BENTON HARBOR — Highly popular, NFL quarterback Tim Tebow will open the spring speaker session for The Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan, said Club President Mike Cook Monday.

Tebow will address The Club Thursday at the Mendel Center for the Arts and Technology on the campus of Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor.

The gridiron star came into the national spotlight in 2007 when he became the first college sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. That same year, he also received the Davey O’Brien Award for being the nation’s best college quarterback.

His ability to execute the “wildcat offense,” an unpredictable formation that lets the quarterback be an active rushing threat, helped him set numerous records and led his University of Florida team to two NCAA national football championships.

In 2010, Tebow was a first-round draft pick of the Denver Broncos. His prowess on the field brought his team to a come-from-behind NFL playoff berth in 2011. Then in March 2012, Tebow was traded to the New York Jets. His position on the Jets roster ended April 29, when he was released for the open market.

Where and what position he will play next season is uncertain, but Tebowmania fuels speculation among sports commentators and fans.

Tebow’s ongoing popularity stems in part from his openly Christian beliefs and charity work in the United States and the Philippines. His prayerful dropping to one knee with his head resting in one hand is called “Tebowing” and it became a cultural fad in the 2011 football season. His autobiography, Through My Eyes, shares how he balances his passion to succeed with his faith and family values.

Tebow’s visit to The Economic Club will give fans and critics alike a chance to learn what really matters on and off the field of national sports.

The Economic Club meetings are open to members only. Individuals interested in becoming new members may add their names to a waiting list at www.TheEconClub.com. A limited number of new memberships will be available next year.

Anyone wishing more information about the club may visit the website, email info@TheEconClub.com or call (269) 982-6010.