Players - NFL.com

Pro: Fourth-year defensive back with versatility to contribute at either safety position…
Took over as full-time starter in 2006… Played in 45 career regular season games with
24 starts… Also saw action in one playoff game… In young NFL career, has displayed
penchant for making game-changing plays, totaling 138 tackles, four interceptions, one
fumble recovery for a touchdown and seven passes defensed… Also totaled 26 career
tackles and one forced fumble on special teams… Contributed one special teams tackle
in playoffs… Originally entered the league as Tampa Bay’s fourth-round selection (111th
overall) in the 2004 NFL Draft.
2006: Started all 16 contests… Ranked sixth on the team with a career-high 83 tackles… Finished campaign with 83 tackles, two passes defensed and four special teams
tackles… Posted six tackles in season opener vs. Baltimore (9/10)… Had six tackles and
one special teams tackle at Atlanta (9/17)… Finished contest against Carolina (9/24)
with five tackles, one pass defensed and one special teams stop… Totaled five tackles,
including one TFL, and one special teams stop at New Orleans (10/8)… Notched four
tackles vs. Cincinnati (10/15)… Registered seven tackles vs. Philadelphia (10/22)… Had
a then season-high eight tackles at N.Y. Giants (10/29)… Had four stops at Carolina
(11/13)… Notched a season-high nine tackles at Dallas (11/23)… Recorded four tackles
at Pittsburgh (12/3)… Matched his season-high with nine tackles and one special teams
tackle at Chicago (12/17)… Recorded three tackles and one pass defensed at Cleveland
(12/24)… Had eight tackles, including one TFL, vs. Seattle (12/31).
2005: Played in 13 contests (all but at Atlanta, vs. Chicago and at New Orleans) with
eight starts (five at free safety: vs. Buffalo, vs. Detroit, at San Francisco, vs. Carolina
and vs. Washington; and three at strong safety: at N.Y. Jets, vs. Miami and vs. New
Orleans)… Also appeared in playoff contest vs. Washington… Totaled 51 tackles, three
interceptions, three passes defensed, two tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery…
Ranked 10th on the team with a then career-high 51 tackles despite missing three contests because of injury… Ranked third on the team with three interceptions… Ranked
eighth on the team with 14 special teams tackles… Scored first career touchdown vs.
Miami (10/16), returning a QB Gus Frerotte fumble 33 yards for a score… Recorded first
career multi-interception game with two interceptions of QB Brett Favre at Green Bay
(9/25)… Led team with a career-high four special teams tackles at Minnesota (9/11)…
Also saw significant action at free safety against the Vikings… Totaled one tackle in first
career start at free safety vs. Buffalo (9/18)… Part of a defensive effort that limited the
Bills offense to 147 total yards, eight first downs and one field goal… Added one special
teams stop against the Bills… Saw significant action at free safety because of injury to
starter S Dexter Jackson at Green Bay (9/25)… Recorded first career multi-interception game against the Packers, picking off QB Brett Favre twice in the fourth quarter…
Finished contest with four tackles, two passes defensed and two special teams tackles…
Registered seven tackles in start at free safety vs. Detroit (10/2)… Started at strong safety at N.Y. Jets (10/9) because of injury to S Jermaine Phillips… Finished contest against
the Jets with five tackles, including one TFL… Made second consecutive start at strong
safety vs. Miami (10/16)… Scored first career touchdown against the Dolphins, returning
a third quarter QB Gus Frerotte fumble 33 yards for a touchdown… Added three tackles
and two special teams stops against Miami… Totaled a career-high 11 tackles in start at
free safety at San Francisco (10/30)… Part of a defense that limited the 49ers to 50 passing yards… Added two special teams tackles against the 49ers… Started at free safety
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vs. Carolina (11/6), registering five tackles… Totaled five tackles in start vs. Washington
(11/13) before leaving the game in the second half because of a knee sprain… Inactive
at Atlanta (11/20), vs. Chicago (11/27) and at New Orleans (12/4) because of injury…
Returned to action at Carolina (12/11), seeing significant time in the secondary and on
special teams, posting one tackle and one special teams tackle… Posted third interception of the year in start at strong safety vs. New Orleans (1/1), picking off a QB Todd
Bouman pass in the first quarter… Finished regular season finale against the Saints with
eight tackles, one pass defensed and one special teams tackle… Saw action at safety
and on special teams in first career playoff game vs. Washington (1/7) in NFC Wild Card
contest… Totaled one special teams tackle against the Redskins.
