Tim Tebow , dressed in green, met the media today at his first press conference with the New York Jets, indeed appearing for the first time as one himself.
In front of a gathering of over 200 reporters at the Jets practice facility, the former Bronco QB seemed upbeat and positive, looking forward to getting out there with a new team, and dismissing rumors of tension between himself and Mark Sanchez, which have all but flooded the press around the Tebow trade .
Tebow answered a flurry of questions, mostly about his trade and the cult of personality surrounding the athlete. When asked about the media’s seeming obsession with him, Tebow responded, “I really don’t think it will be much of a distraction because, honestly, I will try not to pay too much attention to it.” Of course, someone had to ask him about ‘Tebowing’ the practice of kneeling and praying after making a touchdown. He said, “I’m pretty sure I’m not the first athlete who has gotten on a knee and prayed, but it’s known as `Tebowing.’ I’m not sure why. It probably has a little bit to do with the hype.”
Answering a question about playing on a new team and filling a position other than quarterback, Tebow humbly noted, “However I can help the team, I am open to it. … Whatever my role is, however I can expand that role, I’m going to try to do that.” Coach Rex Ryan was also optimistic that Tebow would end up being an enthusiastic asset to the Jets, saying, “I don’t see Tim just holding a clipboard. He’s going to be playing for us. There is no doubt.”
Regarding the media-invented Tebow/Sanchez controversy, it seems anyone who thinks that these two are holding some kind of grudge or that Tebow is looking take Sanchez’s place is severely misinformed. Tebow said the two are thick-as-thieves, clarifying, “I think the exciting thing is me and Mark have a great relationship. We have had a great relationship for the last three years, I think. We’ve been friends. We text back and forth. We talked already and we’re going to have a great working relationship. I think we’ll have a lot of fun together.”
Sanchez himself seemed to concur, saying, “We’re adding another player and were not replacing anybody. He’s here to help us and I’m confident in my abilities. I know the team feels the same way about me. They have belief in me. I’m not worried about losing my spot.”
There you have it. Summary of events, the Jets Press Conference: Tebow is excited to play for the Jets and his new family seem to be happy as a clam to have him, including Mark Sanchez.
