Tim Tebow has described joining the New England Patriots as "an honour", having signed a two-year contract with the AFC East champions yesterday.

The quarterback had been a free agent since being cut by the New York Jets earlier this year.

The 25-year-old told reporters: "First and foremost, I just want to thank the Patriots for giving me an opportunity. I'm very thankful.

"It's such an honour to be a Patriot and play for coach [Bill] Belichick and [offensive coordinator Josh] McDaniels, and learn under [quarterback] Tom [Brady], and be a part of this great franchise and very successful franchise.

"I found out firsthand. Lost to them several times. It's going to be a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to working hard every single day and getting a lot better, and learning under some great people."

Tebow spent the first two seasons of his NFL career with the Denver Broncos, before being traded to the Jets last year.