2004: Played in all 16 games… Totaled four tackles, one interception and two passes
defensed on the season… Ranked seventh on the team with eight special teams tackles,
adding one forced fumble on special teams… Saw significant action on special teams
in first NFL contest at Washington (9/12)… Contributed two special teams tackles at
Oakland (9/26)… Added one forced fumble on special teams against the Raiders…
Recorded one special teams tackle at New Orleans (10/10) and at St. Louis (10/18)…
Saw first career action at strong safety against Kansas City (11/7)… Totaled two special teams tackles against the Chiefs… Posted one special teams tackle and one pass
defensed vs. Atlanta (12/5)… Saw significant action on defense because of injury to
starter S John Howell at San Diego (12/12)… Recorded first career interception against
the Chargers off QB Drew Brees… Totaled one special teams tackle vs. New Orleans
(12/19)… Added two tackles and one pass defensed against the Saints… Matched his
season high with two tackles from his safety position at Arizona (1/2).
College: Played in 50 career games with 14 starts... Finished his tenure at Ohio State
with 136 career tackles, two sacks, 6.5 stops for losses of 39 yards, two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, nine pass deflections and five interceptions... All-American
First-Team selection by The NFL Draft Report and the Football Writers Association in
2003... Earned 2003 All-Big Ten Conference First-Team honors... Started all 13 games
at strong safety as a senior, ranking second on the team with a career-high 83 tackles
(42 solos)... Totaled two interceptions, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles and
one fumble recovery in his final campaign at OSU… Played in all 13 games, starting
one game at nickel back in 2002... Finished with 32 tackles (22 solos) and one sack...
Intercepted two passes and deflected two others... Also recovered one fumble… Played
in all 12 games, mostly on special teams in 2001... Recorded 14 tackles (13 solos), one
sack, one interception and one pass deflection… Played in all 12 games on special
teams as a freshman... Totaled seven solo tackles on the season… Majored in communications.
Personal: In 2006, was on hand with several teammates to help collect toys for the
Metropolitan Ministries annual toy drive by signing autographs at the Metropolitan
Ministries Holiday Tent in exchange for the donation of a new, unwrapped toy… Visited
children in the University Community Hospital Pediatric Care Center to sign Buccaneers
pennants for them for the holidays in 2005… In October 2005, teamed up with several
teammates, the Home Depot and the United Way of Tampa Bay to landscape the front
of Potter Elementary School in Tampa as part of the NFL/United Way Hometown Huddle
in an effort to inspire volunteerism throughout the community… Joined several teammates at the North Shore Retirement Home in 2004 to sing holiday tunes and pass out
Buccaneer pennants… As part of Thanksgiving 2004, stuffed and distributed food baskets at Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Food Tent… Made an appearance at the North
Tampa Boys & Girls Club with other members of the Buccaneers Rookie Club to run
the Gatorade Youth Football Clinic during the 2004 season… Has two younger brothers playing college football; Steve for Army and Chris for Ball State… Attended Wayne
(Huber Heights, OH) High School, earning Associated Press Division I All-Ohio, Super
Prep All-Midwest and Rivals.com Top 100 honors... Also played baseball and ran track...
Son of Keith and Monica Allen... Born Will Allen on June 17, 1982 in Dayton, Ohio.
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allen’s Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2004
2005
2006
Tampa Bay 16 0
Tampa Bay 13 8
Tampa Bay 16 16
NFL Totals
4
51
83
2
30
56
2
21
27
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
1
3
0
0
26
0
0
26
0
0
0
0
2
3
2
0
0
0
0
1
0
0 8 6 2
33 14 12 2
0 4 4 0
45 24 138
88
50
0.0 0.0
4
26
26
0
7
0
1
33 26 22 4
ST
PLAYOFFS
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2005
Tampa Bay 1
0
0
0
0
0.0 0.0
ADDITIONAL STATS
Special Teams Forced Fumbles: 1 at Oakland, 9/26/04
Career Touchdowns: 1, 33-yard fumble recovery vs.
