Tim Tebow: a historic career enters the final stretch

Tebow did come to Florida and he did win multiple championships. Yet that doesn’t begin to encompass what Tebow has meant to the Gator Nation.

Who knew that Tebow would spend his spring breaks doing missionary work in the Philippines? That Tebow would spend much of his free time speaking to children in hospitals and orphanages and prisons throughout north Florida? That Tebow would make a “promise” during a live news conference to work harder than any player in the country and then back it up en route to a championship? That 93 million people would Google “John 3:16” the day after Tebow wore the Bible verse on his eye black at the BCS Championship Game?

“His impact is more far-reaching than you or I will ever know,” said Gov. Charlie Crist, who has met Tebow nearly a dozen times. “He’s just an amazing young man and I have enormous respect for him.”

And who knew that Tebow would assault the SEC and NCAA record books along the way, perhaps revolutionizing the quarterback position in the process?

“I don’t know if there will ever be another one like him — certainly not in my lifetime,” Meyer said last week. “He’s the best ambassador I’ve ever seen of college football.”

And it’s likely that Tebow is not done writing his legacy. He could still win a third SEC Championship on Saturday at the Georgia Dome, a third national title in the Rose Bowl and a second Heisman Trophy before the season is done.

It didn’t take long for Gator fans to realize Tebow was the real deal. He performed so well in his first spring game in April 2006, that they clamored for Tebow, a true freshman, to take the starting quarterback job from senior Chris Leak.

When Tebow entered his first nationally televised game against LSU as a short-yardage running back, ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit likened him to Roy Hobbs.

Tebow taught many football fans the term  “jump pass." He became the first player in NCAA history to rush for 20 touchdowns and throw for 20 in a single season.

Tebow became the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. He owns the SEC records for rushing touchdowns and total touchdowns, and has the second-highest passer rating in conference history. He has the chance to become the first player in NCAA history to win three national titles and two Heismans.

“It’s been a privilege to watch him play,”  Foley said. “His work ethic was obvious and his passion for the game, his passion for life, I don’t want to say I am amazed by it, but I certainly admire it.”

Tebow is also perhaps the most polarizing football player in NCAA history. New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick once called Tebow “a special one.” ESPN’s NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. considers him a fourth-round pick ... at tight end.

There is no middle ground with Tebow. He either represents the evolution of the quarterback position — the ultimate “Wildcat” quarterback — or is a gimmicky player whose lack of experience in a pro-style offense will limit his NFL potential. And college football fans outside of the Gator Nation have long grown weary of hearing his praises.

“It’s amazing to see how everywhere we go, he’s booed,” Herbstreit said recently. “But you could not hand-pick a better person to be the face of this sport.”

That’s because Tebow’s biggest impact has been made off the field, where he tries to lead by example through his faith and charity work.

“He’s been extremely important for Christians, as a sort of role model of how you want to live your faith and not be embarrassed,” said Eddie Gilley, director of UF’s Baptist Collegiate Ministries.

“He’s one of those guys that you look at and go, ‘That’s what all believers ought to be, whether they play football or not.’ ”

Tebow proudly told reporters that he is saving himself for marriage. He sports a different Bible verse each week on his eye black as a way to promote his faith without being too overbearing.

“He is so brave,” said JoAnn Tyer, 54, a Gators fan from Green Cove Springs, Fla., who wears eye black with “Phil 4:13” to games. “How many other people would stand up and let them know what they believe in?”

But Tebow’s mission has been more about helping the less fortunate than promoting his Baptist beliefs.

There was the time he pushed Boomer Hornbeck, a 7-year-old Atlantan with cerebral palsy, around the field in his wheelchair during pre-game warm-ups.

Or the time when he gave a wheelchair-bound sexual assault victim a personal five-hour tour of the Florida football facility.

And the time just 10 days ago, when Tebow fought through a throng of fans to give a hug to Luke Hurlburt, a local 10-year-old boy with cerebral palsy who Tebow often invites to the Gators’ practices.

“They’ve always had a special relationship,” said Luke’s mother, Jennifer Hurlburt. “Tim is just so sweet to him. He always makes time.”

Tebow’s message of goodwill quickly spread to his teammates.

“I don’t know if Florida was real heavy on all the charity work until he came,” senior linebacker Ryan Stamper said.

Now the players organize  the Gator Charity Challenge, a strongman competition that benefits six north Florida charities.

Several teammates have tagged along with Tebow on his prison speaking engagements. Meyer and his family took a missionary trip to the Dominican Republic in the summer of 2008.

“The unselfishness of his mission outside of college football is unparalleled,” Meyer said last week, fighting through tears. “It’s almost like selflessness is a cool thing — kids realizing to give back -- and if you can brighten someone’s day, you do it. ”

Tebow’s public speaking on behalf of his faith has allowed him to polish his leadership and oratory skills.

Some say a career in politics awaits him when he’s done playing football, if he wants it.

“We’ve talked about it a little bit,” said Crist, a Florida State graduate. “I’d be more than honored to try to help him in some small way. Our state and our nation needs great leaders like him.”