( CNN ) -- Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow was involved in the big game in Indianapolis , where he helped his team perform another miraculous comeback in the fourth quarter with time running out . But the action did n't take place at Lucas Oil Stadium , home of Super Bowl XLVI . It was a virtual gridiron battle at EA Sports ' Madden Bowl XVIII played on Xbox 360s at the Bud Light Hotel . Tebow was part of the three-member `` Clutch Team , '' which also featured New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and his teammate and tight end , Jimmy Graham . The trio beat the `` Rookie Team '' 16-13 in a dramatic comeback , sending Justin Blackmon ( wide receiver , Oklahoma State University ) , Robert Griffin III ( quarterback , Baylor University ) , and LaMichael James ( running back , University of Oregon ) home without the coveted trophy . Brees admitted that Tebow `` brings the magic , '' although in a twist , it was Brees who played quarterback during that final drive with Tebow playing wide receiver . Tebow , who was on the cover of EA Sports NCAA Football 11 , said he was just happy to be part of the video game tournament . `` It 's humbling to be here with these other great athletes and football players , just to be around them , to be friends with them , to continue to build relationships is wonderful , '' said Tebow . `` And then all of the opportunities we have to be in the Madden game , to be in the Madden Bowl , it really is a privilege . '' Even veteran players like San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates are drawn to the virtual competition , which offers something much more important than that trophy . `` The Madden Bowl is popular because it 's still a competition , '' said Gates . `` We 're built on competition . Our characteristics are about competing and winning . When you come here , you get to see other players and enjoy the festivities . But in the back of everybody 's mind , you still want to win the Madden Bowl . Even if it 's not all over the news , you still want the bragging rights . '' Gates said he and Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew , who won Madden Bowl XVI , spent time talking about this year 's competition while in Hawaii at the Pro Bowl last weekend . `` It 's something like the Super Bowl , '' said Miami Dolphins wide receiver and Pro Bowl MVP Brandon Marshall . `` A lot of guys take pride in their Madden game and wagers are made . And it 's always fun to watch . '' EA keeps NFL 's biggest names involved in the tournament , even after they hang up their cleats . The Madden Legends team featured Hall of Famers Barry Sanders and Deion Sanders and Warren Sapp , who retired in 2008 . `` When they came out with the four buttons on the front , that 's when I quit playing Madden , '' said Sapp , laughing . `` It was just too much . It was just too much . '' The competition , which Sapp said is a whole new brand from when he used to play in the NFL , was too much for this trio . But they enjoy the focus the video game puts on the sport they still love to watch . With a constant influx of new talent , the rookies typically have an edge with video game skills , as many have been weaned on the intricate controllers that the Atari and Nintendo generation have had to learn . But just as fans see on the real field , nothing beats experience and football knowledge . `` Playing in the Madden Bowl is a tremendous experience , '' said Houston Texans veteran running back Arian Foster , who played on the All-Madden Team in the tournament this year . `` Guys come into the locker room and say , 'Hey , I just got through killing with you in Madden . ' So it 's an awesome feeling and Madden helped me get the name that I have today . I appreciate that . '' Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller came to the party to check out the high definition gridiron action , which has become `` the game before the game '' during Super Bowl week . `` It 's crazy to be in Madden , '' said NFL rookie Miller . `` That 's another dream . I always dreamed of playing in the NFL and to be in Madden is just amazing . I only play Madden , so it 's a big deal . '' Not everyone was happy with the outcome of Madden Bowl XVIII . Perhaps no player takes the video game tournament more seriously than Jones-Drew . He said he plays Madden every day and is constantly preparing himself for the competition . He was n't happy with the format change from player versus player to three-man teams last year . `` I can beat anyone here one-on-one , which is the way Madden is supposed to be played , '' said Jones-Drew , who was part of the All-Madden Team with San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis and Foster . As for Tebow , he does n't have as much time since going pro to play video games . But he is just as competitive as he is on the real field when it comes to Madden Bowl , as were his teammates . `` I enjoy playing Madden , '' said Tebow . `` I stay pretty busy , so it 's not like I can play it a lot . But I have a good time playing with my brothers and teammates and we get pretty competitive on it . '' That competitive nature has already started with Madden NFL 13 . EA Sports announced at the Madden Bowl that 64 players -- two players from each NFL team -- will compete for the chance to be on the cover of the new game . Fans will have the final say once again , after picking Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis for this year 's game . Can Tebow work his magic again and grace the cover of this August 's football game ? Do n't count him out .
Tim Tebow was part of a three-member `` Clutch Team '' at EA Sports ' Madden Bowl XVIII . The game featured the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos in an exhibition football game. EA keeps NFL 's biggest names involved in the tournament , even after they hang up their cleats .