Media Days photo galleryHOOVER - The most glamorous player in college football spent his free time this summer trying to make a difference in the lives of people who probably have never seen a college football game.
Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, who won the Heisman Trophy as a quarterback last season, went on mission trips to the Philippines, Croatia and Thailand during breaks from summer workouts. He was raised to be a star quarterback, but he was also taught from an early age that the real substance of life is what you do for others.
“It was a great experience for me,” Tebow said Wednesday at Southeastern Conference Media Days. “It’s something I’m very passionate about. The reason I do it is because it’s more important than football to me. Doing those things, taking my platform as a football player and using it for good, using it to be an influence and change people’s lives, that’s more important than football to me.”
In those faraway places, few people know that Tebow is a Heisman Trophy winner, or that he plays for Florida, or that he runs over defenders like a fullback.
“Most of the time I’m not recognized for being a quarterback or a Heisman Trophy winner or anything like that,” Tebow said. “In the Philippines or Thailand, the only reason you are recognized is because you are a white man who is there. There are times you get noticed, but most of the time, you’re just another person passing through.”
That’s fine with Tebow. His mission on those trips is to help people do things to better their lives. It’s the way Bob Tebow has raised all five of his children to think. He was the co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ at Florida on his way to becoming a minister. All five of his children were home schooled. He knew early that Tim had special athletic ability, and that by becoming a star, he could make a difference in ways that mattered most.
“All the character I have comes from him,” Tim Tebow said.
On the football field, Tebow is a rare package of strength, power, athleticism and leadership. And he is a rare gift for Gator coach Urban Meyer. But most of all, Meyer values his leadership.
“I’m sure anybody in here can answer that for you,” Meyer said. “It’s as good as I’ve ever seen.”
Tebow’s every move will be dissected in the coming season. He’s already won one Heisman Trophy. The question will be asked from the first day. Can he win another one?
“I’ve never been one to worry about pressure too much,” Tebow said. “I’m just going out there, playing a sport that I love and I’m very passionate about. What pressure do I have?”
