Tim Tebow was cut from the Philadelphia Eagles this summer. The 28-year-old Heisman Trophy winner tried to make a comeback after not playing in an NFL game since the 2012 season. He nearly made the Eagles as a third-string quarterback.
Getting cut can lead to boredom for some football players, but not for Tebow. His release actually gives him more time to engage in the countless other things he does. He is a broadcaster on the SEC Network and a motivational speaker, preaching his Christian faith around the world.
Above all, Tebow is making a name for himself as a philanthropist. On Wednesday, Tebow was honored for his charitable work by The THRIVE Network, a 501(c)(3) based in Brooklyn that provides social services to individuals and families in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan.
"For me, a lot of times, you get asked what would be a life of significance, and a lot of times people answer money, fame, power," Tebow says. "For me, I don't think of any of that, I think a life of significance is measured by the lives you change, not the dollars you make."
Tebow was awarded at the "People Who THRIVE" fundraiser in Manhattan for his work with the Tim Tebow Foundation, an organization he started in 2010 after graduating from the University of Florida with two national championships. Unlike many athletes and celebrities who focus their charities on specific fields, Tebow keeps his foundation general and open, which gives it flexibility. He spends significant time putting on fundraisers--many in his home state of Florida--to raise money for events involving children.
"For us at TTF, we're trying to make a difference in people's lives," Tebow says. "That's why our mission statement is what it is: 'To bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. We do that any way possible."
Tebow had a rather dark hour in New York. He was traded to the Jets for the 2012 season, but Tebow only threw eight passes for Gang Green.
Back in Manhattan on Wednesday, Tebow gave a little extra advice to New Yorkers.
"I think especially in a city like this, it's important to realize that a life of significance isn't about what we have, but what we give," he says.
That message has never faded in Tebow's mind, as he has garnered fame on and off the football field. The THRIVE Network recognized Tebow for these characteristics, alongside former NFL punter Steve Weatherford, former NBA guard Trent Tucker, Public Advocate for the City of New York Letitia James and real estate executive Adam Hochfelder.
-- Follow Jeffrey Eisenband on Twitter @JeffEisenband.
