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The Tim Tebow tight end experiment has come to an abrupt ending.
The former college and NFL quarterback confirmed he was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars on Tuesday (August 17), days after appearing in his first preseason game.
"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," Tebow tweeted. "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."
Tebow, 34, hadn't previously played the tight end position before signing with the Jaguars this offseason and reuniting with first-year head coach Urban Meyer, who coached him during all four of his collegiate seasons at the University of Florida.
The former quarterback went viral for a bad blocking attempt during the Jaguars' 23-13 preseason loss to the Cleveland Browns on Saturday (August 14).
Tebow signed a one-year contract with his hometown team in May and participated in the Jaguars' offseason program to compete for a roster spot at the tight end position.
NFL Network's Ian Rapaport initially reported the Jacksonville resident participated in a workout for his hometown team prior to the 2021 NFL Draft.
Rapoport reiterated that Tebow's potential role would be "more so than tight end...think Taysom Hill," comparing it to the backup quarterback who has played multiple offensive positions for the New Orleans Saints.
Tebow, whose size and athleticism dominated collegiate defenses, refused to make the switch to the tight end position after being selected by the Denver Broncos in the first-round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
The two-time national champion and former Heisman Trohpy winner led the Broncos to a 7-4 record in 11 regular season starts and a playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers during his second season, but was released the following offseason after Denver signed Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Peyton Manning as a free agent.
Tebow made sporadic appearances for the New York Jets the following season before once again being released. He then made several preseason appearances for the New England Patriots in 2013 and Philadelphia Eagles in 2015, while balancing his broadcasting career with the SEC Network.
Tebow announced his pursuit of a Major League Baseball career in August 2016 and was invited to the New York Mets' spring training roster multiple times, but ultimately made his highest regular season appearance for the organization in AAA during the 2019 season.