_t607.jpg)
NORTH NAPLES — Famed Florida Gator and NFL quarterback Tim Tebow broke another record Saturday night — drawing the largest audience in the 30-year history of the Naples Town Hall Distinguished Speaker Series at the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort.
About 1,200 attended — possibly more.
Tebow’s future with the NFL and the New York Jets is unknown with talks of trades to the Jacksonville Jaguars and other teams. He isn’t worried.
“I may not know where I’m going next, but I know what’s guiding me,” said the player who is about as famous for his faith as he is for his athleticism.
His audience Saturday night ranged from families with young children to teen couples, college students and elderly couples.
Most had little to say about where they thought Tebow’s career is going, but praised his philanthropic work through the Tim Tebow Foundation, which among other work provides medical treatment to children in the Philippines, where Tebow was born into a missionary family in August 1987.
The former Florida Gator spoke of his challenging decision-making process in selecting which college to attend. It was between the University of Alabama and University of Florida.
Tebow sat next to guest moderator Dave Shula as Tebow told the story of how he eventually, and painstakingly, chose not to be on Mike Shula’s team.
“We (the Shula family) finally got you — even if just for a couple hours,” Dave Shula said.
Tebow had sought advice from his family and mentors on which college was best for him between Oklahoma, which sought him for years, and Florida, where his family lived and attended college. One by one, the people he sought guidance from said they couldn’t tell Tebow what to do — he made good decisions on his own, Tebow recalled of their responses.
Then he was told to pray on it.
“That sounded like a great idea. So I prayed for the answer to come by morning. I woke up and I had no idea what school to go to,” Tebow said, drawing laughter.
He called Gators’ then-Coach Urban Meyer next to share his commitment to attend Florida. Just as he was about to announce to Meyer that he wanted to play for the Gators, Meyer’s phone went dead, Tebow recalled. (Tebow and Meyer had lunch Saturday in Naples).
It was 15 minutes before Tebow was about to make the announcement of where he’d play college ball that he recalled thinking he still hadn’t actually told Meyer. There was still time.
It was his father who asked Tebow who Tebow would most like to play ball with in the next four years and when Tebow’s first response was Meyer, he went on TV and made the announcement.
He said that even though he believes in God guiding him, it doesn’t mean it comes easy.
Tebow’s collegiate career culminated in two national championships and his being honored as the first sophomore recipient of the Heisman Trophy.
Tebow was a first round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos and led the franchise to the 2011 NFL playoffs for the first time in six years.
“His charitable work, it far outdoes what he’s done athletically and I don’t think anyone really knows that. I’m a big fan of his and I didn’t quite know the extent of it until tonight,” said Ted Ward, of Naples, on Saturday night.
Ward wasn’t the only one impressed by Tebow’s work off the field.
“He (Tebow) was great. It was his whole message about his faith, about Christians being a good example by serving people and not being soft, having good character,” said Beverley Wade, 15, of Naples.
Wade’s younger brother and father said they walked away feeling inspired by Tebow as well.
“He (Tebow) had such an energy and passion behind his stories. They were funny and with a great message,” said the teen’s father, Hap Wade, of Naples.
“Him talking about being humble. You might hit three home runs, you do this and you do that, but always be humble,” said Thomas Wade, 13, of the message he took away from Tebow.
One of Tebow’s best moments in his football career thus far was with Meyer. He recalled Meyer becoming emotional and removing his headset and telling Tebow that he was proud of him for finishing strong.
Tebow said he wants his life to mirror that game-ending moment with his fatherly figure and coach, Meyer.
“At the end of my life, I would like to have lived so my Heavenly Father opens his arms to me and says: ‘I love you. I’m proud of you. You finished strong.’”
Winged Foot Scholar Athlete Award
Baseball - Estero 3, Creekside 1
2013 Winged Foot nominees
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 72
Colorado (Inactive) writes:
Yes, it's the money and the ego Tim.
Revenge_is_BEST_Served_COLD writes:
If only every Christian lived and carried him or herself like Tebow.....
Captian_Cataracts writes:
NEW YORK—Despite an obvious display of enthusiasm for Tim Tebow's arrival at his introductory press conference Monday, the New York Jets admitted this week to concerns he may become distracted by the city's wild churchlife. "Manhattan offers worship services at all hours of the day, with some places bearing witness to the Good News till 4 a.m.—not to mention all those millions of nonbelievers walking around to convert—and a young player with a healthy thirst for Christianity could really have himself some fun here," said Jets coach Rex Ryan, adding that the sheer number of churches in New York means Tebow could tithe himself into bankruptcy if he's not careful. "In the past, he's managed to keep his God habit in check and focus on football, but in a city where a pew is never more than a minute away, we don't know if he'll be able to resist the temptation." Sources confirmed the Jets are making overtures to fellow Christian Kurt Warner to mentor Tebow, because the veteran once played in the city, and also because they do not have anybody who is good at quarterback.
