Amid weeks of speculation, former NFL star Tim Tebow has announced he will not be speaking at the 2016 Republican Convention - but hinted he may get involved in politics in the future. He also urged Americans to unite as "one nation under God" amid all the unrest, confusion, and anger currently seen across the country.
On Thursday, Tebow took to Instagram to address what he referred to as "rumors" after the New York Times published an article claiming the athlete was scheduled to speak at the four-day GOP convention, which begins July 21st.
"What's up, everybody. I just got back from the Philippines, and I wake up this morning to find out I'm speaking at the Republican National Convention," he said in a video message. It's amazing how fast rumors fly, and that's exactly what it is: A rumor."
Tebow, 28, went on to say that while he may get into politics in the future, his current focus is helping kids through his foundation, which seeks to bring "faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need."
"My goal has always been to make a difference in the biggest way possible, and if one day it's in a political realm, then that's what I'll do."
The outspoken Christian athlete then encouraged Americans to unite as "one nation under God" and understand that every life matters amid the shooting deaths of Philando Castile, Alton Sterling, and five Dallas police officers.
"I love our country, and I'll do anything for America," he added. "One of the things I love most is that it's one nation under God. You know what that means? It means you matter, that God has a plan for your life, that every single person is significant. We all matter. So let's come together on that, let's unite on that, let's forget about our quarrels and our differences and come together as one nation under God, that you matter, that He loves you and has a plan for you life."
He concluded: "God bless you, and God bless America."
Meanwhile, presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump has approved a convention program that features at least 20 current or former elected officials, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker Paul Ryan and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, a primary rival.
Other speakers will include four of Trump's children, Las Vegas casino owner Phil Ruffin, and Mark Geist and John Tiegen, survivors of the deadly 2012 attack on the American diplomatic consulate in Benghazi, Libya, will speak.
"This impressive lineup of veterans, political outsiders, faith leaders and those who know Donald Trump the best - his family and longtime friends - represent a cross-section of real people facing the same challenges as every American household," said Trump spokesman Jason Miller.
