Iconic former Jaguars player derails racial outrage over Tim Tebow

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An iconic former Jacksonville Jaguars player derailed the social media outrage over a report that the team will sign Tim Tebow while controversial former player Colin Kaepernick continues unsigned.

Supporters of Kaepernick and his anti-police crusade took to Twitter in outrage that Tebow, an outspoken Christian and former quarterback, might join the team at the tight end position. Many claimed it was the latest example of racist discrimination in the the NFL against Kaepernick.

Former wide receiver Jimmy Smith denied that race had anything to do with the decision.

"This is my team. We don't need Colin Kaepernick on our team!" said Smith during an interview with TMZ.

Smith said that Kaepernick would just divide the players in the locker room.

"We need a guy like Tim Tebow, who's a hometown hero who has love for the city anyway!" he added.

"He's going to be a great support for Trevor Lawrence," Smith said, referring to the team's recently drafted quarterback. "Whatever capacity that is, it's going to be a positive rather than a negative."

Smith went on to speak directly to complaints from other players that Tebow received consideration only because he's white.

"I doesn't matter whether you're black or white, what matters is, you got a great example of a player in Tim Tebow. Alright? That's the guy I want to associate with!" he said.

"What has Tim Tebow done to these people?" Smith asked.

He also praised Tebow for his faith and expressed hope that he would help the franchise get back to winning football games.

Smith played 11 seasons for the Jacksonville Jaguars and scored 67 touchdowns while recording 862 catches for 12,287 yards for the team.