Tim Tebow was the focus of the biggest press conference a backup quarterback has ever warranted.
But the Jets newest player said he was not to blame for Monday’s media gathering, which was so widely attended it required the team had to hold it in their fieldhouse.
“The reason we are here is because I have bosses, too, and they made me do it …,” said Tebow, who was alone at the podium because Jets coach Rex Ryan, GM Mike Tannenbaum and owner Woody Johnson were all at the NFL meetings in Palm Springs, Fla.
“I am just having fun with it, make the best out of it. I am so honored to be here, it’s such a blessing for me, getting to know the teammates, building a relationship.”
Some unnamed Jets players told The Post they were confused by the amount of attention Tebow was receiving. Tebow said he has met with several of his new teammates already, and that they were welcoming.
Even Giants owner John Mara took a shot at the hoopla surrounding the acquisition, comparing it to the Giants re-signing David Carr to back up Eli Manning.
“I don’t know [if the city is big enough], but the David Carr press conference will be tomorrow afternoon, too,” Mara said at the NFL meetings.
Tebow would not take the bait and fire back at his new local rival.
“I am just excited to be here and you just have to congratulate the Giants on winning a Super Bowl, having a great team. I wish them nothing but the best, as well,” Tebow said.
One player Tebow and his hype will certainly affect is Jets starting quarterback Mark Sanchez. Coach Rex Ryan told NFL Network on Sunday that Tebow could be on the field for as many as 20 plays a game. Tebow created a legion of fans in Denver, who chanted his name in the season opener when starter Kyle Orton was struggling.
“I think Mark is very secure as a football person in who he is, and I don’t think he’ll let outsiders affect how he goes about his preparation and how he plays,” Tebow said. “I’m excited about my role here and my opportunity to compete and I think working together we’ll be able to encourage one another and be stronger together then we would be apart.”