Tim Tebow trades pads for job as studio analyst, embarks on new venture

Former Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Tim Tebow’s comeback attempt in the NFL wasn’t a successful one. However, he wasn’t out of work for long, as he will be joining ESPN’s First Take alongside hosts Stephen A. Smith and Molly Querim Rose. The 2010 first-round pick won’t be the only addition to the morning show though.

ESPN announced that Jessica Mendoza, Dan Orlovsky, Mina Kimes, Monica McNutt, Michael Irvin, Kimberley A. Martin, and Keyshawn Jonson will be some of the signature guests that will join the program. According to the network’s press release, Tebow will be joining the show on Friday.

"Each week will culminate on Friday with Heisman Trophy Winner and SEC Network analyst Tim Tebow and Smith debating all things college football heading into Saturdays throughout the season."

This isn’t the first time Tebow has a job as a football analyst. He was previously part of the cast of SEC Nation, a pregame show on the SEC Network, so his transition from the football field to the studio won’t be an abrupt one.

Tim Tebow isn’t afraid to experiment and take risks.

After a productive career at Florida that included two BCS national championships, Tebow was drafted 25th overall by the Denver Broncos in the 2010 selection meeting. Even though the former Gator helped the Broncos qualify to the 2011 playoffs and upset the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was out of the NFL after three years. He tried out for both the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots but didn’t get a job. That’s when he gave baseball a try but also failed to enjoy much success.

Tebow signed with the Jaguars this offseason, expecting to make the transition to the pros. He showed up to organized team activities in great shape and put in the work to make the switch. The early reviews were positive but he struggled once padded practices started. Ultimately, the transition proved to be too much. His blocking and his receiving skills needed plenty of work and time wasn’t on his side.

Had Tebow made the switch early in his football career, he might have turn into a solid tight end. But he was reluctant to change positions for several years. When asked why he wasn’t interested in the switch, he said it wasn’t in his heart. At the time, he noted that he really loved doing was playing the quarterback. In the end, the two-time SEC Player of the Year gave football one more try and failed. On the bright side, he won’t wonder what could have been.

Tim Tebow’s comeback might not have worked the way he would have liked. However, he’s not the kind of person that will let failure deter him from working towards reaching his goals. After being released by Jaguars, he posted a message on social media thanking the organization for giving him the opportunity to chase his dreams. There’s no doubt he will continue to work hard as an analyst at ESPN.