Tim and Demi-Leigh Tebow Lost Their Dream Jobs and Found Something Better

by

Okay, let me tell you about Tim and Demi-Leigh Tebow – they are the all-American couple. Seriously, if someone tried to create the perfect embodiment of early 21st-century American values, these two would be it. She’s a former beauty queen, he’s a former NFL quarterback and baseball player – the whole package! They’re both motivational speakers, active in their faith, and even enjoy shows like Ted Lasso and The Chosen. Plus, they’re huge on social media, with millions of followers, and both experienced a real moment in the spotlight. They just feel like America, you know?

Both women recently released books around the same time. The books share common themes: they’re meant to inspire, express strong faith, and are based on personal experiences. Demi, as she’s known, wrote a 100-day devotional called Knowing Who You Are Because of Who God Is, which expands on the lessons from her memoir. Her memoir details how she redefined herself after being Miss Universe in 2018 and discovered true self-worth – which she found through her faith and belief in being created in God’s image.

Tim Tebow’s latest book, Look Again, is his sixth aimed at adult readers. It explores how we, and particularly those who follow Jesus, need to rethink how we view and treat people with disabilities. The book begins by recounting the horrific history of the Nazi program that systematically killed hundreds of thousands of disabled Germans, starting with children, based on the false idea that they were unproductive members of society. Throughout the rest of the book, Tebow and his co-author thoughtfully guide readers to consider whether their own attitudes and actions might unintentionally be devaluing people with disabilities, drawing on lessons he learned while accompanying his missionary parents abroad. The central message? Every person is created in God’s image and deserves respect.

Most people probably remember Tim Tebow as a football star – or maybe for that iconic praying pose, ‘Tebowing,’ which was everywhere back in the early 2010s. But what a lot of people don’t know is that this former Heisman Trophy winner – and yes, he struggled with dyslexia – has quietly built a really successful career as an author. Since 2011, he’s published five books for adults, including an autobiography and several inspirational titles, and four of them hit the New York Times bestseller list! He’s also written seven books for younger readers. He’s surprisingly candid about the process, too. He jokes about being thankful for his ghostwriter, admitting that actually writing those books himself would be a real struggle!

Many remember Demi as Miss Universe—the first South African to win the title in nearly four decades—but she’s also recently become a successful author. Her memoir, A Crown That Lasts, launched in August 2024 and quickly reached No. 6 on the USA Today best-seller list. In April, she released a children’s book, Princess Paris Finds Her Purpose, which also proved popular. All of her books explore a common theme: what happens after you’ve accomplished your biggest goal?

Demi, now 30, had always dreamed of being Miss Universe, and for a year, she lived that dream. But when a new Miss Universe was crowned, Demi’s reign ended quickly. She expected to pursue a traditional path for former winners, like modeling or acting, but realized it wasn’t what she wanted. For about a year and a half, she felt lost, trying modeling but disliking the industry. She began to question her identity and purpose, wondering what she was worth without the title. It was hard to accept that she was replaceable and to figure out where she belonged.

Tim Tebow’s husband experienced similar difficulties, though a bit later in life and with more hesitation. After a remarkable college football career – he was recently named to an all-time All-America team – Tim was drafted into the NFL in the first round. However, after playing for several teams over three seasons, he decided to try baseball in 2016. He worked his way through the minor leagues and even made it to the New York Mets’ major league training camp in 2020, before returning to football as a tight end. In 2021, he was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars, his local team, which was deeply upsetting. “It was a blow to my pride and ego,” Tim admits. “Every sports channel seemed to be replaying my mistakes endlessly.”

When Tim Tebow unexpectedly found himself with free time, he traveled to Afghanistan with a colleague from his foundation, the Tim Tebow Foundation (TTF), during the turbulent U.S. withdrawal. This trip opened his eyes to true hardship. Combined with the support of his wife, who had recently lost her own dream job, it shifted his focus toward advocating for those he considers most vulnerable. He realized what felt like setbacks were actually opportunities for something more meaningful. He says he always knew there were things beyond football, but he needed a reminder of what truly mattered. He’s grateful for the redirection and feels called to this important work.

