Tim Tebow Reflects On What Nearly Led Him To Sign With Alabama [VIDEO]

If his decision had gone the other way, Tim Tebow's visit to Tuscaloosa this weekend would have been a homecoming.

Tebow, a former Heisman Trophy winner at Florida, was on campus at The University of Alabama Friday and Saturday as a college football analyst for the SEC Network's pregame show, "SEC Nation." On Friday afternoon, Tebow reflected on his near-signing with Alabama, who played host and defeated the Gators, 42-21, the following day.

"It really was very close," said Tebow, who was a fan favorite all weekend, even among Alabama fans. "I’ve said it many times, it was the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life. But I never looked back after I made that decision. I’ve always felt great things towards Alabama and always happy for their success and the success of the SEC."

Tebow went on to have a successful four-year run at Florida, where, in addition to winning the Heisman, won two national championships. He also played Alabama three times in his playing career beating them twice, once as a goal-line situation quarterback during his freshman year in 2006 in Gainesville and as the starter in the 2008 SEC Championship Game in Atlanta.

The one loss? The 2009 edition of the SEC title game, which ended Florida's bid for three national championships in four years in his final season with the Gators.

In that game, Tebow famously cried on the sideline in the final minute as Alabama ran out the clock. As of Friday afternoon, Tebow said no fans in Tuscaloosa were giving him a hard time about that particular loss.

"I think there's so much respect, I'm sure I'll get some of that, but I think just between SEC teams, there's so much respect between the fans and the players," Tebow said with a smile.

Though negative, that type of fandom was what almost brought the Florida native to Tuscaloosa years ago.

"I wear my emotions on my sleeve, I’m passionate, I’m excited and I love the game," Tebow said. "That's what draws me to the SEC and that's what drew me to Alabama."

Watch Tebow's full interview from Friday:

Also, watch former LSU star and current SEC Nation analyst Marcus Spears and a brief snippet of SEC Nation host Joe Tessitore:

Spears:

Tessitore: