Tim Tebow explains biggest regret is game in which Alabama made him cry (2024)

Tim Tebow compiled a 48-7 record in three seasons at Florida. He played in two SEC Championship Games. He was part of two national championship teams and won a Heisman Trophy. So, it is hard to imagine there is any regret from his college days.

Yet, during Netflix’s documentary, “Untold: Swamp Things,” the SEC Network analyst revealed his biggest regret was a single game.

Put simply, “It was the day that the Gators died, and Tebow cried.”

The 2009 SEC Championship Game pit undefeated Florida, in search of three national championships in four years, against undefeated Alabama, which fell to the Gators in the same game the season before.

The documentary, which seems to gloss over the more explosive off-the-field issues plaguing the program to present a Disney-type presentation of all that the Gators overcame to be champions, did dive into the impact the night of Dec. 5, 2009, had on the program.

“When I look back at all of the game I’ve ever played in, that’s the one I have the most regret for,” Tebow said in the documentary. “We were so close to do it. But we were still trying to match the past versus press on for the future.”

To be clear, Tebow was referring to being close to the ultimate goal of an undefeated, national championship season. The game was anything but.

Mark Ingram rushed for 113 yards and three touchdowns. Greg McElroy threw for 239 yards and a touchdown to claim the MVP award, and Alabama won 32-13. The Alabama defense held Tebow in check and left him crying at the end.

“The game started, and sure enough, we were in a street fight early, and then they started to pull away from us,” then-Florida coach Urban Meyer said. “Their defense was relentless on Tim. Never see it happen where their focus was on ‘get after him.’”

Tebow, who had come back for his senior year to winning another title, was 20 of 35 for 247 yards but his last gasp was picked off in the end zone.

“We went against another juggernaut in Alabama, that for 365 days, they talked about losing to us,” Tebow said looking back. “They preached about stopping us. They had the edge because they had nothing to lose, and we had everything to lose.”

Perhaps most interesting about the game is Florida believes - even today - they were the better team.

“We should have won 2009,” linebacker Ryan Stamper said in the documentary. “Talent for talent, player for player we should not have lost that game.”

The outcome of the game was the nail in the coffin as SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum alluded to in the documentary.

“I just felt like, you know, something was wrong with me,” Meyer said. “I felt the dynasty slipping from our hands right there. I feel all of this coming on me because it is my team. Felt like a failure.”

Days later Meyer retired, citing health issues.

“You know when I walk in there, I love it,” Tebow said of Ben Griffin Stadium in Gainesville. “It’s the best stadium in the country. So much success, and so much fun, and so many memories. But I think it’s hard for me because there’s supposed to be another number at the end. It’s supposed to say ‘96, ‘06, ‘08, ‘09 (national championships).”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

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Tim Tebow explains biggest regret is game in which Alabama made him cry (2024)

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Tim Tebow explains biggest regret is game in which Alabama made him cry? ›

So, it is hard to imagine there is any regret from his college days. Yet, during Netflix's documentary, “*ntold: Swamp Things,” the SEC Network analyst revealed his biggest regret was a single game. Put simply, “It was the day that the Gators

Gators
The Florida Gators football program represents the University of Florida (UF) in American college football.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Florida_Gators_football
died, and Tebow cried.

What game did Tim Tebow cry in? ›

Share All sharing options for: Ten years ago today, Tim Tebow cried. For younger fans it's probably difficult to comprehend a time when Alabama played the underdog role, but on December 5, 2009, Alabama rolled into Atlanta to face the defending national champion Florida Gators as just that.

What is the Tim Tebow Bill in Alabama? ›

On Thursday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill referred to as the “Tim Tebow Bill.” The piece of legislature will allow Alabama's home-schooled students to play sports for the local public high schools they are zoned for, starting in seventh grade.

What happened with Tim Tebow? ›

At that point, Tebow left the NFL. He played minor league baseball under the New York Mets' umbrella in 2016 and played for various teams in the minor leagues through 2019, making it as high as Triple-A, according to ESPN. He retired from baseball in 2021, according to Bleacher Report.

