Latest news with #TimTebow
Fox News
3 days ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Highest-Paid College Football Players if NIL Existed Since 2000
When Johnny Manziel famously debuted his "show me the money" gesture during his redshirt freshman season at Texas A&M, it wasn't meant to take on larger-than-life symbolism. Instead, it was simply an inside joke between Manziel and teammate Ben Molina that the two would break out during practices or scrimmages. Once Manziel introduced the college football world to the gesture, where he would rub his fingers together like he was counting cash— it became a signature celebration that symbolized swagger, self-confidence, and defiance. It represented the financial value he brought to Texas A&M and the NCAA, and later came to represent the contradiction of high-revenue college athletics and unpaid players—making him an early icon of the NIL era. A decade later, everything changed, as the NCAA's policy allowing athletes to officially profit off NIL went into play. But what if NIL existed in college athletics before that time? What athletes would have been the most profitable if NIL went into effect at the turn of the century? How would former college standouts like Manziel or Florida's Tim Tebow have fared? FOX Sports college football writers Laken Litman, RJ Young and Michael Cohen take a look at who they believe would have been the most profitable college football players if NIL had been around since 2000. * All three writers were each given a hypothetical $100 million to distribute to their five choices while being asked to rank them from 1-5, with No. 1 being the most profitable. Here is a look at their picks and how they chose to distribute those funds. Literally nicknamed "Money Manziel." That moniker complemented his well-known "show me the money" touchdown celebration as a nod to the NCAA, which punished him for profiting off signing autographs. As a freshman, Manziel mesmerized the college football world with a highlight-worthy season, passing for 3,419 yards with 24 touchdowns and adding 1,181 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns. He led Texas A&M to an upset win of No. 1 Alabama in Tuscaloosa and went on to become the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy. NIL money: $35 million The most electrifying player in college football at that time – and maybe ever. He was a threat on the run or in the passing games, and helped lead USC to back-to-back national championships in 2003 and 2004 before winning the Heisman – which was taken away due to receiving "improper benefits" and later given back – in 2005. If NIL existed then, perhaps the height of Bush's powers would have come during the 2005 season after he put up an astounding 513 total yards against Fresno State. NIL money: $25 million In 2010, the star quarterback led the Tigers to an undefeated season, which included putting the team on his back and leading them from a 24-0 deficit against Alabama to a thrilling 28-27 victory in Tuscaloosa before winning the Heisman and a national championship. Newton had a larger-than-life personality and smile – he was Superman, after all. This went along nicely with his stats: During his best season in 2010, the Tigers' QB passed for 2,854 yards with 30 touchdowns to just seven interceptions, which went along with his 1,473 rushing yards and another 20 TDs. NIL money: $20 million Young saved his best season and best game for last. As a junior in 2005, Young threw for more than 3,000 yards and ran for more than 1,000 while leading Texas to an undefeated season, culminating in the greatest national championship game of all time when the Longhorns beat Bush and USC, 41-38. In that title game, Young threw for 267 yards and rushed for 200 yards with three touchdowns. He likely would have raked in all the NIL deals at that time given his charisma, swagger and natural talent, and then you add in the fact that he was the starting QB at Texas and the opportunities would have been endless. NIL money: $15 million The most ruthless defensive player in college football at the time. Listed at just 5-foot-9 and hovering around 180 pounds, Mathieu played bigger than his frame. He was fearless and tenacious on defense and special teams, and had a unique look with a signature blonde hairdo – qualities that earned him the nickname "Honey Badger" and would have been quite appealing had NIL deals been on the table. NIL money: $5 million Following a 13-0 season and winning the Heisman Trophy as a junior, Leinart opted to run it back with what was the dynasty of the early 20th century: Pete Carroll's USC Trojans. Not only was Leinart the starting quarterback for the undefeated defending national champions, but he was the man who won a Heisman before the highlight reel that was Reggie Bush, his teammate. Leinart was also a hometown hero in the entertainment capital of the world at the university Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and Dr. Dre adopted as their own. After a dominant 55-19 victory over Oklahoma, who had made the BCS national title game three out of the last four years, and owning Notre Dame, there had never been a more "Name Your Price" Player than Leinart entering the 2005 season. NIL money: $24 million The difference between Tebow at the height of his popularity and Leinart is simple: The year that Leinart won the Heisman, he followed up just a month later by raising the national championship trophy. Tebow, who won the 2007 Heisman, needed to wait a year before he could pair his '07 accomplishment with an '08 national title. But that would've mattered little with the balance of power swinging from a