In the world of college football, few names resonate as powerfully as Tim Tebow’s. The former Florida Gators quarterback, a two-time national champion and Heisman Trophy winner, remains one of the most beloved figures in the program’s storied history. So, when another Florida quarterback, Kyle Trask, emerged as a Heisman finalist in 2020, it was only natural for fans and analysts to seek Tebow’s perspective. His reaction not only highlighted Trask’s remarkable journey but also underscored the pride and tradition that define Gator football.
Kyle Trask’s rise to Heisman contention was nothing short of extraordinary. A former backup in high school who didn’t start a single game, Trask arrived at Florida as an unheralded three-star recruit. For years, he waited patiently behind Feleipe Franks, only getting his chance when Franks suffered a season-ending injury in 2019. From that moment on, Trask seized the opportunity with a poise and precision that few could have predicted. By the 2020 season, he had transformed into one of the most prolific passers in the nation, leading the Gators to an SEC Championship berth while shattering school records along the way.
When asked about Trask’s Heisman candidacy, Tim Tebow didn’t hold back his admiration. Known for his humility and unwavering support for his alma mater, Tebow praised Trask’s resilience, leadership, and ability to elevate those around him. “What Kyle has done is just incredible,” Tebow remarked. “To come in, work hard, stay patient, and then explode onto the scene like this—it’s a testament to his character and his work ethic.”
Tebow’s words carried weight not just because of his own legendary status but because he understood better than most what it took to thrive in the pressure cooker of Florida football. As a Heisman winner himself, Tebow recognized the unique challenges Trask faced—carrying the expectations of a passionate fanbase, navigating the scrutiny of the national spotlight, and delivering in high-stakes moments. “The Heisman isn’t just about stats,” Tebow explained. “It’s about impact, about making your team better, and Kyle has done that in every way.”
Indeed, Trask’s numbers in 2020 were staggering. He threw for over 4,200 yards and 43 touchdowns, becoming the first quarterback in SEC history to record six consecutive games with at least four touchdown passes. His chemistry with tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Kadarius Toney was electric, turning Florida’s offense into one of the most explosive units in the country. But beyond the stats, it was Trask’s calm demeanor under pressure that stood out—a trait Tebow himself exemplified during his own college career.
Tebow also emphasized the importance of Trask’s journey as an inspiration to others. “His story is one that every young athlete should hear,” he said. “It’s not about how you start; it’s about how you finish. Kyle never gave up, never stopped believing in himself, and now he’s being recognized among the best in the game.” This sentiment resonated deeply with fans who had watched Trask’s unlikely ascent from obscurity to stardom.
Of course, the comparisons between Tebow and Trask were inevitable. Both quarterbacks led Florida to SEC Championship games, both put up eye-popping numbers, and both became Heisman finalists. Yet, their styles were distinctly different. Tebow was a dual-threat powerhouse, known for his bruising runs and unmatched intensity. Trask, on the other hand, was a pure pocket passer, dissecting defenses with his arm and football IQ. Tebow acknowledged these differences but focused on what they shared: a relentless drive to win. “We might have played the position differently, but at the end of the day, we both wanted the same thing—to leave everything on the field for our team.”
As the Heisman ceremony approached, Trask joined fellow finalists DeVonta Smith, Mac Jones, and Trevor Lawrence in New York—albeit virtually, due to the pandemic. Though Smith ultimately took home the trophy, Trask’s inclusion among the finalists was a monumental achievement in its own right. Tebow, ever the mentor and supporter, made sure to congratulate Trask publicly, tweeting, “So proud of @ktrask9 for representing the @GatorsFB family with class and excellence. The Heisman is just the beginning!”
Looking back, Tebow’s reaction to Trask’s Heisman candidacy was more than just a former star praising a current one. It was a passing of the torch, a recognition of the values that make Florida football special. Tebow’s own legacy was built on faith, perseverance, and an unshakable belief in the power of teamwork—qualities that Trask embodied throughout his journey.
In the years since, Trask has moved on to the NFL, drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he continues to develop his game. Yet, his time at Florida—and the endorsement from a legend like Tebow—remains a defining chapter in his career. For Tebow, seeing another Gator quarterback rise to prominence was a reminder of why he fell in love with the game in the first place.
In the end, Tebow’s reaction to Kyle Trask’s Heisman finalist nod was a celebration of more than just individual success. It was a tribute to the enduring spirit of Florida football—a program where underdogs can become stars, where patience is rewarded, and where legends are always willing to lift up the next generation. And for Gator fans everywhere, that’s a tradition worth cheering for.
