Cpl. Michael Nicholson (Facebook)
WOUNDED WARRIOR: Tim Tebow sports a wristband bearing the name of amputee Cpl. Michael Nicholson. (
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Tim Tebow upon arriving in New York this week subtly paid tribute to a crippled war hero — a salute that left the Marine stunned.
“Oh, wow! Really?” Cpl. Michael Nicholson said after learning that Tebow was wearing a wristband bearing the hero’s name when the newest member of Gang Green came to town.
Tebow was photographed sporting the red wristband with Nicholson’s name emblazoned in yellow lettering after landing aboard a private jet Thursday in New Jersey and then en route to Gang Green’s Florham Park training headquarters.
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The former Mile High Messiah also was sporting three other wrist bands — each honoring causes special to God’s chosen quarterback.
Nicholson said he was incredibly moved by the gesture from the star, who last week stopped by Nicholson’s home in Tampa for a visit.
“The best word to describe Tim Tebow is he is humble,” Nicholson told The Post.
The 22-year-old ex-Marine — who lost both legs and part of his arm while on a tour of duty in Afghanistan last year — praised Tebow with preacher-like passion for raising the soldier’s spirits during the visit.
Tebow visited with the corporal for about an hour after attending the opening of a Tampa sports complex in which the Bible-quoting QB has invested.
“It was great that he came out and spent some time with me,” Nicholson said. “It meant so much.”
Nicholson said they talked about his recovery and about Tebow’s days starring for the University of Florida, where he won two national titles and the Heisman Trophy.
They also talked passionately about how they both played football for rival Florida high schools at around the same time.
Meanwhile, underwear maker Jockey yesterday gave its blessing to Tebow’s Big Apple arrival by welcoming its favorite spokesman with a huge billboard on the New Jersey side of the Lincoln Tunnel. The ad, colored in Jets green and white over a black backdrop, says “We support Tebow & New York. Jockey.”
The holy hunk turned heads earlier this year going shirtless in Jockey ads — but while still opting to keep his pants on to cover his briefs.