Revis: Tim Tebow is 'a born leader'

Darrelle Revis was critical of the Tim Tebow-led Broncos offense last season. But now that they’re teammates, the Jets cornerback is seeing a much different side of Tebow.

Revis -- a player not known for effusive praise, especially when unwarranted – said Tebow brings several much-needed qualities to the Jets. Most of all, leadership.

“The guy works hard,” the cornerback said of his new backup quarterback. “He’s a born leader. He really is. He’s a born leader. And very few athletes have the gift that he has. He’s a born leader.

“He tries to lead by example all the time and he tries to positive, which is awesome. …He came in with Denver and did unbelievable and now he’s with us. So we’re happy, we’re excited for him. And we’re happy for him to bring his (leadership qualities) over to this team as well.”

The star cornerback made headlines last season when he said the read-option scheme – an offensive philosophy Denver implemented last season when Tebow was named the starter -- couldn’t work in the NFL unless quarterback Michael Vick and running back Chris Johnson were running it.

“The biggest thing for the secondary is for us not to fall asleep,” Revis told reporters heading into their Thursday night matchup with the Broncos – a 17-13 Jets’ loss. “It can get boring, especially if a team keeps on just running the ball, series after series, play after play.”

But the cornerback has since changed his mind on his new teammate after spending time with Tebow in the weight room, in the cafeteria and on the field.

“When you’re competing against somebody and you don’t know that person, it’s like, you only see what’s on film,” Revis said. “…So when you get to know him as a person, you have way much more respect for the person and you appreciate the guy.”

Tebow’s passion is evident in everything he does, Revis said – from walking the hallways to eating lunch.

“Some people have it and some guys don’t,” said the cornerback, who added he’s been watching Tebow play since high school. “…I think it’s the passion within; of him wanting to be a leader, him wanting to win. You see it in him all the time.

“…He’s just one of those guys, man. He’s just very positive. He has passion for what he does and you can see it. You can see it on him when you have a conversation with him. He’s just a leader. He wants to win and everything is positive about him.”

Revis joked he sometimes has to get Tebow to come down a bit when they’re sitting and talking over lunch in the cafeteria.

“I’m like, ‘Alright buddy, we’re not competing,” Revis said with a laugh.

But can a guy lead from the bench?

“(There) might be more leadership roles for other guys on this team, but everybody should be doing what they need to be doing as a teammate,” the cornerback said. “Of executing their job and just being professional. Being a leader as much as you can.”

Though they’ve only been together a few weeks, Tebow already has shown he fits in inside the Jets locker room – and he can also trade playful jabs with Bart Scott.

The brash linebacker told reporters he wasn’t talking Wednesday, but made Tebow-related comments in earshot of the media. During a conversation with one player, Scott called Tebow “Baby Jesus” and later asked Tebow – a devout Christian -- if he’d baptize him.

Tebow smiled, taking the ribbing in stride. Later, when Scott was sprawled out on his stomach on the locker room floor, Tebow walked by and called the soon-to-be 32-year-old linebacker “old.”