Tim Tebow says he won’t be speaking in support of Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention
If the idea of Tim Tebow speaking in support of Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention blew your mind on Thursday, you’re not alone.
Tebow posted a video on Instagram that night saying the first he heard of the notion was earlier in the day when it was all over the news. He called his inclusion on the Republican Party’s list of speakers “a rumor,” saying that he’s not ready to enter the world of politics just yet.
“I just got back from the Philippines, and I wake up this morning to find out I’m speaking at the Republican National Convention,” the former Heisman Trophy winner out of Florida said. “It’s amazing how fast rumors fly, and that’s exactly what it is: A rumor.
“My goal has always been to be able to make a difference in the biggest way possible, and if one day that’s a political realm then that’s what I’ll do. But right now I really believe that that’s through my foundation and our amazing partners and fighting for kids that can’t fight for themselves.”
Trump has said he wants “winners” from the sports world to speak at the convention, and Tebow certainly would have fit the bill. Tebow’s NFL career may have fizzled years ago, but the devout and outspoken Christian still has a large and dedicated group of followers.
Others with sports ties slated for the stage next week in Cleveland include UFC President Dana White, golfer Natalie Gulbis and formerly paralyzed Michigan football player Brock Mealer.
White confirmed to Times writer Lance Pugmire that he will be speaking at the event.
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.