The Tim Tebow trade had a birthday on Thursday, as the New York Jets celebrated or looked back in disgust at the deal that brought the quarterback from Denver to New York for draft picks.
According to ESPN.com, the trade could be the worst in team history, although the network followed him in training camp like he was the next Johnny Unitas. Tebow was a failure in New York last season, as the team put him on the field for just 72 plays and he gained 102 yards on the ground while mostly acting as a decoy. It was a far cry from his days in Denver and even more from his days at Florida.
The team was excited to bring him in, even when the trade hit a snag when the Broncos demanded money they paid in advance to Tebow, which the Jets paid half of. The trade could have been a success, but the team never gave him a chance. Here are some quotes and reasons from the Jets about Tebow and how it actually went down.
-Tebow spoke about his relationship with Mark Sanchez, which ended up going bad after he was passed over to start for Greg McElroy.
"I think we'll have a great relationship and, hopefully, we'll thrive together," said Tebow, adding that Sanchez seemed excited about the pairing when they talked last week by phone. Quote from ESPNNewYork.com from March when Tebow was introduced to the media.
-Rex Ryan on the role Tebow will have in the offense.
-- "I don't see Tim just holding a clipboard," Ryan told a group of reporters in Florida. "He's going to be playing for us. There is no doubt." Ryan added: "There won't be a better Wildcat quarterback in the game. Is that his only role? I don't believe that. We'll see." Quote from ESPNNewYork.com from March when Tebow was introduced to the media.
-Tebow on his upcoming season.
--"One of my favorite quotes is, 'I don't know what my future holds, but I know who holds my future,'" Tebow said in minicamp. "That is something that gives me peace and comfort in whatever situation I'm in and whatever circumstances are thrown my way. That's how I try to handle everything. I'm not too worried about being The Man; I'm just worried about being the best man I can be." Quote from ESPNNewYork.com story from Jets training camp.
The Jets had an awful season and are already getting ready for another one as they figure out what to do with Tebow.