Transcript of quarterback Tim Tebow's news conference in front of his locker following the Jets' Wednesday afternoon practice at the Atlantic Health Training Center.
On how he is feeling...
I did a little a bit more out there in practice today, so I'm feeling better every day and just trying to get better.
On playing in Jacksonville…
It's definitely a lot of fun. I have a lot of family and friends who will be there. Jacksonville will always be a special place to me. It's where I grew up and where a lot of my family still calls home. It will be a lot of fun.
On Coach Ryan explaining his quarterback decision…
Very honest like he always is. I think you definitely respect that in a coach.
On where Coach Ryan told the quarterbacks about his decision…
He just got all in the quarterbacks room and told us. He was just honest.
On what Coach Ryan told the quarterbacks…
He told us that Mark was the guy and just talked to us for a little bit.
On what Coach Ryan talked to the quarterbacks about after his decision…
He just said that he believes in all of us. That's what we talked about.
On if Coach Ryan told the quarterbacks who the backup would be…
No.
On if he would have liked to help the team Sunday…
It was definitely a great opportunity for Greg [McElroy]. I'm happy that he did so well and won. Obviously, we're all competitors, we all want to play, so to say I wouldn't want to be in there playing is not the truth. I would love to go in there, compete and help this team win football games.
On the media attention in New York…
I think I'm getting more and more used to it.
On how much better he's feeling…
I don't know. I'm getting there, a little bit better every day.
On if he could take a hit…
I think so.
On if he was throwing during practice…
I was.
On playing in Jacksonville…
It will be a lot of fun. It's definitely special for me and I'm looking forward to it.
On recovering from his injury…
You just go one day at a time. For me, just trying to heal, learn the game plan and get a little bit better every day.
On if he feels like he can play in a game right now…
Yes, I'm just getting better and just hoping that I continue to heal throughout the week.
On if his injury held him back in practice…
I did a lot more. It held me back from a few things, but I pretty much did most of it.
On the expected increase in Jacksonville's attendance Sunday…
The fans around Florida are very passionate about their teams. They care about their teams and they have always been supportive. They have great fans.
On if he ever wonders about his situation if he went to Jacksonville this offseason…
I try not to wonder about the what-ifs, because if you do that, I think you're not enjoying the moment or you're not focused on the moment. I don't want to live my life thinking about the what-ifs. I'm very blessed and thankful for where I am and what I've been able to do.
On getting traded by Denver…
At the end of the day, it wasn't my choice. I'm very blessed and thankful they let me have input in it and Coach Fox and Mr. Elway talked to me about it. Ultimately, it was their decision. I woke up one morning hearing I was a New York Jet.
On being involved in trade rumors with the Jaguars and Jets last offseason…
I would have loved to play for both organizations, but I'm a Jet, I'm glad I'm a Jet. I'm looking forward to this game and going back home.
On if Coach Ryan told the quarterbacks his decision in the quarterbacks room…
Yes, we were just in the quarterbacks room. Coach Sparano, Coach Cav[anaugh] and Rex came in there.
On if Coach Ryan came into the quarterbacks room just to explain his decision…
Yes, he just talked to us for about 10 minutes.
On if he knew what to expect when he came to the facility this morning…
I didn't know what to expect. You just try to be ready for anything. That's always been my approach and I just handle it. It's just what you do.
On being cleared to play…
I just try to do what the trainers and doctors say and what the coach asks me to do. That's all I can control.
On being cleared to play but not being active…
I can only do what I'm told.
On if he believes he can play on a high level Sunday…
I hope so and I believe so.
On if he did more in practice today…
I did.
On if his throwing is back to normal…
It's getting close. It's getting a lot closer.
On what the sideline was like when McElroy went in for Sanchez
I think it was part encouraging Mark and also encouraging Greg. There's not too much needed to be said in situations. It's just giving a pat on the back.
On if he talked to Sanchez today…
Yes, we were together in meetings all day, so we talked.
On if he had any specific conversations with Sanchez about being named the starter…
No, our relationship is great. You just kind of move on and keep going.
On if he feels like the forgotten man in the quarterback group…
No, I'm not too worried about it. I'm just trying to get better every day, I'm trying to work harder, I'm trying to heal up. I was happy for Greg. I'm happy that we got a win. Good for him, Greg's an awesome guy. I'm not worried about it.
On if he will be inactive Sunday…
I think that's up to the trainers, doctors and coach, obviously, depending on how much I continue to heal, what the X-rays say.
On if he expects to take more X-rays…
I think so.
On the last series of X-rays…
I showed some healing, but still fractures.
On when he will get X-rays again…
I'm not sure.
On if he aired the ball out at practice...
Yes, I let it go a few times today. It's not 100 percent, but I can still throw OK.
On how far he made his throws…
Wherever the receiver was [laughter].
