Tim Tebow discusses getting inducted into the college football Hall of Fame by Steve Spurrier in FSU game
Tim Tebow is one of the biggest legends in the history of college football. The incredible feats he accomplished in the sport forever made him a legend for the Florida Gators and in sports history. On Saturday night against Florida State, the Gators decided to honor Tebow by letting another Gator legend, Steve Spurrier, give him his College Football Hall of Fame plaque on the field.
Tim Tebow on being inducted into the CFB Hall of Fame
ESPN’s Holly Rowe caught up with Tim Tebow on the sidelines to allow him to discuss what feelings and emotions he had on Saturday night after receiving such an honor.
“It’s special. I don’t know, I’m getting emotional. I just love it. I love this place. Can’t stand that team. It’s a special night. I love it. I got to see some of my teammates, Brandon Siler, Brandon Spikes. All the memories, the moments, the ability to get to play a game that we love, you know. God’s grace to just to be able to enjoy this is, it’s special. I love it so much,” Tebow gushed.
Why did Tebow have such a relentless desire and competitive spirit during his playing career?
“I dunno. I just, I love it. I love being a Gator. I was born a Gator, I played as a Gator, I’ll always be a Gator. My grandfather’s dream was to see Florida win an SEC Championship and he died before it happened. And I’d like to think that he was watching us. And it really does just mean more,” Tebow continued.
What was the advice he gave to the Gators’ backup quarterback, Max Brown, before he took the field on Saturday night?
“That he was created for such a time as this. That he has played this game a long time and maybe he doesn’t have the reps, but he can go out there with full confidence, full trust, that his identity is not in a game. He doesn’t have to play with pressure. He doesn’t have to play with fear. His identity’s not in this game. He gets to go love what he does and he gets to play all out regardless of what happens. That’s not redefined, but he does get to go play free. And he was created for this moment, whatever happens. Enjoy it. Thrive. Not be timid. Let it rip. And that’s what he’s been doing so far,” Tebow said.
The former Heisman Trophy winner will forever be a Gator legend
Tim Tebow established himself as one of the greatest players in college football history during his career with the Florida Gators. He won two BCS National Championships with the Gators (2006 and 2008). One was with Chris Leak operating as the starting quarterback under center. In 2007, he won the highest individual honor in college football, the Heisman Trophy. Tebow also became the first sophomore in NCAA history to win the award.
He ran and threw for a combined 55 touchdowns during his Heisman Trophy winning season. He became the first player in FBS history to throw for and run for over 20 touchdowns in the same season. Tebow threw for 3,286 yards and 32 touchdowns, while adding 895 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground. Tebow put up those numbers in 13 games and it’s still considered one of the greatest seasons by any player in college football history.
At the end of his highly decorated college career, Tebow held five NCAA, 14 SEC and 28 Florida statistical records.