Football

Trevor Lawrence discusses new teammate Tim Tebow, says their faith is 'a connecting point'

By Jon Ackerman May 26, 2021
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (AP Photo/John Raoux)

It’s safe to say the Jacksonville Jaguars will be one of the most-watched NFL teams this fall. Not only do they now boast the No. 1 overall pick from the 2021 NFL Draft, Trevor Lawrence, they also feature Tim Tebow (if he makes the team), a former first-round NFL pick and Heisman Trophy winner who is moving from quarterback to tight end in his return to football after five years playing minor-league baseball.

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Both players starred in college, won national championships, and entered the NFL under a sizable spotlight. Their spotlights are beginning to merge with them both in the same locker room.

In a few different interactions with media this week, Lawrence was asked about his new teammate. On at least two occasions, he was asked about their shared faith in Christ.

“It’s a connecting point, for sure,” Lawrence told CBS Sports when asked if their faith could help establish a deeper relationship between the two. “For me, that’s just always been my answer, just being honest when I get asked questions about what helps keep me going. That’s my foundation. Almost everything in my life is football, but I know it won’t last forever, it’ll be gone some day, so it’s just being honest about what’s more important.”

Then, on the AP Pro Football Podcast, Lawrence was asked what he’s seen out of Tebow in the short time they’ve gotten to know each other.

“He’s just a guy that you want to be around. Character is awesome,” Lawrence said. “Had a few conversations with him and I can already tell, and [he’s] just a hard worker. No one is going to work harder than him. Those are the kind of guys you want in your locker room and you want to be around every day. And then I’m excited to see what he can do on the field as well. We got in a few days and he looks great. He’s in awesome shape.”

Lawrence was also asked on the AP podcast if them both being men of strong faith could be something they bond over.

“I never met Tim until last week, so I didn’t really know him, but I was intrigued by his character, his work ethic and what he’s been able to do through his life on the field and off the field,” Lawrence said. “All those things are really interesting, so I was excited to meet him. When it was official, I saw him in the locker room and had a few good conversations and I really like him.”

In football, in baseball and away from the games, Tebow has long been one of the most outspoken Christ-following athletes — whether that’s preaching in churches or prisons, producing movies, or spreading God’s love through the Tim Tebow Foundation and its annual Night to Shine events. He was well-known in college for eye black with Bible verses written on them, and in the NFL for praying on the field.

During his time in college, in addition to all the football success, Lawrence was known for writing Bible verses on his wrist bands, trying to raise money for people during the pandemic, and stating his identity is in Christ. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said about Lawrence on the Sports Spectrum Draft Special, “What I love about him more than anything is he’s faith-driven. He has built his life on a foundation of faith.”

On the football field, both faith-driven stars will be challenged to improve the Jaguars. They both enjoyed a lot of wins in college, but Jacksonville has had just one winning season in the past 13 years. This season should be fun to watch.

RELATED STORIES: 
— ‘Faith-driven’ Trevor Lawrence selected No. 1 overall in NFL Draft by Jacksonville
— Tim Tebow to sign 1-year contract with Jacksonville Jaguars
— QB Trevor Lawrence, Marissa Mowry get married with Christ at the center
— MAGAZINE: Clemson Quarterback Trevor Lawrence Has His Identity Secured
— Tim Tebow discusses ‘greatest trade in history of the world’ in Easter Sunday sermon

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