What religion is Tim Tebow? ›

College Football Hall of Fame

His frequent comeback victories and outspoken Christian faith made him a cultural phenomenon, with his habit of dropping to one knee in prayer on the field becoming known as "Tebowing".

Who was the crying football player? ›

PARADISE, Nevada -- One year after Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni went viral for shedding tears during the Super Bowl national anthem, Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones has followed suit, noticeably crying moments before kickoff Sunday.

Did Tim Tebow play for Alabama? ›

Tebow almost attended Alabama but chose to go to Florida instead in what he described as a “last-second decision.” According to Finebaum, the decision by Tebow to choose the Gators changed the course of college football history.

How much does it cost to get Tim Tebow? ›

An example fee to book Tim Tebow is in the starting range of $75,000-$149,999. However, any recent popularity change would cause a price fluctuation well beyond this example.

Is Tim Tebow still trying to play baseball? ›

Tebow's baseball journey comes to an end. NEW YORK -- Tim Tebow, the former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback who put aside football to take up a baseball career, has announced his retirement. “I loved every minute of the journey, but at this time I feel called in other directions," Tebow said in a statement.

Can homeschoolers play sports in Alabama? ›

Homeschoolers and Public School Sports

Homeschoolers may play public school sports with the local school where the student is zoned to attend. There is no state law regarding this. The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) amended its by-laws to accommodate homeschoolers.

What is a famous quote from Tim Tebow? ›

I do not know what the future holds, but I know who holds my future. What God knows about us is more important than what others think. You never know how the tough times you are going through today will inspire someone else tomorrow. We were created by Love, in love, and for love.

What's so special about Tim Tebow? ›

Tim Tebow is a two-time national champion, Football Hall of Fame Inductee, Heisman Trophy winner, first-round NFL draft pick, and a former professional baseball player.

Did Tim Tebow go to the Super Bowl? ›

Tim Tebow made it to the Super Bowl after all, and he's not even in the NFL! The former New York Jets quarterback won't be playing in the game. Instead, he'll be starring in the first Super Bowl ads by telecom provider T-Mobile (TMUS).

Did Alabama make Tim Tebow cry? ›

Put simply, “It was the day that the Gators died, and Tebow cried.” The 2009 SEC Championship Game pit undefeated Florida, in search of three national championships in four years, against undefeated Alabama, which fell to the Gators in the same game the season before.

Does Tim Tebow eat meat? ›

yogurt are must-haves throughout the day. Beyond that, Tebow sticks to lean meats, like chicken, steak and salmon, often pairing them with asparagus, spinach or avocado. And guacamole: "Love it."

Does Tim Tebow have a disability? ›

What's less known about Tebow is that he was diagnosed with dyslexia.

What is Tim Tebow most famous for? ›

Tim Tebow is a two-time national champion, Football Hall of Fame Inductee, Heisman Trophy winner, first-round NFL draft pick, and a former professional baseball player.

What bowl game did Tim Tebow play in? ›

The Gators appeared in four consecutive bowl games during Tebow's time in Gainesville, including victories at the 2007 Tostitos BCS National Championship Game, the 2009 FedEx BCS National Championship Game, and the 2010 Allstate Sugar Bowl.

What was Tim Tebow's 40? ›

He ran a 4.72-second 40-yard dash (fourth-fastest among quarterbacks that year), the three-cone drill in 6.66 seconds (fastest among quarterbacks that year), and his vertical jump was 38.5 inches (best among quarterbacks that year). Tebow went on to impress teams in interviews as well.

How did Tim Tebow get hurt? ›

Finger injury ends season for Mets' Tebow

The 31-year-old outfielder will miss the rest of the Triple-A Syracuse campaign due to a laceration on his left hand that he suffered fielding a ball in a July 23 game against Toledo and required stitches.

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