Miami, 10/16/05
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1 1 0
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 11 at San Francisco, 10/30/05
Interceptions: 2 at Green Bay, 9/25/05
Defensive TDs: 1 vs. Miami, 10/16/05
Pro: Powerful runner who has made career of gaining tough yards between the tackles...
Possesses rare blend of power and agility... Physical toughness only eclipsed by tremendous
work ethic... His bruising style and penchant for finding the end zone has helped him become
the Buccaneers’ all-time leader in total touchdowns (71) and rushing touchdowns (58)... Ranks
second all-time on the club’s rushing list with 5,088 yards... Stands third on the Buccaneers’
career scoring list with 432 points, becoming first non-kicker in team history to surpass the
400-point plateau… Owns seven career 100-yard rushing games... Tampa Bay owns a 4414 record in the regular season when he scores a touchdown... Ranks third in team history
with 305 career receptions... Starting fullback for the Super Bowl XXXVII champion Tampa
Bay Buccaneers... Named to the Pro Bowl for the sixth consecutive year in 2002, including
the third straight year as a starter, marking the most appearances for an offensive player in
club history... Career totals include 1,359 rushing attempts for 5,088 yards (3.7 avg.) and 58
touchdowns, and 305 receptions for 2,284 yards (7.5 avg.) and 13 touchdowns... Has played
in 158 career games with 137 starts, sixth-best and fourth-best, respectively, in team history...
Also has seen action in 10 postseason contests, tied for most in team history, with seven
starts... Entered the league as a second-round pick (35th overall) by the Buccaneers in the
1996 NFL Draft.
2006: Played in all 16 games with 15 starts (all but at Pittsburgh) at fullback… Rushed 60
times for 171 yards and a team-leading three rushing touchdowns… Also caught 21 passes
for 85 yards on the season… In the season opener, caught three passes for 26 yards, moving into fourth place in team history for career receptions, vs. Baltimore (9/10)… Saw action
at Atlanta (9/17), catching three passes for 10 yards… Rushed three times for 12 yards vs.
Carolina (9/24) and also caught two passes… Started at New Orleans (10/8) and rushed four
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times for three yards and a touchdown, moving into third place in team history for most
points scored… Caught two passes against Philadelphia (10/22)… Started at Carolina (11/13)
and caught two passes for 16 yards, moving into third place all-time in Buccaneers history for
receptions… Started vs. Washington (11/19) and rushed six times for 28 yards… Also caught
an eight-yard pass for 300th career reception, joining RB James Wilder and WR Mark Carrier
as only players in Bucs history to reach 300-catch plateau… Rushed twice for four yards and
a touchdown at Dallas (11/23) and caught one pass for four yards… Saw significant action
at Pittsburgh (12/3), rushing six times for 13 yards and catching one pass for six yards…
Saw action vs. Atlanta (12/10), rushing twice for 20 yards and surpassing 5,000 career rushing yards… Rushed six times for 26 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown run, at Chicago
(12/17)… Rushed 22 times for season-high 56 yards at Cleveland (12/24).
2005: Saw action in all 16 games with seven starts (vs. Detroit, at N.Y. Jets, vs. Miami, vs.