couple of Big 12 and Pac-10 programs to what we now know as the vaunted SEC. And Tebow was a harbinger of the dominance to come. The homeschooled kid with a million-dollar smile and church charm would've been a ready-made spokesperson for many and worth every penny thrown his way following his Heisman-winning season, and the dollars would've only gone up as he got closer and closer to winning the national title. NIL money: $22 million Murray is the best high school football player the state of Texas has ever produced. But when he was selected ninth overall in the 2018 MLB Draft, ahead of what would be the only full season he'd play as the starting QB at Oklahoma, his NIL value was at its peak. Given Murray played and won the Heisman in 2018, just three years before the advent of NIL profiting, as well as immediate transfer eligibility, the price Murray could've demanded for his service would've likely been on par with players like Leinart and Tebow. NIL money: $20 million After becoming the first true freshman QB to lead his team to a national title since Jamelle Holieway did it with Oklahoma in 1985, the number that Lawrence would've commanded as a sophomore and junior would've likely been the highest in the country, especially considering what he means to Clemson and the history of the College Football Playoff. With Lawrence at Clemson, the Tigers finished 34-2, a 94.4% winning record— third-best in college football history — and he finished second in the 2020 Heisman balloting. NIL money: $19 million Peterson wasn't supposed to be featured as a freshman in 2004. But he was, and he finished No. 2 in the Heisman voting behind Leinart after rushing for 1,925 yards in 2004 and leading Oklahoma to a national title appearance. Given the freedom of movement players are allowed today to transfer alongside the advent of NIL, there's no question that Peterson would command a price that is on-par with what Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith would receive to remain at OSU. NIL money: $15 million [Related: Jeremiah Smith launches into greater level of stardom] As a redshirt freshman in 1999, the year before this theoretical exercise begins, Vick became a nationwide phenomenon during his first season as the Hokies' starter. One of the best dual-threat quarterbacks of all time, he scored three rushing touchdowns in the opening half of his collegiate debut against James Madison to kickstart an unforgettable campaign. Vick guided Virginia Tech to an 11-0 record that earned the Hokies a berth in the BCS National Championship game against Florida State. He finished the season third in the Heisman Trophy voting after throwing for 1,840 yards and 12 touchdowns while also rushing for 585 yards and eight touchdowns. The NIL money would have poured in ahead of his second and final season as the Hokies' starter in 2000 before the Atlanta Falcons selected him No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft. NIL money: $30 million The natural heir to Vick's throne as an elite dual-threat weapon, Jackson turned in one of the greatest quarterback seasons in college football history to win the Heisman Trophy in 2016. His statistical production wildly outpaced anything Vick ever did at Virginia Tech with gaudy numbers in the air (3,543 yards, 30 TDs) and on the ground (1,571 yards, 21 TDs) to form a highlight reel that, to this day, still feels otherworldly. Can you imagine any other quarterback pulling off Jackson's hurdle touchdown against Syracuse? He all but replicated that incredible season as a junior in 2017 by throwing for 3,660 yards and 27 touchdowns while rushing for 1,601 yards and 18 additional scores. His market share in the NIL world would have been immense. NIL money: $25 million Given that only one of McFadden's three seasons at Arkansas ended with double-digit victories, it's easy to forget just how good this legendary tailback really was. He rushed for 1,113 yards and 11 touchdowns as a true freshman in 2005 to set the stage for two unforgettable campaigns in 2006 and 2007, both of which saw McFadden finish second in the Heisman Trophy voting before the Oakland Raiders took him No. 4 overall in the NFL Draft. He ran for 1,647 yards and 14 touchdowns in '06 for a Razorbacks team that finished 10-4 overall and 7-1 in the SEC while also completing 7-of-9 passes for 69 yards and three touchdowns as the team's wildcat quarterback. His junior season was even better: 325 carries for 1,830 yards and 21 touchdowns with an additional four passing touchdowns through the air. A player doesn't get much more marketable than that. NIL Money: $20 million Another player whose career straddles the turn of the century, Peppers would have had immense market value given his crossover appeal as a member of both the football and basketball teams for the Tar Heels. On the football field, where Peppers was a menacing pass rusher, he earned first-team All-American honors in 2000 after leading the nation with 15 sacks and finishing third in the country with 24 tackles for loss. The following year, in 2001, he was named a consensus All-American after ranking up 9.