BIRMINGHAM — At the Alabama Policy Institute’s (API) annual dinner on Thursday night, Heisman-winning quarterback Tim Tebow spoke about his faith and the decision that shaped his college career, specifically his choice between the University of Alabama and the University of Florida.

Tebow opened with a few jokes, saying that the crowd’s welcome was “actually the nicest applause I’ve ever gotten in Alabama,” adding that, usually, he’s booed in the state.

He said he was asked, “Were you actually close to going to Alabama?” Following up with, “Yes, and then I got right with the Lord, so it was fine.”

He then described his decision-making process and how close he came to signing with Alabama before transitioning to the importance of living life with a purpose.

Tebow emphasized the importance of having a clear vision, compassion, and urgency. He concluded his remarks with an anecdote about Mother Teresa, emphasizing that love requires sacrifice.

Following the keynote address, U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) recognized Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson for the API Warrior Award.

API began presenting the Warrior Award in 2019 to recognize individuals who have stood up for both fiscal and social conservative principles in both public and private spheres.

Stimpson recognized his family in the audience and talked about the importance of his faith in his public service.

Following his remarks, Stephanie Smith, the president and CEO of API, announced that recently retired Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl was also receiving this year’s awards but was unable to attend the dinner.

The night closed with seven state senators and 13 state representatives being presented with the 2025 Legislative Champions award.

Those award winners were:

• Sen. Sam Givhan

• Sen. Keith Kelley

• Sen. Arthur Orr

• Sen. Dan Roberts

• Sen. Shay Shelnutt

• Sen. Larry Stutts

• Sen. April Weaver

• Rep. Bryan Brinyard

• Rep. Bob Fincher

• Reb. Matthew Hammett

• Rep. Ben Harrison

• Rep. Jamie Kiel

• Rep. Bill Lamb

• Rep. Arnold Mooney

• Rep. Rick Rehm

• Rep. Mark Shirey

• Rep. Matt Simpson

• Rep. Van Smith

• Rep. Kerry Underwood

• Rep. Ernie Yarbrough

The Alabama Policy Institute was founded in 1989 as the Alabama Family Alliance. Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Parker was the founding executive director. Congressman Gary Palmer, a co-founder of the Alabama Family Alliance, became its president. In 2000, the Alabama Family Alliance was renamed the Alabama Policy Institute.

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