Tim Tebow’s attempted return to the NFL has been cut short as the Jacksonville Jaguars have released the former quarterback attempting to make the roster as a tight end.

Tebow went to Twitter after the news broke to express his gratitude.

On May 20, Tebow signed a one-year contract to play tight end for the Jaguars. He seemed to start well. However, when contact was implemented into practice, his lack of blocking experience was a major setback.

“We knew that was an uphill battle for Tim,” head coach Urban Meyer said. “Players loved him, locker room loved him, but it was the right thing.”

Tebow played thirteen snaps and was targeted once in the Jaguars’ recent loss to the Cleveland Browns. Tebow was the only tight end not to play a special team snap, and Meyer said that was a big reason for him being cut.

“Two of the special teams’ phases are tackling, and if you’ve never tackled [it’s not easy to do].  “Every off day, we’ll have a two to three-hour meeting about roster management,” said Meyer. “We expect to be very good in special teams. Tight end position is one of those and tailback — if he can’t contribute on special teams, that’s a tough go.”

Tebow has not played in the NFL since the 2015 preseason and has spent the last six years as a broadcaster on the SEC Network while working on his baseball career.

Tebow played quarterback for the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles before switching positions this year. Tebow played for Meyer in college at the University of Florida. Tebow also grew up in Jacksonville, Fl.

Many fans were anticipating the start of the Jacksonville Jaguars preseason game on Saturday. Perhaps it was for the number one pick Trevor Lawrence making his debut. Actually, it was for Tim Tebow.

The former quarterback turned baseball player has now turned into a tight end. Tebow signed a one-year, non-guaranteed contract to play for the Jaguars as a tight end. So many fans were anticipating seeing how Tebow would do as a tight end.

However, Tebow was not on the highlights for his skill at the position. Tebow played 16 snaps in the 23-13 loss to the Cleveland Browns. The newly turned tight end ended up on the highlights for when he was targeted for a pass from quarterback Gardner Minshew at the very end of the second quarter, but wide receiver Tavon Austin appeared to steal his catch.

In another viral highlight that fans made fun of was when Tebow made a poor blocking attempt. After the poor attempt, he got up and then appeared to spear a teammate with his helmet by accident.

Tebow is currently in a heated position battle for the tight end spots on the roster. The former Heisman Trophy winner was listed as the No. 4 tight end on the Jaguars unofficial depth chart. He was listed alongside two other players who are battling for the fourth spot. Chris Manhertz and James O’Shaughnessy are slated to be the starters, and fifth-round pick Luke Farrell may be the third-string tight end.

Tim Tebow’s attempt at a return to the gridiron seems to have inspired some other players to come back.

Former NFL running back Brandon Jacobs has announced that he wants to make a return to the NFL, as a defensive end this time. Jacobs seemed motivation by Tebow’s decision to try to play tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars. “Well since Tebow came back after being off a good bit, I am announcing today that I to will comeback. I will play defensive end for whatever team gives me a chance!!!” He followed up this statement on Twitter by saying, “I am really serious about coming back as a defensive end. I can still run, I am strong and there’s no way Tim Tebow is a better athlete than I am. I just need a shot that’s it!! If I can’t cut it I’ll take it like a man. Just give me one chance that’s all!!”

Jacobs is a former two-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants. Throughout his career, he recorded 5,094 rushing yards and 60 rushing touchdowns. If Jacobs were able to make a successful comeback, it would be quite impressive, as he has not played in the NFL since the 2012-2013 season, and is now 38 years old. However, Tebow’s return has opened the door to NFL veterans, spreading a previously unheard of belief that a comeback is possible in professional football.

Tim Tebow is now an official member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. This comes as Tebow signed a contract with the team on Thursday morning.

Tebow won the Heisman Trophy as a quarterback with the University of Florida. Urban Meyer, who coached Tebow during his 2007 Heisman season, was recently hired as the head coach of the Jaguars.

Tebow will participate in offseason activities with teammates until OTA workouts commence on Monday.

“I want to thank the Jaguars for the opportunity to compete and earn the chance to be part of this team,” said Tebow. “I know it will be a challenge, but it is a challenge I embrace. I am dedicated to taking the direction of our coaching staff and learning from my teammates.”

Meyer told Cris Collinsworth, “There’s a thought going around. He was in the best shape of his life, asked to see if he could work out with a couple of our coaches.” Meyer stated that he wasn’t even present for the workout. “They came back to me and said ‘Wow, this guy’s in incredible shape.’ Then I went another time and watched him try out,” the coach added. Meyer explained that Tebow worked on certain aspects of his game as recommended by the Jaguars, and came back looking even better than before. The coach tabbed Tebow as a “competitive maniac” and said that they would “give it a shot.”

Tebow has not competed in an NFL contest since 2012 when he was a member of the New York Jets. Tebow will reportedly try out as a tight end, a switch many critics recommended over a decade ago. This signing likely occurred as a result of a lacking tight end corps in Jacksonville along with Tebow’s strong workout performance.