Chicago, at Carolina, vs. Atlanta and vs. New Orleans) at fullback… Also played in playoff
game… Rushed for 80 yards on 34 carries (2.4 avg.) with six touchdowns and added 25
receptions, sixth-best on the squad, for 222 yards and one score… Six rushing touchdowns
ranked tied for ninth in the NFC and tied for first on the team… Scored at least one touchdown in four consecutive games (vs. Carolina, vs. Washington, at Atlanta and vs. Chicago),
the second-longest streak of his career (behind five consecutive regular season games
from 1999-2000)… Saw action vs. Buffalo (9/18) and rushed six times for 19 yards and one
touchdown… Plunged in from one yard out for his 50th career rushing touchdown… Also
caught two passes for nine yards… Started vs. Detroit (10/2) and caught two passes for
seven yards… Surpassed the 2,000-yard plateau for career receiving yards (2,004)… Started
at N.Y. Jets (10/9) and rushed three times for 12 yards… Saw action at San Francisco (10/30)
and caught three passes for 24 yards… Saw reserve action vs. Carolina (11/6) and scored
on a one-yard touchdown run… Also caught two passes for 21 yards, including a 12-yard
gain where he broke three tackles… Led the Buccaneers with two rushing touchdowns and
a two-point conversion vs. Washington (11/13)… Scored the game’s first touchdown with a
two-yard run in the first quarter… Followed that up with a one-yard scoring run in the second
quarter… With less than a minute remaining in the game, barreled in from one yard out to
give the Buccaneers a game-winning two-point conversion… Finished the game with nine
carries for 21 yards and two touchdowns and also caught one pass for 18 yards… Scored on
a one-yard touchdown run at Atlanta (11/20)… Totaled four rushes for eight yards and the
touchdown… Started vs. Chicago (11/27) and scored a touchdown in his fourth consecutive
game… Scored on a two-yard touchdown dive into the end zone… Finished the game with
three carries for eight yards and one touchdown… Also had two receptions for 14 yards…
Started at Carolina (12/11) and carried four times… Also caught two passes for 20 yards…
Saw action at New England (12/17) and carried twice and also caught two passes for eight
yards… Two receptions moved him into sole possession of fifth place in team history with
280 career receptions… Started vs. Atlanta (12/24) and caught three passes for 32 yards and
a touchdown… Caught his first touchdown since 2002 on a 13-yard reception… Started vs.
New Orleans (1/1) and caught one pass for 24 yards… Carried four times for 15 yards and
caught one pass for seven yards in NFC Wild Card game vs. Washington (1/7)… Also moved
into a tie for first place in team history with 10 games played in the postseason.
2004: Played in 14 games (all but vs. Kansas City and at Atlanta) with 11 starts (all but at
Oakland, vs. Chicago, vs. Kansas City, vs. San Francisco and at Atlanta)... Missed two games
(vs. Kansas City and at Atlanta) because of injury... Carried 67 times for 230 yards and two
touchdowns... Also caught 29 passes for 202 yards... Started at fullback at Washington
(9/12)... Carried four times for five yards... Also caught three passes for 17 yards... Rushed a
season-high 12 times for 65 yards despite not starting at Oakland (9/26)... Also caught four
passes for 30 yards... Started vs. Denver (10/3) and rushed three times for seven yards and
added three receptions for nine yards... Three receptions moved him into seventh place alltime in team history with 241 career receptions... Started at New Orleans (10/10) and caught
two passes for seven yards and rushed four times for eight yards... Started at St. Louis (10/18)
and scored on a one-yard touchdown run, his first touchdown of the season... Finished the
game with five carries for 17 yards and a touchdown... Also totaled three receptions for 20
yards... Saw action vs. Chicago (10/24) and carried seven times for 29 yards... Also caught two
passes for eight yards... Left the game in the second half because of a knee injury... Declared
inactive vs. Kansas City (11/7) and at Atlanta (11/14) because of injury... Returned to action
vs. San Francisco (11/21) and rushed seven times for 21 yards... Started at Carolina (11/28)
and carried six times for 15 yards... Also caught two passes for 19 yards... Started vs. Atlanta
(12/5) and carried nine times for 42 yards with one touchdown... Also caught one pass for six
yards... Started at San Diego (12/12) and carried four times for 12 yards... Also caught two
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passes for 23 yards... Started vs. Carolina (12/26) and caught three passes for 37 yards and
rushed one time.
