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Tim Tebow Was A Mistake, Says Former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum

Although struggling quarterback Tim Tebow only had a short stint with the New York Jets, it appears one former Jets’ affiliate felt the brunt of his lackluster performance more than anyone. His...
Tim Tebow Was A Mistake, Says Former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum
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  • Although struggling quarterback Tim Tebow only had a short stint with the New York Jets, it appears one former Jets’ affiliate felt the brunt of his lackluster performance more than anyone. His name is Mike Tannenbaum.

    On Wednesday, Jan. 15, the former New York Jets’ general manager sat down for an interview with CBS Sports Radio. During the discussion he shared some of the mistakes he personally felt the football franchise had made during his tenure with the team.

    He also shared some of his own mistakes as the team’s General Manager; a position he held from 2006 to 2012.

    His most notable admission, which comes as no surprise, was his regret in trading prospective fourth and sixth round draft picks to the Denver Broncos for Tim Tebow.

    “Obviously we made a couple mistakes — trading for Tim Tebow most notably. But I would say beyond that, but we [could have done a better job with the bottom of our roster], especially toward the end,” Tannenbaum admitted on CBS radio broadcast.

    Tannebaum was hired as the Director of Player Contract Negotiations for the New York Jets on February 19, 1997. Throughout his 15-year tenure with the team, he held several administrative positions including, Senior Vice President of Football Operations and Assistant General Manager.

    Then in 2006, he was promoted to General Manager. He initially signed a contract extension through the 2014 season. But, he ended up being after the 2012 season when the Jets finished the year off with a 6-10 record.

    “I think some of the mistakes made were from the bottom end of our roster up,” Tannenbaum said. “So when you lose guys like Jim Leonhard or Danny Woodhead or Jerricho Cotchery, it affects a lot of things — not just what they do on the field, but what they do in the locker room.”

    However, although he stated his regrets, he still spoke highly of the 2007 Heisman trophy winner.

    “Tim obviously didn’t play well in the preseason with New England, but he’s a guy (who’s) incredibly passionate about his career,” Tannenbaum said. “I would never bet against Tim. We used to have an expression that Tim’s the type of guy who’s either going to be successful or die trying. His relentlessness and passion — I would think he’ll get another opportunity.”

    Tannenbaum’s words are definitely true as Tebow does, indeed, have another opportunity. In December, the NFL free agent was hired by ESPN as a college football analyst for the SEC Network.

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    Tebow also shared his elation of the new position. “I am so excited that ESPN has given me this incredible opportunity,” Tebow said at the time. “When I was six years old I fell in love with the game of football, and while I continue to pursue my dream of playing quarterback in the NFL, this is an amazing opportunity to be part of the unparalleled passion of college football and the SEC.”

    Image(s) via Facebook | Tim Tebow (1) (2)

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