Tebow tweets thanks to Eagles after being passed over for quarterback

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Christian Examiner) – Tim Tebow accepted with humility and graciousness the Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly's decision not to include him on their roster as third-team quarterback.

Tebow (@TimTebow) tweeted, "Thanks @Eagles and Coach Kelly for giving me the opportunity to play the game I love! Romans 8:28 #Blessed".

One of the athlete's life goals was to become an NFL quarterback. He showed remarkable improvement in training and preseason games, and his chances for making the final cut were better than fair.

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Throughout his attempt to land a place on the Eagles' roster, he has continued to be outspoken about his faith and his view of sports as a vehicle for ministry.

After the final preseason game, knowing his future rested in Kelly's hands, Tebow quoted scripture. "I try not to be anxious at all," Tebow said, according to Sporting News. "If he [God] said, 'Be anxious for nothing,' I'm going to try to do that."

Tebow was not picked up by any other professional team in an omission that could end his career in the NFL.

According to 247 Sports, Kelly recommended Tebow seek a quarterback position in the Canadian Football League (CFL) in order to get more live game experience.

Bobby Ilich of International Business Times analyzed why Tebow was not chosen, attributing the causes to the lack of quarterback positions, the experienced competition, and the league's interest in "developing young quarterbacks."

Tebow, 28, had not played in a competitive game since 2012.

"Many NFL fans have taken a liking to Tebow's spirit, determination, and enthusiasm for the game," Ilich wrote.

Some fans have imitated Tebow's reaction and encouraged the athlete, while others attribute the team's choices as anti-religion. Fans' vitriolic comments were scorned by sports commentators who otherwise praised Tebow's reaction.

David Whitley, Orlando Sentinel columnist, disagreed with fans' comments that religion was keeping Tebow out of the NFL.

"I like to see good things happen to humble, clean-living, and charitable human beings," Whiteley said, according to Christian Today. "He [Tebow] worked like a maniac to improve his passing. It was better this preseason, but not good enough to become a third-team quarterback."

Now that he has been waived by the Eagles, Tebow is likely to resume his position as SEC Network college football analyst and continue his humanitarian work with the Tim Tebow Foundation.