Jets owner Woody Johnson supports Tim Tebow and Mark Sanchez - Los Angeles Times
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Jets owner Woody Johnson supports Tim Tebow and Mark Sanchez

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Tim Tebow might want to get used to his spot on the New York Jets’ sideline.

The popular -- and, many think, underused -- backup quarterback will “absolutely” remain with the Jets for the duration of his rookie contract, which expires after the 2014 season.

So says owner Woody Johnson, who told CNBC on Wednesday that while the team is in full support of starter Mark Sanchez, there is no truth to speculation that the Jets plan to trade Tebow after this season.

“Are we going to keep Tebow? Absolutely,” Johnson said. “He’ll be with us for three years. ... I think he’s going to be a real valuable asset in terms of helping us win games.”

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When the Jets traded for Tebow during the off-season, many assumed the dynamic player would play some sort of role in the offense of coordinator Tony Sparano, who specializes in the wildcat formation.

But Tebow’s appearances have been somewhat limited in the first five games this season -- he has completed one of two pass attempts for nine yards, rushed 14 times for 57 yards and has recovered an onside kick on special teams.

Some Jets fans have made it clear they would like to see more of Tebow -- a lot more -- as Sanchez has struggled at times during the team’s 2-3 start. The former USC quarterback has thrown six touchdowns and six interceptions with a passer rating of 66.6 (31st in the league) and a completion percentage of 48.4 (last in the league).

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But Jets Coach Rex Ryan said Tuesday that Sanchez would remain his starter, and Johnson said he still has faith in the team’s franchise quarterback as well.

“I wouldn’t look at the numbers too seriously,” Johnson said. “A quarterback’s job ultimately is to win games. Mark Sanchez has proven that he can do that.”

Still, when asked if he would never bench Sanchez, Johnson said: “Never is a long time period. But I see the same things in Mark Sanchez [as] when I first met him. He’s still a young quarterback.”

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