ESPN, SEC Network hire Tim Tebow as analyst

Former Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow has been hired as a college football analyst for the SEC Network, which is set to launch in August 2014.

The three-year deal announced by ESPN on Monday will position Tebow as the lead analyst on the SEC Network’s College GameDay spin-off show SEC Nation. The pregame program will travel across the country and air from a different Southeastern Conference venue each week starting Aug. 28, 2014.

Tebow will essentially take Kirk Herbstreit’s chair on the program, which will be hosted by Joe Tessitore and have Paul Finebaum on board in the role Lee Corso made famous.

The Heisman Trophy winner will also be a contributor across other ESPN platforms. His first assignments with the World Wide Leader in Sports come on Jan. 6, 2014, when he serves as an analyst during pregame coverage throughout the day ahead of the 2014 BCS National Championship featuring Florida State and Auburn.

“I am so excited that ESPN has given me this incredible opportunity,” said Tebow in the press release. “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.”

According to the network, “Tebow’s role with ESPN will not preclude him from continuing to pursue playing opportunities in the NFL.” Should Tebow be signed by an NFL team, he would be able to opt out of his contract with ESPN and return to the gridiron.

“Tim is a SEC icon with a national fan base and broad appeal. He will be a significant contributor to the compelling content we will deliver with the SEC Network,” said Justin Connolly, ESPN‘s de facto SEC Network head honcho in the release. “Tim brings a wealth of knowledge about the game, the conference and the passion among SEC fans.”

Photo Credit: Associated Press