Former Heisman winner Tim Tebow had a different aura all around him when he was playing college football for the Florida Gators (2006-09). He led the college football program to two national championships and won the Heisman Trophy.
His talent on the field was unique, but it was his discipline and determination that led him to be one of the most successful quarterbacks in Gators history, according to his former teammate.
Joe Haden Highlights Tim Tebow’s Insane Discipline, Which Left a Mark on His Team
No one watched Tim Tebow go about his business in Florida more closely than Joe Haden, who joined Urban Meyer’s team in 2007 as a cornerback.
During a recent podcast appearance on Monday, Haden revealed what made Tebow special amid all the distractions that came with his star status.
“Tim Tebow, back in the day, had genuine people crying. Girls from our school were just bawling their eyes out, crying,” Haden said. “The one thing with Tebow was that it was so authentic. He practiced what he preached.”
Haden said Tebow’s personality inspired his teammates. He didn’t drink, smoke, or curse, leaving a mark for them to follow. Haden also shared Tebow’s workout ethic.
“My dad was a professional bodybuilder, so when I was in high school, I trained very, very hard,” Haden said. “But Tim Tebow might have been pushed a little harder than me. I would go to the point of almost blacking out. He’d be red, pushing, so strong. And he would love it. He was dead serious.”
While many young athletes might have been distracted by fame and adoration, Tebow remained laser-focused on his craft.
“I’m out with him, and girls are falling for him,” Haden added. “He’s not paying them any mind. I’m like, this dude is legit. There’s no way that you can’t listen to him or follow him because he’s practicing what he’s preaching.”
“He don’t drink, he don’t smoke, he don’t curse. I’m out with him, girls are falling at him and he pays no mind. I’m like this dude’s LEGIT.”
Joe Haden on playing with Tim Tebow at Florida… pic.twitter.com/OV321FA5I0
— Glory Daze Podcast (@glorydazepod) February 3, 2025
Tim Tebow Couldn’t Translate His College Football Success Into the NFL
When Tebow declared for the 2010 NFL Draft, big things were expected out of him. Former Raiders head coach Jon Gruden even called him “the strongest human being” to play as a quarterback in the NFL. However, there was skepticism as well, with draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. saying he didn’t have what it takes to lead an NFL team.
Tebow played sparingly behind Kyle Orton but started the last three games of the season in his rookie year with the Denver Broncos. In 2011, after the Broncos started 1-4 under Orton, Tebow was named the starter. He finished the regular season 7-4 as a starter, helping the Broncos win the AFC West and reach the playoffs.
However, he was often criticized for his low completion percentage (47.9% for his career) and inconsistent performances.
Tebow managed to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card Round, throwing for 316 yards and two touchdowns, including an iconic 80-yard game-winning touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas in overtime. However, he struggled immensely against the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round.
Following that season, the Broncos signed Peyton Manning, making Tebow expendable. He was traded to the New York Jets, where he was rarely used. From 2013 to 2015, he had brief stints with the Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles but there was no way to the top for him in the pros.
In college, Tebow thrived in Meyer’s spread-option system, where his running ability was a major weapon. However, NFL defenses were faster, stronger and more disciplined, making it difficult for him to rely on his physicality alone.
