TLG
03-27-2012, 12:07 AM
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Where Tim Tebow goes, something of a circus-like atmosphere typically follows the enigmatic quarterback. When the newly acquired Jet met the local media for the first time Monday afternoon, the circus came to the Jets Training Center.
Monday in Florham Park was unlike anything seen around this franchise since Brett Favre rode into town in 2008.
Over 200 credentialed media members descended on a press conference that was expected to be so large that it was moved into the field house at the training center. An estimated 80 chairs were set up, which made for standing room only, in addition to 11 satellite trucks outside and approximately 40 video cameras set up on a platform inside.
Once Tebow took the podium by himself at just past noon, it was 32 minutes of wide smiles and positive messages. He talked about how excited he was to be a Jet and his strong relationship with starting quarterback Mark Sanchez and the coaching staff, while sidestepping anything controversial, including his Christian faith.
If Tebow is going to have problems with the New York media, it wasn't apparent on Day 1.
"I'm so excited about being a Jet, thank you all for coming," Tebow said. "I'm so honored and humbled to be a Jet. I'm so thankful that they wanted me. I'm looking forward to my time as a Jet and I'm very, very excited."
The former Heisman Trophy winner led the Broncos to the divisional round of the AFC playoffs last season, before Peyton Manning arrived in Denver earlier this month. The Jets last week traded for the right to have Tebow come in as Sanchez's backup.
At the NFL owners meetings in Palm Beach, Fla., on Sunday, head coach Rex Ryan indicated Tebow could be used in as many as 20 plays per game. The assembled tri-state area media Monday dove right in on his relationship with Sanchez.
"I think the exciting thing is that me and Mark have a great relationship," Tebow said. "We've had a great relationship for the last three years I think. We've been friends, we text back and forth, we've talked already and we have a great relationship and a great working relationship."
While Tebow may have been nervous to start Monday's press conference, he settled in and answered every last question with the calmness and savvy of a veteran beyond his age and a confidence that he will not just be holding a clipboard on the sideline.
With victories in seven of his first eight starts last season and a playoff victory on his resume, the 6-foot-3, 235-pound southpaw will go into training camp ready to compete for snaps, whether it's at quarterback or any other position on the field.
"However I can help the team, however I can make a difference, however they can use me, I'll be open to it and work as hard as I can every time I step on the field," Tebow said. "I will give my whole heart and soul to being the best Jet I can possibly be in trying to help this team win football games."
Monday in Florham Park was unlike anything seen around this franchise since Brett Favre rode into town in 2008.
Over 200 credentialed media members descended on a press conference that was expected to be so large that it was moved into the field house at the training center. An estimated 80 chairs were set up, which made for standing room only, in addition to 11 satellite trucks outside and approximately 40 video cameras set up on a platform inside.
Once Tebow took the podium by himself at just past noon, it was 32 minutes of wide smiles and positive messages. He talked about how excited he was to be a Jet and his strong relationship with starting quarterback Mark Sanchez and the coaching staff, while sidestepping anything controversial, including his Christian faith.
If Tebow is going to have problems with the New York media, it wasn't apparent on Day 1.
"I'm so excited about being a Jet, thank you all for coming," Tebow said. "I'm so honored and humbled to be a Jet. I'm so thankful that they wanted me. I'm looking forward to my time as a Jet and I'm very, very excited."
The former Heisman Trophy winner led the Broncos to the divisional round of the AFC playoffs last season, before Peyton Manning arrived in Denver earlier this month. The Jets last week traded for the right to have Tebow come in as Sanchez's backup.
At the NFL owners meetings in Palm Beach, Fla., on Sunday, head coach Rex Ryan indicated Tebow could be used in as many as 20 plays per game. The assembled tri-state area media Monday dove right in on his relationship with Sanchez.
"I think the exciting thing is that me and Mark have a great relationship," Tebow said. "We've had a great relationship for the last three years I think. We've been friends, we text back and forth, we've talked already and we have a great relationship and a great working relationship."
While Tebow may have been nervous to start Monday's press conference, he settled in and answered every last question with the calmness and savvy of a veteran beyond his age and a confidence that he will not just be holding a clipboard on the sideline.
With victories in seven of his first eight starts last season and a playoff victory on his resume, the 6-foot-3, 235-pound southpaw will go into training camp ready to compete for snaps, whether it's at quarterback or any other position on the field.
"However I can help the team, however I can make a difference, however they can use me, I'll be open to it and work as hard as I can every time I step on the field," Tebow said. "I will give my whole heart and soul to being the best Jet I can possibly be in trying to help this team win football games."