Tim Tebow reportedly released by Patriots

The New England Patriots have cut quarterback Tim Tebow from their roster, ESPN reported on Saturday citing "league sources".

Tebow, joined the Patriots this off-season after he was released by the New York Jets where he spent last year as a rarely used back-up to Mark Sanchez.

A former Heisman Trophy winner and star of college football with the University of Florida, Tebow has a strong personal following among fans but has struggled to transform his success at college level into the pro game.

The 26-year-old always faced a tough task to make the roster with New England who have future Hall of Famer Tom Brady as starting quarterback and Ryan Mallett as back-up.

Tebow was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2010 and in his second year took the Broncos on an improbable run to the play-offs, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers before losing to the Patriots.

He also quickly become a major celebrity, with his popularity going well beyond the NFL. Deeply religious and with a cleancut image, he became a magnet for sponsors, signing a range of massive endorsement deals which earned him an estimated $4 million a year.

Tebow’s jerseys were among the biggest sellers in the NFL and his habit of going down on one knee in prayer, became known as “Tebowing.”

In early 2012, the Broncos signed quarterback Peyton Manning after he had become a free agent, and traded Tebow to the Jets.