Tim Tebow Cut: Is His ‘Lifelong Dream’ Over?

Tim Tebow’s future in the NFL is not looking bright.

Though he’s largely fallen off the radar in the last year, Tim Tebow, the former Heisman winning quarterback of the Florida Gators, has once again become a topic of discussion. After a substandard preseason with the New England Patriots, the big question this week was had he done enough to make the final 53-man roster.

That question was answered on Saturday when the Pats cut Tebow after going 11-for-30, with two touchdowns and two interceptions, in his final preseason game against the New York Giants. The real red flag for Tebow in that game was the four sacks he took—there isn’t much of a market in the NFL for an inaccurate passer that hangs on to the ball too long.

Of course, who knows how much that game played into the team’s decision. Tebow didn’t really hurt his case all that much, but he didn’t help it either. With starter Tom Brady turning 36 in August, the Pats are in need of a capable backup who can step in and run that offense if he goes down. They didn’t find that in Tim Tebow.

So where does that leave him?

Having been effectively dumped by three teams in 18 months, Tebow’s future in the league is anything but certain. Nothing is going to silence his most ardent supporters, who seem to believe there’s some sort of conspiracy afoot to keep this kid out of a starting position.

Which, as most sane people are well aware, is absolutely ridiculous. If Tebow was good enough to start in the NFL—he’d be starting. He’s not being sidelined because of his sunny disposition and he’s not being passed over because of his faith. He can’t keep a job because he’s simply not good enough.

Although, what he lacks in ability, he does make up for in politeness. After learning he had been cut, Tebow took to Twitter to express his gratitude for the opportunity. Tweeting:

“I would like to thank Mr. Kraft, Coach Belichick, Coach McDaniels and the entire Patriots organization for giving me the opportunity…

…to be a part of such a classy organization. I pray for nothing but the best for you all. I will remain in relentless pursuit…

…of continuing my lifelong dream of being an NFL quarterback.”

It’s hard not to admire Tebow’s positive outlook and determination. Unfortunately those aren’t the only attributes necessary achieve that particular dream—they aren’t even close to being the most important ones either.

As long as he remains fixed on the idea of becoming a starting quarterback and convinced he can will himself into the job, Tebow is going to go nowhere in the league. Sure it may be unrealistic to assume he could step into another position at this point and have success, but it’s no more unrealistic than him starting at QB.

When asked about Tebow’s future prospects John Fox, his former coach with the Denver Broncos, was diplomatic. Said Fox:

“I can’t predict that. I just know that I wish nothing but the best for him. As I’ve said many times, he did a lot of good things for us. He was great to this organization and to this coaching staff, myself included.”

Fox’s kind words were reserved for Tebow as a person, he said noting positive about him as a player. That seems to be the prevailing sentiment around the league these days regarding Tebow.

Is he a nice guy? Yes, obviously.

Is he a positive force in the locker room? Of course.

Is he a hard worker who knows you never say die? Most definitely.

But can he play quarterback? The answer is no.