With training camp a month away and COVID 19 cases on the rise here in the sunshine state, Buccaneer quarterback Tom Brady and his teammates continue to work out at Berkeley Prep in preparation for the 2020 season.
Why is this news? Most NFL quarterbacks are working out with their team in some form right now getting a head start for the opening of training camp on July 28th.
The NFL issued a memorandum discouraging these types of workouts and Tom Brady and the Bucs have ignored these warnings since they were issued.
Brady was also reprimanded by Tampa Mayor Jane Castor in late April after he was caught working out in a park in Tampa when all city parks were closed due to COVID 19.
DeMaurice Smith Executive Director of the NFLPA said in an interview with USA Today that, “Those practices are not in the best interest of player safety. They’re not in the best interest of protecting our players heading into training camp, and I don’t think they are in the best interest of us getting through an entire season.”
Smith’s words are falling on deaf ears as Brady continued to work out with his teammates. Brady put a quote from Franklin Roosevelt on his social media accounts saying that “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
Brady will use and take advantage of everything he can to get that edge over other teams and to get himself and his teammates ready for the season.
That’s part of what makes home the GOAT.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) ORG XMIT: GAMS132
In other Buccaneer news, Defensive tackle Vita Vea sustained a hand injury and had a minor surgical procedure done a few weeks ago, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.
Vea is expected to miss the start of training camp but is expected to be ready for the start of the season.
Vea, after an injury-plagued rookie campaign came on strong the second half of 2020 and had a career-high 35 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 12 quarterback hits.
Vea was a huge part of the number one ranked Buccaneers run defense, allowing 73.8 rushing yards per game.
The Buccaneers have Ndamukong Suh, Rakeem Nunez Roches, and two rookies, sixth-round pick Khalil Davis and free agent Benning Potoa’e as the depth at defensive tackle.
Buccaneer linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul had arthroscopic surgery on his knee but should be ready for training camp.
Pierre-Paul who missed the first half of the 2019 season with a fractured neck had and an excellent second half of the season upon his return, playing in 10 games and registering eight and a half sacks, 27 tackles, and 16 quarterback hits.
Linebacker Shaq Barrett has not had any success in his quest to get a long term deal from the Bucs. Barrett said he will sign the one year tag that the Bucs assigned him, but is still hoping for a long term deal.
