Throwing the football around on the field of the Division I University of South Carolina's Williams-Brice Stadium was pretty special. But it became so much better for California native Jaden Barr when former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow was the one making the passes.
"That was a lot of fun," Barr said.
Barr and his parents, Chip and Dana, spent the weekend before Thanksgiving being treated to complimentary meals, hotel rooms, goodie bags and behind-the-scene experiences through the Tim Tebow Foundation's outreach program W15H.
During his athletic career at California High School, Jaden Barr gained the nickname "little Tebow," he said. That sentiment continued around Columbia, South Carolina, as people would ask him if he was the pro-athlete turned network commentator or if he was Tebow's brother.
Even the man himself put Barr in a playful headlock to say, "man, you do kind of look like me," Barr said.
He may not be related, but Barr did have quite the day with Tebow, including a full workout session and candid dinner conversation.
Working his abs and legs in the weight room at Tebow's level "was really difficult and a lot of fun," Barr said. "It definitely pushed me to the limit."
"But he was doing it with me; that definitely motivated me."
As he returned to Truman State University, Kirksville, and eventually to their football team in the fall, Barr said he will take Tebow's advice with him.
Concepts like confidence in Christ and doing everything with purpose are things Barr knew already. But hearing them from a successful role model was good reinforcement, he said.
"My favorite part was the one-on-one, just getting to see what he's like off the field," Barr said. "He's literally the nicest guy you'll ever meet, so humble; he made me feel like I was the celebrity."
Barr's guest weekend through the Tebow Foundation also included watching the SEC Nation pregame broadcast from behind the camera and then he joined his parents in the stands to watch the South Carolina vs. Citadel game.
The foundation generally provides these "wish weekends" for smaller children with more life-threatening illnesses, Barr said. When he first was approached about applying to the foundation due to his living with Type 1 diabetes, Barr said he felt the program was more other people.
"But they totally wanted me there," he said enthusiastically. "They appreciated how I have handled my diabetes.
"I felt very blessed to have the opportunity to meet and be inspired by him."
What may have the been the most inspiring was how Tebow puts his faith first.
Barr asked Tebow whether he was upset about not getting an NFL spot this season.
The foundation's founder replied that if he believes God has a plan for his life and yet he gets upset, that would mean he did not trust God and he would be putting his plan above God's.
Whether on the SEC Network or on the field, Tebow told Barr he would glorify God in whatever he did.
"That was cool to hear," Barr said. "I want to be an encourager and motivator like he is."
On the web: www.timtebowfoundation.org