Tim Tebow Donates $15 Million to Florida Gators, Calls it a “Thank You” to the Program That Shaped Him
Gainesville, FL — In a moment that captured hearts across Gator Nation, Florida Gators legend Tim Tebow has made a stunning donation of $15 million to the University of Florida’s athletic program. The former Heisman Trophy winner and two-time national champion called the gift a tribute to the institution that helped shape him both on and off the field.
“I will always be thankful to the Florida Gators, the supporters, and the community at large,” Tebow said in a statement. “This program gave me a home, a purpose, and a platform. This is my way of saying thank you and helping build something even greater for the future.”
The $15 million donation will be directed primarily toward the expansion and enhancement of athletic facilities, including upgrades to the James W. “Bill” Heavener Football Training Center and support for student-athlete development programs. A portion of the funds will also contribute to academic and leadership initiatives within the Gators athletics department.
Tebow, widely regarded as one of the most iconic players in college football history, played for the Gators from 2006 to 2009. During his tenure, he led the team to two national championships and became the first sophomore in history to win the Heisman Trophy in 2007. His legacy on the field is matched only by his impact off of it, where he’s been a consistent voice for faith, philanthropy, and leadership.
UF Athletic Director Scott Stricklin praised the gift as “transformative,” noting that Tebow’s ongoing commitment to the university goes far beyond his accomplishments as a player.
“Tim has always been a champion for the Gators in every sense of the word,” said Stricklin. “This generous donation reflects his character and his desire to give back to the program that helped him grow into the man he is today.”
The University of Florida plans to recognize Tebow’s donation with a new leadership and character development wing in the football facility named in his honor. The space will serve as a hub for mentoring, mental health resources, and professional development for student-athletes across all sports.
Fans and alumni have flooded social media with messages of support and admiration for Tebow, celebrating both his generosity and his enduring legacy.
“Tim Tebow has always been more than just a football player,” one alumnus wrote. “He’s a symbol of what it means to be a Gator.”
With this latest gesture, Tebow continues to prove that once a Gator, always a Gator.