Former Broncos QB Tim Tebow Signs With ESPN as SEC Football Analyst

January 8, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow throws a touchdown pass to win the game during overtime in the 2011 AFC wild card playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Sports Authority Field. The Broncos won 29-23 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Tebow has signed on with a team, maybe the most dominant team in the world.

The World Wide Leader in sports (ESPN) has signed the former Broncos QB to a three-year deal, making him the latest SEC college football analyst that will also have a number of other roles within the network.

“I am so excited that ESPN has given me this incredible opportunity,” said Tebow. “When I was six 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.”

This is a great deal for Tebow. He has an opt-out clause, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network if he signs on with an NFL team, which I have to think is at least a possibility with some of the rubbish I’ve seen from backup quarterbacks in the NFL this season.

Here is ESPN’s statement on Tebow’s role:

“Through a multi-year agreement, Tebow’s primary role will be as an analyst for SEC Nation, the network’s traveling pregame show that will originate from a different SEC campus each week beginning August 28, 2014. In the months leading up to launch and after, he will contribute to a variety of ESPN platforms including SportsCenter, ESPN Radio, and the network’s Heisman Trophy coverage, offering in-depth perspective as a legendary Southeastern Conference player.”

Tebow is a former first round draft pick of the Denver Broncos, a guy I really wanted back in 2010 as well. In 2011, he became the Broncos’ full-time starting QB in week six and ended up bringing the team back from a 1-4 hole to an 8-8 division title and one of the most exciting seasons Broncos fans have ever seen.

Personally, and this would be better served in its own full post, I think Tebow deserves at least a backup gig in the NFL. You can convince me he’s not better than 32 starters, but you can’t convince me that he’s not at least on par with one of the 32 backups or one of up to 32 third stringers. There are 64 backup QB jobs in the NFL, and this guy deserves one of them.

This is a player who has the potential to be one of the best goal line backs in the NFL if a team uses him appropriately.

I don’t think Tebow will be with ESPN for a full year before he gets signed by an NFL team, or at least I hope he’s not.