FLORHAM PARK, New Jersey (AP) ― Tim Tebow laughed a few times, smiled steadily and stayed polite and composed.

If being surrounded by dozens of cameras and scores of media people made him nervous, the New York Jets’ new backup quarterback didn’t show it.

He was cool and calm ― exactly how he looked during those hair-raising comebacks last season with the Denver Broncos.

His message: I’m here to help, not to create another Jets controversy.

“It’s an honor for all of you to show up to hear me say a few words,” a grinning Tebow told a pack of more than 200 reporters.

Asked what he thought about the media crush, he said: “I really don’t think it will be much of a distraction because, honestly, I will try not to pay too much attention to it.”

Good thing, because it will surely be around 24/7. Monday was only the beginning. Even though both he and Mark Sanchez, the starting quarterback, don’t want more drama.

Tebow spoke for more than 30 minutes at a news conference held in the team’s field house because the media turnout was so massive it couldn’t be accommodated in the normal press room. It was hardly a run-of-the-mill meet-and-greet, with the star of the show hardly a part-time player.

Cameras flashed, capturing every Tebow step, as he strolled onto the field and made his way to the podium for his big New York close-up. He appeared polished and unfazed handling a barrage of 31 questions, most of his answers measured and upbeat as he deftly handled the local media.

Tebow, who used the word “excited” more than 40 times, refused to stir the volatile mix that is the Jets. He went out of his way to say he believes he and Sanchez can co-exist despite all the skeptics. And there are plenty.

“I think the exciting thing is me and Mark have a great relationship,” Tebow said. “We have had a great relationship for the last three years, I think. We’ve been friends. We text back and forth. We talked already and we’re going to have a great working relationship. I think we’ll have a lot of fun together.”

The two do have a bit of shared history. Sanchez hosted Tebow on his recruiting trip to Southern California. Sanchez didn’t watch the big news conference because he was working out, but he also isn’t worried that Tebow could take his job at some point.

“We’re adding another player and we’re not replacing anybody,” Sanchez said. “I mean, he’s here to help us and I’m confident in my abilities. I know the team feels the same way about me. They have belief in me.

“I’m not worried about losing my spot.”