Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Tebow's prior Jet connections eased transition to NY

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Tim Tebow is new to New York, but some of his surroundings are familiar.

Tebow signed with the Jets this past weekend to, as the team will adamently point out, back up quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Sanchez hosted Tebow during Tebow's recruiting visit to USC, New Jets offensive coordinator coached Tebow during the Senior Bowl, and Tebow also has the same agent as Rex Ryan. Tebow is also currently working with UCLA offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone, who was a receivers coach for the Jets a few years ago.

"... at my pro day we (Tebow and Ryan) spent some time together, and at the Super Bowl this year we had a great conversation," Tebow told reporters Monday, according to NewYorkJets.com.

There has been constant speculation surrounding Tebow's role with the Jets and whether or not he poses a threat to Sanchez's starting job. However, Tebow will work almost exclusively in the Jets' Wildcat packages, which will make for an interesting dynamic.

"We're adding another player. We're not replacing anybody. He's here to help us," Sanchez told reporters Monday. "I'm confident in my abilities. I know the team has the same belief.

"I'm the same guy who helped the team win a lot of games here with a lot of good guys around me, a lot of comebacks, playoff wins. I'm not worried about losing my spot. Rex [Ryan] and Mike T [general manager Mike Tannenbaum] have been absolutely clear about that."

Sanchez added that Tebow will be a "great teammate."

"People don't want to believe it — 'There's no such thing as that good of a guy' — but he really is," Sanchez said.

Tebow offered similar praise regarding Sanchez.

"I have a lot of respect for him as a football player and a person," Tebow said. "He's always handled himself with a lot of class and integrity and won a lot of games as a quarterback. I think we'll have a great working relationship, supporting each other in our roles. I'm excited about that opportunity and hopefully we'll be able to thrive together."

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