Tebow, despite his high profile, is by no means a lock to make the final roster. Around 90 players are signed by a team in June, with many of them being cut by the end of summer. This signing has sparked outrage among critics of Tebow, but in reality, even if he makes the final roster, he likely won’t see a lot of playing time. This is definitely a situation to monitor.

Spring training will look a lot different this year for the New York Mets and Major League Baseball. The Mets announced that their revised 2021 Spring Training Grapefruit League schedule will begin on Monday, March 1. Spring training was originally slated to begin on February 27. A scaled-back schedule, COVID-19 precautions throughout Clover Park and an 80% reduction in available seats will make for a completely different atmosphere at this year’s spring training.

The Mets will open their 24-game exhibition season against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Florida on March 1. The team’s spring training home opener will take place on Tuesday, March 2 against the Houston Astros at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie.

New York’s shortened Grapefruit League season will consist of six games each against the Marlins, Washington Nationals, St. Louis Cardinals and the Astros.

Mets pitchers and catchers are expected to report for spring training Wednesday, February 17, according to the team’s website. Fans will not be allowed to attend practices due to COVID-19 concerns, but officials would not say if fans would be permitted to wait outside gates and the players’ parking lot for autographs.

Ticket prices range from $15-$35. Capacity at Clover Park will be limited to 20% (approximately 1,400 fans) to maintain social distancing. Tickets will be available in pods ranging in size from 1-6 seats. When purchasing a pod of seats, all seats in the designated area must be purchased together. All seating pods will be at least six feet from any other seating pod.

NEW YORK METS SPRING TRAINING TICKET DEALS HERE!

Single-game ticket sales for spring training season-ticket holders begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 16. Single-game ticket sales for New York Mets season-ticket holders and St. Lucie Mets season-ticket holders begins at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 18.

Single-game tickets for the general public go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 20.

Fans will be excited to see some new and familiar faces. 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow has been invited back to spring training by the Mets. Tebow has been invited to major league spring training each of the past four years, but has hit just .151 in 34 games. He connected for his first and only home run last spring.

Although Tebow is a fan favorite, nobody is expecting him to make the major league roster. However, New York’s faithful will be treated to Francisco Lindor’s first action as a New York Met. The former Cleveland Indians shortstop is expected to help New York become a true contender in the National League. Fans will also be treated to an appearance by fellow newcomer Carlos Carrasco. Carrasco is slated to be New York’s second ace (behind Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom). Pete Alonso, Michael Conforto, Dominic Smith, and the rest of your favorite Mets will be in Florida for spring training.

Clover Park will meet MLB, local health department and CDC guidelines to ensure all players and fans are safe. Fans will be required to wear masks that cover their nose and mouth at all times other than when eating or drinking at their ticketed seat. Hand sanitizer stations and social distancing markers have been installed throughout Clover Park and staff will continually disinfect and sanitize restrooms and common areas.

Although this spring training will look remarkably different from previous years, there hasn’t been this much excitement surrounding the state of the Mets’ franchise since they represented the National League in the 2015 World Series.

Spring Training begins March 1 and if you are a Mets fan, this may be the perfect time to book a trip to Florida and watch your favorite team compete.

NEW YORK METS SPRING TRAINING TICKET DEALS HERE!

After an impressive stint with the Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies, where he hit .273 with six homers and 36 RBIs in 84 games, the former Heisman-winning quarterback Tim Tebow has been promoted to Triple-A Syracuse. He’s now just one step from fulfilling his lifelong dream of playing in Major League Baseball.

Tebow nears Playing In Majors

Tebow’s season ended abruptly on July 24th when he suffered a broken hamate bone in his hand, which required surgery. That’s all in the rearview now, as the newly hired New York Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen says Tebow is fully healthy and can begin the season in Syracuse.

Van Wagenen also did not rule out the possibility that Tebow could be on the Mets’ opening day roster. “Timmy is not a guy you want to put restraints on,” Van Wagenen said Wednesday. “If he sees a block, he’s going to work that much harder to go overcome whatever somebody places on him. I believe in him.”

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

For the highly scrutinized figure and multi-sport athlete who has seen rather tepid success, Tebow has defied the low ceiling of expectations placed on him once he announced his plans to play baseball. On the possibility of a transition to the Majors, Van Wagenen suggested that its all up to Tebow to make his dreams happen. “The goal is if he can pick up [his play] in spring training and hopefully get off to a good start in Syracuse, then we’ll evaluate it when he’s ready.”

Tim Tebow has been known for being a devout and philanthropic Christian ever since his NFL playing days, and now the New York Mets outfielder has performed another noble deed.

Tim Tebow Hurricane Irma Shelter Visit News

On Monday, 30-year-old Tebow paid a visit to a World War II veteran at a special needs shelter in Florida to treat those affected by Hurrican Irma, which has battered the state along with several Caribbean islands.

The former Denver Broncos and New York Jets quarterback — who now plays for the St. Lucie Mets of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League — shared a video of himself kneeling by the veteran’s bed while the man treated Tebow to a harmonica tune.

“Totally uplifted by this #ww2 veteran, who’s spirit and talents encouraged his fellow visitors at this Special Needs Shelter! #irma,” Tebow wrote on Twitter.

