Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez said all the right things about his new backup, Tim Tebow, at a paid appearance Thursday night in White Plains.
Sanchez has spent the past few days getting to know Tebow as the Jets began their offseason program.
“He’s been as advertised, as good of a guy, if not better, than anybody said,” Sanchez said. “So, he’s been a great addition so far. I’m thrilled to work with him.”
When the Jets traded for Tebow last month, many saw it as the organization bringing someone in to push Sanchez. It sounds like he already has in the weight room.
“From a competitor standpoint, he’s great,” Sanchez said. “He’s what you want in an offseason program — working hard, competing with the guy in the weight room. This is a big, strong guy, so it’s good for me. That’s been one of my goals this offseason — putting on a little more muscle mass. I’ve taken a beating during the season. It’s been a good transition and Tim’s been great.”
Sanchez sounds as if he’s also a fan of new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano. Sanchez said Sparano reminds him of his parents as a disciplinarian.
“Coach Sparano is tough,” he said. “He sounds like Joe Pesci sometimes when he’s installing plays. He’ll say, ‘You got it? You got it? I’m not speaking for my health. You got it?’ It’s ‘Yes, sir’ [from] the entire room.”
Sanchez signed autographs and did a Q&A for fans at the Westchester Mall. When approached by a Post reporter afterward, Sanchez said he was not allowed by his handlers to give any interviews.