Tim Tebow buys $1.4m pad; Orlando Predators want to sign former NFL star

Tim TebowWikimedia

Former NFL star Tim Tebow bought a home in Jacksonville, Florida this week, and both his new neighbors and Orlando Predators owner David Siegel are happy to have him.

The neighbors are confident that they will have a friendly person with good character living near them, and Siegel is hoping Tebow will consider a career in arena football.

The $1.4 million, 6,525-square-foot home sits on the Glen Kernan Golf and Country Club, and has five bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths. He purchased the Swilcan Bridge Lane house on June 27, and the sale was recorded July 14.

Many neighbors said they are looking forward to welcoming Tebow.

"Everyone's excited for him to move in, he seems like a nice man who will make a great neighbor. Our friends are more excited than anyone else!" one told TMZ.

Others noted that although Tebow is 26 years old and single, they doubt he will turn the property into a frat house.

"We've had athletes living in the area before who party ... but I can't envision any parties based on his character," one neighbor admitted.

Some neighbors wished the purchase was indicative of a job with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"I wish the Jaguars would bring him on, but you can always make more money as a business person than you can as a football player," another neighbor, Brian Petty, told News4Jax.

Tebow signed on as a commentator for ESPN's SEC Network at the end of last year, but his contract allows him to pursue playing opportunities. The former quarterback has not played in a NFL regular season game since December 2012.

Siegel said Tebow can get right back to football by playing for the Predators.

"If anyone knows Tim Tebow, tell him to call me," Siegel told reporters on Tuesday. "The team number is 844-455-PRED."

Tebow said he still trains several times a week, and wants to return to the quarterback position. However, it is unclear if he is considering arena football as a viable option.

"I feel like I'm the best that I've ever been as a quarterback right now, I hope I get the opportunity to show that," he told ESPN in January. "But I'm also looking forward to being part of 'SEC Nation' and part of ESPN."