‘Good Morning America’ Signs Free Agent Tim Tebow To Fill Holes At Special Guest Host
In a surprising roster move, the “Good Morning America” front office has signed former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow to fill the show’s gaping hole at special guest host heading into Super Bowl weekend.
Tebow, who’s first expected to see air time on Friday’s “Good Morning America” broadcast, put up decent numbers it his rookie debut for ESPN, providing commentary support to the network’s trademark “SportsCenter” scheme in preparation for the BCS National Championship Game. It is unknown at this time how much productivity the “Good Morning America” squad will ask for out of the broadcasting newcomer; expect light color commentary duty with some non-threatening analysis questions. USA Today is calling for “a non-controversial take on Richard Sherman.”
The Hollywood Reporter first broke news of Tebow’s upcoming time on “Good Morning America,” describing it as “an obvious bit of stunt casting” considering his playing career with the Denver Broncos, one of the teams competing in Super Bowl XLVIII. The show is the flagship morning program for ABC, sister network to ESPN, both of which are owned by Disney, who is clearly happy to capitalize on Tebow’s rabid fan base and clean cut image.
“We acknowledge and understand that Tim’s faith is a big part of who he is,” Justin Connolly, ESPN senior vp programming, college networks, said via THR. “It’s part of what makes him special. At the same time, we hired him for his football opinions and his experience.”
An AP story, hosted on the “Good Morning America” Web site, reveals Tebow will appear several times throughout Friday’s broadcast, including a Super Bowl snack cook off with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. Eli Manning, quarterback of the New York Giants and brother to current Broncos QB Peyton Manning, will appear on the show Wednesday.
Despite shifting to the realm of broadcasting, Tebow has not given up his dream of returning to playing in the NFL. Having dressed for a total of 34 games over three combined seasons with the Broncos and New York Jets, Tebow is reportedly training five days a week to stay in game form in the hopes of getting the call back to the big show. He’ll need all of that training and more if he expects to keep up with “Good Morning America” mainstays Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos.
What do you think of the news of Tim Tebow’s guest hosting duties on “Good Morning America”? Are the any other shows for which he’d be a good fit?
