The New England Patriots surprised many by signing Tim Tebow. The deal was officially announced on Tuesday and, in typical Patriots fashion, coach Bill Belichick was reticent to share details. If his press conference on Tuesday revealed anything, Tebow's first season in New England won't be anything like it was in New York.
Tebow took to the field for Tuesday's minicamp wearing No. 5 on his shorts and helmet, according to the Associated Press. He joined future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady and backup Ryan Mallet less than a day after news broke of his signing.
Two sources told the Associated Press that Tebow signed a two-year deal with no guaranteed money. The 25-year-old quarterback will make the veteran's minimum salary of $630,000 in 2013, one of the sources added.
Coach Belichick spoke in a crowded room to reporters before Tuesday's practice, Yahoo! Sports reported. The excitement in the room was palpable. Belichick, deadpan per usual, refused to feed into Tebowmania.
"Anything we do, we feel is in the best interests of the team," he told reporters when asked about signing Tebow. "We'll see how it goes."
Belichick kept whatever he saw in Tebow close to his chest, and he didn't elaborate on what position Tebow would play.
"He's talented, he's smart, he works hard," he answered on two separate occasions when asked what he likes about Tebow.
Intentional or not, the press conference served to set the tone for the rest of the season in regard to Tebow: don't expect Tebowmania to invade Gillette Stadium. Belichick was characteristically short with reporters and didn't elaborate on much, giving some media outlets their first taste of the Patriot Way.
"...How big of a part was (offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels) in this decision?" a reporter asked.
"I don't know," Belichick said.
"You don't know?" another reporter interjected.
"There's a lot of people in the organization who contributed," he replied.
Belichick made it clear Tebow's arrival isn't going to create a spectacle. The stoic coach keeps a tight rein on his players and their interactions with media. Tebow spoke briefly to reporters after Tuesday's practice, but didn't take any questions.
"First and foremost, I just want to thank the Patriots for giving me an opportunity," Tebow said. "I'm very thankful. It's such an honor to be a Patriot and play for coach [Bill] Belichick and coach [Josh] McDaniels, and learn under Tom [Brady] and be a part of this great franchise and very successful franchise. I found out first hand; lost to them several times.
"It's going to be a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to working hard every single day and getting a lot better and learning under some great people. That's all I got. Thank you all so much and God bless. I'm sure we'll be talking more soon."
Don't be surprised if that's the last you hear from Tebow.
