Tim Tebow Explains Why He Didn't Give Up NFL QB Position to Extend Career
Tim Tebow may have had more opportunities in the NFL if he switched his position, but the Christian athlete is explaining why he is adamant about playing quarterback in the big leagues.
"I think one thing that's really important in life is that we pursue our passions. You pursue what's on your heart," Tebow said on Larry King Now. "You pursue what you're passionate about and for me, in the game of football, it's the position of quarterback. I've loved it since I was a little boy looking up to Danny Wuerffel at the University of Florida."
Still, pursuing that position has come with its fair share of disappointments for Tebow. Despite leading the University of Florida Gators to a national championship as the team's starting quarterback in 2008 and winning the Heisman Trophy in 2007, no NFL teams have signed the star athlete in four years.
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After being drafted to the Denver Broncos in 2010, Tebow signed to the New York Jets in 2012, before getting picked up by the New England Patriots in 2013, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015. Still, the Patriots and Eagles decided to bypass signing Tebow on their regular season roster, which has been tough for the quarterback.
Although he has remained positive publicly, Tebow decided to release his career disappointments in the form of an upcoming book called Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life's Storms.
"First, he was a beloved college football champion, media sensation, and best-selling author drafted in the first round of the 2010 Draft. Then he had a miracle playoff run with the Denver Broncos before being traded to the New York Jets," a description of the book on the Penguin Random House website states. "After one season he was cut by New York, next signed by the New England Patriots, then let go after training camp. Tim Tebow has achieved big victories and plunged the depths of failure, all while holding firm to his faith."
While he doesn't deny his football dreams, Tebow has spoken about being defined by more than just football for years.
"In the end, football is just a silly game. Greatness comes from serving," Tebow told a crowd of students at a Liberty University convocation in 2013. "You want to be great? Be a servant. You want to be great? Humble yourself."
Still, Tebow let host Larry King know that he hasn't given up on his NFL dreams just yet.
"I don't know we'll see what doors open," Tebow said.