The way Tim and Demi tell it, they were each other’s manifest destiny.

The Tim Tebow Foundation (TTF) helps people facing incredibly difficult situations – those who have been trafficked, vulnerable children, and individuals with medical needs or disabilities. While much of their work deals with serious issues, one of their most uplifting events is Night to Shine, a prom held annually for people with disabilities the Friday before Valentine’s Day. Churches and volunteers in over 60 countries host the event, offering encouragement and celebration. Tim and his family make an effort to visit as many proms as possible, sharing excitement and joy with the attendees. It was through Night to Shine that Tim Tebow and his wife first met.

Their relationship didn’t start with a fairytale romance, but it could easily be the basis for a heartwarming movie. Demi, originally from South Africa, had a half-sister named Franje who was born with a brain condition. Demi’s father and stepmother dedicated their lives to caring for Franje, who needed constant attention. In 2018, Franje was invited to a special event in Cape Town called Night to Shine, but she was too ill to go. Demi, who was Miss Universe at the time, reached out to Tim—she initially thought his name was pronounced “Tee-bough”—to express her gratitude. Demi explains that her family had become very isolated and didn’t feel much support. Then, she says, “this really sweet American guy who loved people just like my little sister” reached out.

They both lived in New York City when they first started talking, but due to their busy schedules with baseball and beauty pageants, they initially connected through email and phone calls. A single conversation lasting two hours, twenty-four minutes, and six seconds was enough to realize they shared a lot of common ground – including a competitive spirit, similar faith, and dedication to fitness. Demi recalls feeling a strong connection even before they met in person, describing it as love at first conversation. They became engaged within a year.

Demi experienced a frightening carjacking shortly after becoming Miss South Africa. During rush hour, armed men stole her car, but when one tried to pull her back inside, she fought him off, punching him in the throat. She then ran to safety in her high heels. It took a while, but another young woman finally stopped and gave her a ride. The experience, and the fact that many drivers ignored her pleas for help, motivated Demi to launch #Unbreakable, a self-defense campaign for young women, which gained even more attention after she was crowned Miss Universe.

Demi’s experience of losing her position with the Jaguars felt most acutely when she had to give up her title. It wasn’t simply the loss of perks like a car, legal support, a stylist, public attention, and a manager—though she even jokingly created an email for a fake assistant—but a deeper loss of direction. She felt unable to continue her work, and the death of her dog, Franje, just four months after her engagement, deepened her feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

Being married to a famous athlete actually made things harder, as people often wrongly assumed her own career was only meant to support her husband, Tim. She now realizes she needed a stronger support system. As she explains in her book, finding a purpose that’s bigger than yourself—something that can make a lasting difference—is incredibly important.

Her work to protect women naturally aligned with her beliefs, and it also connected with an issue her husband’s foundation already supported. She initially believed human trafficking was a problem that occurred in other countries, but now understands it’s widespread, happening in every country and all 50 states. While some victims are smuggled, nearly half of trafficking cases involve someone the victim knows and trusts – a family member, partner, or someone who was supposed to be their protector.

Demi immediately defines human trafficking as involving “force, fraud, and coercion,” explaining these three elements are almost always present in cases, which typically involve a buyer, a seller, and a victim. She actively supports organizations dedicated to helping trafficking survivors, serving on multiple boards. She expresses deep satisfaction in working with her husband and the Tim Tebow Foundation to combat this issue, and her sincerity shines through despite using formal, carefully worded language.

I was so excited to hear that Tim and Demi Tebow got married in Cape Town back in 2020, and now they have a little girl named Daphne Reign, born just this July! During our video chat, Demi showed off this gorgeous necklace Tim gave her to celebrate Daphne’s birth – it’s got both ruby, which is Daphne’s birthstone, and moonstone, which is Demi’s! Seriously, Tim is such a thoughtful gift-giver. And you won’t believe the proposal – he surprised Demi with a live serenade from her favorite South African Christian musician! It’s become a bit of a local legend there!

