Donald Trump mocks New York Jets in a subtle way, while praising Tim Tebow’s NFL success

In a moment meant to honor champions, President Donald Trump stole the show with a light-hearted jab at the NFL’s New York Jets—right in the middle of a celebration for the University of Florida's national championship-winning basketball team.As the Gators enjoyed their White House visit to commemorate their 2025 NCAA triumph, Donald Trump took a detour from basketball to heap praise on a football legend: Tim Tebow. A two-time national champion and Heisman Trophy winner, Tebow joined the celebratory event, and his presence didn’t go unnoticed."A very special thanks to the NFL legend [Tim Tebow] and University of Florida - I mean, one of the greatest players I've ever seen," Trump told the crowd. “I tell you what, as a college player, maybe the best ever. And you did damn well in the pros too, despite being on the Jets, you did damn well."The remark, which sparked laughter among the attendees, was classic Trump—equal parts admiration and comic timing. But what raised eyebrows wasn’t the praise for Tebow, a Florida hero, but the swipe at the Jets—especially surprising considering Trump’s long-standing ties to New York and Jets owner Woody Johnson, a major Trump supporter and heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune.For longtime NFL watchers, the joke hit close to home. Tebow, who electrified fans during his Denver Broncos days, especially during the 2011 playoff win over the Steelers, saw his NFL trajectory spiral downward after being traded to the Jets. In New York, he attempted only eight passes and never took another regular-season snap again.Despite Trump's jest, the Gators' celebration carried a strong sense of pride. The team had just clinched a national title, and Tebow, one of the school’s most iconic athletes, stood as a symbol of Florida’s football excellence. His college resume still stuns: over 9,000 passing yards, 88 touchdowns, and a Heisman Trophy win in 2007—a season that included nearly 900 rushing yards and 23 rushing scores.But Trump's jab also reflected the current state of the Jets. The franchise, still seeking a return to playoff relevancy, ended the 2024 season with a disappointing 5-12 record. Their Super Bowl hopes vanished early, and Aaron Rodgers' departure only added to the instability. With Justin Fields now at the helm, hopes are once again being placed on potential rather than proven results.While the Jets remain third favorites in the AFC East heading into the 2025 season, their distinction as the team with the NFL’s longest active playoff drought (dating back to 2010) looms large.In a speech filled with celebration and nostalgia, Trump’s unexpected Jets punchline might’ve just been a joke—but it underscored a truth fans know all too well: when it comes to the Jets, even legends like Tebow couldn’t change their luck.Also Read: Joe Burrow’s schedule frustration could soon be resolved as Bengals consider a major shift in game planning