Tim Tebow’s fellow ESPN hosts surprised him by telling him he was going to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame before Monday’s college football national championship game.
Joe Tessitore started talking about the 18 players and 4 coaches who were inducted this year, but Tim Tebow, who was the quarterback for the University of Florida from 2006 to 2009, was not on the list.
The Gators won the national championship in 2007 and 2009. In the 2009 BCS national championship game, Tebow was named the Most Valuable Player. In 2007, he won the Heisman Trophy. Tebow was also the first player in NCAA history to score at least 20 touchdowns in a season by both running and throwing the ball.
Tessitore said, “I forgot one name here” after naming this year’s inductees, such as USC running back Reggie Bush and Syracuse University defensive end Dwight Freeney.
“This wasn’t on the picture because we also have a new Hall of Famer. He is probably the most well-known, successful, and influential college football quarterback of the last 10 years, or maybe ever.
On the screen, highlights from Tebow’s career were shown. Tessitore walked up to Tebow, said, “Congratulations, Timmy,” and gave him a hug. Jesse Palmer and Dan Muller also did the same.
Palmer, who also played quarterback for Florida and went on to play in the NFL, said, “If there was ever a first-ballot College Football Hall of Famer, it’s this guy.”
Tessitore praised Tebow, saying, “We know what you were like as a player, but your dedication to the sport and the good you’ve brought to everyone through the sport make you a Hall of Famer in every way.”
Steve Hatchell, president of the National Football Foundation, then joined the four on the field and gave Tebow a football to mark his induction into the Hall of Fame.
Tebow said, “This is unbelievable.” “Did you guys do this on purpose? In all honesty, it’s so humble. Thank you. There are a lot of people who are a
to do with this.” He talked about his coaches and team.
“My grandfather’s dream was to see Florida win an SEC championship, but he passed away before that could happen,” he said through tears.
“So when we played, we didn’t just want to win or lose a game. We were playing for something much bigger.” Something much bigger than a simple pigskin. You’re playing for your family, your friends, and the people you love. That’s why I think college football is the best. He also said, “Special game.”
Tebow tweeted afterward, “Just incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity and everyone who helped make it possible!! All praise goes to God.”
After his time at Florida, Tebow played in the NFL for three years. Through the Tim Tebow Foundation, he now spends a lot of his time helping people in need.
For years, the non-profit has been fighting human trafficking and has helped save thousands of people around the world. The foundation also funds a program that helps kids with serious illnesses live out their dreams.
Tebow, who is a vocal follower of Jesus Christ, won the Sports Impact Award at the K-LOVE Fan Awards last year.
During his acceptance speech, he said, “In the end, there is only one MVP, and he died on a cross to save humanity. He has told us to go defend the weak, protect the poor, and help those who are hurting.”
“We have a big job. Let’s go get our job done.”