Former RB Brandon Jacobs wants to follow Tim Tebow’s footsteps

Former quarterback Tim Tebow has been out of the NFL for a while. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars have given the Florida product a chance to make a comeback. This has prompted former New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs to publicly ask for an opportunity to play defensive end.

Jacobs recently announced on social media that he’s making a comeback and will play defensive end for whatever team gives him a chance. The running back later added that he’s serious and mentioned that he can still run. He also believes he’s a better athlete than Tebow. All he wants is an opportunity and if he can’t cut it, “he’ll take it like a man”.

Keep in mind that Jacobs last played in 2013 and will turn 39 this year. Although he was a force in his early years and helped the Giants win two Super Bowls, he was a non-factor late in his career, racking up 215 carries for 816 yards and seven touchdowns from 2011 to 2013. Running backs, especially the physical ones, take a bigger punishment than other positions and Jacobs was no exception.

A running back can have three or four great years and suddenly become marginal players. Take former All-Pro Todd Gurley for example. The 2015 first-round pick tallied 256 carries for 1,251 yards and 17 touchdowns as recently as 2018 but came crashing down the following season and is currently a free agent (he could sign with the Detroit Lions). Just like Gurley, Jacobs suffered the wear and tear of playing running back.

Could Brandon Jacobs land a legitimate tryout?

Brandon Jacobs could just be trying to get attention, but let’s say he is sincerely interested in playing defensive end. NFL teams aren’t going to ignore the fact he’s 38. It’s possible that he is in great shape but one thing is to be in good shape and another is to be in “football shape”. Tebow’s biceps are probably bigger than some people’s legs, but that alone won’t help him make the team.

Also, Tebow got his shot because he knows Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer, not because of his football talent. Whether you like it or not, the 2010 first-round pick got his opportunity because of his personal relationships, and if Jacobs knows the right people, he should have no trouble getting a tryout, even if he can no longer play football. Then again, if someone could get him a tryout, he wouldn’t be resorting to social media to make his pitch.

It was fun to watch Jacobs plow through defenders back in his prime. Also, it’s great to know that Jacobs has stayed in shape, but the odds of him getting a chance to play in the NFL are slim to none. As it stands, Tebow faces an uphill battle to be part of the Jaguars’ 53-man roster. Nobody can stop Jacobs from inquiring, but it is doubtful that his phone will ring. On the other hand, if this was some sort of publicity ploy, it was a pretty successful one.