Last summer, former Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow turned down an offer from coach Steve Spurrier to play for the Orlando Apollos, a new team in the Alliance of American Football.
After the AFF launched two weeks ago, the story of Tebow turning down an offer from the league resurfaced on blogs and sports radio shows. Tebow turned down the offer because he’s serious about his pursuit of reaching Major League Baseball.
“It was easy – even though it was an awesome offer and it’s humbling. I’m all-in on baseball,” Tebow told media members Saturday after a spring training session with the Mets in Flordia. “No way could I stop and not give this the chance after everything I’ve worked for.”
The AAF’s low salaries likely played a part in Tebow’s decision. AAF players earn an average of just $83,333 per season. Tebow would earn much more than that if he reaches MLB or returns to the NFL. That won’t stop Spurrier from trying to recruit him, though.
“They called a lot – and coach Spurrier keeps calling,” Tebow said. “And I love coach Spurrier.”
Tebow is expected to start the season with the Syracuse Mets, a Class AAA affiliate of the Mets that’s one level below MLB.