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss and three interceptions, all of which netted him the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Lombardi Award, the Bill Willis Award and a 10th-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting. On the basketball court, where Peppers played two seasons, he averaged 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in 16.6 minutes per game across 56 appearances. He scored a career-high 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in an NCAA Tournament game against Penn State in 2001. Tar Heels boosters would have swooned. NIL money: $15 million Who doesn't love a diminutive dynamo? Austin measured in at a lithe 5-8 and 174 pounds when he attended the NFL scouting combine in 2013 and ran the 40-yard dash in a blistering 4.29 seconds following an exceptional career with the Mountaineers. A standout high school running back, Austin was officially converted to wide receiver during his freshman season at West Virginia, but he remained an explosive threat wherever and whenever he touched the ball: as a pass catcher (29 career TDs), as a runner (six career TDs), as a kick returner (four career TDs), as a punt returner (one career TD). He finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy voting as a senior in 2012 after catching 114 passes for 1,289 yards and 12 scores while also carrying the ball 72 times for 643 yards and three more touchdowns, plus one touchdown each as a kick returner and punt returner. Austin was a beloved weapon among loyal disciples of the EA Sports College Football video game franchise. NIL money: $10 million Laken Litman covers college football, college basketball and soccer for FOX Sports. She previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, USA Today and The Indianapolis Star. She is the author of "Strong Like a Woman," published in spring 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Follow her at @LakenLitman. RJ Young is a national college football writer and analyst for FOX Sports and the host of the podcast "The Number One College Football Show." Follow him at @RJ_Young. Michael Cohen covers college football and basketball for FOX Sports with an emphasis on the Big Ten. Follow him at @Michael_Cohen13. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
USA Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
DJ Lagway talks EA Sports College Football 26, Florida Gators' upcoming 2025 campaign
One of the most storied sports video games is on the verge of its latest release and the Florida Gators have front-cover representation in this year's edition. EA Sports College Football 26, a franchise that stretches back over three decades, has current UF quarterback DJ Lagway on its cover next to Gators legend Tim Tebow among a plethora of the top players in the sport. While the Orange and Blue's gun-slinger did not earn the top billing on the marquee — that went to Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams and Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith — it was still an immense honor for the rising sophomore. Ahead of the game's much-anticipated release, Gators Wire had a chance to chat with Lagway about the experience with the EA Sports crowd as well as the upcoming college football season in Gainesville. Below is a look at our full, abridged conversation. What was the experience like being featured in one of the most notable sports video game franchises? "It was fun. It was an amazing experience just to be around all those great players and all those great legends that were there, and even coaches that were there at the shoot as well. And just being able to share that moment and that experience with those guys was life-changing. It was a blessing." "Oh yeah, for sure. It's always great to see old faces and also meet new guys that you've always heard a lot about, but it is just always great to get around those guys that are high-level athletes just as yourself and just to be able to connect again and always just build that relationship." "Oh yeah. I've grown up playing this game my whole life and it was just a blessing and like I said, a blessing, an honor just to be able to be on the deluxe cover. So yeah, I grew up playing the game." "When I was younger, I always grew up playing with Baylor; just where my dad played at and just always creating dynasties with them and stuff like that." "Yeah, I definitely say RG3 (Robert Griffin III) when he was on the cover and stuff like that. And playing dynasty modes with him and stuff was pretty cool." "I haven't. I haven't got a chance to play it, so I'm excited when I get a chance to get on. It's going to be fun." "Nah, not yet. No. So I'm excited to find out just like everybody else, so it's going to be cool once I get on in and see." What was it like working through your injuries this offseason? "Yeah, the injuries this year were definitely challenging to fight through, but I feel like it was something good for me long-term, just to let myself know that I can do it. Just being in the pocket and delivering the balls across the field and just not relying on my athletic abilities and being able to sit in the pocket and finding ways to win, and that was huge for me." "Oh yes, sir. Without a doubt. Just going through adversity definitely makes you stronger and definitely helps you figure out different ways to get through things. So yeah, it's definitely made me stronger." "Oh yeah, it was great being able to work with Dr. Tom Gormely and his crew (at CORTX Sports Performance) and just being able just to get better playing quarterback and just learning the little things about mechanics and just to be able to take my game to another level." Now that you've ascended to the face of the program, how are you handling that pressure? "I just keep it the same. I feel like God doesn't give you anything that you can't handle, so I just continue to be myself and just continue to understand what's at stake here and just continue to be a great representative for the University of Florida." Tell us a little bit about what you've been doing off the field for Florida as a benefit to the community "I've done a lot of community stuff thanks to