Image Credit: ESPN Images

Updated on Thursday, July 14 at 9 p.m.

Nearly 20 hours after it was reported that he would be speaking at the Republican National Convention, Tim Tebow took to social media to deny the reports, shooting them down simply as rumors.

“Just got back from the Philippines, and I wake up this morning to find out that I’m speaking at the Republican National Convention. It’s amazing how fast rumors fly and that’s exactly what it is: a rumor,” he said in an video.

“My goal has always been to be able to make a difference in the biggest way possible, and if one day that’s a political route, then that’s what I’ll do. But right now I really believe that’s through my foundation and our amazing partners and fighting for kids that can’t fight for themselves.

“But I love our country and I would do anything for America. And one of the things that I love most is it’s one nation under God. And do you know what that means? It means that you matter, that God has a plan for your life and that every single person is significant. We all mater. So, let’s come together on that; let’s unite on that. Let’s forget about our quarrels and our differences and let’s come together on one nation under God — that you matter, that he loves you and has a plan for your life. God bless you, and God bless America.”

A video posted by Tim Tebow (@timtebow) on Jul 14, 2016 at 5:42pm PDT

Original story

With presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump making it known that the 2016 Republican National Convention would be more of a show than ever before, it should be no surprise that he’s reached out to celebrities and famous people outside the political arena to make appearances at the four-day event.

And considering the religious views and political leanings of former Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow, perhaps this should not be a surprise either: Tebow will reportedly be speaking at the convention.

According to The New York Times, which obtained a list of every planned speaker, Tebow will lead off the fourth day of the convention, which will be closed by Trump himself.

The former Heisman Trophy winner has not been overt with his political beliefs, but it has been reported previously that members of the Republican party have contacted him about potentially running for office in the state of Florida. Tebow was also rumored to be a surprise guest speaker at the 2012 convention but that did not come to fruition.

Tebow, who is now an analyst on SEC Network along with being a morning show contributor and reality television host, still delivers speaking engagements across the country based on his positive outlook and religious values. His second book, “Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life’s Storms” is set to be released on Oct. 25.

It will be interesting to see how Tebow’s planned participation in this event is received nationally and whether it polarizes him to a large part of his fanbase.

Others in the athletic field who will reportedly be speaking at the convention include UFC president Dana White and LPGA golfer Natalie Gublis.