Why Tim Tebow Continues to Get Cut from NFL Teams

Imagine being out of a job and trying to get back on the team despite not being good at it. This is a reality that many individuals, including NFL player Tim Tebow, face. Before the pandemic, people were often fired based on prejudice alone without any accountability. However, Tebow’s journey to find a place on an NFL roster highlights the complexities and challenges that come with making the team.

Every NFL team is allotted 90 players before the first preseason game. Tebow was the 90th player on the Jacksonville Jaguars roster, meaning he wasn’t good enough to make the 53-man final roster. Many job positions are filled by friends or due to privilege, but the case with Tebow is different. He was chosen to play the tight end position, which requires a high level of experience and trust.

Position Experience and Trust

The tight end (TE) position is crucial as it combines offensive line (OL), fullback (FB), and wide receiver (WR) roles. These players need to be ready to switch roles based on the team's needs, and if they are not starters, they must excel on special teams. Trust is a vital component, as TEs don't always receive the ball as often as quarterbacks.

The Mistake and Urban Meyer's Dilemma

It was a mistake to sign Tebow initially, but his signing put Urban Meyer in a difficult situation. Signing Tebow sent a signal to the team that Meyer was playing favoritism. This is not acceptable unless the player is exceptionally skilled. Tebow’s performance did not meet these standards. For instance, during a play, Tebow ran a deeper route when Sanchez saw everyone was covered, which took too long. This decision affected the overall strategy of the team.

The Reality of Football

If the Jaguars had needed a TE, signing Tebow would have been a waste of time and a disrespect to the other players on the team. It’s like getting a job based on friendship rather than merit. People would feel cheated if someone got a position by friendship rather than qualifications, and this is unfair.

Cutting Tebow: The Reasons

Ultimately, Tebow was cut because he wasn’t the best TE on the roster. He was the 90th player and didn’t play special teams. His blocking techniques were poor, making it easy for defensive players to make good hits. On film, it’s clear that Tebow missed opportunities to take down defensive players. These tapes are graded, and based on performance, players are either started or benched. Poor performance can lead to getting hurt if you don’t do your job properly.

The Burning Question

A more appropriate question would be: 'What led the Jaguars to believe that a 34-year-old who has been out of the league for five years and has never played tight end before could suddenly play the position at an NFL level?' This question highlights the critical scrutiny necessary for evaluating an NFL player’s performance and experience.

In conclusion, while friendship and privilege play roles in many job placements, football, like other professional sports, demands high levels of skill and experience. Tebow’s failed attempt at the tight end position underscores the importance of these criteria in professional sports.