Tebow recently finished his first full season in the Mets’ minor-league system. The former Heisman trophy winner — who has also played for the Scottsdale Scorpions of the Arizona Fall League and the Columbia Fireflies of the Class-A South Atlantic League — hit .231 with five home runs and 29 RBI with St. Lucie.

Tebow also joined Florida Governor Rick Scott at the state’s Emergency Operations Center on Tuesday.

“So many people are praying for you and love you and are there to help you and are alongside you in this difficult time,” Tebow told Scott according to the Tampa Bay Times.  “It’s not like you can make everything better at once.”

According to the New York Times, Florida state officials say more than 5.6 million homes have lost power due to Irma, a Category 4 storm that was downgraded to a Category 2 late Sunday. At least 45 people have died due to the hurricane, including at least 10 in the continental U.S. Approximately 94,000 people remain in Florida shelters, the Times also reported.

PEORIA, AZ – OCTOBER 13: Tim Tebow #15 (New York Mets) of the Scottsdale Scorpions warms up on deck during the Arizona Fall League game against the Peoria Javelinas at Peoria Stadium on October 13, 2016 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Tim Tebow is getting a promotion.

Tim Tebow Promoted by Mets from Class-A Columbia Fireflies

The New York Mets announced on Sunday that they are moving the former Heisman Trophy winner from the low-Class A Columbia Fireflies of South Carolina to  high-A Port St. Lucie of the Florida League beginning Tuesday.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson praised Tebow — who will be 30 in August — for his slugging performance this past season.

“His on-base (percentage), isolated power, swing, exit velocity, a lot of different things have been much better in the last 15 games,” Alderson said. “On the other hand, we recognize this is not the normal, usual circumstance, but we just felt that given everything involved, this was about the right time for him to move up to high A.’’

Tebow hit .22 with three home runs, 3 RBIs, a .311 on-base percentage and a .340 slugging percentage with 69 strikeouts and 23 walks in 212 at-bats for the Fireflies in the 2016-2017 campaign. These statistics don’t generally seem like the ones that would justify a promotion.

“I wouldn’t say he has excelled” at Columbia, Alderson said. “But at the same time, what he’s done there — given all the circumstances — justified the promotion.”

Alderson added that Tebow’s OPS was nearly twice as high at home as it was on the road, although the Mets GM said he didn’t know how to assess that.

Tebow joined the Mets in September 2016 and played in both the Florida Instructional League and the Arizona Fall League.

“For me, it’s not something I have to answer,” Tebow said Sunday. “There’s a lot of smarter, wiser people than me that make those decisions. I just try and show up and play hard every day.”

The former New York Jets and Denver Broncos quarterback spent time at his new club’s training ground in Port St. Lucie recently, so the area will be familiar. Before playing in the NFL, Tebow led the University of Florida Gators to a national championship in 2007, so the state is naturally a home to him.

“I obviously love Florida, so this is nice,” Tebow said. “But the goal and focus is improving as a baseball player.”

The former NFL quarterback seemed at ease in Columbia’s clubhouse despite him being ten years older than many of his teammates.

“We’ve said he’s just one of 25 guys,” Columbia president John Katz said. “At the end of the day, he really is. He wants to succeed. He puts in the work, and hopefully, he’ll have continued success at a higher level.”

Tebow was a practice squad member for the New England Patriots in 2013 and the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015, but never played during the regular season for those teams.

PEORIA, AZ – OCTOBER 13: Tim Tebow #15 (New York Mets) of the Scottsdale Scorpions warms up on deck during the Arizona Fall League game against the Peoria Javelinas at Peoria Stadium on October 13, 2016 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Tim Tebow has been busy lately as a player for the New York Mets’ minor-league team, but it looks like his main focus going forward will remain football-related.

Tim Tebow Re-Signs With ESPN as College Football Analyst, SEC Nation Commentator

The 29-year-old Heisman Trophy winner (2007) has signed a contract extension with ESPN to stay on as a college football commentator, the network announced Monday.

In addition to his role as an analyst for SEC Network college games, Tebow will continue to be a part of ESPN’s college football playoff programming.

“Over the last three years, ESPN and the ‘SEC Nation’ crew have become like family,” Tebow said in a statement. “I love the passion that SEC fans bring to our set every Saturday morning, and I look forward to continuing to share my own love of the game with fans on ESPN and SEC Network.”

“SEC Nation” is ESPN’s traveling Saturday pre-game show.

The former Denver Broncos and New York Jets quarterback has worked for ESPN since the 2014 BCS Championship Game.

The network stated Tebow’s contract with the Mets’ affiliate, the Single-A Columbia Fireflies of the South Atlantic League, won’t be hurt by his extension.

Tebow has a .242 batting average, a .330 on-base percentage and a .363 slugging percentage in 26 games as an outfielder for the Fireflies. The former first-round pick out of the University of Florida hadn’t played baseball in more than ten years before joining the minor-league team in September 2016.

ESPN has terminated approximately 100 employees during its current round of layoffs. Nevertheless, the network seems to remain confident he will be an asset due to his expertise in football.

