Aaron Hernandez has stolen all the headlines in New England this offseason, but as focus shifts toward the field, Patriots fans will remember that one of football's biggest attractions, Tim Tebow, is on the roster right now.
All signs are pointing toward Tebow making the final roster as well. The controversial quarterback, who is listed right now at No. 3 on the depth chart behind Tom Brady and Ryan Mallett, is making strides in camp that could keep him in the fold.
It is well known that Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has an affinity for the former first round pick-McDaniels was the driving force behind his first round selection as the head coach of the Denver Broncos in 2010. According to reports, McDaniels has been working closely with Tebow and improved the lefty's throwing mechanics.
In Tebow's previous stops his inaccurate passing led his former teams to move on from him. Denver decided to make a big offer to Peyton Manning, while the New York Jets rarely trusted him to actually throw. The Patriots have said Tebow is not in the plans as a replacement tight end, nor as an option at running back or fullback. Therefore, if he's going to be used in any capacity, it will be in a quarterback role.
Another factor is Tebow's popularity. While this can trend toward a circus-like atmosphere, a recent Boston Globe article showed the positives of Tebow's interactions with fans.
A disabled fan named Madelin Beardsley recently showed up to camp with a poster that read "Tebow, we came 600 miles to see you. Please come see me." Her father Scott said, "A handful of players signed autographs for Madelin. Tebow was the only one to ask her name. I can't tell you what that meant to her. There's something about him, something that can make someone feel so special. Even if they meet for 10 seconds."
Tebow's connection with fans may be more valuable than anything he does on the field in the wake of an ugly offseason marred by the Hernandez fiasco, as well as an arrest of cornerback Alfonzo Dennard.
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