Tim Tebow definitely set the world aflame in 2011. Here's a look at the top breakout stars of 2012.

Normally, a team like the Miami Heat would dominate NBA headlines. But nothing captured the attention of NBA fans and the general public quite like the tale of Jeremy Lin, the Taiwanese-American point guard from Harvard who saved the New York Knicks' season last year. It's been an incredible story for Lin. In 2011, he was fighting for a roster spot on an NBA team. In 2012, he is the point guard of the future for the Houston Rockets.

Gabby Douglas stole the spotlight in London and made Olympic history at the same time. Douglas became the first African-American to win the gold medal in the individual all-around competition. Despite reaching the pinnacle of her sport, Douglas also dealt with inexplicable criticism when her hair became a hot-button issue. Overall, Douglas was firmly planted in the limelight this year.

The 49ers’ starting quarterback began the season on the sideline with a clipboard and a headset. In Week 10, Alex Smith sustained a concussion and Kaepernick took over. The second-year quarterback torched the Bears’ secondary on Monday Night Football and never looked back. Kaepernick continues to impress and now has the entire 49ers fan base supporting him.

Headley received the GIBBY award for breakout hitter of 2012 as voted on by media, front-office personnel, MLB alumni and fans. Headley's season was phenomenal. Until this year, Headley hadn't put up the power numbers expected of a third baseman, but the switch-hitter said he worked hard at elevating the ball on the pull side. It paid off. He won the NL RBI title with 115. Among his other career-bests were 31 homers, 173 hits and 95 runs scored.

For the past few seasons Jonathan Quick had always been a good goalie for the Los Angeles Kings. During the run to the team’s first Stanley Cup, everyone found out how great he was. Quick, 26, led Los Angeles by posting a .946 save percentage and a 1.41 goals against average in the playoffs (a mind-boggling 1.10 in the Finals against New Jersey). The Kings rode Quick to a 16-4 postseason record, an improbable run as the No. 8 seed out of the West. The Hamden, Conn. native became just the third American ever to win the Conn Smythe Trophy given to the MVP of the playoffs.

The 17-year-old Franklin was billed as the future of US swimming ahead of the London Games. The future, as they say, is now. Franklin swam in seven events, won five medals (four of them gold) and set two world records. Franklin idolizes Michael Phelps and wants to chase his medal record. Fans of USA Swimming are going to have a fabulous time watching her try.

Martin burst on to the scene in his rookie season, shattering team rookie records by running for more than 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. The former Boise State product solidified the Bucs' ground game and gave first-year head coach Greg Schiano a balanced attack on offense. Currently, Martin ranks fifth overall in total rushing yards from scrimmage and is a dark horse candidate for offensive rookie of the year.

To cap off his incredible season, Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals was named the NL Rookie of the Year, receiving 16 of 32 first-place votes and 112 points from the NL panel. Harper batted .270 with 22 home runs and 59 RBI as Washington brought postseason play to the nation's capital for the first time since 1933. Harper, who turned 20 on Oct. 16, became the youngest position player in All-Star history. At 20 years, 27 days, he was 24 days older than New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden when he won the NL award in 1984.

Manziel became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy and the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback award. "Johnny Football," who passed for 3,419 yards and 24 TDs and posted an SEC-record 4,600 yards of total offense, led the Aggies to a 10-2 record and a Cotton Bowl berth. There was also that 29-24 upset victory at then-No. 1 Alabama on Nov. 10 that just added to his lore.

He hasn't made Cleveland fans forget about LeBron James, but he's done something even more important: given them hope for the future. Irving emerged as a rising star this calendar year averaging 18.5 points as a rookie and showing promise as a team leader. Fans look forward to seeing Irving match up against the best guards the NBA has to offer.

Alex Morgan played the role of heroine in Team USA’s victory over Canada to get to the gold-medal match in this year’s Olympics. After helping the US women to a victory over Japan (who had beaten the US in the 2011 World Cup), Morgan became the golden girl of US women’s soccer. The public can count on seeing her quite often in the years to come.

Not familiar with Atkins? Well, he doesn’t have a big social media presence, isn’t a regular on Sirius XM radio, and doesn’t have his own Fathead. Yet. But he’s right up there with Mr. Suh in the argument for the best young defensive tackle in the league. He has become a top pass rusher for the Bengals and now many NFL fans know his name.

Who knew Mike Trout would be an MVP finalist, AL Rookie of the Year and All-Star just one season into his professional career? Trout began the 2012 season in Triple-A, but after plowing through the minor leagues, he made a huge impact in the Angels' outfield. Among all of Trout's first-season accolades, his 10.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) stands alone.

Wilson, who was overlooked in April's NFL Draft, fell to the third round where the Seahawks spent a pick on him. The highly decorated collegiate QB measured in at a modest 5-foot-11. Wilson didn't let that stop him. The Seahawks acquired a high-profile free agent in Matt Flynn, but after a spectacular preseason it was Wilson who started in Week 1. The Seahawks have a handle on a wild-card berth and Wilson should be given much of the credit for this team's turnaround.

In 2012, Keselowski pulled off the ultimate win — NASCAR's Sprint Cup title. In just his third full season of Sprint Cup competition he made his mark by taking the lead entering the season finale and held on for the championship. Not only did the young driver steal the top prize from a host of veterans, he did what no driver before him had been able to accomplish — he made team owner Roger Penske a Sprint Cup champion as well.

2012 was a dream year for New York Mets starter R.A. Dickey. The 38-year-old Dickey became the first pitcher who relied predominantly on a knuckleball to win the Cy Young Award, an achievement mentors such as Hall of Famer Phil Niekro are quite proud of. Dickey beat 2011 winner Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers by a wide margin in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

Brad Wiggins has had an amazing year. The cyclist won the 2012 Tour de France, a gold medal during the Olympics and the 2012 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award. Wiggins has been cycling professionally since 2001 but 2012 was surely his breakout year.

Rousey has had quite a year in 2012. She became the Strikeforce women’s champ in March. Just nine months later, she’s the first female UFC champion. In addition to that, she was on the cover of ESPN’s The Body issue and has had a Showtime special devoted to her. UFC fans are looking to hear a lot more from Rousey in the years to come.

Watt had a fantastic rookie campaign in 2011, but became a household name this season. Watt's ability to swat balls at the line of scrimmage earned him the nickname J.J. Swat. The Texans allowed high-priced defensive end Mario Williams walk in free agency and haven't missed a beat as Watt has racked up 19 1/2 sacks through 15 weeks.

In 2012, Rosie Napravnik took a major step forward. Riding Believe You Can, Napravnik won the Kentucky Oaks in May, becoming the first female jockey to win the top American race for 3-year-old fillies. Napravnik also won the Breeder's Cup Juvenile in November while riding Shanghai Bobby, joining Julie Krone as the only women jockeys to win a Breeders' Cup race. Napravnik ranks No. 8 nationally with more than $12 million in purse earnings this year.