Revenge_is_BEST_Served_COLD writes:
You really should encourage Christians like Tebow....When's the last time you heard him making the ridiculous, absurd, and hateful comments that dominate the mainstream baptist culture. I can't think of one. We get it, you can't stand Christians. I think 98% of them are total hypocrites. My intern at work gave up meat for lent but he's banging a different chick every week and got caught at a bar when three chicks he was messing around with were all there at the same time and found out. Tebow seems much different though - Christians like him should be at least appreciated for being consistent and a positive influence. His anti-gay beliefs I don't like but I've never heard him make a public, inappropriate comment in that regard.
justgetoverit writes:
Could you please explain how you interpret Colorado's statement as bigotry? There's only 3 words in his statement that you could be referring to. We've got Tim,money and ego. Which word is the anti-white part?
Just curious???
Patton writes:
They can't. It is just a knee jerk racist "Christian" response.
kevinod77 writes:
Prayers are about as effective as eating soup with a slice of Swiss cheese. The results are identical, empty and still hungry. Hungry for answers that never come into fruition and brushing it off as "God's will". How is it that man is held accountable, yet God is not? If you or I ever uttered so many false, unanswered promises, "Ask and ye shall receive", “believe and it shall be given onto you”; worship is the last thing we could expect. Yet, millions of sheeple line up every day and sit with so much hope in useless prayer. Never to be answered as asked, and allowing their God to remain unquestioned and unscathed in blind and desperate obedience. If prayer is as powerful as the apologist suggest, then why is it the God cannot grow back one limb from a war torn child? Why is it that God seems to only work at the cellular level? Is it possible that God has not evolved enough to allow for evidential miracles beyond any shadow of doubt?
freedomsailor writes:
OK, so now you have knocked God and prayers. However, you don't have anything positive to say.....about anything! I'm sorry your useless life has been so bad.
Ruskin writes:
I think what packard was trying to convey is, colorado makes stupid race card comments on a regular basis trying to call out the bigots, while doing just the opposite and, making a fool of himself.
justgetoverit writes:
Thanks....makes some sense now
BillBrasky writes:
Great post. Southern Baptists in particular are so radical the Catholic Church does not recognize them as being Christians. I agree with the Pope on this one, Southern Baptists are a wacked out fringe group that uses faith as an excuse to exercise their prejudices. Southern Baptists are the ones who preached that Jesus was fine with slavery at the behest of the slave traders in America. To this day on this board there are people who argue that Jesus is fine with the murder, rape and torture that is part of slavery. It boggles my mind that they believe Jesus supports this.
I went to a memorial service at the Baptist Church on Orange Blossom and it was not a Christian service, it was shocking and disturbing.
The inflexible and illogical dogma of their radical beliefs make them the most dangerous group in the country.
TheyPavedParadise2 writes:
He's not even a quarterback anyway.
Captian_Cataracts writes:
Gee...sounds like FreedomSailor has it together.
Prayer? Those of us that do not subscribe to the belief in wutches, goblins, magic & other nonsense belive your prayers are just wishful thinking.
You can wishful think all you want just keep it to yourself.
And by the way the grass roots movement to strip churches of their tax-exempt status is launching into full gear.
And slamming the Sailor for not believing in your superstititions is uncalled for; Christians are the root of all evil.
lb5361 writes:
Excellent comment! I too attended a funeral service at First Baptist on Orange Blossom and was disturbed and disgusted at what I heard. Instead of eulogizing the 20 year old that was killed in an auto accident, the pastor used the opportunity to try and recruit the young mourners to join the church. They even passed out literature to the mourners asking for their contact info so they could hound them once they left the service. I called the church after the funeral and shared my disgust. I have vowed to never step foot in that radical cult on Orange Blossom ever again! Disgusting "Christians" indeed.
deadbeatles writes:
Real men play Rugby.
reallifeswfla writes:
Like him or not, Tebow is a good person with a great heart and is a positive role model for kids. Altho his pro career has had it's moments (beating the Steelers in the AFC playoffs and winning many games for Denver after being called off the bench), it may be closing out soon (average NFL career = 5 years). Still, he will go down in history as one of the greatest college QB's, helping the Gators to the BCS title 2 times.
As for Urban (Liar) Meyer, he's a fraud who is the opposite of Tebow, and is a selfish, arrogant, snobbish liar. He'll do the same thing to OSU as he did to the Gators, bail on them and go to Notre Dame as soon as Brian Kelly gets fired.
deadbeatles writes:
You carry you doubt like a disease.
kevinod77 writes:
Wow - I am just telling the truth. You may be able to fit your entire life into a paragraph, but I can't! I know this; I live life today and enjoy every minute being productive, not wasting time in useless prayer. My life is great! Thanks for asking!I actually live this life to the fullest, not wallowing around is silent misery hoping for a better afterlife.
itmattershere writes:
But is Tim a Democrat or Republican? That is the question.
SPEAKFORGOD writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
BobinNaples writes:
So glad God has time to counsel Teabow. Maybe if those stupid starving kids in Africa would have faith, they could do well too.
baseballlives writes:
Hey it's a picture of Tim Tebow...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_S...
staghorn writes:
in response to packardv1650:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
_________________________________
WOW! Talk about being a radical religious wing nut! How could you even post something like that! You, packardv1650 are the part of America that holds this country back. Get a life!
hoperequired writes:
I went to the event. What a fantastic speaker and inspiration to young kids. The place was packed! He has an orphanage in the Philipines that he and his family support for 850 kids and is building a hospital to help kids that have deformity problems. What a great guy!
