahead of the curve compared to most rookies he's worked with. Johnson, whose No. 52 is not permanent (he wore No. 11 in college), plans to stay in Florham Park between the end of the minicamp and the start of training camp to train.

"A demonstration of his obsession with the game is that he's like the YouTuber that's constantly watching Lawrence Taylor," Ulbrich said. "He's constantly watching Von Miller. He's constantly watching all these guys and adding things to his game and growing. Even when it wasn't provided to him by a coaching staff, he was searching it out on his own. So, his knowledge of the game is probably a little bit better than most rookies, his pass rush arsenal is maybe a little bit better than most rookies and then you put that together with a guy that's got length, speed, explosion, desire and a good makeup, you've got a guy that's got a chance. Excited about him."

Hanover Park Dance Team Competes in Orlando, Florida, this March

The Hanover Park Dance Team at a recent dance competition at Ramapo College in MahwahPhoto Credit: Hanover Park Dance TeamThe Hanover Park Dance Team during their annual pep rallyPhoto Credit: Hanover Park Dance Team By Anthony M LusardiHANOVER, NJ - Big and exciting things are happening for a special group of 10 young ladies of the ages of 15 to 17 at Hanover Park High School. For this coming March, the Hanover Park Dance Team will be heading down south to Universal Orl...

The Hanover Park Dance Team at a recent dance competition at Ramapo College in MahwahPhoto Credit: Hanover Park Dance Team

The Hanover Park Dance Team during their annual pep rallyPhoto Credit: Hanover Park Dance Team

By Anthony M Lusardi

HANOVER, NJ - Big and exciting things are happening for a special group of 10 young ladies of the ages of 15 to 17 at Hanover Park High School. For this coming March, the Hanover Park Dance Team will be heading down south to Universal Orlando, Florida, for a dance competition.

This event is known as the AmeriCheer InterNationals Competition, at the Orange County Convention Center in Universal, where as much as 40 to 50 dance teams complete against one another. The grand prizes for the first, second and third place winners shall receive a trophy as well as a bid to the nationals in Ohio.

This trip will mark the first-ever competition that the Hanover Park Dance Team has participated in outside their home state. And needless to say, the high school dancers are very proud and excited, like 16-year-old junior Jaime Raibick.

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“Dance has always been a favorite hobby and extracurricular activity of mine since the age of two,” said Raibick, who has been with the Dance Team for the past three years. “The Hanover Park Dance Team is not only a great group of people to dance with, but a group of people that are like my family. This team has allowed me to form many friendships and opportunities throughout the years and it has also made a positive impact on my development as a teenager in high school. When I found out about our trip to Orlando, I was so proud of our accomplishments. Now that it has sunk in, it is something I am extremely looking forward to! I have always looked up to girls who are on college dance teams, which is why dancing after high school is something I am definitely interested in. I am hoping one day I will have the opportunity to show off my talents at the college level and be part of another amazing team just like at Hanover Park.”

Raibick’s dance mate, 16-year-old junior DeAnna DiMaiolo, could say the same for her group and the upcoming trip.

"What I like most about being on the Hanover Park Dance Team is that I was able to form close relationships with people I never had before,” said DiMaiolo, who has been dancing since she was three-year-old; two years with the Dance Team. “I have made new friends that have become more-like sisters to me. During practices, I like how we can have fun, but be serious at the same time. Words cannot describe the amount of excitement I have going to Orlando, Florida. To be able to go to nationals is a huge honor and it is going to be so much fun! As of now, I am going back and forth with my decision of continuing my dancing career in college, but if I decide to pursue it, I know I am going to enjoy it.”

And head dance coach Carly Marcketta and assistant dance coach Katerina Molnar couldn’t be prouder of their girls.

“We are so excited for the girls to be able to have this experience going and competing in Florida,” said Marcketta “This is a dream come true for our team and for them to have worked so hard and to be given this opportunity is a great accomplishment. We are so proud as their coaches and we are so excited to see them perform at the Orange County Convention Center in Universal.”

Marcketta has been coaching the Hanover Park Dance Team since 2015, while Molnar has been coaching since 2017.

Later this month, the Hanover Park Dance Team will be competing at Bergenfield High School on January 26th.

Florham Park Mayor Proclaims July 4, 2018 June Flynn Day Kicking Off 61 Fourth of July Celebration

From left Matthew Pribula age 9, Yisel Pribula, Isabella Pribula age 10, Grace Cadenas age 10, Dianne Wesley and family pet Shakira. By Lori Sica FLORHAM PARK, N.J.- Early in the day on Wednesday July 4 Florham Park fire department, past and present, along with Mayor Mark Taylor and the Boro Coucil gathered at the memorial walk to honor those who have answered their last call. The flag flew at half mast, while the families of William Kyle, Charles Sedlack, Warren Kilby Jr., and Frank Hartwell w...

