Tim Tebow, who is a former University of Florida Heisman trophy-winning quarterback and Denver Broncos starter, recently accepted the Sports Impact Award at the K-LOVE Fan Awards. Tebow gave an impassioned speech about caring for the most vulnerable while accepting the award and declaring Jesus Christ as the only MVP.
The speech began with Tebow thanking the crowd and the presenters and then cracking a couple of jokes at the presenter’s expense saying, “Thank you so much. Matthew, let’s just be honest, you’ve never thought about running a marathon. And unfortunately, those shorts you wore proved it.”
“Guys, it is such an honor to be here,” he continued. “Especially just around so many legends and inspirations. Just getting to sit with Toby Mack and Chris Tomlin and so many heroes of the faith that I get fortunate to be around.”
The speech then got directed at the crowd, as Tebow said: “Guys, I just want you to be encouraged because I know it gets hard for so many of you, but you inspire so many people and I want you to keep going because you have no idea the impact that you’re making on so many people around the world.”
“And I want you guys to know that and be encouraged. You inspire people. You know what inspire means? It means to fill someone with the urge to do something and you do that. You fill people with the urge to want to follow Jesus and don’t stop that. That’s why what you are doing matters. That’s why being here matters,” Tebow declared, per report.
Tebow shared a personal story, after thanking K-Love, beginning: “When I was 15 years old I had the opportunity to meet a boy in the jungles of the Philippines who was born with his feet backwards. And because of that, his village viewed him as cursed, as insignificant, as a throwaway. But that day I knew that he wasn’t a throwaway to God and he better not be a throwaway to me.”
He then continued: “And, you know, up until then and even so many times after that in my life, I’ve been chasing — someone that’s been chasing dreams to be the best, to win championships, to win MVPs, to try to be the best. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but ultimately on that day and so many days after, God has opened my eyes to what does it mean if you actually are an MVP, if you do it, to be the most valuable player.”
“Because ultimately that day He impacted my heart. That the MVP I should be chasing is the most vulnerable people around the world,” he added.
Tebow then proclaimed: “Because ultimately, there is only one MVP. And He died on a cross on a rescue mission for humanity. And He has commanded us to go defend the weak, protect the poor, and go after those that are hurting.”
“And let me tell you something, there are a lot of people around the world that are hurting. That means that we have a big job. Let’s go get our job done. God bless you guys,” Tebow concluded.