NFL's Tebow speaks at San Diego church event today - U-T San Diego

New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow will speak this morning at a Father’s Day church program at Qualcomm Stadium.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is called “Father’s Day 2012: Encouraging Men To Live, Love & Lead.” Tickets are not required.

The program starts at 10 a.m. Stadium gates open at 8 a.m., and Qualcomm parking lots will be available starting at 6 a.m, officials said. Parking will be free.

Tebow, 24, will be on stage with David Jeremiah, senior pastor of El Cajon’s Shadow Mountain Community Church, which is hosting the event.

The NFL phenomenon is expected to discuss his life’s story, that of a child of Southern Baptists who grew up in Florida and earned the 2007 Heisman Trophy as a University of Florida sophomore.

Tebow has become well-known outside of football for his devout faith, including his habit of taking a knee in prayer on the field, which has become known as “Tebowing.”

He often speaks at religious events. On Easter, 15,000 people came to hear him speak at an outdoor church service in Georgetown, Texas. An appearance at a Las Vegas church in March drew 20,000.

A Chargers home game usually attracts 65,000 people to the Q, which can seat up to 70,000 for football.

For more information, go to the church’s website, www.shadowmountain.org