The Mets announced Wednesday that Tim Tebow, the former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback, has decided to retire from professional baseball. Tebow, 33, signed with the Mets in September 2016, despite playing organized baseball since high school. Over parts of three minor seasons, Tebow batted .223 / .299 / .338 with 18 home runs, 48 doubles and five stolen bases in 287 games.
“It was a pleasure to have Tim in our organization because he was a perfect career during his four years with the Mets,” Mets president Sandy Alderson said in a statement released by the team. “By reaching the Triple-A level in 2019, he far exceeded expectations when he entered the system for the first time in 2016, and he should be very proud of his achievements.”
Tebow began his professional baseball career in the Arizona Fall League and, as noted, moved to the top minor league in 2019. Tebow did not play in 2020 as the minor season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This spring, Tebow was again invited to the main league camp with the Mets.
“I want to thank the Mets, Mr Alderson, the fans and all my teammates for the chance to be a part of such an amazing organization,” Tebow said in the same statement. “I loved every minute of the trip, but at this moment I feel called in other directions. I never want to partially participate in anything. I always want to be 100 percent in everything I choose. Thanks again for everyone’s support. this wonderful journey in baseball, I will always cherish my time as a Met. # LGM “
Before signing with the Mets, Tebow gained notoriety as a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback for the University of Florida. In the NFL, he started 16 in three seasons and helped the 2011 Denver Broncos win the playoffs. Since 2014, Tebow has been working as a college football analyst for the SEC Network and sometimes ESPN.