Tim Tebow on his readiness compared to last year: “It’s not even close”

Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

So Tim Tebow isn’t going to be handed the Denver Broncos quarterback starting job. That’s fine. Tim Tebow is all about earning the starting job.

In a wide-ranging interview with The Florida Times-Union, Tebow discusses the NFL learning curve and his working relationship with Kyle Orton (“I always hope he does his best because that’ll help the Broncos”). He also dishes on his autobiography, personal life, and more. It’s worth checking out.

In particular, one nugget that stood out was his QB self-assessment now as compared to a year ago. Tebow believes his hard work this offseason is paying serious dividends:

I feel that I’m definitely ready to compete for it (the starting QB job). I’m excited for that challenge. I’ve worked extremely hard this offseason. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to lead this team and try to win games. I don’t feel like it’s even close from last year to where I am now. In fact, it’s not even close to where I am now from the end of last season. I’m much more prepared.

If that’s the case, it’ll be hard for Orton to keep Tebow at bay — not without putting in the same amount of effort and preparation, day in and day out.

Frankly, that’s the way it should be.

Q&A with Tim Tebow: On his autobiography, competing to be a starter and his bachelor status [Jacksonville.com]