Former NFL QB Tim Tebow is more than likely going to trend again on social media come Tuesday, Aug. 22. But this time, his well-documented Heisman Trophy-winning career at the University of Florida will be among the subjects of the upcoming Netflix documentary “Swamp Kings,” as part of the streaming network’s “Untold” sports series.
What Happened to Tim Tebow Post-Gainesville?
While it’s not known how much of Tebow’s post-Gators days will get mentioned in the feature chronicling the national title runs of the late 2000 Florida teams, Tebow was just as popular after his collegiate run as he was during it — from his faith to his football career all the way to a brief stop as a baseball player before ultimately settling for an analyst role.
Tebow grew national attention during his UF days for being a devoted Christian who wasn’t shy about sharing his faith with the public. That was even more magnified during his NFL career.
But before the NFL, many scouts and draft experts knocked Tebow for his arm delivery as a passer and his rather slow zip to his throws. He wasn’t considered first-round material before the draft. Yet, the Denver Broncos — then led by Josh McDaniels — took him at No. 25 overall.
What followed was a brief rise before a journeyman career.
Tebow really captured the heart of a nation with his 2011 season with the Broncos, taking over the QB reins and going 7-4 in the process when John Fox took over as head coach. Tebow managed to get Denver into the playoffs, where they eventually hosted a postseason contest.
And, on the opening play of overtime in their Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tebow connected with the late Demaryius Thomas on an 80-yard strike to advance the Broncos to the Divisional Round.
But after being drilled 45-10 against the New England Patriots, the Broncos and general manager John Elway made the decision to pursue Peyton Manning to bolster the QB position.
Questions surrounding Tebow’s ability to fully immerse himself as a permanent NFL starter eventually parlayed into the Broncos’ decision to upgrade at QB — a decision that would ultimately conclude with the Super Bowl 50 win in Manning’s final game ever.
Denver managed to work out a trade with the New York Jets before the 2012 season. Tebow, though, only threw the ball eight times with NYJ. He eventually joined the Patriots but never saw any action and was released on Aug. 31, 2013, on the day teams had to finalize their 53-man rosters.
Tebow had a one-year sabbatical away from putting on the pads as he joined the SEC Network as an analyst for the college football season. He found his way to the Philadelphia Eagles in April 2015 but, again, was cut before the regular season.
Then in 2016, Tebow tried on another set of cleats — this time for baseball. He ended a near-decade absence from playing competitive baseball and invited all 30 Major League Baseball teams for his open tryout in August 2016.
He eventually signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets, helping spark a brief five-year run on the baseball diamond while playing for different minor league affiliates through the Mets.
But after formally retiring from baseball, Tebow was given one more NFL try … this time through his former Florida coach Urban Meyer who was hired as the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021. Tebow was used as a part-time tight end, and much like his stops with the Jets, Pats, and Eagles, he was released before the season.
Will Tebow’s Post-Florida Career Be Featured on ‘Swamp Kings’?
Time will tell if the documentary will feature Tebow’s post-Gainesville career. However, he is considered to be a major subject of the highly-anticipated show.
After all, he was behind center for both title-winning teams against Ohio State (2007) when he shared QB duties with Chris Leak and Oklahoma (2009) when Tebow planted himself as the QB1. And in between, he won the coveted Heisman Trophy.
Those Florida teams, though, were additionally known for their exploits off the field from excessive partying, drug use, players getting arrested, and, ultimately, leading to Meyer stepping down after a six-season run with Florida.
One thing is certain: Tebow will get in front of the Netflix cameras to share his stories about the late 2000s Florida teams he was on.