Florida Victorious. They've helped us a lot, get out in the community and do a lot of different things for the community, and I feel like that's been a huge thing that even led me to Florida was the stuff that they helped us reach out to with the community aspect of it and stuff like that." "I definitely say Habitat for Humanity. We go out there and we help build houses and stuff like that for people, and I think it's a great cause and it's just awesome." How do you approach the Heisman Trophy expectations heading into fall? "My mindset doesn't change. My mindset is just to continue to get better each and every day and not really focus on the outside noise, good or bad, just continue to take it day by day and continue to work hard and work on the things that I need to improve on." "Not at all. I'm just not really focused on (social media). Of course. I don't just turn social media off, but I just really just focus on my process and just continue to work hard." How do you feel about your coaches and your fellow teammates heading into 2025? "I feel great. I feel like everybody's working extremely hard and I feel like we're heading in the right direction. We're not there yet, but we got a lot of work to do and I'm just excited to put the work in with these guys and achieve the goals that we have this year." Is there anyone in particular you're really looking forward to playing with? "I feel like just as a unit, I feel like our defense is going to be really strong this year, and I'm excited for those guys to go out there and ball out and to be able to make special plays for us." How many wins do you think the Gators are going to get? "Our goal every week is just taking one game at a time and focus on first week LIU, and then we're going to continue to just stack days, and our coach always says, have a one-day contract. So always focus on the day that you have and make it the best day you can have and then focus on the next. "So just really taking it one game at a time, one day at a time and the rest to take care of itself." Do you have any particular goals as far as making it to the postseason or college football playoffs? "Yeah, for sure. Our goal is just to continue to get better and continue to play our brand of football. And if we play our brand of football, the rest will take care of itself. And then that's kind of our goal. Just to go out there and play Gator football and be physical, be tough, be relentless, and the rest will take care of our stuff and our goals will happen." EA Sports College Football 26 game details Fans can dive into authentic gameplay across 136 FBS schools and experience the unrivaled passion of college football when EA SPORTS College Football 26 launches worldwide on July 10 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New Florida Stadium Video Hypes Up Fans
New Florida Stadium Video Hypes Up Fans originally appeared on Athlon Sports. A short video posted by the Florida Gators' official account stirred excitement among fans early on June 20. The fifteenth-second clip featured quick cuts of Gators football players, crowd energy, and on-field celebration. Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow scores a touchdown as Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Donald Washington attempts a tackle in the BCS National Championship Game in Glendale, Arizona, on Jan. 8, Emmons-Imagn Images The message was direct. The Swamp, known for its atmosphere and noise, remains a difficult place for opponents to play. The video didn't offer new footage or an announcement. Instead, it aimed to set the tone. Game days in Gainesville have always leaned into the idea of toughness and pride, and this video leaned into that same identity. Fans responded quickly. One user replied, 'Can't wait to hit the swamp this year,' capturing a common reaction among Gators supporters. Another called it 'My happy place,' suggesting the stadium still holds emotional weight. Advertisement While most replies were positive, one user from an opposing fanbase commented, 'Easy stadium to play in,' adding a bit of competitive back-and-forth to the post. Another one commented, 'And Eagles'. The phrase 'Only Gators get out Alive' is a longtime slogan tied to Gators football. It's often connected to the loud, high-pressure environment that The Swamp is known for nationally. The post received over 11,000 views within the first day. It also collected hundreds of likes and dozens of comments. This quick reaction suggests continued engagement around the Gators program, even outside the regular season. No current players or coaches were tagged or quoted in the post. It was a tone-setting move, built around tradition and energy. Fans seemed ready to embrace it. With the season still ahead, the early signs of interest point to another loud fall in Gainesville. Advertisement Related: Florida Football: 5 Best Quarterbacks in Gator History Related: Florida Football: Ranking the Toughest Games on the Gators' Schedule This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
News24
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
‘So excited': Demi-Leigh Tebow's new faith-inspired book arrives as baby countdown begins
