Tim Tebow hadn't suited up for an NFL team in nearly two years before Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles came calling this offseason. Perhaps knowing that this would be his last chance to carve out a role for himself in the league, Tebow has approached this opportunity like a man without a tomorrow. Work ethic has never been a problem for the 27-year-old quarterback, and legendary QBs coach and former MLB pitcher Tom House can attest to that.
Tebow and House have been working together for over a year, adjusting Tebow's throwing motion and mechanics to more traditional NFL standards. All the hard work appears to be paying off in Tebow's mind.
"Being able to continue to work this summer with Tom and [QB coach Ryan Day], I feel like I just keep getting better," Tebow said via CSN Philly. "I just tried to go over and over everything and work on my footwork and drills and everything so that it comes a little more second nature."
Tebow is currently behind Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez and Matt Barkley on Philadelphia's depth chart. Barkley, however, had been mentioned in potential trade rumors earlier this offseason, meaning Tebow has a shot to take over as the No. 3 QB if he shows something. So far, so good.
"I thought he threw the ball really well [Monday]," Kelly said Tuesday. "There was a couple of stretches in there where it seems he's got a bit more zip on the ball than he did in the spring time, so we'll see how that manifests itself."
Tebow spent the last year as a college football analyst with the SEC Network. But he sought out House for help because he knows he enjoys playing football more than he does talking about it. The work those two have done together was enough to get him a shot with Kelly and the Eagles. But is it enough to keep him around the NFL this time?
"I feel like I'm getting better everyday," Tebow said. "I'm just trying to understand the offense more and play a little bit faster, and I'm blessed to be able to play with some really good teammates and some really good coaches."
