Tim Tebow’s return to the Swamp on Saturday came with a Hall of Fame-worthy salute from his biggest supporter.
In a message posted on her Instagram Stories, Demi-Leigh Tebow paid tribute to the former Gators quarterback, who was heralded by the Gainesville, Fla., crowd ahead of his College Football Hall of Fame induction next month.
“Found this jersey in our house & thought this was the perfect night to wear it!” Demi-Leigh said of Tebow’s No. 15 Gators jersey.
“I never got to wear your number while you played, but happy to be in the Swamp to cheer you on tonight. That’s my hall of fame husband.”
During his four seasons with the Gators, Tebow won two national championships under head coach Urban Meyer for the 2006 and 2008 seasons.
Tebow, 36, was awarded the Heisman Trophy in 2007.
Tebow’s appearance at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday was coupled with Florida’s rivalry game against Florida State — a matchup the former quarterback has fond memories of.
“Every year growing up, we would watch the game, and if we won, it was — ask my parents — arguably the best day of the year,” said Tebow, who went 4-0 against the Seminoles during his time under center.
“And if we lost, it was mortifying. I would lose perspective and it felt like the world was ending. I begged them to let me not go to church on Sunday because I couldn’t handle the FSU fans. It was always bigger than a game.”
Unfortunately for Tebow and the Gators, the No. 5 ranked Seminoles prevailed Saturday, 24-15.
Despite the outcome, Tebow has an exciting few weeks to look forward to ahead.
The former NFL quarterback-turned-broadcaster will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on Dec. 5 in Las Vegas.
He and Demi-Leigh will celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary the following month.
Tebow married Demi-Leigh, a former Miss Universe winner, in her native South Africa in January 2020.
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