Tim Tebow's Failed NFL Legacy Will Culminate with New York Jets

Tim Tebow wanted to play for the New York Jets, and the Big Apple is where his career will come to a screeching halt.

Tebow worked some magic with the Denver Broncos in 2011, somehow converting a 46.5 percent completion rate into eight wins, an AFC West title and a first-round playoff upset of the Pittsburgh Steelers. But while lighting struck repeatedly in Denver last season, I don't expect a similar result with the Jets.

Gang Green recently invested in young quarterback Mark Sanchez with a serious contract extension. Then they brought Tebow aboard in a move that shocked many observers. The Denver castoff obviously believes he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL, and you'd have to believe that's what he wants right now. 

But the Jets have been firm in their stance that Sanchez is the team's starter now and for the future. They claim Tebow is only being brought in as a package player—to run the team's Wildcat sets. If Rex Ryan and company hold to that line, Tebow's career is going to come crashing down around him. 

What happened in 2011 was incredible, simply because Tebow never looked right as a quarterback. He's a different type of player, and I don't believe he will ever be a solid, traditional, drop-back signal-caller in the NFL. But there is a chance he could have success (however limited) as some kind of unique guy who would be hard to build game plans against. 

He won't be a starting quarterback with the Jets as that guy. 

New offensive coordinator Tony Sparano emphasizes running the ball and limiting mistakes. That will help Sanchez tremendously. The Jets could end up relying far less on the USC product to make plays, which would help him build confidence by stringing together a few good games.

If he can build on success, there will be no need for another quarterback to push him. Sanchez has all the tools to be an elite starter in the NFL, he just needs to get over the hump mentally. Getting another solid receiver added to his arsenal wouldn't hurt either. 

If Sanchez and Sparano can mesh well, the young signal-caller could have a breakout year, and Tebow would become an afterthought. This would mean his choice to join the Jets could seriously hurt his future prospects in the NFL.