Tim Tebow’s tight end experiment came to an end on Tuesday, as he was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars when the team had to reduce its roster from 90 players to 85. Tebow made his debut with the Jaguars in the preseason opener against Cleveland, but he didn’t make any catches and the most notable play was a poor slide block attempt.
The former Florida quarterback was considered a longshot to make the team, given the fact that he hadn’t played tight end since his freshman year of high school and hadn’t been on a 53-man roster since 2012. But he surely would have hoped to at least have another preseason opportunity to demonstrate his worth.
Tebow addressed his release on Twitter, giving his gratitude for the Jaguars organization for giving him a shot.
Thankful for the highs and even the lows, the opportunities, and the setbacks. I’ve never wanted to make decisions out of fear of failure and I’m grateful for the chance to have pursued a dream…
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) August 17, 2021
Figures from around the college football world reacted to Tebow’s release, with several offering praise for his character, such as fellow UF Heisman winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel.
I’m proud of you @TimTebow for pursuing your dreams and I look forward to how God continues to use you to impact the world. 🙏🏼 https://t.co/yg3jpzNbk2
— Danny Wuerffel (@DannyWuerffel) August 17, 2021
Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde also had positive things to say about Tebow.
Tim Tebow is a really good guy who will continue to do a lot of good things in the world. They just won't involve playing football.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) August 17, 2021
Jim Nagy, the executive director of the Senior Bowl, followed suit.
Respect to Tim Tebow for putting himself back in the arena. Zero shame in that.
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) August 17, 2021
NFL insider Ian Rapoport praised coach Urban Meyer for thinking outside the box, even if it didn’t work out.
The #Jaguars and coach Urban Meyer took a chance, an experiment. It didn’t work out, but a fascinating no-risk gamble. Tim Tebow now released.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 17, 2021
Local Action News Jax sports director Brent Martineau also defended the signing of Tebow, saying that criticisms from the national media didn’t end up materializing.
Remember the narrative when Tebow was signed by the Jaguars of being a distraction… all those folks were wrong. He didn't talk to the media one time in his tenure with Jags. Every player we talked to respected his bid to play in NFL. Meyer cut him early instead of late.
— Brent Martineau (@BrentASJax) August 17, 2021
Famous Florida fan and content creator Cameron Magruder defended the decision to release Tebow.
Tim Tebow was not cut because he is an outspoken Christian
Tim Tebow was cut because he was a sub-par TE
He will not be subpar on my Madden team though
— Cameron Magruder (@ScooterMagruder) August 17, 2021
Several others followed Magruder’s lead, and there were certainly some jokes made at Tebow’s expense as well.
Urban Meyer cutting Tim Tebow pic.twitter.com/lk87KK2wK6
— Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) August 17, 2021
I think Tim Tebow should just go be the buffest dude at the local gym, honestly that seems really fulfilling
— BUM CHILLUPS AKA SPENCER HALL (@edsbs) August 17, 2021
With Tebow’s chance at becoming a tight end in the NFL now gone (at least in Jacksonville), it seems we may have seen the last of the Gators legend on the field.
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