“Tim brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his analysis of college football and surprised many fans with his strong opinions and engaging presence on SEC Nation,” said Stephanie Druley, ESPN senior vice president, event and studio production.

Tebow was also released by the New England Patriots in 2013 and by the Philadelphia Eagles during training camp in 2015. He played his last game with the Jets in 2012. He helped Florida win national championships in 2006 and 2008.

PEORIA, AZ – OCTOBER 13: Tim Tebow #15 (New York Mets) of the Scottsdale Scorpions warms up on deck during the Arizona Fall League game against the Peoria Javelinas at Peoria Stadium on October 13, 2016 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Tim Tebow’s minor-league baseball career began on a strong note on Thursday, as the former NFL quarterback hit a two-run homer in his first at-bat with the Class A Columbia Fireflies in South Carolina.

Tim Tebow Homers In First Minor League At-Bat

The former (2007) Heisman Trophy winner smacked a 2-1 pitch from Augusta GreenJackets lefty Domenic Mazza off and over the fence in left-center field for the home run, which caused the crowd at Spirit Communications Park to go wild with excitement.

Gabe Lacques of USATODAY sports shared the moment:

The hit came in the bottom of the second inning of Tebow’s debut with the New York Mets’ low-A affiliate, and came after a spring training performance during which he struggled in exhibition games against major league clubs, recording just four hits in 27 at-bats (a .148 average).

Tebow initially stopped for a moment at second base because he believed he had hit a ground-rule double: the ball bounced back onto the field.  However, an umpire motioned that it was actually a home run. The 29-year-old joyfully hopped, clapped his hands and pumped his arms before running around all the bases.

The former New York Jets quarterback seemed to be in complete disbelief about his big hit.

“I thought I had a double, and the guy goes, ‘Keep going,'” Tebow said. “I was, ‘All right, I’ll take it.’ It felt good, though.”

“All of my sports experiences helped me for moments like that,” Tebow said after the Fireflies’ 14-7 victory over the Augusta GreenJackets. “Playing in The Swamp or Death Valley or in Mile High Stadium in the playoffs, they all helped.

“So much about sports is handling moments and handling pressure.”

Tebow first announced that he would be pursuing a baseball career back in August after his NFL career stalled. He was assigned to the fireflies at the end of spring training.

The former NFL star said, unsurprisingly, that he never imagined his first at-bat would result in a home run.

“The big games in football have helped me for that moment, being my first at-bat in a real pro baseball game,” Tebow said. “But I tried to make the most of it.”

PEORIA, AZ – OCTOBER 13: Tim Tebow #15 (New York Mets) of the Scottsdale Scorpions warms up on deck during the Arizona Fall League game against the Peoria Javelinas at Peoria Stadium on October 13, 2016 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The New York Mets announced announced Monday they are sending former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow to their Class-A affiliate in South Carolina, the Columbia Fireflies, this season, according to Marc Carig of Newsday.

Mets’ Tim Tebow Assigned to Class-A Affiliate Columbia

“Sending him to a full season club is what we hoped to be able to do,” Mets general manager Sandy Alderson told Carig. “And based on what he’s done in spring training, and his whole body of work since last fall, we feel comfortable with him going to Columbia.”

The 29-year-old former NFL quarterback is hitting .200 (4-for-20) in seven games for the Mets in spring training as an outfielder.

“I am excited about continuing the journey. I learned so much this spring working with T.C. [Terry Collins], Kevin Long, and Tom Goodwin,” Tebow said in a statement about his move to the South Atlantic League. “I hear so many good things about the City of Columbia. I hear the stadium is great. I look forward to coming there to make an impact on the field and the community.”

Alderson added that although there is still room for Tebow to improve, particularly on the defensive front, he acknowledges how athletic the former New York Jets and Denver Broncos star is.

“He’s obviously very athletic and he has adapted very quickly,” said Alderson. “His approach at the plate is very solid. He doesn’t chase pitches. People might say his swing is a little long but the swing is professional. When he’s made contact, it’s often been hard contact… Defensively, it’s still a work in progress but it’s adequate. He’s made some nice plays, again demonstrating the athleticism that everybody’s seen he has.”

Tebow won the Heisman with the Florida Gators in 2007 and helped lead the team to two national championships. He struggled in his 19 games in the Arizona Fall League, hitting 194 with three doubles and 20 strikeouts in 62 at-bats.

The ex-NFL star signed with the Mets on Sept. 8 and also participated in three Florida Instructional League games.

PEORIA, AZ – OCTOBER 13: Tim Tebow #15 (New York Mets) of the Scottsdale Scorpions warms up on deck during the Arizona Fall League game against the Peoria Javelinas at Peoria Stadium on October 13, 2016 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

In 2013, former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Tim Tebow signed a two-year deal with the New England Patriots in the hopes of learning from Tom Brady and Bill Belichick and revamping his struggling NFL career.

Tim Tebow Turned Down $1M Endorsement Deal Because Bill Belichick Told Him To

He was cut before the start of the regular season.

