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Tim Tebow: Former NFL Quarterback Turned Baseball Outfielder

Full Name Timothy Richard Tebow
Age 36
Birthday August 14, 1987
Born Philippines
Relationship Married
Height 6′ 3′′
Net Worth $5M
Social

About Tim Tebow

Timothy Tebow is a former NFL quarterback, famous for his time with the Denver Broncos. He is currently pursuing a career as a professional baseball outfielder in the New York Mets organization. As a college football player, he had one of the greatest careers in NCAA history, winning two national titles with the Florida Gators, as well as becoming the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. His passion, leadership, and devotion to his faith has made him one of the most renowned and polarizing athletes of his generation.

Early Life and Upbringing

Tebow was born on August 14, 1987 in Makati, Philippines to American parents Bob and Pam Tebow, who were serving as Baptist missionaries in the country at the time. Tebow was homeschooled by his mother for most of his early education, though he did play one year of high school football at Trinity Christian Academy in Florida. He was considered one of the top quarterback recruits coming out of high school.

Glorious Florida Gators Career

Tebow accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida, where he would cement himself as a college football legend playing for coach Urban Meyer‘s Florida Gators. As a true freshman in 2006, Tebow helped the Gators win the national championship.

The next season, in 2007, Tebow delivered what is considered one of the best years ever by a college quarterback. He passed for over 3,200 yards and rushed for nearly 900 yards, accounting for an incredible 55 total touchdowns. This led to him being awarded the Heisman Trophy as just the second sophomore to ever win the award. Tebow also quarterbacked the Gators to a second national title, defeating Oklahoma in the BCS Championship Game.

In 2008, during his junior season, Tebow led Florida to another national championship appearance, where they defeated Oklahoma again. He won the Maxwell Award that year as the best all-around player in college football.

Overall, the three-year starter finished with over 9,000 passing yards, 57 passing touchdowns, over 2,400 rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns in his storied career. He will be remembered as one of the most productive and celebrated players in NCAA history.

Brief, Up-and-Down NFL Career

The Denver Broncos selected Tebow as a first round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. As a quarterback, he was a polarizing figure from the start, dividing opinion between fans who loved his determination and critics who felt his passing skills and style didn‘t translate well in the NFL.

After starting just three games in his first two seasons, Tebow was named the starter for Denver in 2011, following a 1-4 start under veteran Kyle Orton. Despite subpar passing numbers, Tebow led the Broncos to a string of thrilling comeback wins, guiding the team to the playoffs and an overtime victory against the vaunted Pittsburgh Steelers defense. The magical run ended with a loss to Tom Brady‘s New England Patriots in the next round.

The next season, Denver signed superstar Peyton Manning, leading them to trade Tebow to the New York Jets. Tebow spent just one uneventful season as a backup in New York before bouncing between brief offseason stints with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles, eventually flaming out of the NFL by 2015.

Transition to Professional Baseball

After leaving the NFL, Tebow decided to pursue a new dream – professional baseball. He signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets organization in 2016 and spent three seasons grinding away in the minors while learning a new sport, reaching as high as Triple-A.

Finally, in 2016, Tebow earned a call up to the major leagues at age 32, an improbable accomplishment over a decade after he last played organized baseball. In his first at-bat with the Mets, he homered, showing he belonged. While still striving to stick in the big leagues, Tebow has proven he can compete against elite competition with hard work and dedication.

Tebow‘s Lasting Legacy

While his playing days appear to be winding down, Tim Tebow has carved out an unforgettable legacy that resonates well beyond the playing field.

Greatest College Football Career Ever?

Tebow‘s college football career stands out as arguably the greatest of all time. He was the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy, was a consensus All-American twice, and was the first SEC player to run and pass for 20+ touchdowns in a season. Most importantly, Tebow led his Florida teams to two national championships and left as one of the most decorated players in NCAA history.

Transcending Sports with Faith and Charity

As a devout Christian, Tebow has built a brand that transcends football. His charity work through the Tim Tebow Foundation, which helps bring faith, hope and love to disadvantaged children, provides a window into his compassion off the field. He inspires religious fans with his outspoken faith, while critics feel his overt displays are polarizing. Regardless, Tebow has an impact far beyond sports.

Determination to Overcome Doubters

Throughout his playing career, Tebow has been defined by his determination in the face of doubts. Despite unorthodox mechanics, he willed himself into a Heisman-winning NCAA star. When his quarterback abilities were questioned in the NFL, he still found ways to lead Denver to thrilling comeback wins. And by reinventing himself as a minor league baseball player, Tebow has shown incredible persistence chasing his dreams.

One of Football‘s Most Iconic Figures

From "The Speech" after Florida‘s 2008 loss, to "Tebowing" as an NFL phenomenon, Tim Tebow provided some of football‘s most indelible images over the past 15 years. His name has become synonymous with clutch performances, hard work, leadership, and overcoming the odds. For fans, he epitomizes many of the virtues we celebrate in sports.

Tim Tebow may never make a Pro Football Hall of Fame or have his number retired by the Florida Gators, but his impact on fans and culture transcends traditional measures of greatness. Win or lose, he gave everything he had on the field and inspired millions along the way.