I love Tim Tebow and I’m not afraid to say it!

If you’re just starting to hear the buzz about Tebow, or you’ve seen the spoof Saturday Night Live did about Tebow meeting Jesus, you may be wondering who is this guy?

Tim Tebow is the quarterback for the Denver Broncos who is famous for kneeling in prayer before, during and after games. And the more Tim Tebow and the Broncos keep winning, the more people are tearing him down – not just because of his winning record, but for his public displays of religion.

Now, there are plenty of athletes out there (we won’t name names) that are caught cheating on wives, caught with drugs; DUIs, beating their wives, or dogs. The list goes on and on. And here we finally have not only a great athlete our kids can look up too, but also a GREAT GUY!   As I watched Tebow throw an 80 yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas in overtime, my son asked me “Who is Tim Tebow?” I, for once, was excited to tell him all about the athlete.

So go ahead and jump on the Tebow bandwagon (unless you’re a Steelers fan – that was a tough loss.) And for those who aren’t quite “in the know,” here are a few fun facts about Mr. Tim Tebow that you’ll be thrilled to share with your little athletes:

1. He was born overseas.

The youngest of five children, Tebow was born in Makati City in the Philippines to American parents who were serving as Christian Baptist missionaries at the time.

2. Tim Tebow was homeschooled. 

This is a guy that loves his mom! She homeschooled him to instill their family’s Christian beliefs. Then, when the family moved to Jacksonville, Tebow started playing on a local high school football team (although he was still homeschooled).

3. He started sharing his religious beliefs early in his athletic career.

While playing for University of Florida on an athletic scholarship, Tebow began displaying biblical versus on his black under eye during games. But in 2010,  the NCAA banned any messages on eye paint, which the media referred to as the “Tebow Rule.”

4. Tebow is saving himself for marriage.

 Although linked to U.S. skiing champ Lindsay Vonn (she denies these rumors, but says she is not opposed to dating the football star) Tim Tebow has said “he is saving himself for marriage.” We have heard people say this before (remember Britney Spears?) and sometimes it can be hard to believe, but I think Tebow might be telling the truth on this one!

5. He started a new craze – “Tebowing.”

What is “Tebowing?” After any big play, the quarterback is known for getting down on his knee and praying. Now, everyone from college kids to Lady GaGa and Prince have been mimicking his move!