Tim Tebow gives ‘one of the toughest goodbyes’ to his pet dog, Bronco

They say a dog is a human’s best friend. Well, former Florida star quarterback and ESPN television analyst Tim Tebow, for one, showed how much his dog meant to him.

Tebow posted an emotional tribute to his pet dog, Bronco, after the 9-year-old Rhodesian ridgeback died Wednesday.

“One of the toughest goodbyes,” Tebow wrote on Instagram. “Wanted to make a special tribute to the sweetest boy ever — thank you for all the joy you brought and all the memories. … If you had the pleasure of meeting Bronco, one of the best dogs ever, I would love to hear your story.”

The post included two videos of Tebow and Bronco, one of which includes Tebow saying he wanted to “film one last clip with my son and thank him for being the best boy.” After telling Bronco he loved him, Tebow added, “It’s time to go home.”

On Thursday, Tebow posted an Instagram update, saying he buried Bronco in a “special place,” and posted a photo with him “Tebowing” in tribute at the site.

Tebow often referred to the dog as “his son” after adopting Bronco in 2010, shortly after the quarterback was selected in the NFL draft by the Denver Broncos.

One of the toughest goodbyes. Wanted to make a special tribute to the sweetest boy ever – thank you for all the joy you brought and all the memories. Aunt Patty, thank you for loving him, and thank you to all the other people including Miss Shea and Miss Mindy for sharing so much love with Bronco. If you had the pleasure of meeting Bronco, one of the best dogs ever, I would love to hear your story. • • Also, thank you for taking care of him every time he was sick – SEVO-Med, Blue Pearl Vet and UF Small Animal Vet Hospital (Go Gators)

A post shared by Tim Tebow (@timtebow) on

Im so thankful and humbled by everyone’s support, prayers and love. I was able to lay Bronco to rest in a really special place. Thank you all for so much encouragement. I love you Bronco, thanks for being the sweetest boy

A post shared by Tim Tebow (@timtebow) on

http://www.espn.com/espn/rss/news