FILE - This Nov. 11, 2012 file photo shows New York Jets' Tim Tebow on the field before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle. Rex Ryan acknowledged Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 that he had higher expectations for the seldom-used Tebow in the Jets' wildcat-style offense. And, so did the NFL's most popular and maligned backup quarterback. Credit: AP
The New York Jets have released quarteback Tim Tebow after a tumultuous relationship that climaxed in the team refusing to start the popular player even after benching starting QB Mark Sanchez.
We have a great deal of respect for Tim Tebow," coach Rex Ryan said, according to ESPN. "Unfortunately, things did not work out the way we all had hoped. Tim is an extremely hard worker, evident by the shape he came back in this offseason. We wish him the best moving forward."
ESPN reports that the team informed Tebow of the move in a face-t0-face meeting early Monday morning when he showed up to work out with teammates.
The Jets drafted quarterback Geno Smith out of West Virginia during last week's draft, a signal to many the Tebow release was imminent.
On Monday's "Fox and Friends," host Gretchen Carlson wondered if Tebow's outspoken faith had anything to do with his axing and lack of playing time. Co-host Brian Kilmeade, however, panned the idea, saying if that was true the Jets wouldn't have traded for him in the first place.
This is a breaking story. Updates will be added.
