“From Touchdowns to Triumphs: Ex-NFL Star’s Surprising Secret to Tackling Life’s Fumbles”

Since receiving a valuable piece of advice from his mother, former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow has held onto it steadfastly, never wavering in his commitment.

“One of the most impactful pieces of wisdom I’ve ever received came from my mother…” Tebow shared during a discussion with pastor and author Joby Martin. “As a young athlete, I was very emotional…I would eagerly seek interviews to express gratitude to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My mother would then ask, ‘Why don’t you express that gratitude when you lose as well?'”

“Just offer it up silently,” he continued with resolve. “Offer it up in your moments of disappointment after a poor performance. Surrender it to the Lord. Right there in that instant. He can bear it, even if you can’t. Give it over to Him.”

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A post shared by Joby Martin (@jobypmartin)

Tebow has faced his fair share of setbacks. Approximately 11 years ago, he was released from the New York Jets and had brief, unsuccessful stints with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles.

“Being cut from football was truly painful,” he wrote in his 2016 autobiography, Shaken. “But it’s crucial to ask: what is the lesson I should take from this experience? What is God’s plan for me moving forward? That’s how you avoid becoming bitter.”

He received considerable negative feedback and criticism from NFL fans, but he never allowed their words to affect him deeply.

“It’s impossible to silence all critics,” he stated. “There will always be individuals in your life who underestimate your potential, claim you’ll never achieve your dreams or goals, or attempt to hold you back in some way. What God knows about us carries more weight than others’ opinions.”

A few years back, the advocate for sex-trafficking victims reflected on how he could have allowed disappointments to dominate his life. Because he made God his foundation, he didn’t let his failures overwhelm him.

He shared on his Facebook page:

I recognize that failure defines many people. I could have easily allowed the low points in my life to shape my identity.

I’ve let down many people. I’ve made numerous mistakes. I’ve harbored wrong thoughts. I’ve questioned how God could use me. I’ve won two national championships and a Heisman Trophy, and I’ve been released from several NFL teams.

But just as I try not to let the trophies, victories, awards, magazine covers, or accolades I’ve earned define me, I also strive not to let life’s disappointments dictate who I am. I simply know that God is on my side. And with Him, anything is possible.

While I may experience hurt, disappointment, or frustration from negative outcomes, my foundation doesn’t have to shift.

Even when I struggle with internal emotions, I can cling to God’s truth. I know He has a plan for me, even when I’m unsure what it is or when it appears vastly different from what I envisioned. This is what identity is about.

To my Facebook family, I hope and pray this encourages you—regardless of what’s happened in your life, whatever burdens you carry or disappointments you’ve faced—your identity is rooted in who God says you are, and God can and will use those whose hearts belong to Him.

Familyguide recently reported on Tebow’s mission to assist former inmates in finding employment:

Since 2009, Nehemiah Manufacturing has been providing job opportunities for “hard-to-hire candidates,” working to “bring manufacturing jobs back to Cincinnati’s inner city to stimulate community development and economic growth,” according to their website.

Tebow and his spouse, Demi-Leigh, have formed a partnership with Nehemiah Manufacturing, commending the company for their efforts.

“Nehemiah Manufacturing is truly special,” Tebow stated in a promotional video. “When we first had the privilege of visiting, that’s what really captured our attention and our hearts. Meeting the people, hearing their stories, and witnessing how they were treated. Upon seeing that, we knew this was something we wanted to be involved in.”