Franklin Graham: Tim Tebow Is 'True Leader On and Off The Field' Because of His Christian Faith

Aug 03, 2015 01:31 PM EDT

Evangelist minister Franklin Graham described Christian NFL player and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback who always praises God in his every game, Tim Tebow, as one of his favorite athletes and called him a "true leader both on and off the field."

Graham posted on his Facebook page Friday, "Football season is around the corner! I don't have a favorite team, but I do have favorite players that I follow. One of them is Tim Tebow. He's not only a great quarterback who can throw and run the ball, but he's a true leader both on and off the field." He added, "Most importantly, Tim lives out his Christian faith at every turn."

Graham said he is praying that God would continue blessing Tebow. He further stated, "I hope he has a great season! He's already a winner," he said.

Graham's post quickly drew positive response from his followers. As of this writing, the post has generated 102,846 likes, 11,613 shares and more than 3,200 comments.

Marietta Nick Herrle commented on Graham's post, "Love TIM TEBOW for his CHRISTIAN Stance. I also ask GOD'S amazing Blessings be upon him at all times." While Shelby Cowley said, "Tim Tebow! Make you be the quarterback for the Eagles, and most of all the quarterback for Jesus' team."

Graham also shared a link to comments made by Eagles' linebacker Brandon Graham on Detroit radio station WGPR, saying that he believed Tebow will play a lot in the next season.

"Tim Tebow goes to shock lots of people, as a result of he's going to make the staff," Graham was quoted by UPI as saying. "And I feel he'll play quite a bit."

The 27 year-old Tebow, participated in the Eagle's training camp on Sunday. He holds 173 of 361, for two,422 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 35 profession video games for the Denver Broncos and New York Jets. "Tebow additionally has 989 dashing yards and 12 touchdowns on 197 profession carries," said UPI.

Tebow is one of the several Christian athletes who is very vocal about their faith and always gives glory to His name for their every game.

This is not surprising as Tebow was born to missionary parents who were then doing missionary works in the Philippines where he was born.

The Christian Post reported that Tebow recently started a hospital in Davao City, Philippines called the Tebow CURE Hospital which started operations in December 2014. The hospital provides care to poverty-stricken children suffering from severe orthopedic injuries or needs. Since its opening, the Tebow CURE Hospital has performed 100 surgeries in partnership with Christian organization CURE International.

Tebow commented earlier, "You get bashed against the rocks sometimes.  But when you have a relationship with Christ ... One of my favorite quotes is, 'I don't know what my future holds, but I know who holds it.' I know what my rock is. I know who's holding my future. It's easy to get hurried and too busy and distracted from your priorities. Mine are faith, family and football, in that order. When those get jumbled up, you're putting the wrong things first in life."