2003: Played in four games (at Philadelphia, vs. Carolina, at Atlanta and vs. Indianapolis) with
three starts (vs. Carolina, at Atlanta and vs. Indianapolis) at fullback before being placed on
injured reserve on October 7 because of a neck strain… Rushed 27 times for 77 yards and
two touchdowns during the season… Also caught 10 passes for 83 yards… Started at fullback
at Philadelphia (9/8) and rushed a team-leading 12 times for 23 yards… Also caught five
passes for 36 yards… Rushed four times for nine yards vs. Carolina (9/14)… Also caught three
passes for 22 yards… Started at fullback at Atlanta (9/21) and rushed for two touchdowns
and 44 yards on eight carries… Scored on back-to-back touchdown runs of two-yards and
one-yard in the third quarter… Started at fullback vs. Indianapolis (10/6) and rushed three
times for one yard… Also caught two passes for 25 yards… Placed on injured reserve for the
remainder of the season on October 7.
2002: Helped lead Buccaneers to first-ever world championship in Super Bowl XXXVII…
Named to the Pro Bowl for the sixth consecutive season and as a starter for the third straight
year... The six appearances are the most for an offensive player in club history... Named to
the Football Digest and Pro Football Newsweekly’s All-Pro teams... Played in all 16 regular
season games with nine starts (all but vs. New Orleans, at Cincinnati, at Carolina, vs. Carolina,
vs. Green Bay, at New Orleans and vs. Pittsburgh)... Played in all three playoff games with
one start (vs. Oakland in Super Bowl XXXVII)... Led club with seven touchdowns... Rushed
146 times for 548 yards (3.8 avg.) and five touchdowns... Caught 35 passes for 242 yards
(6.9 avg.) and two touchdowns... Did not start for the first time in his Buccaneer career (a
streak of 92 games) as the offense started in a four wide receiver set in the season opener
vs. New Orleans (9/8)... Rushed six times for 11 yards... Caught four passes for 48 yards (12.0
avg.) with a long of 15 yards... 48 receiving yards were his most since 1997... Three of four
catches went for first downs, all coming after halftime... Rushed 11 times for 23 yards in first
start of the season, at Baltimore (9/15)... Also caught five passes for 25 yards... His 23 yards
on the ground put him over the 4,000-yard plateau in rushing for his career... Started at
fullback and rushed for a two-yard touchdown against St. Louis (9/23)... Finished the game
with 10 yards rushing on five attempts and one reception for 10 yards... Rushed seven times
for 29 yards and one touchdown at Cincinnati (9/29)... Also caught one pass for six yards...
Carried the ball four straight times, beginning at the 21-yard line, leading up to his one-yard
touchdown plunge late in the fourth quarter... Started at fullback at Atlanta (10/6) and rushed
for nine yards on four attempts... Also caught one pass for six yards... Had a breakthrough
performance vs. Cleveland (10/13) with 126 yards rushing (seventh career 100-yard game)
and two touchdowns on 17 carries... 121 of his yards came in the second half... Also caught
two passes for 13 yards... Gained all 55 yards in a touchdown drive that culminated with him
scoring from 17 yards out... Also scored on a one-yard touchdown run... Started at fullback
at Philadelphia (10/20) and gained 14 yards on five carries... Also caught a team-leading five
passes for eight yards... Moved into second place on the club’s all-time rushing chart... Also
surpassed the 200-catch plateau for his career... Saw action at fullback at Carolina (10/27),
rushing five times for four yards while catching three passes for 11 yards... Started at the
tailback position vs. Minnesota (11/3) and produced 71 total yards... Rushed 26 times for
55 yards and added three catches for 16 yards and one touchdown... Touchdown was his
first receiving on the season and came from five yards out... Rushed twice for eight yards vs.
Carolina (11/17) while also catching two passes for 13 yards... Rushed nine times for 30 yards
vs. Green Bay (11/24)... Rushed eight times for 17 yards at New Orleans (12/1) along with
catching two passes for 47 yards and a touchdown... 44-yard touchdown reception was the
longest of his career... Started vs. Atlanta (12/8) and had his second-best rushing day of the
season... Paced the team with 95 rushing yards on 13 carries (7.3 avg.), including his two longest rushes of the season, of 27 and 32 yards... In his 100th career start, rushed 11 times for
a team-leading 47 yards at Detroit (12/15) with one touchdown... One-yard touchdown dive
capped off a 96-yard drive, the longest of the season and second-longest in club history...
