Reunited: Tebow symptoms with Jags, rejoins Meyer as limited end

By MARK Long
AP Professional Football Author

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Tim Tebow and Urban Meyer are jointly once again, this time in the NFL and with Tebow participating in a new place.

The former Florida star and 2007 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback signed a a single-calendar year agreement with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday and will endeavor to revive his professional vocation as a limited stop. The move also reunites two of college or university football’s most polarizing figures about the past 15 a long time.

The 33-calendar year-outdated Tebow is returning to the NFL immediately after 5 many years (2016-20) in the New York Mets’ business and he’ll be taking part in for Meyer for the to start with time given that his senior yr in 2009.

“I know it will be a challenge, but it is a challenge I embrace,” Tebow explained in a statement produced by the group. “I am dedicated to having the course of our coaching personnel and understanding from my teammates. I recognize everyone’s guidance as I embark on this new journey.”

He will be on the area with his new staff Thursday for a voluntary, closed workout. Tebow is not envisioned to have any media availability until finally teaching camp, at the earliest, in hopes of minimizing the media circus that follows the devout Christian who has obtained rock star procedure at each individual NFL quit.

His comeback is an unprecedented one because of his age, his new situation and the fact that he very last played in a typical-time match in 2012, with the New York Jets.

Many groups suggested Tebow make the placement adjust years back, but he declined.

He ultimately switched right after retiring from baseball in February. He worked out for the Jaguars the following week, the initially of two exploratory classes that arrived to mild hrs right before the start of the NFL draft on April 29.

Meyer raved about Tebow’s workouts, stating assistants had been astonished to see the 235-pounder in these kinds of wonderful form. Ultimately, Tebow’s means to decide up a new place — a number of university QBs have built the transition seem seamless — will figure out no matter whether he helps make the team.

Just obtaining a prospect immediately after this kind of a prolonged layoff has stirred debate about preferential treatment. Many others insist it really is just the final result of a decades-prolonged connection that now consists of Meyer and Tebow staying neighbors in Jacksonville.

“This Tebow offer just demonstrates that own associations go further at this degree than genuine ability,” Carolina Panthers defensive tackle DaQuan Jones posted on Twitter past week.

Former Dallas receiver Dez Bryant, present-day Pittsburgh linebacker Devin Bush and Denver safety Kareem Jackson had been amid a variety of many others who criticized the transfer.

“So Tebow have not performed an NFL activity in damn in the vicinity of a ten years and it’s that straightforward … no hate but you received to be kidding me,” Bryant posted on Twitter.

Extra Jackson: “I like Tebow way too but gahh damn he obtained far more life than a cat.”

Tebow, who grew up in Jacksonville and remains a well known figure in his hometown, could fill a large gap for Meyer. The Jaguars resolved not to decide on up a group option in veteran Tyler Eifert’s agreement and traded oft-hurt 2019 draft decide Josh Oliver to Baltimore in March. They signed operate-blocking expert Chris Manhertz in free company, introduced back again James O’Shaughnessy and drafted Ohio State’s Luke Farrell in the fifth spherical.

People have been regarded as slight moves just after Meyer vowed to absolutely revamp the placement team. Tebow, at the extremely least, gives a different splash for a franchise that experienced been mainly irrelevant the previous two decades.

But how considerably can a male on the erroneous side of 30 who’s in no way performed the situation deliver to the staff? Tebow’s value could indicate as a lot off the industry as on it.

Meyer has reported frequently that signing players who by now know his methodology would be helpful in Year 1. Jacksonville now has 6 guys on its roster who beforehand played for Meyer: Tebow, Farrell, operating back again Carlos Hyde, guard Andrew Norwell, defensive end Lerentee McCray and defensive deal with DaVon Hamilton.

Tebow performed for Meyer among 2006 and 2009, serving to the Gators earn two national championships although starting to be a single of the most recognizable athletes in university sports.

He was a first-round draft choose by Denver in 2010, but his prolonged windup and inaccuracy led to a small NFL profession. He invested time with the Broncos, the New York Jets, New England and Philadelphia. His past meaningful video game came with the Jets in 2012. The Eagles minimize him next coaching camp in 2015, with then-mentor Chip Kelly stating Tebow was not very good sufficient to be Philly’s No. 3 QB.

Tebow received a playoff match with Denver in 2012, but in no way created into a trusted NFL starter. He requested Meyer for advice on whether or not to swap to limited finish even though bouncing from crew to group, but Meyer “was so busy I couldn’t give him the time.”

Tebow finished up leaving football completely and signing with the Mets.

“I know playing a placement in the NFL without (working experience), which is a lengthy shot,” Meyer claimed through the draft.

When Tebow approached Meyer about creating a comeback, the mentor invited him to the facility for a exercise. Meyer made it obvious he did not come to feel like he owed Tebow nearly anything, either.

“I have just one job and that is to acquire online games with the Jacksonville Jaguars,” Meyer reported. “If Tim Tebow or (rookie functioning back) Travis Etienne can enable us gain, then that’s my task to get them all set to go play.”