Tebow << TEE boh >>, Tim (1987-…), became a well-known and controversial player in the National Football League (NFL). Tebow gained attention for his performance as a player. But he also became known for his open display of his Christian religious beliefs on the field and in interviews. For example, he often fell to one knee in prayer after his team scored a touchdown. Tebow’s supporters praised his leadership as well as his skills as a quarterback. His critics considered Tebow overpublicized, with limited football talent.
Timothy Richard Tebow was born on Aug. 14, 1987, in Makati City, the Philippines, where his parents were Baptist missionaries. He grew up in Florida, where he was a star football player in high school. Tebow attended the University of Florida from 2006 through 2009. In 2007, he won the Heisman Trophy, which is awarded annually to the most outstanding college football player in the United States. In January 2008, he led Florida to victory in the national championship game that ended the season.
The Denver Broncos selected Tebow as the 25th player in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. The draft is a process in which NFL teams select players, usually amateurs. Tebow did not become Denver’s starting quarterback until late in the 2010 season. Tebow was the backup quarterback for Denver to open the 2011 season. However, he regained his job as the starter and led Denver to several come-from-behind victories, helping the Broncos qualify for the playoffs. In 2012, Denver traded Tebow to the New York Jets. Tebow played one season for the Jets before the team released him in April 2013. He then signed with the New England Patriots in June. The Patriots released him in August. In April 2015, Tebow signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles released him before the 2015 season began. In 2016, Tebow began an attempt at a baseball career. He signed a contract with the New York Mets and played in their minor league system. Tebow retired from baseball in 2021. Later in 2021, Tebow returned to the NFL when he signed to play tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, the Jaguars released Tebow before the 2021 season began.
Since 2014, Tebow has been a college football analyst. Tebow has written the autobiographies Through My Eyes (2011) and Shaken (2016). He also wrote This Is the Day (2018) and Mission Possible (2022), both of which offer advice on leading a fulfilling life.
