'I'll always be a Gator:' Florida football legend Tim Tebow offers kind words about UF during game

Tim Tebow is back in Gainesville this weekend for the Florida-Florida State game, and he delivered some positive remarks from the sideline Saturday about his alma mater.

Tebow, who shined for the Gators from 2006-09 and won two national championships and a Heisman Trophy, told ESPN's Holly Rowe that he gets emotional every time he comes back to the Swamp.

"I just love this place. We can't stand that team. It's a special night," Tebow said. "All the memories, the moments, the ability to play in a game that we love, God's grace. It's special. I love it so much."

Part of the reason UF holds a special meaning to Tebow is his grandfather, he told Rowe. Tebow said his grandfather's dream was to see Florida win an SEC championship, and that occurred right after he passed.

"I like to think that when we won, he was watching us. It really does just mean more," Tebow said. ""I love being a Gator. I was born a Gator. I played as a Gator."

Tebow was celebrated following the first quarter in the end zone. The former Gator was jointly honored by the Gators, the National Football Foundation and the College Football Hall of Fame. Tebow is a 2023 inductee into the hall.

He was also joined by former Gators quarterback and coach, fellow Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer Steve Spurrier.

The Gators were ahead of the No. 5 Seminoles 10-0 about halfway through the second quarter.

Noah Ram covers Gainesville-area high school sports and University of Florida athletics for The Gainesville Sun. Contact him at Nram@gannett.com and follow him @Noah_ram1 on Twitter. 

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Tim Tebow speaks to ESPN's Holly Rowe during Gators game with Florida State