Tim Tebow confirms he's dating model and former Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

Few athletes have drawn as much attention as Tim Tebow in the past dozen years, be it his historic career at Florida, his up-and-down NFL career — Tebow Time was "a thing" — or his new adventures in professional baseball.  

The attention to Tebow also extends off the field, often focusing on his dating life. 

Not one to reveal much on that front, Tebow actually revealed in an interview with ESPN that he is dating model Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters. 

Nel-Peters, of South Africa, won the Miss Universe pageant in 2017. 

"She is a really special girl and I am very lucky and blessed for her coming into my life," Tebow told ESPN. 

"I am usually very private with these things but I am very thankful." 

Tebow actually briefly dated Olivia Culpo, Miss Universe winner in 2012, but they reportedly broke up in late 2015. 

More:Tebow doubles in first Eastern League All-Star Game at-bat

On the field, Tebow is experiencing an unexpected level of success. Playing for the Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies in the New York Mets' organization, Tebow is batting .276 with six home runs and was named to the Eastern League's All-Star team. 

In his previous football life, Tebow was a two-time national champion at Florida and won the 2007 Heisman Trophy. His NFL career was far less decorated, but included his memorable 2011 run with the Broncos that saw him win an overtime playoff game over the Pittsburgh Steelers.