Christian Athlete Tim Tebow Suggests He May Run for President in the Future: 'It's Intriguing'

Mar 30, 2016 11:52 AM EDT

Former NFL star Tim Tebow wears a number of hats: He's an athlete, author, philanthropist, and college football analyst. Now, he may be setting his sights on an even loftier venture: President of the United States.

During a recent interview with "Fox and Friends" reporter Ainsley Everhart, Tebow, an outspoken Christian, referred to this year's presidential race as "crazy."

"It's been a whirlwind watching everything," he said when asked about today's political atmosphere.

However, Tebow didn't dispel the possibility of himself one day entering into politics when asked if he would consider running for president, even though he would have to wait until at least 2024 to be eligible.

Earhardt asked Tebow, "Have you thought about politics? Because you'd be such a good role model for these kids."

"I don't know at this time in my life," Tebow answered.

Earhardt responded, "So you're saying there's hope? There's a chance?"

The 28-year-old former Heisman winner answered, "If there's a chance that you can make a difference, some day, in something, then that would be intriguing."

While some have dismissed the brief exchange, Michael David Smith of NBC Sports notes that the idea of Tebow running for office isn't necessarily farfetched.

He writes: "Tebow is enormously popular and could surely be elected in any district that contains large numbers of Florida Gators fans or Evangelical Christians, and especially in any district that contains both large numbers of Florida Gators fans and large numbers of Evangelical Christians."

USA Today sports writer Ryan Phillips echoes such a sentiment: "We don't know a whole lot about Tebow's stances on political issues, other than being pro-life and being a hardcore supporter of Christian values," he writes. "We do know he can be charming, is pretty good on camera and has a huge name that grabs attention, so seeing him run for office wouldn't be all that surprising."

This is not the first time Tebow, an outspoken social conservative, has expressed interest in a future in politics. During a 2012 interview with Rich Cimini of ESPN New York, he said he wouldn't be opposed to jumping into the political realm.

"I haven't ruled it out," Tebow told Cimini. "Whatever avenue I feel like I can make a difference in, I'd love to do. I haven't ruled out anything like that. It won't be anytime soon in my future, but it'll be something I'll at least look at and consider one day.

Earlier, he answered a similar question asked by David Feherty of Golf Channel: "I don't know - it could be something in my future," Tebow said of politics shortly before Super Bowl XLVI. "If it's something I care about, possibly."

Tebow is currently a college football analyst for the SEC Network, according to his website. He had played three years in the NFL for the Denver Broncos, New York Jets and New England Patriots. He was cut from the Philadelphia Eagles last year.