Tim Tebow stepped out at the CMA Awards in his rarely-seen eyeglasses on Wednesday, acting as a red carpet correspondent before the show, and presenting the Song of the Year award to Kacey Musgraves.
Tebow's appearance at the award show was a welcome addition, but also increased speculation that he will remain an ESPN correspondent, and not returning to playing in the NFL.
The former quarterback looked svelte on the red carpet – his metallic frames complementing his black shirt, pants, and vest perfectly. He also wore glasses at the 2009 ESPY Awards, and it was revealed that the 27-year-old is nearsighted. The Gainesville Sun reported that Tebow does not wear contact lenses, and sees well enough without vision correction to complete passes on the field.
Tebow has not played in an NFL regular season game since December 2012, and was hired as a commentator for ESPN's SEC Network at the end of last year. His ESPN contract allows him to pursue playing opportunities, but it appears the right opportunity has not come his way.
The former Broncos star has continually expressed interest in returning to pro football, and has been spotted completing NFL training exercises.
"I feel great, I'm feeling the strongest, healthiest... throwing the best I ever have. So, I'm just really excited about the improvement," he said this summer.
Tebow recently received an endorsement from Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera.
"I'm a big fan of his and he knows it," Rivera said. "He has always given me fits when I've had to coach against him. He's a playmaker and he plays a different kind of football. All the guy has ever done is win. ...He's one of those guys if you were struggling at quarterback, hey, why wouldn't you give him a shot?"
Tebow hasn't publicly responded to Rivera's comments. The devout Christian has confirmed, however, that he is putting his future in the hands of the Lord.
"One of my favorite quotes is: 'I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds my future,'" he told FOX10.
"In that, it gives you peace to just continue to work and go after what your heart desires. And when you do that, you don't have any regrets. And that's the best way to live life."
