For professional athletes the time comes in their younger years where a decision is made as to which sport to focus on. That typically occurs in high school as the next jump is to the collegiate ranks or turning pro (i.e. Major League Baseball draft).
For Tim Tebow, pursuing a career in the National Football League took precedent. He attended the University of Florida, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2007 and a national championship in 2008. Tebow was taken No. 25 overall in the 2010 Draft by the Denver Broncos.
He miraculously sparked a playoff run in 2011, but spent the following season with the New York Jets. Tebow spent the 2013 preseason with the New England Patriots, and 2015 preseason with the Philadelphia Eagles.
He didn’t appear in a regular season game either year, and has since become an NFL analyst for ESPN.
It appears Tebow is taking aim at a return as a professional athlete. Though instead of playing quarterback or switching positions, the 28-year-old is interested in pursuing a career in baseball, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
Tim Tebow is actively pursuing a career in professional baseball and plans to hold workout for Major League Baseball teams later this month.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 9, 2016
Nine-time MLB All-Star Gary Sheffield pledged his full support after working out with Tebow:
I spent time w @TimTebow in the cages recently, he's a NATURAL. I absolutley believe in his ability to play in the bigs. Tim has IT #focused
— Gary Sheffield (@garysheffield) August 9, 2016
What’s more, Tebow held private workout with the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to the 2016 season, per ESPN’s Darren Rovell:
Sources: Tim Tebow had a private workout with the Dodgers before this season
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) August 9, 2016
In high school Tebow was regarded a smooth-swinging outfielder who displayed some natural talent. The 28-year-old has spent the past year working out in California and Arizona, training with former Major League players.
Tebow’s agents, Nick Khan and Jimmy Sexton, are said to have been in contact with multiple clubs. Tebow’s career has come with plenty of adulation and criticism from both fans and other professional athletes.
While Tebow’s road ahead will involve a difficult path, his talent or inability will ultimately speak for itself.
