On January 8, 2009, quarterback Tim Tebow took the field for the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship with “John 3:16” written under his eyes in eyeblack. The Florida Gators won, and in the next 24 hours, roughly 94 million people searched that verse.
Three years later to the day, Tebow led the Denver Broncos to a playoff win with 316 passing yards and an average of 31.6 yards per completion—numbers that echoed the same verse. This game is known as the “John 3:16 Game.”
That courage to live one’s faith in Christ publicly has since inspired others—not just in sports, but in life. Few embodied that conviction more fiercely than Charlie Kirk. Kirk is a portrait of courage—a conservative icon who spoke openly about his faith and the need for moral courage in an age of compromise. His assassination on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University, stunned the nation—in death, his faith has been amplified and is currently resonating throughout the USA. In fact, his martyrdom has turned an entire nation back to Christ. Famously an Oregon Ducks fan and a very good athlete himself, Charlie had a profound impact on many prominent athletes. In the weeks surrounding his death, several athletes drew renewed attention to faith in public life. Lamar Jackson, quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, had previously reshared one of Kirk’s posts declaring, “It’s all about Jesus.” Chicago Cubs infielder Matt Shaw skipped a game to attend Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, saying he felt it was important to honor a dear friend who stood for truth and faith. And Harrison Butker, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker known for his outspoken Catholic faith— who has shared a stage with Kirk—again became a national symbol of conviction amid controversy over his unapologetic Christian views. Butker shared messages he exchanged with Kirk, citing Philippians 3:14, shortly before the tragedy: “I press on toward the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus 🙏,” Kirk wrote. Butker’s response: “On the mission 🙏🏻Thank you.” There are many other examples. In fact, it was recently revealed that many professional athletes actually had burner accounts so they could follow Charlie Kirk while avoiding getting mobbed by the woke cancel culture crowd. The New York Yankees held a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk ahead of their game, and displayed his photo on the center-field scoreboard with the words “Remembering Charlie Kirk.” So did the Chicago Cubs. Across the NFL, many teams also paused before their games to pay respects. The Jets, Cardinals, Dolphins, Saints, Chiefs, Cowboys, Titans, Packers, and Arizona Cardinals held moments of silence or displayed tributes on their jumbotrons. And while these teams did the right thing, the NFL continues to double down on wokeness, announcing recently that anti-American artist Bad Bunny will be the feature artist at this year’s Super Bowl halftime show. After a brilliant suggestion by Jack Posobiec, TPUSA has decided to launch its own alternate halftime show, featuring patriotic and God-fearing artists. This February, TPUSA will stage a massive John 3:16 moment for the world to see. Tim Tebow mourned the great man Charlie Kirk publicly, posting “I’m shocked and devastated to learn about the passing of Charlie Kirk. Above all else, Charlie was a follower of Jesus, a husband, and a dad. He was a man of passion, courage, and devotion to making an eternal impact. Demi and I are praying for Erika, his two children, and everyone who loved him.” With all of America watching, Tebow and Kirk both faced the tension between faith and fame—between what’s easy to say and what’s true to live. They both chose to boldly proclaim Christ is King despite the slings and arrows that this simple and true statement carries with it. Their stories echo the same message that Tebow wore on his face that night in Miami: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Charlie Kirk’s life and sacrifice have reignited that message for a new generation. And because of voices like his—and those now emboldened to carry it forward—there will be many more John 3:16 moments to come. America is turning to Christ. An army of Tim Tebows has been activated.
