Quarterback Tim Tebow threw two touchdown passes in the New England Patriot’s final preseason game on Thursday night. But it apparently wasn’t enough to convince coach Bill Belichick and the Patriot’s coaching staff to keep him.
New England released Tebow on Saturday.
The New England Patriots have released polarizing quarterback Tim Tebow, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Tebow, who signed with the Patriots in June, struggled to find consistency throughout the preseason, completing 11 of 30 passes for 145 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in three games. He also ran 16 times for 91 yards.
Since he has fewer than four years of NFL experience, Tebow is subject to the league’s waiver system. If he clears waivers, he will become a free agent and can sign with any team.
After sitting out the club’s third preseason game, Tebow had his final chance to impress coach Bill Belichick on Thursday night against the New York Giants. He completed 6 of 11 passes for 91 yards with two TDs and one interception while also getting sacked four times.
“It’s not just one game [that matters],” Belichick said Friday about the player evaluation process, “although every game is important. But the body of work, the camp, the rate of improvement, the ability to do the things that players are going to be asked to do at their respective positions [also matters].”
Asked after Thursday’s game if he was worried about sitting on the roster bubble, Tebow was his calm self.
“I’m blessed, because of my faith, that I don’t have to worry about the future because I know who holds my future,” Tebow told reporters. “It’s something I try to live by. It really gives you a lot of peace in whatever circumstance I’m in.”
The move by the Patriots will make for an uncertain future for Tebow, who failed to draw much interest this past offseason after he was released by the New York Jets.
Earlier this week, Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he was “rooting for” Tebow to make the Patriots’ 53-man roster, but said the decision was ultimately up to Belichick. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who drafted and coached Tebow in Denver, also was among those to praise Tebow for his work ethic.
I’ve never understood why Tebow is considered “polarizing.” Is it that he wears his Christian faith on his sleeve and doesn’t try to hide the fact that he lives his life as a devout Christian? Fans actually boo him when he prays. That’s astonishing. Have we become so cynical and jaded that we refuse to give someone the benefit of the doubt that they are genuine in their beliefs and not trying to pull a fast one on us?
I don’t know if its that, or the pro-life ad he made when he was a rookie, although why making a commercial urging adoption as an alternative to abortion would be controversial I can’t imagine.
Holy cow! Can you imagine what the reaction would be to a devout Muslim playing pro ball?
Hamza and Husain Abdullah might be best known for training while still observing a pillar of their Islamic Faith, fasting during the month of Ramadan, which coincides with the NFL training camp each year.
This year, the Muslim brothers will put their NFL careers on hold to observe another pillar of their faith, the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) taking place during the 2012 NFL Season.
In preparation of their pilgrimage, the Abdullah brothers have arranged a “30 Mosques in 30 Days” tour to take place during Ramadan, which begins on or about July 20. During Ramadan, Hamza and Husain will travel across North America to promote interfaith dialogue and to deconstruct the negative connotations often associated with Islam.
The brothers plan to have “Iftar,” the Ramadan fast-breaking meal, in a different mosque every night during the month. They will also speak about fasting and its impact on athletes – focusing on the importance of hydration and nutrition during Ramadan. They will also reach out to people of other faiths to challenge misconceptions about Islam.
Following their nationwide tour, the Abdullah brothers will travel to Mecca to participate in the Hajj.
When asked about their decision to postpone their NFL careers to fulfill their religious obligations, Hamza stated “It has been a blessing to play in the NFL for both Husain and I, but we would be remiss if we didn’t give thanks to the One who made it all possible.”
Husain echoed his brother’s statement, “I visited Makkah, Saudi Arabia in March and a strong sense of urgency overcame me to attend ‘Hajj’ in October. I love the game of football but, it would directly coincide with my pilgrimage. So, I’m taking some time off.”
Respecting the game and business of the NFL and what their careers have brought to their families, both Hamza and Husain hope to return to the game of football following their Hajj, but understand that their NFL opportunities may be limited.
Outside of some Christian publications, has Tebow ever gotten a write up like that from any sports magazine?
In truth, Tebow doesn’t belong in pro football. While no one questions his desire and work ethic, my grandmother has a quicker release of the ball and my 10 year old cousin has a stronger arm. He is incapable of making several important throws in the pro game, including the deep out, which always looks like a wounded duck when he tries to throw it. He’s got no touch over the middle, and while he is an intelligent player, he makes bonehead decisions at times.
In a read-option offense, he might have a place as a back-up. But realistically, it is probable that Tebow is done — for the time being. As the season wears on and quarterbacks start to become injured, it is possible a team will reach out to him and bring him on board as a back up.
Stranger things have happened in pro football.
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