By Michaela Gordoni
Tim Tebow wasn’t always the humble man he is today.
On a recent episode of Jordan Peterson’s podcast, Tebow told him that he used to be arrogant about his football skills. It wasn’t until his parents had him memorize Bible verses about humility that he learned that his skills weren’t as important as he thought they were.
They were “allowing me to go compete and supporting me,” he said. They showed him that sports “isn’t everything.”
When he stopped focusing on himself, he learned that he had been a “terrible teammate.” He started to encourage his teammates to appreciate them.
“There was such a plan my parents [had] in putting these thoughts in our head so that you would meditate on them even though we didn’t want to,” Tebow said of himself and his siblings. “Eventually when it’s in your head and it’s in your heart, God can bring it to your memory.”
Peterson recognized Tebow as a prime example of what masculinity should be. He said Tebow “figured out how to take that competitive striving and that desire for excellence and that hatred of losing and to transmute it into a form of high-level motivation” that’s beyond “the good of winning.”
While Tebow was still in the NFL, Bleacher Report’s Patrick Buscone said, “This man is one of the few genuinely good people in the NFL, he dedicates himself not only to the sport of football, but also to helping others, particularly those less fortunate than him, and is not afraid to express his love for God.”
He added, “In today’s day and age, Tebow’s goodness is such an anomaly in the NFL and professional sports that some people don’t know what to think about it.”
Related: 725 Churches Join Tim Tebow’s ‘Night to Shine’ Event: ‘A Worldwide Movement’
There are many accounts of Tebow going out of his way to share a positive message or help others. His foundation helps human-trafficking victims and uniquely abled children all across the world.
“We fight for the MVP — the Most Vulnerable People around the world,” the foundation’s website said.
Since 2010, the foundation has reached people in need in over 100 countries. Tebow’s foundation shares the gospel and meets emotional, vocational and physical needs of the people it helps.
On March 27, Tebow reflected on what the foundation accomplished.
“Over the past year, and only by God’s grace and your support, our fight against human trafficking and child exploitation has seen some incredible victories: Partnered with law enforcement and global experts to help establish task forces resulting in: 1,600+ victims identified and rescued, 900+ offenders arrested and 6,000+ officers trained,” he said.
The foundation also helped identify 110 missing child victims and provided help through 45 safe homes, among other accomplishments. Tebow also thanked his supporters and those who are on the frontlines rescuing and helping victims.
As the saying goes, “actions speak louder than words,” and Tebow’s deeds — standing up for those in need and sharing the gospel — are what have made him a good example to others.
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