2026 Post WPMAEXPO
WPMA News / Spring 2026 
  
 
 
15
Keynote: Tim Tebow
2026 Hall of Fame Recipient Brad Bell
The program then turned to one of the Keynote’s most anticipated mo-
ments, as Matt Berry announced Brad Bell as the 2026 WPMA Hall of
Fame inductee. Clearly moved by the recognition, Bell shared that the
award held special meaning during a difficult time for his family.
“I’ve had loss these last 4 months, both my mom and dad have passed.”
Brad said, “It’s been a rough go. But I know they would be proud of
me and appreciate this as well, so thank you all.”
With the Hall of Fame presentation concluded, Matt Berry returned to
the podium to introduce the keynote speaker, Tim Tebow.
Tebow delivered a powerful and deeply personal message about passion,
belief, and the willingness to sacrifice in pursuit of a greater vision.
“Encouragement is just a feeling. If I was to choose a word, I would
choose Inspire, because it means to fill someone with the urge to do
something.” Tebow stated, “I would rather be someone in my life
that did something than just felt something. I believe it starts with the
vision. I believe without a vision, people perish. If there’s not a vision,
why would you keep working for something that you can’t see?”
Tebow illustrated this with a story about a Harvard professor who once
claimed he could identify gifted students through a special test. After
teachers were told which students were “bloomers,” those children
began to excel academically. When the professor returned to evaluate
the results, he admitted the test was fake. The students improved simply
because their teachers believed in them and treated them differently.
Tebow shared another example about a young boy who struggled in
school until a teacher encouraged him to take the SAT. When
the student received an outstanding score, his confidence soared. He
went on to attend college and become successful in business. Years later
he discovered the score had been reported incorrectly, but by then the
belief it had created had already changed the course of his life.
Referencing basketball legend Michael Jordan, Tebow shared a story in
which Jordan once said his famous “Dream Team” could still beat to-
day’s NBA champions, though they might not win by much because the
players were all in their 60s. Tebow explained that Jordan’s confidence
didn’t come from arrogance, but from years of relentless preparation
and work.
“They have that confidence because of the work and the preparation
that had taken place year after year after year, and that preparation
led to a belief that led to a confidence, because he knew the work that
he had put in was different than the rest.” Tebow stated animatedly,
“So if we really want to strive to be our best, I really do believe that it
takes a vision. It takes a belief in it, then it takes a willingness to suffer
for it.”
Tebow also spoke candidly about sacrifice and the difficult choices
required to pursue a vision. During his football career, he turned down
opportunities, including sponsorship deals, when they conflicted with
his commitment to his team and his goals.

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