ESPN Signs Tim Tebow To 'First Take'

ESPN has announced Tim Tebow as one of the initial debate partners on Stephen A. Smith’s First Take, reports Deadline.

Tebow, who was cut from the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars in his latest pro sports comeback attempt, will appear with Smith on Fridays. The show has also slotted ex-Dallas receiver and Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin on Mondays.

The other days will feature a rotating cast of ESPN personalities, including Mina Kimes and Kendrick Perkins. Molly Qerim Rose will remain on the show as a moderator. The multiple hosts replace Max Kellerman, who will be moving to his own afternoon show and morning radio stint for ESPN.

Tim Tebow

Tebow likely will have his hands full taking on the bombastic Smith. The highly religious 2007 Heisman Trophy winner isn’t known for a mean streak and outrageous comments, something Smith has in abundance.

Kellerman made his final appearance on the show Wednesday. Although Smith called in to wish him well, reports indicate that he felt Kellerman was not a good fit with him and had a hand in moving him out. As ESPN’s highest-paid employee and arguably most prominent commentator, Smith has the power to dictate terms.

Kellerman appeared on the show alongside Smith and Qerim Rose since July 2016. Soon after Kellerman boarded as co-host, the show was upgraded from ESPN2 to ESPN, where it has been a steady ratings draw and a defining tentpole of the network’s daytime hot-take factory. Kellerman replaced Skip Bayless, who decamped for FS1.

Tebow pervious worked for ESPN as a college football analyst. In addition to his Heisman Trophy and two national championships in college and his NFL career, he also played professional baseball in the New York Mets minor league system.