Tim Tebow Gets Endorsement From Patriots Owner, But Roster Spot Not Guaranteed

Tim Tebow has an important endorsement from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, but it may not be enough to help the third-string quarterback sneak onto the team’s final 53-man roster.

Tebow was a surprise pickup during the offseason, with many NFL followers believing his days in the league were over after a disastrous season with the New York Jets. But Bill Belichick took a gamble on Tebow, allowing him to compete for a backup quarterback position behind Tom Brady.

But Tebow has done little to stand out during the preseason. Though he has been able to lead a sometimes competent ground attack, he still shows the problems with inaccuracy throwing the ball that have plagued him throughout his career.

Tim Tebow seems to face an uphill battle to make the final cut. Belichick has preferred to keep only two quarterbacks on the roster during the regular season, and Brady’s backup Ryan Mallett isn’t going anywhere. To make the team, Tebow would have to outperform one of the players slated to serve as a backup and play on special teams.

If Kraft had any say in the decision, Tebow would be on the team.

“With Tim Tebow, anyone who has met him (learns) he is a very special young man. I’m rooting for him big time,” Kraft told the Providence Journal. “He’s been a real joy to have around here. I see why he has such a strong national following. He’s just a great, great young man.”

But Kraft added that he would leave the final decision on Tebow up to Bill Belichick.

There are already some bad signs for the former Heisman Trophy winner, however. Tim Tebow did not see any playing time in the team’s third preseason game, the one typically considered a dress rehearsal for the regular season. That leaves the quarterback with only one more chance to prove himself in the team’s final preseason game on Thursday.