Patton writes:
I don't think anyone wants Tebow on their team. He couldn't QB an NFL team to save his life.
deadbeatles writes:
... me thinks sailor has God confused with Obama.
SPEAKFORGOD writes:
Easy to do...................................
beerbong writes:
The one thing none of you have mentioned. How nice it is to have the freedom to believe as you please. Why does it really get to some of you if someone you do not even know is happy with their believes? I bet not one of you have ever been held against your will and forced to listen to christian teachings. You have a choice to believe as YOU please,but yet you criticize others who do not believe as you. Whats with that? I thought that's one of the things America was about.
Aoxomoxoa writes:
I'm just happy packard got booted.
As for Tim, I like the kid.
Oh yea...I'm aetheist too.
sustainable writes:
So many God haters ~ AMAZING on so many levels.
Mostly I feel pity and sadness for those who deny God and hate Him so much.
PMC_Rider writes:
Yea!
"God haters"
"fact lovers"
"scientists"
"people who weren't brainwashed as children to believe an absurd fairytale"
"people who can cope with mortality on a rational, objective level"
Whatever you want to call 'em, I don't trust 'em! I think they think a bit too much, I do..
marcari writes:
And your authority for this statement is based on your atheletic abilities. Please provide your resume with the All America awards you have won, the teams you led to great seasons, and the great achievements you have accrued in your life. Your comment is so pathetic...and you have nothing to say about his positive affect on sport, charity, kids, probably because he chose to take a knee after a touchdown rather than dance and prance around an endzone. Tebow has class, you have not.
ThinkB4YouSpeak writes:
Tim still has his invisible friend, how cute. Well, whatever floats his boat~
volochine writes:
Once again, Patton, you missed the point. For heavens sake, take the blindfold off.
This guy is a good person who happens to be religious. Big difference comparing him to bad people who pretend to be religious.
Tim Tebow could be a starting QB in the NFL. I doubt most of the non-religious owners of the franchises would spend the time and money to alter their teams to fit his style.
Tim Tebow will find his home in the college ranks. Not as a coach, but a recruiter, and thousands of parents will feel safer knowing Tebow is looking over their kids.
rbuonamici writes:
You beat me to it! How can anyone take seriously anyone who believes in a mythical being. Even worse are those the who support such a folly. Oh, by the way, please don't get upset, but there is no santa claus or easter bunny.
Aoxomoxoa writes:
I don't hate nor should you feel sorry for me. Thanks.
nstinks writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Z07 writes:
Sounds like you're jealous
Z07 writes:
And you're trusted even less.
Z07 writes:
Just wait until the muslims get control and then you will hear them crying the loudest when they are forced to do as they're told or be killed. Their wrath is misplaced toward the Christians when they should really be worried about islam.
Z07 writes:
Actually he did pretty good on the Broncos. Even Payton Manning couldn't get it done this year.
SPEAKFORGOD writes:
God must like black quarterbacks better than Timmy Tebow............ All 3 black starting quarterbacks in the NFL had much better years than Timmy........RGIII ( redskins), Wilson (Seattle) and Newton (panthers)........ And Obama beat the Mormon...... perhaps God is black.................
Z07 writes:
You sound like a racist and I guess you missed the Super Bowl. Also, guess who the highest paid QB's are in the NFL?
Don't worry about Tim Tebow. He'll do just fine no matter what path he takes. You though, aren't worthy of shining his shoes.
SPEAKFORGOD writes:
How dare you mention Timmy Boy in the same breath with Payton Manning!!!!!!!!! In 2011 with Timbo, the Broncos went 8-8.....In 2012 with the same team went 13-3 with Manning.... ........Timbo got run out of Denver, they traded him to the Jets for a warm 6 pack.............Case closed.......
Aoxomoxoa writes:
With thoughts like this it's no wonder you right-wingnuts can't get anyone elected.
Wingnut? Meet Hillary.
Z07 writes:
Take a vacation to Egypt and just be yourself. I dare you.
Z07 writes:
Hey racist, bottom line is, Manning couldn't get it done either when it counted. I even picked them to win the Superbowl but alas, they couldn't even get there. As I recall, they got beat by a white quarterback since you're the one counting.
239opinion writes:
I am so sick of hearing about this guy. There are other sports players that believe in God and play their sport well.
Read about Steve Smith's Samaritan Feet. He's an NFL player that provides thousands of shoes for the poor.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09...
So besides talking a bunch of talk, this Tebow should put his so called power to work and do something without boasting about it all the time.
hoperequired writes:
What a great night from a great kid with a very inspirational message. It's nice to hear a positive story from someone who is uplifting versus all the hate mongering going on in this world!
hoperequired writes:
You DO know that Tebow supports an orphanage for 850 kids and is building hospitals to help disabled children, right? What a guy!!
Want to participate in the conversation? Become a subscriber today. Subscribers can read and comment on any story, anytime. Non-subscribers will only be able to view comments on select stories.