In his new book Shaken, Tebow reveals one particularly crushing detail from his brief time with the Patriots. Over the summer, Tebow was offered $1 million to appear in a one-day commercial shoot. Before accepting the offer, however, he decided to ask for Belichick’s permission.

The coach said no, and Tebow didn’t do it.

As Tebow recalls:

“I remembered when I had signed with the team in June. Then I’d had an offer on the table to make a one-day appearance endorsing a product for a million-dollar paycheck. I’m sure you’d agree that a million bucks is a lot to make in just twenty-four hours. But I wasn’t quick to say yes.”

He continued: “When I came on the team, Coach and I had a long and deep talk. “I want to make you one of the guys,” he told me. “This is not going to be a media circus. I’ll control it if you do your part. You’re part of a team, Timmy. We’re in this together.

So when the offer for the one-day commercial turned up, I was sure to discuss the opportunity with him. “I want to know what you think, Coach,” I said. “I respect you and I want to fit in. I want to be one of the guys. Should I do it?”

He thought for a moment and then shook his head. “Timmy, I would really appreciate it if you didn’t.”

Tebow then went on to say that he rejected the offer because he was more interested in impressing Belichick, whom he already highly respected, than he was in the money.

Two months later, Tebow again found himself in a conference room with Belichick, although this time the coach broke the news to him that he didn’t quite fit with the team.

“I thought of the endorsement deal I had turned down two months earlier, questioning and maybe even regretting my decision. Was it the wrong choice? If I had said yes, would that have put me in a better situation than where I am right now—sitting in front of two coaches who are firing me without telling me exactly why?

Then, the meeting was over.”

Tebow stated this week in an interview with Fox & Friends, however, that he does not regret his decision today. He has not played in the NFL since spending the preseason with the Eagles in 2015, and is now playing baseball with the New York Mets’ minor league team.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 03: Quarterback Tim Tebow #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up on the sidelines against the New York Jets in the third quarter during a pre-season game at MetLife Stadium on September 3, 2015 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)

Tim Tebow had a great night in Scottsdale, Arizona on Monday.

Tim Tebow Hits Walk-Off Single In Arizona Fall League

The former NFL quarterback, batting just .146, delivered the game-winning hit with two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning. It was an opposite-field, walk-off single that lifted the Scottsdale Scorpions to a 4-3 victory over the Mesa Solar Sox.

Tebow’s teammates raced out of the dugout to mob the former quarterback in celebration.

“It feels good,’’ Tebow said with a huge grin. “It feels good just to be with these guys, having fun with them.’’

Tebow– who signed with the New York Mets’ minor league team earlier this year– credited an MLB legend for giving him some wise words of advice before the game, however: Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson. 

Jackson was in town talking to Yankees prospects on Tebow’s team, but he took some time to meet with Tebow as well.

“The whole day they had been throwing me outside fastballs and they had the shift on a little bit, and Mr. Jackson was just talking about letting it get deep and going with it,” Tebow said. “So first pitch tried to let it get deep and hit it opposite way, especially when they play you for a pull.”

Tebow, who helped lead the University of Florida to two national football championships, said other high-stakes moments prepared him for that crucial moment in the bottom of the ninth on Monday night.

“You just have to handle whatever it is,’’ he said. “If it’s getting up and speaking in front of 20,000, if it’s playing football in front of 100,000. You know, bases loaded, two outs in the bottom of the ninth, your body just knows it’s stress and pressure, and how are you going to handle that mentally?

“And I think all  of the games and the ups and the downs, all of it, help prepare you for pressure-packed stressful moments … This was a fun moment for all of us.’’

Tebow previously hit a home run in his first pro at-bat in Mets instructional camp, but the competition in the Arizona Fall League is far bigger than that, which makes this the biggest hit of his career thus far.

PEORIA, AZ – OCTOBER 13: Tim Tebow #15 (New York Mets) of the Scottsdale Scorpions warms up on deck during the Arizona Fall League game against the Peoria Javelinas at Peoria Stadium on October 13, 2016 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

New York Mets fans were treated to a strange piece of news early Thursday: Tim Tebow has signed a minor league contract with the team.

Tim Tebow Signs Minor League Contract With New York Mets

The former NFL quarterback will begin his professional baseball career in the fall instructional league on Sept. 19 in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson insisted that signing Tebow, 29, is not a publicity stunt.

“While I and the organization, I think, are mindful of the novel nature of this situation, this decision was strictly driven by baseball,” Alderson said on a conference call with Tebow and agent Brodie Van Wagenen on Thursday to announce the agreement. “This was not something that was driven by marketing considerations or anything of the sort. We are extremely intrigued with the potential that Tim has.”

Terms of the deal weren’t immediately available, although baseball executives expect Tebow, a former Heisman Trophy winner who played for the Broncos and the Jets, to sign for something in the low six figures.

The move, which was first reported by ESPN, will have no impact on the National League playoff race; the potential outfielder is considered by scouts to still be far from the majors. The deal with Tebow was made at the highest levels of the organization– by Alderson and chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon. 

