In 2020, former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow made headlines by marrying his girlfriend, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, leaving many fans heartbroken as they bid farewell to one of the country’s most eligible bachelors.
With Tebow now off the market, there’s growing interest in learning more about the woman who captured his heart. So, who is Tim Tebow’s wife? Let’s delve into her background and story.
Who is Tim Tebow’s Wife, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters?
Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, Tim Tebow’s wife, is a South African beauty with a remarkable track record. She gained international fame as a model and beauty queen, clinching the titles of Miss South Africa 2017 and Miss Universe 2017. Demi is only the second South African to win the Miss Universe crown, following Margaret Gardiner in 1978.
Born in Sedgefield, Western Cape, Demi is the daughter of Bennie Peters and Anne-Marie Steenkamp. Though her parents are divorced and remarried, Demi’s family has been a significant part of her life. She was deeply affected by the passing of her half-sister Franje, who had cerebellar agenesis, in May 2019. Demi often cites her sister as a major source of inspiration.
Academically, Demi also excelled; she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business management and entrepreneurship from North-West University just before her Miss South Africa victory. During her studies, she worked part-time as a model with Boss Models and Vision Management Cape Town. Fluent in both English and Afrikaans, Demi’s achievements extend beyond the pageant stage.
What Are Her Passions?
Using her platform as Miss Universe, Demi-Leigh has been a huge voice in the movement towards equal pay for men and women in the workforce.
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She also is known for her self-defense workshops and helping women know how to protect themselves if ever attacked. Her passion comes out of her personal experience.
In 2017, she was driving to an event and stopped at a red light. In the middle of broad daylight, five men with weapons approached the car. She was held at gunpoint while they began stealing her car and one of the attackers tried to push her back into the car. She only escaped by punching one of the attackers in the throat and throwing them her keys.
After that, she made it her mission to learn more about self-defense and teach others. She now works with UFC to empower women and has started a Unbreakable program.
How Did She Meet Tim Tebow?
Tim Tebow’s Foundation works with a program called Night to Shine. It is a magical prom night event for people aged 14 and up with special needs. The event focuses on positive messages to boost self-esteem, like discussing how God loves them.
When the event went to South Africa, The Tim Tebow Foundation invited Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and her family to the event, knowing about Franje’s disability.
Night to Shine that year involved around 500 churches worldwide and was a huge success.
The event wasn’t the only successful thing that night. Tebow and Nel-Peters met and hit it off. They had a lot in common, both being Christian and having similar passions.
In an earlier interview with People Magazine, Tebow had shared “They have to really love God,” he explained of his future significant other. “My faith is important to me — it’s the most important thing — and I need to be with someone who also shares that faith.”
And Nel-Peters fit the bill. They kept in touch after the Night to Shine event and started dating shortly after.
Years later, at their wedding, Nel-Peters said in an interview, “My late sister, Franje, was our matchmaker after she was invited to attend Night to Shine in South Africa.”
What Did Their Dating Life Look Like?
Tim Tebow and Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters dated for two years. During that time they met each other’s families and spent time in each other’s countries.
Because of their shared faith, they both were very open and vocal about the fact that they were committed to staying virgins until their wedding night. Though Tebow was 32 when he married and was extremely successful–having the opportunity and means to explore his sexuality–he held up to his commitment, challenging the sexual status quo.
This did lead to some hilarious tweets on Twitter. If you are looking for a quick laugh–check some of these out.
But when asked about it, Tebow was classy.
“You know, I think for me it’s to stay focused on certain things. I think when your focus is on certain things that matter — my faith, loving people, helping people, caring for people — it’s not about focusing on the things you’re not gonna do. It’s on focusing on the things you are gonna do, and for me, that was the biggest thing,” he explained to Sway in the Morning radio show.
How Did He Propose?
At the family farm near Jacksonville, Florida, Tebow romantically popped the question at sunset near a lake.
He placed a 7.25-carat solitaire ring on her finger to seal the deal. After that, Matthew Mole, a famous singer in South Africa, began serenading the couple with one of her favorite songs.
He had already secretly flown in Nel-Peters’s best friends and family from South Africa to share in the celebration afterward.
The best part? She was surprised by the whole thing.
Tebow told Good Morning America he had to lie to pull it off. It made him uncomfortable, but in the end, it was worth it for her to be so surprised.
Also read: Social Media Is Drooling Over Tim Tebow’s Wife Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters And Her Stunning Dress On The Red Carpet
What Was the Wedding Like?
Demi-Leigh became Tim Tebow’s wife, surrounded by vineyards as the South African sunset at La Paris estate on January 20, 2020.
Loui Giglio, a megachurch pastor based in Atlanta, Georgia, officiated the ceremony.
The couple decided against having a first look. Instead, they waited for the bride to walk down the aisle in her beautiful white dress. Tebow’s face was priceless when he saw his bride-to-be.
She wore a custom sleeveless white wedding dress with a scooped back and a dramatic veil. Demi-Leigh claims it meant a lot to her because it represented purity.
They had a gospel choir perform, mixed traditional and personal vows, and danced the night away.
How Is Their Life After Marriage
The couple has been married for well over a year now. They’ve been enjoying one another’s company while also continuing their respective careers—as Tebow attempts an NFL comeback with the Jacksonville Jaguars, this time as a tight end.
The two don’t have any children yet, but they plan on it. While speaking about it, Tebow told PEOPLE, “We’ve definitely talked about it, absolutely. I don’t know when that timeline would be right and when the right time [is]. But it is something we definitely talk about and really hope for one day.”
In the meantime, the couple has three furry friends to look after a Dalmatian named Paris, a Bernese Mountain Dog named Chuck, and a Golden Retriever named Kobe.
What Is Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters Net Worth?
As of 2024, Demi-Leigh Tebow’s net worth is estimated at approximately $7 million. Her financial success is bolstered by endorsements with prominent brands such as PrettyLittleThing, Swarovski, Get-Johan Coetzee, Muca Skincare, and God’s Love We Deliver.
Do Tim Tebow And Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters Have Kids?
Currently, Tim and Demi-Leigh Tebow do not have children. Although they haven’t specified when they plan to start a family, Tim has shared that they are eagerly anticipating the day they become parents.