Despite their new baby not sleeping through the night, Demi has still managed a busy week of speaking engagements. She describes the last thirteen weeks as both wonderful and challenging, admitting she wasn’t prepared for the sheer amount of baby laundry or how nerve-wracking it is to trim a newborn’s nails! Meanwhile, Tim, while traveling, is approaching fatherhood like a quarterback strategizing on the field. He recounts bringing their daughter, Daphne, home from the hospital and immediately turning to Demi, asking what the next steps were and where the instructions were – he wanted a plan!

Tim, known for appearing in a politically charged Super Bowl commercial for Focus on the Family in 2010 and his continued advocacy for the pro-life movement, has recently focused more on the issue of human trafficking. This year, he testified before the House Judiciary Committee in support of the Renewed Hope Act, a bipartisan bill that would give Homeland Security more resources to find and help victims of online child exploitation.

You know, when I asked Tebow directly about the migrants caught in raids and held without proper legal procedures – the very people he claims to champion – he really dodged the question. He talked about the inherent value of all human life, which is great, but then immediately added something about needing rules and regulations. It felt like a non-answer. Then, I brought up the cuts to foreign aid and how they’re hurting people with serious medical needs overseas, and he admitted he wasn’t really informed on the issue, instead highlighting the work of other Christians helping out. Honestly, as someone who cares about these issues, it was a bit frustrating to see him side-step the tough questions.

Demi has consistently highlighted issues affecting women, particularly the gender pay gap and sexual harassment, stating that men need to be accountable for their behavior. However, she avoids the label ‘feminist,’ explaining that she believes the term can sometimes be misinterpreted as being anti-men. She emphasizes the importance of working with men to achieve equality and believes strong male allies are crucial. Her earlier advocacy work, known as #Unbreakable, is now largely focused on her efforts to combat human trafficking.

Some people, like Tim Tebow’s former coach and friend Urban Meyer, see Tebow and his wife Demi’s approach to sensitive issues as a sensible way to avoid unnecessary conflict. Meyer believes their faith guides them to common sense, but they’re also careful not to offend others. However, others criticize this approach, seeing it as a lack of strong moral conviction. Tebow himself explains that he deliberately avoids taking extreme positions, preferring to acknowledge the good intentions of people on all sides of an issue and avoid overly simplistic judgments.

Tim Tebow’s ability to see shades of gray likely comes from his childhood experiences visiting the Philippines, where his missionary parents had to navigate complex political situations. This approach has also helped him and his wife avoid the divisive debates common within many evangelical circles. According to coach Meyer, their authenticity is key to handling public attention. “They’re just genuine people,” he explains, “and that’s why they can withstand the pressure.”

Tim still carries reminders of growing up as a missionary’s child. He consistently uses “Miss” when addressing older women, even those interviewing him. Though he no longer writes Bible verses on his face paint, he frequently finds ways to talk about God. A touch of the preacher always comes through in his speeches – he becomes more articulate as he speaks, often using his surroundings to make his points. For example, he describes having a “beginner’s mindset” when receiving criticism, comparing it to a martial arts student just starting out. And he enthusiastically recommends products he enjoys, from a simple three-ingredient ice cream to waterproof sticky notes for the shower.

Their relationship isn’t without its challenges. Tim is still patiently explaining the rules of football to Demi, particularly the downs, as she originally favored rugby’s faster pace and simpler equipment. They also have minor disagreements – Demi wishes Tim wouldn’t leave so many empty soda cans around, and Tim misses being closer to South Africa. Their local Clean Juice store didn’t succeed, though they do have other investments through the Tebow Group. Interestingly, the public’s fascination with “Tebowing” has faded. Despite these things, those who know them believe, quite sincerely, that Tim and Demi are perfectly suited for each other.

Both Tim and Pam Tebow explore a similar idea in their books, one that feels particularly relevant right now: what happens when things aren’t going well? Their answer, and the way they live their lives, suggests that it’s a time to focus on and support those who are struggling.

Read More

2025-11-03 14:07