Tebow worked out last week in Los Angeles for a group of scouts that included representatives from 28 of the 30 MLB teams. He amazed some of the scouts present with his power from the left side of the plate. The scouts were aware that Tebow hasn’t played baseball since his junior year of high school.

The quarterback acknowledged his transition to baseball would be difficult, but also sounded excited about the opportunity.

“I know this is a tough game,” Tebow said. “But I’m looking forward to putting in the work and I felt like this was the best fit.”

Tebow has been working out with former major league catcher Chad Moeller in Scotsdale, Arizona since Memorial Day. He also spent nearly two hours last week at Southern California’s Dedeaux Field running a 60-yard dash, shagging fly balls, throwing from the outfield and swinging against former major league pitchers David Aardsma and Chad Smith in his audition for clubs.

Tebow won the Heisman Trophy for the Florida Gators in 2007 and helped the team win two national championships. He spent training camps with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles in 2013 and 2015, respectively, but never played in the regular season for those teams.

Since 2013, Tebow has been a college football analyst for ESPN. Alderson said the QB will be permitted to miss fall instructional league a few days each week in order to fulfill that commitment.

“Tim is committed to his role at SEC Network and ESPN this fall,” Stephanie Druley, ESPN senior vice president, event and studio production, said in a statement. “We have always been supportive of Tim’s athletic pursuits. His new schedule will allow him to continue as a college football analyst on SEC Nation this fall.”

Former major league pitchers Dallas Braden, who is now an ESPN analyst, and C.J. Nitkowski took to Twitter to express their opinion that Tebow wasn’t ‘serious’ about playing baseball given his arrangement that grants him excused days off each week.

After Tebow participates in the fall instructional league, which is primarily designed for teenage prospects, Alderson said he is not ruling out sending Tebow to the Arizona Fall League or a winter league.

Even if Tebow never attains the majors, this deal is a win for the Mets because the quarterback will set a good example for the minor leaguers with his work ethic and character.

Still, Alderson insisted Tebow has on-field potential.

“Any player evaluation starts with tools,” Alderson said. “From that standpoint, without grading everything out, suffice it to say Tim has been a great athlete. He has demonstrated more than rudimentary baseball skills. We think, with his commitment to success, that this is an opportunity that is worthwhile.

“In terms of power, in terms of arm, in terms of foot speed, all of those things, we think he can be a baseball player. I think that is underscored by his competitiveness and his determination to succeed and to improve. From our standpoint, this is another opportunity for us to develop a player and see where it goes. We understand most players don’t make it to the major leagues.”

Tebow said he nearly attempted starting a professional baseball career a year ago, but the Eagles’ interest put it on the back-burner.

Asked about his preferred position, Tebow said he’ll take his cue from the organization. But he noted he’s a lefty thrower, so there’s a limit.

“My best position is whatever they feel like it is,” he said. “I feel comfortable in the outfield. I feel comfortable at first base.”

Tebow also gave a very simple answer regarding what he would like to accomplish to become successful as a baseball player.

“I would consider success giving everything I have,” he said.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 03: Quarterback Tim Tebow #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up on the sidelines against the New York Jets in the third quarter during a pre-season game at MetLife Stadium on September 3, 2015 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)

Professional athletes are just like the rest of us, the best is never enough. If we excel at our jobs, we look for a higher position, there’s always something more challenging and bigger than ourselves that we want to do to feel fulfilled.

Consider the change from the NHL to MLB the same as making a career change from a dentist to a stockbroker. The dentist doesn’t have the knowledge of a stockbroker, but because he had to go through school and learn to be a dentist he could learn to be a stockbroker, he’d just have to work hard over time.

Athletes who have achieved success in their respective sports probably think, ‘what now?’. If football becomes mundane for Tim Tebow let him play baseball and don’t scoff, respect. Professional athletes are generally so athletically gifted, and some of them don’t even have to try that hard, that if they decide to play another sport they can absolutely do it and excel at it. No one ever comes out and says they think an athlete like Tebow would be a total failure in baseball, unless you’re Stephen A. Smith, but it’s suggested, and it shouldn’t be.

We shouldn’t shine the spotlight on someone being so bold, and ridicule them if they aren’t immediately as successful as the previous sport they used to play.

Some people view a switch in sports as a publicity stunt, but is changing careers from a doctor to a lawyer a publicity stunt? No. So why do some assume this of athletes?

Tebow, 29, played baseball until his junior year of high school when he batted .494. In between then and now he’s won the Heisman Trophy, two national titles at the University of Florida and spent some time in the NFL. If he can hang in the NFL I’m pretty confident he’s got what it takes to make and play for an MLB squad.

The question of age comes into play, and yes, age is more than just a number when it comes to competing in professional sports. The difference between someone like Tebow at 29 and 22 in MLB can be a big difference. Michael Jordan, 53, probably couldn’t beat LeBron James, but he could hang. In 2013 Michael Kidd Gilchrist, who was the second round pick of the 2012 NBA draft to the Charlotte Bobcats, played some one-on-one with MJ and Jordan schooled him, at 50 years old. When an athlete reaches a certain level, there are skills and knowledge that don’t fade, and neither does the athleticism.

