The New England Patriots are gearing up for training camp later this summer and while Aaron Hernandez and his murder trial will be front and center, the media are expected to follow quarterback Tim Tebow much like they did last season with the New York Jets.
When Tebow signed with the Patriots after his Jets release, many felt that he would be the only story in a quiet summer, but instead Hernandez was arrested for murder and now the focus on the Patriots is even more glaring. The team will start training camp at Gillette Stadium with rookies on July 21 and vets July 25 and while coach Bill Belichick isn't worried about the overt media attention, some in the organization are.
According to Pro Football Talk and The Boston Globe, some in the ropganizat6ion are worried about the media spotlight that may follow Tebow during training camp and that it could turn into an issue like it did with ESPN and the Jets last season. The Patriots are usually good at handling the media, especially during training camp, but with Tebow and Hernandez involved this time around, it could be tougher. Tebow is likely to make the roster after signing a two-year deal, but nothing is guaranteed when it comes to legit spots for Belichick, so Tebow will have to prove he is worth it.
Last season the Jets were utterly clueless about how to use Tebow and after the secret plays during training camp, he finished with 102 yards rushing and 39 passing before getting tossed. Now Belichick has the chance to turn him into something, although that is likely not a tight end despite the speculation that he could play there after the Hernandez murder case and Rob Gronkowski's injuries. Tim Tebow likely will be third string behind Ryan Mallett and Tom Brady, who at 36 still plays like he's 24.
Tebow is always the focus no matter where he goes and that first practice will be looked at by the media with a magnifying glass, as everyone is wondering what he will do and where he lines up. Even more interesting will be how much he plays in the preseason, which begins with a game against the Eagles on August 9. Only time will tell.
