FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Tim Tebow exudes leadership -- even when he's chowing down in the New York Jets' cafeteria.

Tebow's new teammates are paying close attention to their new backup quarterback, and they've noticed he's passionate about everything he does, eating lunch included.

Cornerback Darrelle Revis, who criticized the Denver Broncos' Tebow-led offense last season, raved about Tebow's approach -- and Revis isn't one to gush.

"He's a born leader, he really is," Revis said Wednesday. "Very few athletes have the gift he has. He tries to lead by example all the time. He tries to be positive, which is awesome, and that (has resulted) in his success on the field."

Asked to define Tebow's leadership, Revis smiled.

"I wish I was God, I'm not," he said. "I don't know. Some people have it, some guys don't. It's the passion within, wanting to be a leader, wanting to win. You see it all the time, eating lunch, walking down the hallway. You see it.

"He's like that cartoon character Zeus (sic). He's one of those guys. He's very positive. He has passion for whatever he does. You can see it on him."

The Tebow love-fest continues.

Tebow has yet to take a competitive snap -- OTAs don't begin until next week -- but he already has received more praise from teammates and coaches than some players get in a season. It's reminiscent to summer 2008, when the Jets traded for Brett Favre and the hype machine ran non-stop.

Of course, that was a future Hall-of-Fame quarterback; Tebow is the No. 2 quarterback, backing up Mark Sanchez.

Nevertheless, the Jets like what they see from Tebow, who shows up at 6:15 a.m. to lift weights, likes to be first in line during weight-lifting sessions and willingly engages in locker-room banter with teammates.

During an open locker room Wednesday, Tebow and linebacker Bart Scott exchanged playful barbs. Scott, within earshot of reporters, called over to Tebow, referring to him as "Baby Jesus." Tebow, a devout Christian, laughed.

Scott, 31, complained about being sore. Tebow called him old and told Scott to take a cold tub. The quick-witted linebacker asked Tebow if he'd baptize him.

"He's meshing really well with the team already, all the guys," guard Matt Slauson said.

That Tebow received Revis' praise is significant because, in the days leading up to last November's game at Denver, the All-Pro cornerback claimed a read-option offense couldn't achieve long-term success in the NFL unless Michael Vick and Chris Johnson were running it.

Tebow went out that week and beat the Jets with a 95-yard touchdown drive in the final minutes. On one of his scrambles, Tebow ran through a would-be tackle by Revis.