Tim Tebow Auctions Heisman Trophy for $1 Million to Raise Money for Kids in Need

Most winners of the Heisman Trophy likely see it as a sign that when it comes to college football, they’ve officially made it. It’s a reward for exceptional talent, great ability, perseverance, and hard work.

But for Tim Tebow, it’s just a trophy – and it can be put to use to serve a much greater purpose.

The Heisman has been awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football since 1935.

Tebow won the Heisman Trophy back in 2007, as a Sophomore for the University of Florida. He became the first sophomore in the history of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to win the trophy.

Other than his obvious knack for professional football and baseball, Tebow is also well known for his charity work, especially through the Tim Tebow Foundation. He and his foundation are involved in special needs ministry, orphan care and prevention, anti-human trafficking efforts and helping children with profound medical needs.

But in a recent interview, Tebow disclosed that he has also auctioned off his Heisman for the past nine years in order to raise money for kids in need. To date, he’s raised over $1 million.

“These trophies and these championships are awesome, but ultimately, they’re not what’s most important. There are so many things that are more important, and I am so grateful for that perspective,” he told The Dan Patrick Show earlier this week.

“For the last eight or nine years, every six months I have used it to auction off for a charity, for people to keep in their home and use it for something that they can brag about,” he said. “It is such a cool award that is so prestigious and that very few people ever have the chance to be around it.”

According to CBN News, Tebow has auctioned it off to Kathy Lee Gifford and country singer Luke Bryan among others.

“Why have it in your garage when it could be in someone else’s living room and now a lot of kids are being helped with it,” he added. “My goal with that is it could be the most impactful Heisman.”

Tebow said that growing up on the mission-field with his parents, who served as missionaries, played a large role in creating his desire to give back to others.

“My dad is one of my biggest heroes because he spent his entire adult life helping people that could never do anything for him,” Tebow said.

“I’m so grateful for that perspective because I’m someone that can totally lean toward win-at-all-costs, do whatever you can to drive, to compete, and win. I’m grateful for that other side that helps me gain perspective on what really matters. My parents have just been such impactful, purpose-led heroes in my life.”

Three cheers for Tim Tebow, who’s clear in his convictions, knows what’s right, and is determined to make a positive impact on the world.

He may have one less trophy in his garage. But he’s likely stored up more valuable treasure in a far more important place.

Photo from Shutterstock.