After winning three NBA championships Jordan announced his retirement at 31 years old and started playing AA baseball. Tebow would likely be starting in the minors and working his way up competing against kids a decade younger than himself. What his body can’t help he can certainly make up for in knowledge and experience.

Throughout time there have been many multi-sport athletes and a number of them in the past couple of years that are have made the switch or are attempting to. The point is they have the athletic base to support them and all they have to do is commit to learning the technical skills.

Nate Robinson went to University of Washington on a football scholarship before he decided to focus on basketball. After sometime in the NBA and a stint overseas in Israel he tried out for the Seahawks as a defensive back but didn’t make the cut. Robinson is 32 years old, and was quite undersized for basketball at 5’9”, but the position he tried out for in Seattle is already four-deep. Pete Carroll said it would be challenging for him, but possible to make the switch. “I don’t know if anybody could do it. But if anybody could, it might be Nate. He’s that versatile an athlete and that great a competitor,” Carroll said.

Johnny Manziel was drafted by the San Diego Padres as a shortstop in 2014 the same year he was drafted in the NFL. For Manziel, baseball will always be there for him if he wants it.

Not only are athletes who want to switch sports scoffed at by people on the outside, but even by their own teammates.

During the Olympics the men’s basketball team found countless activities to entertain themselves outside of practice and competition. Jimmy Butler was running routes against Klay Thompson and he made it look easy. In an interview with the U.S. men’s Olympic team Butler half jokingly, half seriously said he could outperform Demaryius Thomas and Antonio Brown. Maybe in this instance he was mostly joking. Kevin Durant kept repeating “Jimmy’s an idiot.” The men’s basketball team has been known for their shenanigans this summer and Butler is the team clown, but if he practiced he could probably play in the NFL.

Perhaps none of them had adidas sponsorships, otherwise they’d know “Impossible Is Nothing.” Kyle Lowry and Harrison Barnes actually do have endorsements with adidas.

The video below highlights the interview with the U.S. men’s Olympic team and Butler’s receiving skills.

If Butler decided to make the switch, likely his Olympic teammates would support him and be the first to show up to training camp.

High achieving athletes are put on a pedestal and people expect greatness in anything they do because they’ve attained that image. Like anything in life, we don’t wake up one day, decide to do something and be the best at it immediately, it takes time. We’d all love to wake up and be ‘awesome’ at anything we decided to do that day but no one is Barney Stinson.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 03: Quarterback Tim Tebow #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up on the sidelines against the New York Jets in the third quarter during a pre-season game at MetLife Stadium on September 3, 2015 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)

Former NFL quarterback and current ESPN broadcaster Tim Tebow is actively pursuing interest in a career in professional baseball, according to his agents Jimmy Sexton and Nick Khan. 

Tebow said he also plans to hold a workout for Major League Baseball teams later this month.

For nearly a year, the QB has been training in Arizona and Los Angeles to perfect his hitting and fielding skills in a sport he has not played on a full-time basis since 2005.

Tebow was an all-state baseball player in Florida that year and hit .494 as a junior, helping Nease High School reach the final four of the Florida state playoffs.

“Obviously we support Tim in his pursuit of a baseball career, as we have in all his ventures,” said Sexton, Tebow’s football agent, who is now working with CAA baseball agent Brodie Van Wagenen.

“Tim’s athletic ability, his work ethic, his leadership and his competitiveness were evident in football and will show in baseball. Knowing Tim’s passion and desire, we won’t be surprised by anything he accomplishes.”

Tebow, who will turn 29 on Aug. 14, has informed ESPN of his interest in pursuing a baseball career, although he will continue to meet his broadcast obligations to the network.

The QB had a tryout with the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to this season, sources told ESPN’s Darren Rovell. A scout attended the workout, and the team displayed interest in Tebow afterward, the sources stated.

Orioles center fielder Adam Jones took to Twitter to comment on the news:

Former MLB catcher Chad Moeller said in a statement via Tebow’s agent: “I am beyond impressed with Tim’s athleticism and swing, and it goes without saying that he has shown a high level of discipline and strong work ethic. I see bat speed and power and real baseball talent. I truly believe Tim has the skill set and potential to achieve his goal of playing in the Major Leagues, and based on what I have seen over the past two months, it could happen relatively quickly.”

Chicago Bears coach John Fox told ESPN’s Jeff Dickerson on Tuesday that when he coached Tebow, he was impressed with his competitiveness and with how “dedicated he was to life.”

All 30 MLB teams will be invited to Tebow’s workout at the end of the month. He has been preparing for this event for over one year.

“This may sound like a publicity stunt, but nothing could be further from the truth,” Wagenen said in a statement through Tebow’s agent. “I have seen Tim’s workouts, and people inside and outside the industry — scouts, executives, players and fans — will be impressed by his talent.”

In reaction to the news, the Schaumburg Boomers, an Illinois-based minor league team in the independent Frontier League, announced Tuesday that they have offered a Tebow a contract.

