The romantic pursuits of well-loved Christian athlete Tim Tebow has long been a subject of great interest, especially among his fans. However, Tebow always has his career and charitable organisation to prioritise instead of his love life.

But now that the 29-year-old baseball player's father Bob, 68, has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Tebow said his search for a good life partner has become more of a priority.

Tebow told PEOPLE that his father's diagnosis made him want to find a wife and start a family soon, so that he can enjoy parenthood with his father.

"Baseball takes a lot of time," he said, "and it's not like I don't have several other full-time jobs. But I'm definitely ready for a relationship and I'm looking forward to it. I can't wait for that, and I can't wait to have kids."

Tebow enjoyed a close relationship with his father and mother Pam, 67, and he wants his own kids to learn from them the same way he did as a child.

"I want my kids to know my dad and to learn the same lessons from him that I did," he said. "That would make me happy."

Tebow said he is now going to make time to meet new women and fall in love with the right one. But as eager as he might be for this to happen, Tebow said he's going to trust God's timing in all things.

"I can't wait, but I think it's something that I'll have to trust God for. He'll bring someone along at the right time. But that doesn't mean that I don't want it, though!" he said.

Tebow was previously linked to beauty queen Olivia Culpo. They reportedly parted ways because Culpo allegedly couldn't stand Tebow's vow of celibacy. However, neither Tebow nor Culpo has personally confirmed nor denied the reports about their rumoured relationship.