Martial arts tough guy leaps to the defence of down and out quarterback.
Tim Tebow might not have any fans in front-offices around the NFL at the moment, but there is one man he can rely on – Chuck Norris.
After being released from the New York Jets roster after a horror year watching on from the sidelines for much of the season, having never started a game, Tebow has been searching for a new team without any takers.
The the fall from grace is spectacular after being the star of the Broncos in Denver, when “Tebow time” became a catchphrase that transcended the sport.
However, after being cut by the Jets and not being shown any interest by any other NFL side, even as a second or third-string player, Tebow’s career could see him heading to Arena football or the CFL.
Norris has strongly urged the Jacksonville Jaguars to sign the maligned playmaker, saying he is one of his “ultimate clutch players.”
The action-movie star said he has been a fan of Tebow since his college playing days with the Florida Gators.
“I never have seen a more determined or inspiring athlete to play the game of football,” Norris said of Tebow.
“Tebow is a player who rises to the occasion and delivers big in critical moments. He reminds me of myself when I used to compete in martial arts.
“I would spar with my black belts in class, and sometimes they would outscore me. Yet in the tournaments, I would defeat them. My students used to ask me, ‘Why is it that we can contend equally against you in class but can’t beat you in the tournaments?’ My answer was always the same: ‘When it counts, I rise to the occasion,'”
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