Tim Tebow shares insight into Heisman Trophy finalist experience on day of ceremony
Tim Tebow made it to ESPN’s SportsCenter on Saturday morning to offer some insight into what it’s like as a Heisman Trophy finalist on the day of the ceremony.
Tebow recalled his experience from 2007.
“It is a lot,” he said. “Trying to balance the pressure versus also being present in the moment. You’ve got to understand that these kids are getting text messages from everyone they know. From their teammates, from family, everyone is saying ‘Good luck, do you got your speech ready, what could we do, can we pray for you, we love you, we’re supporting you.’ That adds a lot of pressure. Some of them are here in New York City for the first time. It was my first trip to New York City. And so the Heisman Trust does an amazing job of showing all these kids and the families their city and so you’re trying to enjoy the Big Apple for the first time, but you’re also so nervous about tonight.”
Relaxing is difficult in the hotel room, Tebow said, because there’s a teaser about the Heisman trophy and that makes you nervous.
“Then you’re having family say, ‘Prepare your speech,’ and I’m like, ‘I don’t know if I’m going to win, I’m probably not going to win, and they’re like, ‘Hey, just in case,'” he said. “And then you’re having all the PR teams come in and they’re like, ‘Are you ready? Do you need anything?’ And you’re like, ‘No, I just need to be able to think for a moment.'”
Tebow added that it’s a balance of so many things, and he encouraged the finalists to be present in the moment and enjoy it because regardless what happens, they can’t control it.
“Regardless if you win or not, it is an amazing trip and you get to build relationships you’re going to have for the rest of your life, and for the winner, it is definitely something that will change your life,” he said.