Tim Tebow was born in Makati, Philippines, to American missionary parents Pamela and Robert Tebow. He largely grew up in Florida and also spent some years in Mindanao and Manila, Philippines, where his parents continued their outreach work. Tebow was profoundly influenced by his experiences in the Philippines, where he was moved by witnessing local people’s conversions to Christianity as well as the strength of their community and friendship. As a teenager, he traveled back there and met a young teen with severe disabilities. This experience influenced Tebow’s decision to later create a foundation that helps youth with special needs. Tebow grew up with four siblings—Peter, Robby, Katie, and Christy—with whom he remains close. He found academic learning to be a struggle, as he was dyslexic and preferred hands-on learning to reading and writing. Growing up, Tebow played football and baseball, and his passion for these sports continued into adulthood.

After graduating from high school in his home state of Florida, Tebow played for the University of Florida’s Gators football team as a quarterback, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2007 for his outstanding performance as a college athlete.