Tim Tebow
A polarizing football phenomenon who won a Heisman and national titles with unorthodox skill, then authored one of the NFL's most unforgettable playoff moments.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American football and baseball player·Birthday: August 14·Millennials
Biography
Tim Tebow existed at the intersection of elite athletics, fervent faith, and cultural debate. At the University of Florida, he was a force of nature, a bulldozing quarterback with a powerful arm and an even stronger will. He led the Gators to two national championships and became the first underclassman to win the Heisman Trophy, his emotional leadership making him a college football icon. His professional career was a whirlwind. Drafted in the first round by Denver, his unconventional throwing mechanics sparked endless discussion. Yet, in 2011, he engineered a series of improbable comebacks, capped by an overtime playoff win against Pittsburgh that was instantly dubbed 'The Mile High Miracle.' Though his NFL tenure was brief, Tebow's impact was lasting, sparking conversations about quarterback prototypes and maintaining a massive public profile through broadcasting and a brief, celebrated stint in professional baseball.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Tim was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Tim Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Tim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the first underclassman to win the Heisman Trophy in 2007.
- Led the University of Florida Gators to BCS National Championship victories in 2006 and 2008.
- Engineered an 80-yard touchdown pass in overtime to win an AFC Wild Card playoff game for the Denver Broncos in 2012, known as 'The Mile High Miracle'.
- Played professional baseball in the New York Mets organization, reaching the Triple-A level.
Did You Know?
He was born in the Philippines to missionary parents and was homeschooled until college.
He popularized the act of 'Tebowing'—kneeling in prayer on the field, which became a national meme.
He published an autobiography titled 'Through My Eyes' which became a #1 New York Times Best Seller.
He hosts 'SEC Nation', a college football pregame show for the SEC Network.
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.”
