Shaken

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. His college career was also marked by his records for passing speed and rushing yards. Tebow built on the success of his college football experience when he was drafted as the first pick by the NFL team the Denver Broncos in 2010. However, after just a year of playing for the team as a quarterback, Tebow was traded to the New York Jets. After his release from the Jets, Tebow briefly played for the New England Patriots before they, too, released him. In Shaken, Tebow describes his decision to embrace his hiatus from football to continue training independently; when this was unsuccessful, he decided to begin a professional baseball career with the New York Mets.

During his time in the NFL, Tebow attracted media attention for his public displays of faith and became well-known for his devout Christian beliefs. For instance, he would kneel and pray during games, a habit some in the media referred to as “Tebowing.” Once this practice became an internet sensation, Tebow trademarked the term. Tebow has expressed that his prayer during games was a personal and spiritual practice, and it was not meant to invite speculation from the public. He brings his devout faith to his book, Shaken, in which he discusses how his beliefs are a central part of his life and how his faith in God has helped him cope with challenges.

Shaken is one of over a dozen books by Tebow, whose other titles include Through My Eyes (2011) and Mission Possible (2022). Like his other works, Shaken also combines personal anecdotes with faith-based inspirational messages. The author has also published youth editions of his books, as well as accompanying devotional materials. Tebow has written two picture books for children as part of a series called Bronco and Friends, which also share inspirational messages. Tebow is well known for his philanthropic efforts as the founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation in 2010. One of the foundation’s initiatives is its W15H Program, which provides special events for youth with disabilities. The author combines his philanthropic work with his writing career by including anecdotes from his acquaintances in the foundation within his books, discussing how these youth have taught him valuable life lessons.