Beauty queen and soon-to-be mom Demi-Leigh Tebow has penned an all-new book aimed at strengthening faith and self-worth through scripture and personal reflection. Knowing Who You Are Because of Who God Is marks Tebow's third book, following her memoir A Crown That Lasts: You Are Not Your Label and children's book Princess Paris Finds Her Purpose. The book's release coincides with Demi-Leigh and her husband, Tim, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their daughter, expected later this month. Heavily pregnant beauty queen Demi-Leigh Tebow has added yet another book to the growing number of titles under her belt. However, the former Miss South Africa and Miss Universe said this book was 'a little bit different' to the other two she had already penned. Described by Tebow as a '100-day devotional to unbreakable faith,' Knowing Who You Are Because of Who God Is aims to strengthen the reader's faith and trust in God through personal stories, biblical teachings and daily prayer instead of relying on external factors, like appearances, success or the opinions of others. 'The 100 days are broken down into different weeks, and each week is deeply rooted in biblical promise. There is so much space for writing and reflection and journaling alongside the scripture – the promise that we are handling the week,' she said as she elaborated further about the book. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Demi-Leigh Tebow (@demitebow) 'I really wanted to focus on promises rooted in God's truth. So, this book is a guide to understanding who we are and who we've been created to be by, first and foremost, understanding the promises that God has made. I'm so excited for you to come alongside me on this journey of 100 days to unbreakable faith.' According to Amazon, the book will help readers overcome their insecurities and fears and build a more resilient faith. In March last year, Tebow penned her first memoir, A Crown That Lasts: You Are Not Your Label, to help readers claim their true identity, become more confident in God, and live out their unique purpose. People reported that the memoir was inspired by her experiences in 2018 when she passed the Miss Universe crown to her successor, Catriona Gray. Earlier in the year, the mom-to-be also unveiled her children's book, Princess Paris Finds Her Purpose, inspired by her real-life Dalmatian. Tebow explained that the adorable main character embarks on a South African safari adventure but unexpectedly loses her crown, which she believed defined her worth, identity and purpose, during the journey. But later learns that 'sometimes we need a King to remind us who we are' instead. 'I'm even more excited about how this truth-filled message will inspire conversations to help children know their true worth and find their true purpose,' she said about the kiddies' book. Amid her professional milestones, Tebow is also eagerly preparing for the arrival of her baby daughter, who is due close to her birthday on Saturday, 28 June. Reflecting on her pregnancy journey, she told YOU magazine: 'I'm feeling great. I do waddle a bit when I walk now, but other than that, everything is going well.' Despite doing well now, Tebow admitted that her first and second trimesters had not been all smooth sailing, with her experiencing breakouts and hair loss. 'I threw up sometimes, and I couldn't eat chicken anymore – it made me horribly nauseous. Chicken still isn't on my menu,' she said. Counting down to her baby girl's arrival, Tebow also hinted at the possibility of expanding their family in the future, saying, 'A mini-me Tim would be so adorable.'
USA Today
10-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Where Tim Tebow's jump pass ranks among greatest college football plays since 2000
Where Tim Tebow's jump pass ranks among greatest college football plays since 2000 There has been no shortage of incredible plays in college football over the past 25 years, but figuring out which ones were among the best is a tougher task than one might realize. Eight ESPN writers and two editors nominated 51 top plays since 2000 and ranked them from 1 to 25, with 25 points awarded for first-place votes, 24 for second place and continuing until 1 point was awarded for a play voted at No. 25. Among those cracking the top 25 was Tim Tebow's original jump-toss play against the LSU Tigers in 2006, which came in at No. 16. "Only a freshman, Tim Tebow introduced himself to the college football world in 2006 as Florida won the first of two national championships over the next three seasons," Chris Low begins. "He was primarily a short-yardage specialist that year at quarterback behind starter Chris Leak. Tebow's first career touchdown pass came in a key 23-10 win over No. 9 LSU. He took the snap, started toward the line of scrimmage as if he was going to run and then went airborne, pump-faking, and lobbing a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tate Casey in the back of the end zone," he continues. "Tebow won the Heisman Trophy the next year and then duplicated his jump pass as a junior with a game-sealing, 4-yard touchdown to David Nelson against Oklahoma to lead the Gators to the 2008 national championship." It was an amazing time to be a Florida Gator. ESPN's top college football plays since 2000 Kick-Six | Nov. 30, 2013 Boise State trickeration | Jan. 1, 2007 Invincibowl | Jan. 4, 2006 Tua's toss | Jan. 8, 2018 "The Horror" | Sept. 1, 2007 "Six" | Nov. 1, 2008 Prayer at Jordan-Hare | Nov. 16, 2013 Surrender Cobra | Oct. 17, 2015 Superman | Oct. 6, 2001 Champions* | Jan. 3, 2003 Clowney "car wreck" | Jan. 1, 2013 "Oh my gracious!" | Nov. 10, 2012 "Orange Crush" | Jan. 9, 2017 Bush Push | Oct. 15, 2005 Reggie in the fog | Oct. 23, 2004 Jump Pass I | Oct. 7, 2006 Bluegrass Miracle | Nov. 9, 2002 (tied) Eight Laterals of Chaos | Oct. 31, 2015 (tied) Reed wrestles it away | Nov. 10, 2001 "Gravedigger" | Nov. 25, 2023 Black 41 Flash Reverse Pass | Oct. 27, 2001 61-second spectacle | Oct. 27, 2007 Nonsense masterpiece | Nov. 7, 2015 Cam Can | Oct. 23, 2010 Lamar Leap | Sept. 9, 2016 Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