From left Matthew Pribula age 9, Yisel Pribula, Isabella Pribula age 10, Grace Cadenas age 10, Dianne Wesley and family pet Shakira.

By Lori Sica

FLORHAM PARK, N.J.- Early in the day on Wednesday July 4 Florham Park fire department, past and present, along with Mayor Mark Taylor and the Boro Coucil gathered at the memorial walk to honor those who have answered their last call. The flag flew at half mast, while the families of William Kyle, Charles Sedlack, Warren Kilby Jr., and Frank Hartwell were presented with flowers and the brick bearing their family member's name. This is the tradition that begins the Fourth of July celebration in the borough.

Before that happened Mayor Taylor thanked first responders, historical society members, the council and the community for coming out and issued a proclamation honoring June Flynn, who turned 100 last month. Flynn has resided in Florham Park for over 60 years and was surrounded by four generations of family and friends. A perfect beginning to the festivities that have taken place in Florham Park for 61 years, one of the longest running Fourth celebration in New Jersey.

"I love my town," Mayor Taylor said as he finished the ceremony at the fire department and headed to the parade route.

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The traditional parade route began at the corner of Ridgedale Avenue and Brooklake Road and finished at Borough Hall. First responders from neighboring East Hanover, Madison, Parsippany, Lake Parsippany, Livingston, Roseland, and Mt. Tabor joined Florham Park first responders, Jaycees, D. A.R.E., the scouts, and several marching bands to borough park where refreshments, games and inflatable waterslides were ready to go. The social garden opened at three pm and fireworks began just after 8:30pm. Another July 4th celebration is in the books, not without many smiling faces.

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Where is FDU? 6 things to know about Florida Atlantic's next NCAA Tournament opponent

They weren't even supposed to be here. But somehow, some way, No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson has become the biggest ...

They weren't even supposed to be here. But somehow, some way, No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson has become the biggest Cinderella team of this year's NCAA Tournament (and possibly ever). After defeating No. 1 seed Purdue 63-58 on Friday, the Knights have become the team to talk about when discussing March Madness.

They also happen to be Florida Atlantic's next opponent. After the Owls stunned many and came back to beat Penny Hardaway's Memphis Tigers in a game that went down to the wire Friday night, FAU and FDU will now meet Sunday night for a chance to advance to the Sweet 16. The winner faces No. 4 seed Tennessee on Thursday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

But who, what and where is Fairleigh Dickinson? Here are some things to know about FDU and their men's basketball team.

FAU vs. FDU predictions:Who will win March Madness game? Experts make their picks

How do FAU and FDU match up?Florida Atlantic is most favored team in NCAA Tournament second round

FAU basketball coach:5 things to know about Dusty May

Where is Fairleigh Dickinson University?

FDU actually has two campuses in New Jersey, but the athletic teams are based out of the school's Metropolitan campus in Teaneck and Hackensack. The other campus is located in Madison and Florham Park.

Fairleigh Dickinson's Metropolitan campus is not that far north of Saint Peter's University, last year's NCAA Tournament darling who also came out victorious as a No. 15 seed against No. 3 Purdue in the Sweet 16.

FDU got into March Madness on a technicality

Fairleigh Dickinson plays in the Northeast Conference, which typically sends only one team to the NCAA Tournament each year via the automatic bid that goes to the conference tournament champion. However, this year the NEC did not send its tournament champ.

Merrimack beat FDU 67-66 in the NEC Tournament final. But Merrimack is still transitioning from Division II to Division I, and under NCAA rules, teams are ineligible to play in the NCAA Tournament in the first four years after joining D-I. So FDU got the conference's automatic bid instead.

If Merrimack had gone up to D-I a year earlier, they would have been in the tournament field and FDU would be watching at home.

Fairleigh Dickinson won just 4 games last season

The Knights have really turned it around in just one year. In the 2021-22 season, FDU had an overall record of 4-22. This year, including their win over Purdue, they've posted a 21-15 record so far.

What did the FDU coach say about Purdue?

After winning their First Four game Wednesday night, Fairleigh Dickinson basketball coach Tobin Anderson told his players in the locker room "the more I watch Purdue, the more I think we can beat them."

The clip went viral and reached the ears of the No. 1-seeded Boilermakers. Senior guard David Jenkins Jr. said the team "took it as disrespectful."

After FDU pulled off the upset, Anderson made sure everyone listening understood he respected his opponents.

FDU is the shortest team in this year's NCAA Tournament

Unusually for a basketball team, the Knights are not very tall. No player on Fairleigh Dickinson's roster is taller than 6'6", which makes their defeat of Purdue and 7'4" big man Zach Edey even more impressive.

