The Jacksonville Jaguars released Tim Tebow on Tuesday, pulling the plug on the former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback’s latest quest to extend his playing career, this time as a tight end.
Tebow, 34, was attempting a return to the NFL after six years out of the league, though he hasn’t played a regular-season season game since 2012. As part of his comeback, Tebow announced he would be switching to tight end — a position some scouts viewed Tebow better suited for in the long term.
In the process, Tebow reunited with Urban Meyer — Tebow’s college coach at the University of Florida who now coaches the Jaguars.
But Meyer has now made a decision to part ways. The cut comes as teams have to trim the roster down to 85 players as part of an NFL deadline. Teams are required to cut to 80 players by next week.
Tebow thanked the Jaguars for the opportunity upon his release.
“Thankful for the highs and even the lows, the opportunities, and the setbacks,” Tebow wrote on Twitter. “I’ve never wanted to make decisions out of fear of failure and I’m grateful for the chance to have pursued a dream. …
“Thank you to the @Jaguars organization and everyone who has supported me in this journey. And we know that…God works all things together for good. Romans 8:28”
Before Jacksonville, Tebow spent time with the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles. He also had a stint in professional baseball, latching on to the New York Mets’ minor league system for five years.
At Florida, Tebow won the Heisman Trophy in 2007 and helped the Gators win two national championships. His outspoken Christian faith and multiple attempts to pursue an athletic career made him a focus of public attention and debate far beyond the world of sports over the past decade.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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