Latest news with #Bucs'
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Buccaneers legend has a unique choice for the Bucs most impactful rookie
Everyone has talked about the Bucs' top draft, Emeka Egbuka, and how he is going to be the future of the passing attack when Mike Evans retires. While everyone is focusing on Egbuka, or cornerbacks Jacob Parrish and Benjamin Morrison, a Bucs legend is highlighting another. Ronde Barber, who knows a thing or two about high-level defensive play as a Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback, discussed on his show the most impactful Bucs rookie in 2025. His answer was surprising. Barber explained, "Our No. 1 impact rookie, you might not believe this — it is David Walker, I didn't know anything about him until we picked him, and then you go and look at what he did... when you put the film on, you're like, 'Holy cow, this dude has the mentality.' It's kinda like this underdog mentality that makes people respect him." David Walked is everything and more than what Barber explained on his show. He never stuffed the box score, but what he did time and again was create pressure on the offenses. The Bucs have had a great time of having players transition from edge rushers in college to interior defenders. Walker is the latest to get that move inside, and he could have a chance to create some chaos within Todd Bowles' system.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
PFF sees a Buccaneers defender playing with something to prove in 2025
PFF sees a Buccaneers defender playing with something to prove in 2025 The Bucs' 2024 season was marred by injury after injury, and it affected the team throughout the season in a litany of ways. They never came at the same time, it never allowed for the team to have much momentum, and it again resulted in a quick playoff exit for them. A lot of the players on the roster have something to prove but PFF picked one player specifically who will playing with not just a chip but a boulder on his shoulder in 2025. Zoltan Buday wrote up 10 players with something to prove in 2025, and rounding out his selections were Antoine Winfield Jr. of the Bucs. While the former All-Pro safety did get to play in nine games, he never looked himself during the season and had career lows across the board. Buday writes, "The Buccaneers made Antoine Winfield Jr. not only the highest-paid safety in the NFL, but also the highest-paid defensive back last offseason. . . .2024 was Winfield's worst season to date in all regards. He played a career-low 601 snaps due to multiple injuries. Even when he was on the field, he did not play like his usual self. His 57.8 PFF overall grade was the lowest of his career, in line with his 50.8 PFF coverage grade and his 125.1 passer rating allowed in coverage. One year after his historic contract extension, Winfield is looking to prove that he is still among the best safeties in the NFL." Winfield Jr.'s injury coming off that mammoth contract may be a blessing in disguise, though, as most people have new deals to focus on with new players. Thus, it allows the former Golden Gopher to fly under the radar and return to form. Look for the Bucs' All-Pro safety to start his revenge tour beginning in July at Training Camp.
USA Today
11-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Todd Bowles 'very happy' with second-year cornerback heading into 2025
Todd Bowles 'very happy' with second-year cornerback heading into 2025 The Bucs' passing defense broke down at the end of the day for a team that had a lot of promise heading into the playoffs. The 2024 version of Tampa Bay's football team beat several good teams and pushed others to their limit. Despite all that, it all came back to their lack of passing defense being their achilles heel. They know that, so they talked about improving it all offseason. One of the leading players being talked about in helping the defense turn the corner in this department is cornerback Tykee Smith. At one point the idea was floated about him moving to safety, but for now, the Bucs want him focusing on getting better at playing one position. If you ask Todd Bowles, he is "very happy" with what he has seen early on from the young Bucs defender. "He's a very smart player, so he understands football. He fits in the spot well. When we get in pads, you'll see a lot more of the physicality and the things that take place with the linemen. Right now, I'm very happy with him." Smith had a knack for finding the ball as a rookie which points well to his promise coming into his second year. Whether he plays cornerback or safety, Smith is poised to impact the Bucs' defense. If Antoine Winfield Jr. can be healthy, it will allow him to make more plays as defenses will be more worried about staying away from the All-Pro safety.
The South African
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates eye AFCON U20 star Neo Rapoo
Orlando Pirates have officially approached SuperSport United to enquire about the availability of South Africa's latest teenage football sensation, Neo Rapoo. According to prominent football broadcaster and radio personality Karabo Phasha, the Soweto giants have already made contact with Rapoo's agent to explore a potential transfer. The Bucs' interest in the 19-year-old left-back comes hot on the heels of his standout performances at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Rapoo played a crucial role in helping the South African U20 squad secure the title and qualify for the upcoming FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. Weeks before, Pirates reached out to his camp, setting the stage for what could be one of the most exciting transfers in the domestic market. Neo Rapoo isn't just hype, he's the real deal. Promoted to SuperSport United's senior team last season, he has made 15 appearances in all competitions in the 2024/2025 campaign. Showcasing both composure and flair on the left flank. Former SuperSport United head coach Gavin Hunt had already spotted his potential early on. He once remarked, 'One of the best left-backs in the country'. A prediction the young defender is quickly living up to. SuperSport United's current coach, Andre Arendse, couldn't hide his pride when speaking about Pirates target Rapoo's success at the AFCON tournament. 'Fantastic player, and I'm very happy for him. You know, we had a discussion that he's a key member of our squad. He did the job for me before he left,' Arendse said. 'It was important for him to go and realise his dreams. What he achieved in the tournament (AFCON) was fulfilling a dream, and I'm happy we played a part in that.' 'You know, we are a developing club. There's no doubt about that, and the proof is in letting players go to do bigger things. Shandre Campbell is another one who has come through the ranks. So we are very proud of that side of our club.' With Orlando Pirates making the first move, the question now is whether SuperSport United will hold onto their prized asset or let him take the next big step in his career. Will Orlando Pirates close the deal for Rapoo? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Baker Mayfield's colorful new look and the heartwarming reason behind it will melt your heart
Forget touchdowns, this week, Baker Mayfield scored with kindness. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB just gave kids battling pediatric cancer a moment of joy by letting them go wild on his hair with color spray. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Yep, we're talking full creamsicle-red-and-orange glory. But it wasn't just for fun, this sweet moment was all about raising money and awareness for pediatric cancer, and Baker absolutely delivered. Kids battling cancer got to color Baker's hair and his reaction was everything The event was part of the Bucs' 'Cut and Color for the Cure' fundraiser, an annual initiative that supports the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. It's been running for 11 years, and this year, players, coaches, and staff offered up their hair as a canvas, all for a cause that hits way deeper than football. And of course, Baker Mayfield stepped up to the plate (or salon chair?) with total heart. Mayfield didn't just show up. He sat down, smiled, and let pediatric cancer survivors spray-paint his hair with the team's iconic red and creamsicle orange colors. The kids laughed, the cameras clicked, and Baker rocked the look like a champ. Photos from the event are going viral for all the right reasons, him grinning ear to ear, surrounded by brave little warriors with spray cans in hand. The event raised nearly $80K this year alone As of now, the 'Cut and Color Funds the Cure' initiative has raised more than $760,000 total, with $80,000 collected just this year. And honestly? Seeing NFL stars give their time and their heads to something so meaningful hits different. Mayfield's involvement helped bring extra attention to the cause, and fans online are giving him major props for being more than just a quarterback. This isn't a one-off. Baker's been known for showing up for his community. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now From youth outreach to medical causes, he's consistently used his platform for good and this just adds another page to the book. One fan posted, 'I've always liked Baker, and I've never heard a bad thing about him. He just seems like a genuinely good, down to earth guy who wants to do good in the world.' And honestly? Facts. In a league full of headlines about contracts and controversies, this one feels like a breath of fresh air. Baker Mayfield proved that being a team player doesn't stop on the field and that sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is hand a kid a can of hair dye. Also read -
