Rex Ryan Talks Jets QB Battle, Tim Tebow's Exit And NFL's Readiness For A Gay Player (VIDEO)

WATCH: Rex Ryan Talks Jets' QB Battle, Tebow And More

Rex Ryan believes that Jets fans "have got to be excited" about whoever ends up as the team's starting quarterback when the 2013 NFL season starts. As Ryan explained it during a visit to HuffPost Live, that player will have proved his mettle by emerging from an open, five-way competition for top spot on the depth chart.

"From our perspective as an organization, from a coaching perspective, we've got to better play out of the quarterback position -- as we do a lot of other positions and coaches as well," Ryan told Marc Lamont Hill during a visit to HuffPost Live on the occasion of the one-year anniversary of his 100-pound weight loss after lap band surgery. "But the competition at that spot, I think is going to bring it out. Whether it's Mark Sanchez -- rest assured he is going to have to earn that -- or Geno Smith or anybody else."

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One high-profile quarterback who won't be around to compete for the Jets' starting job is Tim Tebow, who was cut shortly after the team selected Geno Smith in the 2013 NFL Draft. Aside from looking ahead to the upcoming QB battle, Ryan also reflected on the acquisition and release of Tebow.

"First off, I was all behind it, without question. We had a vision. I had a vision for what I thought we could do with Tim," Ryan said of the decision to bring Tebow aboard via a trade with the Broncos. "Quite honestly, the trade really never worked out for Tim. It never worked out for the Jets. Ultimately, it's my responsibility. I'm the guy that's responsible for it."

WATCH: Rex Ryan discusses Tim Tebow


Aside from discussing Jets quarterbacks past and present, Ryan also talked about his weight loss, his future in New York, the departure of cornerback Darrelle Revis, Manti Te'o and whether or not the NFL is ready for an openly gay player.

"As far as I'm concerned, that if a guy is a good teammate and he can help you win then I'd be open to anybody," said, Ryan, who also said he didn't know if he had ever coached a gay player.

WATCH: Rex Ryan discusses NFL's readiness to accept a gay player


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