MOSCOW, September 18. (Itar-Tass) – Dmitry Popkov, president of the Black Storm, Russian football club, confirmed that talks on signing Tim Tebow to play two games for his team, have not been easy.
Popkov emphasized that Tim Tebow is a legendary player, Michael Jordan of American Football. “He’s a real sports star, surrounded by a crowd of agents, that’s why negotiations were difficult. Tebow himself after finding out that people play American football in Russia was surprised and wanted to see it for himself, to play with Russian players. And then again, an extra million dollars won’t harm him. As far as popularizing American football in Russia, he doesn’t really care about it. It’s interest.”
Former Denver Broncos and New York jets quarterback Tim Tebow is considered to be one of the best and most popular athletes in the United States. In 2013 the player signed a deal with New England Patriots; however, after exhibiting poor performance in a series of preseason games, Tebow was cut from the team; currently he is a free agent.
Black Storm president said that Tebow is slated to play two games for his team – September 28, at the semi-final game of the Russian championship against Moscow Patriots and at the final game if the team beats the Patriots. “Do we plan long-term work with this player?” Popkov asked. “Can’t say anything at this point of time. The contract has been signed for just two games. The offered sum is pretty impressive. What’s the ratio of the payout to Tebow to the team’s annual budget? I can’t really say,” the president said, adding that all Black Storm players are currently “pleasantly shocked.” “Even our adversaries are thrilled about Tebow visiting Russia. Everyone expects these two games to be very festive.”
Tebow is also expected to host a workshop with Russian kids training in Americna Football.