Tebow is currently a free agent, having last played for the New York Jets in 2013 and seeing his career stall ever since. In April 2012, the Jets released Tebow after drafting quarterback Geno Smith. He was selected by the Denver Broncos as the 25th overall draft pick in 2010 out of Florida, and only spent one season with them before being traded to the Jets.

Tebow signed a two-year, non-guaranteed contract with the Patriots on June 11, 2013, before being cut from the team on August 31, 2013.^[10] After two seasons away from the game, Tebow signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles on April 20, 2015. He was released by the Eagles on September 5. He has served as a college football analyst on ESPN’s SEC Network since December 30, 2013.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 03: Quarterback Tim Tebow #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up on the sidelines against the New York Jets in the third quarter during a pre-season game at MetLife Stadium on September 3, 2015 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)

While he wasn’t that useful at the NFL level, Tim Tebow seems to be a legitimately good guy. Last year, his foundation sponsored 44 proms on Valentine’s Day weekend for people with special needs. This year, he’s upping the ante and organizing over 200 events spread across 48 states and eight different countries.

Once arriving at Night to Shine, guests will walk down a red carpet lined with photographers. Once inside the venue, they can get their corsages and boutonnieres, visit hair and make up stations, sing karaoke and dance.

“Every time I think about it, I’m so humbled and amazed by the way God has continued to grow Night to Shine,” Tebow told People. “I can’t wait for February 12th; it’s my favorite night of the year.”

“When I was 15 years old, I began to realize the importance of fighting for people who can’t fight for themselves,” he continued. “As a foundation, we are so passionate about people with special needs, and this event is a great time to tell them how much they are loved by God and by all of us.”

“We hope that the movement of Night to Shine not only transforms the way we think about Valentine’s Day, but also launches or enhances ongoing special needs ministries within churches around the world,” added Erik Dellenback, the executive director of the Tim Tebow Foundation. ‘And provides a place where our honored guests can be celebrated and loved throughout the year.”

Photo: Tim Tebow #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass in the third quarter of the preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts on August 16, 2015 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

After a month of speculation, it looks like “Tebowmania” is going to make a comeback after all. Reports throughout the NFL say Tim Tebow is planning to sign a one year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The agreement was finalized last night by the Eagles. The framework for the deal was put in place when Tebow worked out for Philadelphia last month, which we reported as news was swirling about what it meant. Tebow is expected to arrive in Philadelphia in time for the start of the Eagles’ offseason program on Monday. The deal is reportedly worth the league minimum salary.

Although it seems very unlikely for Tebow to make the final roster come September, the move is another bold one by Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, who’s made plenty of them this offseason. The Philadelphia quarterback situation is now an extremely crowded one, as Matt Barkley was unable to be traded prior to making the move for Tebow. The Eagles will go into their offseason training with four of them, with Tebow and Barkley joining Mark Sanchez and Sam Bradford. Three of those four happen to be among the five worst quarterbacks in terms of the QB Rating stat out of those who started a minimum of 30 games the past five years.

As for how the sports media is taking this news, we’ll let this screengrab of today’s Sportscenter by Deadspin‘s Timothy Burke tell the story:

If you thought the NFL world could go an offseason without uttering the words “Tim Tebow,” you are wrong.

Word has quickly spread today thanks to Adam Schefter’s tweet that Tim Tebow is working out for the Philadelphia Eagles. Although he saw time in the preseason in 2013 with the New England Patriots before being cut at the start of the season, Tebow has not played in the NFL since his 2012 stint with the New York Jets.

Tebow, who has won fans for his play and demeanor but drawn ire at media outlets that covered him obsessively, had started his career very successfully. As a Florida Gator, he led the team to a BCS national championship and left Gainesville as a hero. His sophomore season as a Denver Bronco also continued the craze of “Tebowmania,” as his surprising and clutch late game performances took the NFL world by storm. No play better described the season than his game winning touchdown pass in the AFC Wild Card round against the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime to help Denver move on in the playoffs.

But after Denver signed Peyton Manning, Tebow was sent off in a trade to the Jets. After a season of poor performances and mismanagement, the Tim Tebow experiment would only last one year in New York. He would sign with the rival Patriots prior to the 2013 season, but would be cut after a poor preseason as Tom Brady’s backup.

Tebow has since been an analyst on ESPN’s SEC Network and has won praise from sports media critics and college football fans for his work. However, the SEC Network has said that his contract does not preclude him from returning to the field, so the door is always open for him to going back to playing football.

The move to work out for the Philadelphia Eagles comes during an extremely active offseason for the team. Head coach Chip Kelly has let go of some popular players but has also brought in some other big names. At the moment, the Eagles have Sam Bradford and Mark Sanchez as their quarterbacks. With Kelly’s mobile and high-tempo offense, Tebow could be seen as a fit if his workouts go well. If Tebow can get back to being successful after a frustrating two years on the field and a year off of it altogether, however, is yet to be seen.

UPDATE: Just a few minutes after this article was written, Adam Schefter was back with some more news out of Philadelphia:

Even if Philadelphia doesn’t sign him, today’s workouts might still be a sign that Tebow is looking to make his return to the field sometime soon.