America's most popular athlete uses NCF to manage his charitable foundation. Here's a terrific story of his impact as he balances ministry work with his NFL career.

In his first 2011 start as the Denver Broncos quarterback, Tim Tebow was in the glare of the national spotlight.

During pregame activities before playing the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 23, though, Tebow focused not only on the football game ahead, but also on 16-year-old Garrett Atwood.

Garrett, a Winter Springs youth who has been treated for a life-threatening illness in Jacksonville, spent time with his hero, thanks to Tebow’s desire to help children and families, especially those in crisis.

“I know there are more important things than winning a game; like Garrett … he’s more important. Putting a smile on his face before the game was more important than winning,” Tebow said during his post-game news conference. “That is the perspective that my faith gives me.”

Facing his first playoff game, against the heavily favored Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, didn’t change that perspective. During his pregame routine, he spent time with 16-year-old Bailey Knaub, who has had 73 surgeries because of a disease that affects vital organs.

The Broncos won both games attended by the 16-year-old fans. But the wins weren’t just another addition to the Tim Tebow mystique.

The kids’ presence helps Tebow, 24, remember that “at the end of the day, it’s only a game.”

 >> Read the full story at Jacksonville.com

Print and Share: