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 Speaking at his annual charity event in his hometown Friday night, Tebow offered little insight into his feelings about the Jets signing quarterback David Garrard or about the rampant speculation that his time in New York might be ending after one disappointing and unproductive season.
"It's nothing I can control, and like I've said ever since I was at Nease High School, I really try not to worry about what I can't control," Tebow said. "Just try to have the best attitude, have the best effort, a great work ethic, and so far this offseason has been a lot of fun. Been my best yet."
Tebow ran for just 102 yards last season, completed 6 of 8 passes for 39 yards and scored zero touchdowns after being acquired in a 2012 trade from Denver.
Tebow went from being considered a key part of the offense to almost nonexistent. Offensive coordinator Tony Sparano didn't know how to use him effectively, and Tebow wasn't particularly productive when he got his few snaps in the wildcat-style formation. He made his biggest mark on special teams as the personal punt protector, and did all he could to hide his frustration at not playing.
The popular and polarizing player didn't get even get a chance when starter Mark Sanchez was benched for the first time in his career. Instead of going with Tebow, the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart, Ryan went with third-stringer Greg McElroy.
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Acquiring Tebow ultimately led to general manager Mike Tannenbaum and Sparano losing their jobs. And the one failed season clouded Tebow's NFL prospects. No matter what, though, he insists he's a quarterback.
"It's always been my dream, always will be," Tebow said, essentially nixing any thoughts about switching to tight end, fullback or safety.
After the Tim Tebow Foundation Celebrity Gala & Golf Classic at TPC Sawgrass, Tebow will return to New York and join his teammates for offseason conditioning. The team's quarterback position certainly is more crowded than ever, with the Jets bringing in Garrard to compete with Sanchez for the starting job. They also have Tebow, McElroy and Matt Simms on the roster.
"Yeah, I'll be there Monday ready to work out and have a great attitude," Tebow said.
Tebow also downplayed the difficulty of the last few months, which included the signing of Garrard, his uncertain NFL future and even his hometown Jacksonville Jaguars publicly saying they have no interest in signing him even if he gets released.
"It's been a great offseason," Tebow said. "I've had a great time."
[Associated
Press]
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