There are apparently no hard feelings between ESPN and newly signed Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tim Tebow.
The former ESPN employee—a college football analyst for the ESPN-owned SEC Network—Tebow officially joined the team Monday, a scoop garnered by Jay Glazer—an NFL insider for ESPN rival Fox Sports—the night prior.
Tebow is the Eagles’ fifth quarterback on the depth chart, joining expected starter Sam Bradford, his former New York Jets teammate Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley and G.J. Kinne. However, with Bradford still rehabbing his most recent ACL tear, Tebow should serve as the Eagles’ No. 4 quarterback during offseason activities and minicamps. He is a long-shot to make September’s 53-man roster.
So, it’s good news that ESPN is willing to have him back. John Wildhack, the network’s Vice President of Programming and Production, released a statement to that effect (via Pro Football Talk):
“We appreciate Tim’s contributions to the launch of SEC Network and wish him all the best as he pursues his NFL dream. Tim quickly established a tremendous rapport with everyone he worked with in front of and behind the camera. He has a tireless work ethic and a unique passion for football. Tim developed quickly into an excellent analyst. He has a home at ESPN when his playing career is done.”
The Eagles are Tebow’s third team since leading the Denver Broncos to a playoff victory during the 2011 season. He spent time with the Jets in 2012 and New England Patriots in 2013 and served as an analyst last year before Philadelphia signed him.
Tebow’s biggest weaknesses are practicing well and his throwing mechanics. Even if both are much improved, it will still be difficult for Tebow to climb the position’s depth chart and supplant well-paid players like Bradford and Sanchez for the starting quarterback job.
At least Tebow has ESPN and its SEC Network to fall back on when his playing career inevitably comes to yet another crossroads.
Photo: USA Today Sports