ESPN taps Tim Tebow for SEC Network

0

ESPNESPN said it has hired the Former Florida quarterback and Heisman winner as an analyst for the SEC Network, which launches in August. Through a multi-year agreement, Tebow’s primary role will be as an analyst for “SEC Nation,” the network’s traveling pregame show that will originate from a different SEC campus each week beginning 8/28.


The SEC Network is a partnership with The Southeastern Conference and ESPN. They signed a 20-year agreement through 2034 to create and operate the multiplatform network. The new network and its accompanying digital platform will air SEC content 24/7 including more than 1,000 events in its first year. The network will televise approximately 45 SEC football games, more than 100 men’s basketball games, 60 women’s basketball games, 75 baseball games, and events from across the SEC’s 21 sports annually.

In the months leading up to launch and after, he will contribute to a variety of ESPN platforms including SportsCenter, ESPN Radio, and the network’s Heisman Trophy coverage, offering in-depth perspective as a legendary Southeastern Conference player.

Tebow will make his first appearance as an ESPN analyst during pregame coverage of the 2014 VIZIO BCS National Championship. He will contribute to the 9 a.m. ET edition of SportsCenter, College Football Live (3 p.m.) and College GameDay Built by The Home Depot (7 p.m.). He will also be part of studio coverage for the new College Football Playoff (semifinals and championship game), which begins next season.

He’s the first college football analyst hired for the SEC Network. He joins a commentating roster that includes Joe Tessitore, host of SEC Nation, and Paul Finebaum, host of The Paul Finebaum radio show.

Tebow and Tessitore’s first SEC Nation show will air from Columbia, S.C., Thursday, Aug. 28, for the Texas A&M at South Carolina game. The game will be televised exclusively on the network. The show’s two-hour (10 a.m. – noon) Saturday debut will be August 30 from Auburn, AL, when Arkansas visits Auburn. SEC Nation will air every Saturday throughout the SEC college football season and offer an immersive look at game day around SEC campuses.

ESPN says his role with ESPN will not preclude him from continuing to pursue playing opportunities in the NFL.