Tim Tebow has denied that he refused to take part in the New York Jets' wildcat formation in their loss to the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.

A number of reports after the game suggested that the backup quarterback had told head coach Rex Ryan that he was not going to be part of the play.

Tebow told the New York Daily News: "You work your whole life to build a reputation. Then people try to bring you down when they don't understand even what happened.

"Who cares if they don't believe in me as a football player? Your reputation, your character, your honesty is way more important to me."

Wide receiver Jeremy Kerley stepped in to the wildcat, completing a 42-yard pass.

The 25-year-old has been linked to a move to the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of the 2013 season.