NEW YORK -- Tim Tebow took a few deep breaths, steadied himself, then plowed through his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech much the same way he takes on tacklers -- fast and furious.
In rapid fire, Florida's sophomore quarterback thanked everyone he could think of, some of them twice. When it came time to take hold of the 25-pound bronze statue, he looked as if he wasn't sure whether he should run with the prize or throw it. He does both so well.
Florida's folk-hero quarterback with the rugged running style and magnetic personality became the first sophomore to win the Heisman on Saturday night.
"I am fortunate, fortunate for a lot of things," Tebow said. "God truly blessed me, and this just adds on. It's an honor. I'm so happy to be here."
Since 1935, when Jay Berwanger of Chicago won the first Heisman, every winner had been a junior or senior -- until Tebow, who picked up quite a souvenir on his first trip to New York.
"It's surreal a little bit," he said. "It's just overwhelming."
He beat out Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, the first player since 1949 to finish second in consecutive seasons. Tebow received 1,957 points and 462 first-place votes to McFadden's 1,703 points and 291 first-place votes.
"I think it's awesome you're known forever as a Heisman Trophy winner," Tebow said.
Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan was third, and Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel fourth.
A year after Tebow helped Florida win a national title, and in his first season as the Gators' starter, the 235-pound quarterback in a fullback's body put together a historic campaign. He's the first major-college player to run for 20 touchdowns and throw 20 touchdown passes in the same season.
Tebow had both his parents and all four siblings with him in New York. Mom and Dad got hugs after his name was called.
"It was cool to have them all there," Tebow said. "I haven't had a chance to hug them all yet, but I am looking forward to that."
In an unpredictable college football season, the Heisman race was as unsettled as the national title chase. Tebow emerged as the front-runner even though Florida (9-3) stumbled early.
Six of the last seven Heisman winners picked up their bronze statues on the way to playing in the national championship game. Tebow won't get that chance this season, but Heisman voters didn't hold Florida's failure to repeat its national title against him.
