The Tim Tebow effect: Ex-running back Brandon Jacobs wants NFL comeback ... as defensive end
He says he's serious!
First Tim Tebow, and now … Brandon Jacobs?
It seems like Jacobs — the bruising former running back who scored 60 touchdowns in his career with the New York Giants and won two Super Bowls — is serious about coming back to the NFL as a defensive end.
He was listed at 6-foot-4 and 264 pounds when the 38-year-old last played on the offensive side of the ball, and his initial Twitter announcement — see below — almost felt like it was trolling Tebow, who’s going from QB to tight end after not playing the latter position ever.
But could Jacobs do the same at DE? He really does think so!
Well since Tebow came back after being off a good bit, I am announcing today that I to will comeback. I will play defensive end for whatever team gives me a chance!!!
— Brandon Jacobs (@BrandonJacobs27) May 27, 2021
I am really serious about coming back as a defensive end. I can still run, I am strong and there’s no way Tim Tebow is a better athlete than I am. I just need a shot that’s it!! If I can’t cut it I’ll take it like a man. Just give me one chance that’s all!!
— Brandon Jacobs (@BrandonJacobs27) May 27, 2021
@Giants I am ready. I am ready to hit sack any QB out there. pic.twitter.com/yhP36rTz00
— Brandon Jacobs (@BrandonJacobs27) May 27, 2021
It’s amazing the hate coming my way.
— Brandon Jacobs (@BrandonJacobs27) May 27, 2021
I love this society we live in!!
I thought this was America where people shoot for what they wanna do.
— Brandon Jacobs (@BrandonJacobs27) May 27, 2021
Just a FYI that pic I posted was me not doing anything for months. Today this all came about. So that’s me not doing anything at all give me 2 weeks and watch the difference.
— Brandon Jacobs (@BrandonJacobs27) May 28, 2021
He even told Josina Anderson he’s going for it:
Brandon Jacobs to me on attempting an NFL comeback as a DE: “I think I can do it, body feels great, even at 38. Right now I‘m at about 260lbs—same weight I played as a RB. I'm switching positions now bc it’s something I should’ve done before & honestly a position I can play….
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) May 27, 2021
I'll say this: While talking with Jacobs yesterday on the phone he spontaneously said- he's not attempting an NFL comeback because he needs the money. I paused momentarily & surmised some of the negative social media chatter was getting to him like it would anybody at times. 1/3 https://t.co/mXx5FtyWK0
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) May 28, 2021
I replied, "stop looking at Twitter comments," not because it's easy but because I sensed that was the source of the consternation I detected. The point is, Jacobs went on to convey he's attempting a return 2/3 https://t.co/0ou9oC02OK
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) May 28, 2021
because one: he's always felt he should've tried switching positions earlier in his career; and two, and most importantly: he owes it to himself to try. 3/3 https://t.co/Ixa6IqjRBE
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) May 28, 2021
From a football perspective, it's fair to point out Jacobs will be 39 in July & that he hasn't played since the 2013 season. It's also fair to ask about his motivations for attempting to come back. But what insights r leading to a stated certainty that he's in financial straits?
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) May 28, 2021
We’ll see if a team gives him a shot like Tebow got from Urban Meyer.