Quarterback coach claims to have fixed Tim Tebow's throwing motion
Tim Tebow's future as an NFL quarterback could be in doubt for the 2013 season. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Just as Tim Tebow's quarterback stock seems to be at an all-time low, a personal quarterback coach claims he's fixed the passing mechanics that have rendered the former Heisman Trophy winner an NFL enigma.
Steve Clarkson, a well-known quarterback consultant who has also worked with NFL quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Matt Leinart, told Newsdayhe spent three days in February in Arizona tinkering with all elements of Tebow's passing, including his notoriously awkward throwing motion that hinders his accuracy. Clarkson said it was Tebow's footwork that was negatively affecting his passing -- and the problem has been fixed, thanks in part to some martial arts work:
"The footwork is essentially what caused a lot of his looping motion," Clarkson told Newsday. "A lot of what was happening with his throwing motion and why it was elongated was because of the way he placed his feet at the end of his drop. Right before he'd make his throw, his hips would stop at mid-motion, and the ball would come off in funny places. So that was one thing that we really honed in on, was trying to tie his feet up."
Clarkson said Tim Tebow still has a future as an NFL quarterback, if a team will give him another chance.
"I would hope wherever he ends up, they give him an opportunity to play, because if they do, they'll be pleasantly surprised," Clarkson said. "I think the guy can still play."
Tebow, originally selected by the Broncos with the 25th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, remains under contract with the Jets for the 2013 season and reported Monday morning for the Jets' offseason training program. New general manager John Idzik has not discussed Tebow's future with the Jets following a season in which he was relegated to third-string quarterback after starter Mark Sanchez was benched.
