New Jet Tim Tebow excited to play for NY
(CBS News) - Monday, Tim Tebow, perhaps the biggest name in the National Football League, landed in New York - the biggest market in the country.
The new back-up quarterback for the New York Jets was greeted at a press conference by 40 or so TV cameras, 150 reporters, and 35 minutes of questions.
"I've always enjoyed pressure," Tebow said. "I think it's something that excites me. I think I play better when I have more on the line.
A smiling and polite Tebow praised current Jets starting quarterback Mark Sanchez, "We've been friends. We've texted back and forth. We've talked already and we're going to have a great relationship."
After a 1-4 start last year, Tebow took the struggling Denver Broncos to the playoffs. Tebow was traded to the Jets last week for two draft picks. Tebow was made expendable after the Broncos signed Peyton Manning to be their quarterback.
Tebow expressed a bit of surprise that people are so fascinated with his faith. "As far as 'Tebowing' goes, I have been doing that same routine for years. Since my senior year in high school, and all of a sudden this last year it became a big deal that I was going to the end zone and taking a knee and praying. For me, it's not about changing anything, it's not about being different. It's about being who I am."
"Tebowing" the name for dropping to one knee and praying, went viral online in the past year.
Joe Favorito, who teaches sports marketing at Columbia University, said it'll be different for Tebow in New York than in Denver. "You will have to watch everywhere you go," Favorito said. "The microscope will be on him from the beginning."
The Jets were criticized for making the move simply because Tebow's a name. But he does give them on-field options. The once trendy Wildcat offense figures to make a comeback.
If he wins in New York, as he has done most everywhere else, the legend will grow - along with the number of back page pictures.
