Tim Tebow Has Finally Been Hired: Free Agent Joins ESPN's College Football Coverage

Former University of Florida star who's currently between NFL teams will provide commentary on BCS title game Jan. 6 and appear on SEC Network starting next year

Tim Tebow is returning to football, albeit in a suit and tie.

The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback turned NFL conundrum has signed a multiyear broadcasting deal with ESPN, which includes covering college football for the new SEC Network starting next summer.

"I am so excited that ESPN has given me this incredible opportunity," Tebow tweeted today. "When I was six years old I fell in love with the game of football and while I continue to pursue my dream of playing quarterback in the NFL, this is an amazing opportunity to be a part of the unparalleled passion of college football and the SEC."

Before being drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2010, Tebow won two national championships playing for then-SEC powerhouse Florida.

So who knows the Southeastern Conference better than this homegrown son?

Tebow, 26, will kick off his ESPN career on Jan. 6 during the networks' pregame coverage of the 2013 Vizio BCS National Championship game pitting Auburn against Florida State, appearing on SportsCenter, College Football Live and College GameDay Built by the Home Depot.

He is also the first college football analyst signed to the ESPN-owned SEC Network, which is launching next August. Tebow will join host Joe Tessitore on the Aug. 28 premiere of what will be the network's flagship show, SEC Nation.

"Tim is a SEC icon with a national fan base and broad appeal. He will be a significant contributor to the compelling content we will deliver with the SEC Network," Justin Connolly, senior vice president of programming for college networks at ESPN, said in a statement. "Tim brings a wealth of knowledge about the game, the conference and the passion among SEC fans."

And if the NFL should finally come calling for Tebow, who was traded to the New York Jets after one season with the Broncos, ended up with hardly any playing time and then was shipped off to the New England Patriots, who obviously didn't need a quarterback...

Tebow has an out-clause in his contract that will allow him to jump ship to pursue his dream.