Mission work a passion for Tebow

By Aaron Suttles
Sports Writer

Published: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at 2:06 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at 2:06 p.m.

HOOVER | The University of Florida's Tim Tebow, winner of the 2007 Heisman Trophy, emphasized that he would rather speak to a youth group or do mission work than beat Georgia or Florida State.

SEC Media Days

Tuscaloosa News Staff | Michael E. Palmer

Winner of last year's Heisman Trophy Tim Tebow makes his way to a TV room in the Wynfrey Hotel during SEC Media Days in Hoover.

"If I can change a kids life that’s more important that beating Georgia or Florida State," Tebow said. "You can’t put a price on what that does for me."

He spent his offseason in foreign countries doing mission work visiting the Phillipines and Thailand.

Tebow laughed off last season's "cell phone" incident in which LSU fans obtained his cell phone and spent the week leading up to the Gators games against the Tigers calling and texting his cell phone.

"I didn't enjoy not getting to use my phone that week," Tebow said.

His famed has taken off since winning college football's ultimate prize leaving the junior unable to do mundane things such as visits to the mall or Walmart.

"I definitely don't go to the mall or Walmart. There have been some inappropriate situations with fans."