GAINESVILLE, Fla. _ Though his latest speech to the Gator Nation didn't reach 2008 standards, Tim Tebow nonetheless found just the right words to stoke an audience of more than 90,000 Saturday.
In conjunction with UF's recognition of its 2008 national title team, the school formally inducted Tebow _ quarterback of that squad _ into its Ring of Honor between the first and second quarters.
After acknowledging God and his parents during some brief onfield remarks, Tebow praised his teammates and fan base.
"I love you guys; thank you for loving me," said Tebow, whose speech after the 2008 team's lone loss, to Ole Miss, is part of Gator lore.
"I was born a Gator, I played as a Gator, I will die as a Gator."
Tebow, 31, was among approximately 80 members of the 2008 squad (including walk-ons and staffers) recognized Saturday. Lakewood High alumnus and former Bucs receiver Louis Murphy, a captain of the team, served as honorary Mr. Two-Bits.
"It's nice and I'm happy for him and his family that on a night when he gets put in the Ring of Honor here ... we were able to find a way to win the game," said Florida coach Dan Mullen, Tebow's offensive coordinator in '08.
"Tim was ready to go (play). He was ready to buckle it up and go, man."
