Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow agreed to a deal with ESPN to become an analyst for the pregame show, "SEC Nation." Tebow's contract has a clause built in to allow him to leave for the NFL should an opportunity present itself, ESPN reports.
"I am so excited that ESPN has given me an incredible opportunity," Tebow said in a statement, via ESPN. "When I was 6 years old, I fell in love with the game of football, and while I continue to pursue my dream of playing quarterback in the NFL, this is an amazing opportunity to be part of the unparalleled passion of college football and the SEC."
Tebow is scheduled to debut during ESPN's pregame show before the BCS National Championship on Jan. 6. He will primarily be featured on "SEC Nation," a pregame show following some of the SEC's bigger matchups. His role on the program will begin on Aug. 28 ahead of the Texas A&M and South Carolina game.
He's also expected to contribute on other ESPN programs, such as "SportsCenter."
Speculation about Tebow becoming a sports broadcaster began in November when NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Tebow had hired Nick Khan, a prominent broadcast agent from CAA. CBS and Fox, along with ESPN, were reportedly in a bidding war for Tebow's services.
"Tim is an SEC icon with a national fan base and broad appeal. He will be a significant contributor to the compelling content we will deliver with the SEC Network," said Justin Connolly, the ESPN senior vice president for college networks and programming. "Tim brings a wealth of knowledge about the game, the conference and the passion among SEC fans."
Tebow was last signed with the New England Patriots, who released him after the preseason concluded. Tebow played at the University of Florida from 2006 to 2009. He won two BCS championships as a Gator in 2007 and 2008, as well as the Heisman Trophy in 2007.
