Tim Tebow plans to adopt a child one day, and he wants to help out other kids until that time comes.
"When I have a family someday, I'll probably adopt," he told People Magazine in a recent interview during his 4th annual Celebity Gofl Gala at TPC Sawgrass in Florida. "Adoption has always been something close to my heart. There are so many kids out there who really need a family."
The 26-year-old football player talked and golfed earlier this month, where he was headlining the Tim Tebow Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic. His many guest included stars like Rob Schneider, Alfonso Ribiero, Emmitt Smith, Kim Alexis and professional golfer Bubba Watson. The event raised more than $1.1 million for the foundation.
Tebow is a strong Christian, and it is commonly known that he is saving his virginity until marriage. Tebow said he's content to help other families adopt, until that time comes. Last year, he expanded his foundation to include Orphan Care, a program that provides grants to families adopting children with special needs.
"I believe that everyone, regardless of who they are, should do something that is greater than themselves," Tebow said. "Whether it's adoption, or helping people who are sick, or poor, or whatever. That's what God put us on this earth to do."
Wherever Tebow goes, an excited crowd follows, and Tebow is known to champion good causes for the fans who love him. Although he doesn't always seem to relish the attention the spotlight brings, he knows he can use the spectacle to point out truly important things like adoption.
"For me, life isn't about being recognized or having everyone know who I am," he said. "That's not why I'm here. To me, my foundation is the most important thing I do, or have ever done. That's what my life is about."
In addition to the adoption programs The Tim Tebow Foundation also makes wishes come true for children with life-threatening illnesses, and it has built or improved hospitals around the world.Tebow understand how he can use his fame to bless others.
"All of that work is much more important than being a celebrity," he said.
The son of missionaries to the Philippines, Tebow has seen the work he does in his personal life create miracles just like the extraordinary plays he orchestrated on the grid-iron. He has even lived through tough times in his own life, and found miracles along the way. Even when he was still in the womb, people were not giving him a chance. His mother was advised to abort him, and he was born prematurely.
"But, you know, miracles happen every day, and I turned out healthy. That's sort of what my [charity] work is all about: helping people find those miracles"
Tebow is ready to get back on the field, and still trains for the opportunity even though he sighed a network deal with ESPN last year.
"Of course I want to play ball again," he said. "I'm training really hard for that, just about every day. I really feel like I'm at the best I've ever been. It's something that I'm really passionate about, playing football. I'm always looking to improve my skills."
"But I'm even more passionate about my foundation and the difference that we're making all around the world," he continued. "That's what gets me excited. That's what it's all about. I want to improve as a football player, but even more importantly, I really want to improve as a person."
