Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow announces retirement from professional baseball

Bret Gibson
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021 10:05 p.m. | Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021 10:05 p.m.

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AP

Syracuse Mets’ Tim Tebow speaks with reporters prior to a minor league baseball game in Syracuse, N.Y.

AP

New York Mets’ Tim Tebow runs out a ground out against the St. Louis Cardinals during the eighth inning of a spring training game in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Tim Tebow is hanging up the helmet. Again.

Tebow, the former Broncos and Jets quarterback announced his retirement from professional baseball after five years in the New York Mets organization on Wednesday.

The best play of Tim Tebow’s professional sports career. pic.twitter.com/xFr1JwmqxJ

— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) February 18, 2021

The former Heisman Trophy winner at the University of Florida returned to baseball in 2016 for the first time since his junior year of high school and reached Triple-A Syracuse.

Tebow, who works for ESPN’s SEC Network as a football analyst during the offseason, played 77 games at baseball’s highest minor league level in 2019, batting .163 with four home runs. He finishes his career with a .223 average over 287 games.

“I want to thank the Mets, [current team president Sandy] Alderson, the fans and all my teammates for the chance to be a part of such a great organization,” Tebow said in a statement. “I loved every minute of the journey, but at this time I feel called in other directions.”

I want to thank the @Mets, Mr. Alderson, the fans and all my teammates for the chance to be a part of such a great organization. I loved every minute of the journey, but at this time I feel called in other directions…

— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) February 18, 2021

Tebow, 33, did not play in 2020, as the minor-league season was canceled because of the covid-19 pandemic. This spring, Tebow had been invited to major-league camp with the Mets.

“It has been a pleasure to have Tim in our organization as he’s been a consummate professional during his four years with the Mets,” Alderson said. “By reaching the Triple-A level in 2019, he far exceeded expectations when he first entered the system in 2016 and he should be very proud of his accomplishments.”

We could never forget this incredible moment from Tim Tebow ?pic.twitter.com/ZWym15UILi

— SNY (@SNYtv) February 18, 2021

Tim Tebow has retired from baseball ⚾️ this speech however will never retire

pic.twitter.com/iArmwf9QRD

— George Jarjour (@GeorgeOnTap) February 18, 2021

Tim Tebow once left the on-deck circle to greet a young fan with autism. Then he hit a home run ?

(via @ABC)pic.twitter.com/kZogmL8JZr

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 18, 2021