Will Tim Tebow have anything thoughtful to say as an ESPN analyst?

News broke this week that ESPN named former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow as its newest sports analyst. But how much will he actually be able to contribute, aside from star wattage?

AP Photo/Elise Amendola

From the New York Times:

His responses on a conference call were packed with unyielding positivity. Newly hired analysts are usually happy and upbeat. But Tebow was in a different stratosphere. He used “thank” or “thankful” 14 times. “Opportunity” was mentioned 15 times. In using “relationship” 14 times, he reflected only on good ones, past and present. He said “great” 27 times.

Responding to a question about whether he could be a critical analyst despite his relentlessly rosy outlook, he said: “Well, thank you for saying that I’m someone who’s positive. I would love to continue to be someone who’s positive but also be someone that is objective.” ...

He might work best if he talks primarily about training and preparation, about how players feel before a major game, and about his specific experiences. But he will probably not excel at chastising players for academic failures or asking tough questions or calling for any coach’s firing. His inoffensive style could help him avoid staking out controversial positions, but it could just as easily make him look like the odd man out on a network built on a power conference’s tribal loyalties.

Tebow officially starts his new gig on Monday.