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The Tim Tebow Foundation, alongside other authorities, has arrested 27 people involved in child sexual exploitation in Florida.
"These men, arrested during a sting called, 'Operation Valiant Knight,' are accused of using the internet to sexually exploit children," says the Tim Tebow Foundation on Instagram. "In partnership with Operation Light Shine and the INTERCEPT Task Force, we are grateful that we were able to support this effort to fight child exploitation."
In March the former NFL star went in front of Congress to plead for more money and resources to help children being exploited online. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, in 2022 they received 32 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation.
"Alongside Operation Light Shine, we are thankful to be able to support five INTERCEPT Task Forces around the country to fight human trafficking and child exploitation just like this undercover sting. Together, we will continue fighting through partnerships across the United States and the globe, so we can bring more children to safety and bring more perpetrators to justice."
Tebow's goal, according to the website, is to fight for the MVP, what he calls the 'Most Vulnerable People.' While Tebow played football, his focus was on career success. However, after he made a trip to the Philippines, he says God stirred his heart to care for those who can't speak up for themselves. This includes children being sexually exploited across North America.
"As the internet provides new and frightening opportunities for predators to victimize our children, our investigators will continue to proactively identify and apprehend child predators," says Sheriff T.K. Waters in Jacksonville, FL, during a press release.
The arrest included former major league baseball player Austin Dean Maddox.