For Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow, ESPY is an honor
Quarterback Tim Tebow and incoming freshman wide receiver Andre Debose each won an ESPY award Wednesday night at the NOKIA Theatre in Los Angeles.
Tebow was named Best Male College Athlete. Debose was recognized for the Under Armour All-America Moment.
Tebow edged out Sam Bradford (Oklahoma, football), Matt Gilroy (Boston University, hockey), Blake Griffin (Oklahoma, basketball) and Stephen Strasburg (San Diego State, baseball) to become the only two-time winner of the Best Male College Athlete award. He also won in 2008.
"It truly is an honor to even be invited to an event like the ESPYs and be able to be in the same room with many athletes that I have the utmost respect for," said Tebow. "And then to be named the Best Male College Athlete, which was decided by the fans, makes this night even more memorable. I want to thank my teammates and coaches, but a special thank you goes out to the entire Gator Nation, the best fans in the country."
Tebow, who led the Gators to their second national title last season in three years, is the second Florida football player to win an ESPY. Quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, who also won a national title, was chosen Best College Football Player in 1997.
Debose was nominated alongside incoming LSU freshman quarterback Russell Shepard for the Under Armour All-America Moment. The duo hooked up for a 92-yard touchdown pass in the Under Armour All-American Game. Other nominees in this category were Jake Bernhardt (lacrosse), Tara Glover (softball), David Renfroe (baseball), Hannah Werth (volleyball).
The awards show will air on ESPN on Sunday, July 19.
If you bleed orange and blue, this blog is for you. The Gator Report is written by Florida beatwriter Antonya English and the staff of the St. Petersburg Times. We invite your comments and participation.
Grothe should have won
Posted by: Go Bulls | July 16, 2009 at 08:58 AM
Carl Crawford's catch was better than anyone's award. Congrats CC and Go Nole Nation!
Posted by: Jorts Nation Wins ! ! | July 16, 2009 at 09:25 AM
Their is no gator nation. That is a myth and made up. They are reptiles - lizards. Their is a mighty - for real -proud Seminole Nation. UF is copying FSU again. Like the gatorade we created.
Posted by: Seminole Nation is real. | July 16, 2009 at 09:28 AM
Love to see the haters show up en masse. You clowns are hilarious. Seminole nation? Yeah, at a casino with Chief Sitting Cow and Donnie After Buffalo. As for the USF goon, Matt Grothe can't wipe his own rear end so give him an award for that.
Posted by: Kelly | July 16, 2009 at 09:51 AM
The mighty - for real -proud Seminole Nation that just doesn't care enough to show up for games anymore. I hear it's pretty easy to get season tickets now days
Posted by: B | July 16, 2009 at 12:35 PM
You jort-wearing necks need a history lesson on the fearless Seminoles. Its ok guys... you always have 2 titles in 150 years of corrupt football....HOORAY!!
Posted by: Seminole Tribe / Noles Rule | July 16, 2009 at 05:52 PM
Wait, who needs the history lesson? try 3 titles in 150 yrs...
Posted by: B | July 17, 2009 at 08:23 AM
What was that Sports Illustrated cover after the '93 Free Shoes University champtionship? Oh yeah, "Tainted Title.'' Gator envy lives!
Posted by: david | July 17, 2009 at 06:40 PM
The mighty - for real -proud Seminole Nation that just doesn't care enough to show up for games anymore. I hear it's pretty easy to get season tickets now days
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Smarry
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Posted by: Smarry | July 18, 2009 at 05:18 AM
timmy has been seeing jessica simpson since they met at the ESPYs this week. It will be interesting to see if he keeps his mind on football when he has her and all her fame and money to keep his mind occupied.
Posted by: Tebow-Teammate | July 18, 2009 at 02:31 PM
Relax - UF may go wire to wire #1 in another 150 years of Football. Hang in there. Noles also won the 1st NC, top 4, 14 years in a row. We set the bar to high for you clowns. Enjoy.
Posted by: 1999 UNDEFEATED | July 20, 2009 at 09:00 AM
Jeez--you noles are so f'ed up!
Posted by: Cort220 | July 20, 2009 at 04:50 PM