Tebowmania may be heading to Major League Baseball.
Tim Tebow, the former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback who played three seasons in the NFL, is actively pursuing a pro baseball career, according to a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Tebow plans on working out for all 30 MLB teams later this month, Schefter said.
Tebow, who will turn 29 on Sunday, last appeared in a regular-season NFL game in 2012 with the Jets. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the first round in 2010 and played with them for two seasons. He appeared in training camp with both the New England Patriots (2013) and the Philadelphia Eagles (2015), but was cut. He is now a commentator for the SEC Network.
Tebow completed 167 of 353 career passes for 2,422 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 35 games (16 starts). He also had 197 carries for 989 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Tebow went 19-for-47 for 452 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in the 2011 playoffs, including 316 yards and a score against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional round. That game was defined by Demaryius Thomas’ 80-yard touchdown catch-and-run on the first play of overtime.
Brodie Van Wagenen, co-head of CAA Baseball, confirmed the report in a statement, per Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.
“This may sound like a publicity stunt, but nothing could be further from the truth,” Van Wagenen said in the statement. “I have seen Tim’s workouts, and people inside and outside the industry – scouts, executives, players and fans – will be impressed by his talent. As an agent, I have a genuine respect for how hard it is to succeed at the game of baseball and a true admiration for those who possess the talent to play it at the Major League level. Tim’s tool set is real. His physicality is unique in professional baseball. His work ethic is unprecedented, and his passion for the game is infectious. He knows the challenges that lie ahead of him given his age and experience, but he is determined to achieve his goal of playing in the Major Leagues.”
Tebow had one of the most decorated college football careers of all time while at Florida. He won the 2007 Heisman Trohpy and was a two-time national champion (2007, 2009). He threw for 9,285 yards, 88 touchdowns and 16 interceptions and ran 692 times for 2,947 yards and 57 touchdowns in four seasons.
Tebow has been working out in Scottsdale, Arizona, with former MLB catcher Chad Moeller, according to a statement per Rosenthal.
“I am beyond impressed with Tim’s athleticism and swing, and it goes without saying that he has shown a high level of discipline and strong work ethic,” Moeller said in a statement. “I see bat speed and power and real baseball talent. I truly believe Tim has the skill set and potential to achieve his goal of playing in the Major Leagues, and based on what I have seen over the past two months, it could happen relatively quickly.”
..... - Newsday