Though FAU's starting guards don't have a lot of height themselves, the Owls' starting center, Vladislav Goldin, is 7'1".

Fairleigh Dickinson's win over Purdue upended the point spread

For those who bet on games, picking Purdue in their matchup against FDU probably seemed like a no-brainer. The Boilermakers were favored by 23.5 points, making Fairleigh Dickinson's win the biggest upset by point spread in NCAA Tournament history.

For comparison, the only other No. 16 seed to win a first round game, UMBC, was a 20.5-point underdog to No. 1 Virginia in 2018. The Retrievers beat the Cavaliers 74-54 in the first round of the 2018 tournament.

McElroy Has History of Moving Past Tebow

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Rex Ryan has repeatedly referred to Greg McElroy’s reputation as a winner as he defends his decision to choose McElroy as the Jets’ starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the San Diego Chargers.In McElroy’s estimation, his greatest win came against Tim Tebow, the backup McElroy leapfrogged on the depth chart to earn the start. The 2009 Southeastern Conference championship game, i...

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Rex Ryan has repeatedly referred to Greg McElroy’s reputation as a winner as he defends his decision to choose McElroy as the Jets’ starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the San Diego Chargers.

In McElroy’s estimation, his greatest win came against Tim Tebow, the backup McElroy leapfrogged on the depth chart to earn the start. The 2009 Southeastern Conference championship game, in which McElroy’s Alabama Crimson Tide upset Tebow’s Florida Gators, 32-13, is saved on his parents’ DVR in their home in Texas.

“Absolutely, 100 percent,” said McElroy, a seventh-round draft pick by the Jets. “That gave me the confidence to continue to get better, continue to try to improve and eventually allowed me to come here and play.”

It was a surprising admission, because after that victory McElroy engineered a 37-21 win over Texas in the Bowl Championship Series title game.

Few expected McElroy, then a junior in his first season as a starter, to lead the Crimson Tide over the Gators. Not in the Georgia Dome against a Florida team ranked No. 1 in the nation that was riding a 22-game winning streak and angling for a repeat appearance in the national title game.

It was Tebow’s grand stage, his chance to close his collegiate career with a storybook ending. He was a chasing a second Heisman Trophy and a third national title.

By game’s end, Tebow was wiping away tears and McElroy was holding the trophy as the game’s most valuable player after he threw for 239 yards and a touchdown.

“I think he answered to himself the ability to go out and make a play when needed,” Colorado State Coach Jim McElwain, the former Alabama offensive coordinator, said in a telephone interview. “He made some throws and really made some big plays with his feet. When needed, he really stepped up and had a big game.”

McElroy spent two seasons on the bench at Alabama, then struggled in several of his first seven games as the starter in 2009. But he came on strong in the last four, including a seven-pass, game-winning drive against Auburn the week before the Florida game.

“That was a huge turning point in my Alabama career,” McElroy said.

But facing Coach Urban Meyer’s Gators was a different test. Their defense would have five players chosen in the first three rounds of the N.F.L. draft, including cornerback Joe Haden, selected No. 7 over all by the Cleveland Browns.

Then there was Tebow, who had scored 30 touchdowns in the previous 12 games and was a Heisman Trophy finalist for a third time. Alabama, ranked third in the country, lost to Florida, 31-20, in the 2008 SEC title game, in which Tebow threw for three touchdowns.

“That was the one hurdle we needed to overcome as a program,” McElwain said. “And Greg played lights out.”

The Crimson Tide was 11 of 15 on third downs, and McElroy completed 67 percent of his throws, including a 17-yard touchdown pass to Colin Peek early in the third quarter that gave Alabama a 12-point lead. He even ran the ball four times, tiptoeing along the sideline for a first down on a key scramble in the second quarter.

The win took McElroy’s record to 13-0 as a starter (he would finish 24-3) and cooled the criticism that he was merely serving as a game manager, someone who would not necessarily lose or win games.

He never quite shook that reputation, but McElwain disputed it. McElroy threw 20 touchdown passes with 5 interceptions and a 70.9 completion percentage as a senior.

“And look at the guy’s record,” McElwain said. “To me, he manages a game the way you’re supposed to. I think that’s actually a positive take on a guy.”

McElroy still glows about the win, although he said he had not brought it up around Tebow in months.

But late one night last spring, shortly after Tebow arrived with the Jets, that game tape was popped into the disc player in the quarterback room. Only McElroy, Tebow and Mark Sanchez were in the room.

McElroy was ready to switch it off, but Tebow stopped him. Tebow proceeded to critique and dissect every play of the second half, probing wounds that evidently still remained.

Tebow, the consummate winner, had the spotlight taken from him. It would not be the last time.

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