Remember Tim Tebow, the University of Florida star quarterback that became an NFL quarterback and has been known throughout his career for his dedication for his Christian faith? Well he just had a heartwarming, touching moment during a live ESPN broadcast to which he responded in a wonderful way, showing that the faith is real to him and alive in him.
That came when Tebow’s ESPN colleague Joe Tessitore listed off the 18 players and four coaches who were inducted into this year’s College Football Hall of Fame, namely USC running back Reggie Bush and former Georgia and Miami coach Mark Richt. Rolling through them one by one, he skipped a name: Tebow’s.
Then Tessitore stopped and said “I forgot one name here.” Continuing, he said: “The graphic was missing this because we also have a new Hall of Famer. He is arguably the most popular, the most successful, the singularly most impactful college football quarterback of the last generation or perhaps ever to play.”
And that’s when footage of some of Tebow’s greatest moments began to roll, with Tessitore informing Tebow that he had been inducted as well and saying “Timmy, congratulation.” Tessitore then gave him a hug, as did their fellow ESPN co-hosts, Jesse Palmer and Dan Muller.
Palmer, who like Tebow was a quarterback both in the NFL and at the University of Florida, said “If there has ever been a first-ballot College Football Hall of Famer, it’s this guy.”
Tessitore, adding to the complements flowing Tebow’s way, said “We know what you were as a player, but your commitment to the sport and the goodness that you’ve brought to everybody through the sport — you’re a Hall of Famer in every possible way.”
But it was Tebow’s response on Twitter later that showed the world just what a special person he is. Tweeting about the moment and his induction into the Hall of Fame, Tebow said “Just incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity and all who helped make it possible!! All glory to God.”
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Just as special were his remarks in the moment, when he said:
“This is incredible. Did you guys plan this or something? Honestly, it’s just so humbling. Thank you. There’s so many people that are a part of this…My granddad dreamed of getting the chance to see Florida win an SEC championship and he died before that happened. So when we were playing, we were playing for something a lot bigger than just winning or losing a game. Something that’s a lot bigger than just a pigskin. You’re playing for family, for relationships, for loved ones. That’s why college football is unrivaled to me. Special game.”
Watch the moment here:
The 2023 @cfbhall class is stacked!
The moment @TimTebow found out he made it in his first year of eligibility was special ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hLveOM2bCT
— ESPN (@espn) January 9, 2023
Archie Manning, NFF Chairman and a 1989 inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame for his time as Ole Miss quarterback, spoke about this year’s crop of inductees, saying:
“We are extremely proud to announce the 2023 College Football Hall of Fame Class. Each of these men has established himself among the absolute best to have ever played or coached the game, and we look forward to immortalizing their incredible accomplishments.”
CBS Sports, commenting on Tebow’s accomplishments, said:
Tebow, the former star quarterback of the Gators, won two national titles (2006, 2008) and the 2007 Heisman Trophy. In his four seasons in Gainesville, Tebow amassed more than 12,000 yards of total offense and accounted for 145 career touchdowns.