Written by Conor Orr at NFL.com
In a move that reintroduces a former NFL first-round pick and option-style passer to the clamorous market that begged for — and, eventually, mocked — his services as a football player during a time of great quarterbacking acrimony in New York, the Mets (of Major League Baseball) have signed Tim Tebow to a contract.
In short, this is the Tebow Mania you’ve been waiting for, New Yorkers. The Jets wouldn’t play him, but the Mets will be sending the 29-year-old rookie to their instructional league, according to an announcement made by the club on Thursday. Thursday also happens to be the date of the NFL’s season-opener.
We have signed OF @TimTebow to a minor league contract. He will participate in the #Mets Instructional League. pic.twitter.com/I6gmW0b6hY
— New York Mets (@Mets) September 8, 2016
Tebow is a little more than a week removed from a baseball showcase that drew scouts from nearly every major league team. While the reviews from scouts were mixed at best — Tebow’s swing is quite long, but produces power; he is fast in the outfield but does not have a major league-caliber arm — the Mets obviously saw enough potential to give him a shot. At the worst, they’ve wrangled a public relations golden goose. Tebow will generate more for the team’s minor league economy in terms of merchandise and ticket sales than potentially any player in team history. At best, they did their work quietly while others stood back and laughed — perhaps Tebow can one day make it to the show, adding his name to a long list of players who finally made it over the hurdle in their 30s.
While the move is sure to stoke the macabre sense of humor shared by Mets and Jets fans like, we can find a very reasonable take on this situation from the great New York Post columnist Joel Sherman. Tim Tebow gives us the chance to make up for the Michael Jordan baseball fiasco.
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