In a poignant keynote address at the annual Kansans for Life Valentine’s Day banquet in 2020, former NFL star Tim Tebow reminded us why so many people love him. During his speech, Tebow affirmed his unwavering commitment to the pro-life cause, declaring that he would rather be known for saving unborn children from abortion than winning the Super Bowl.

It's a speech worth remembering today, the day after Super Bowl LVIII.

The former athlete’s life story has played a substantial role in motivating his pro-life activism and highlights the importance of safeguarding the lives of the innocent.

Tebow’s speech came after remarks from other leaders, including Mary Kay Culp, co-owner of the Kansas City Chiefs Lamar Hunt, and others.

The highlight of the evening for many was the keynote address by Tim Tebow, former quarterback for the Denver Broncos.

“It is such an honor to be here,” Tebow said as he thanked the archbishop, politicians, and Culp for work on behalf of the unborn.

Tebow also thanked Hunt for “having courage in the face of a lot of other people who don’t have it and for your willingness to be up here and support this organization.”

“It really does mean a lot more than winning the Super Bowl,” Tebow said. He added, “One day, when you look back and people are talking about you and they say Oh my gosh what are you going to be known for? Are you going to say Super Bowl, or we saved a lot of babies?”

Speaking about Kansans for Life, Tebow said it’s not a philanthropy.

“It’s a rescue mission. You know why we call it a rescue mission? Because when we say that, it puts a timeline on it.”

“When’s the last time you heard a rescue mission taking place in a month or a few years. No, a rescue mission means now. It gives you a sense of urgency. It says we have to go not because it’s our time, but because it’s their time. … I have to live a sense of urgency because while I might have time, they don’t.”

Tebow also told the story of how his mother was urged to abort him due to medical issues. She refused.

"My mom 32 years ago had doctors tell her she needed to abort me because if she didn’t, it was going to cost her life. And they didn’t even believe that I was a baby. They thought I was a tumor."

The former NFL star also pointed out that winning the Super Bowl can provide other pro-life athletes with a bigger platform to spread the message.

Tebow’s life and career have been a testament to his Christian beliefs, which has often garnered criticism from the left. Nevertheless, he's continued to live out his beliefs on and off the field and has become a beloved figure in American society because of it.

In an era in which athletes and other public figures are leveraging their platforms to champion various causes, we need more like Tebow who are willing to take a stand for what is right. In the age of cancel culture, it is even more important that high-profile individuals become willing to speak out despite the inevitable slings and arrows that will come their way.