Also caught three passes for 23 yards... Rushed five times for 28 yards, including a long of
18 yards vs. Pittsburgh (12/23)... Also caught one pass for four yards... Started and rushed 12
times for 42 yards at Chicago (12/29)... In the Divisional Playoff game, rushed 17 times for 60
yards and a pair of touchdowns (both two yards) vs. San Francisco (1/12)... Led the team with
17 carries and 25 yards rushing in NFC Championship Game at Philadelphia (1/19)... Scored
on a one-yard run to put the Bucs up 10-7 and give them their first lead of the game... Score
also capped off a 96-yard drive, the longest in club postseason history... Rushed 10 times for
15 yards and one touchdown vs. Oakland (1/26) in Super Bowl XXXVII, while also catching
five passes for 43 yards... Scored on a two-yard touchdown run midway through the second
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quarter... Finished postseason with 44 rushing attempts for 100 yards and a team-leading
four touchdowns... Also caught eight passes for 70 yards.
2001: Named to the Pro Bowl for the fifth consecutive year... Started all 16 games, as well as
playoff game at Philadelphia... Led the squad with 680 yards on 165 carries (4.1 avg.) and 10
touchdowns... Tied for fourth on team with 35 receptions for 231 yards and one score... 11
total touchdowns was second for a running back in the NFC and tied for second in a singleseason in club history... 11 total scores surpassed his previous career-high of 10 touchdowns...
70 points scored ranked third in the conference... 10 rushing touchdowns was tied for third
in a single season in team history... Started as the Buccaneers feature back with RB Warrick
Dunn out with injury against Green Bay (10/7) and picked up the slack with 77 yards rushing
on 15 attempts (5.1 avg.), including a 39-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter for the
go-ahead score... Started as the feature back in place of the injured Dunn against Minnesota
(10/28) and rolled to his first 100-yard game since November 7, 1999 at New Orleans with
a 129-yard performance on career-high 28 carries (4.6 avg.), earning Miller Lite NFL Player
of the Week honors... Also scored three times on the ground, tying the team’s single-game
mark for his second career three-score game (also 12/27/98 at Cincinnati)... Played important
role at Detroit (11/11), rushing the ball eight times for 48 yards (6.0 avg.) and catching three
passes for 16 yards, including a five-yard grab on the sideline that set up K Martin Gramatica’s
game winning 35-yard field goal... Started at fullback against Chicago (11/18) and added a
one-yard plunge for a touchdown... Also caught four passes for 36 yards... Started at fullback
with 11 carries for 34 yards and two touchdowns (seven and eight yards), as well as five catches for 31 yards at St. Louis (11/26)... Two rushing scores gave him 47 career total touchdowns,
moving him past James Wilder (46 touchdowns from 1981-1989) into first place on the club’s
all-time list... Became the Bucs’ all-time leader in rushing touchdowns with a 24-yard scamper
in the second quarter against Detroit (12/9)... Finished the game with 12 rushes for 66 yards
(5.5 avg.) with one touchdown and added four receptions for 34 yards... Rushed for 101 yards
on 24 carries and one touchdown for his sixth career 100-yard game, including his second
of the season, against New Orleans (12/23)... Had strong performance vs. Baltimore (12/29),
racking up 80 yards on 14 carries (5.7 avg.), including a game-clinching 32 yard touchdown
run in the fourth quarter... Led the team in rushing in playoff game at Philadelphia (1/12) with
32 yards on 12 carries (2.7 avg.) and caught five passes for 32 yards.
2000: Started 13 games, earning a fourth consecutive trip to the Pro Bowl at fullback...
Missed three games with a third degree sprain of the MCL in his left knee at Chicago
(11/19)... Finished second on the team in rushing with 465 yards on 131 carries (3.5 avg.)...
Tied for second on the team with five rushing touchdowns... Also caught 13 passes for 93
yards (7.2 avg.)... Continued his punishing ways against New England (9/3), recording 54
yards on 16 carries with two bruising scoring runs of five yards and three yards... Posted
game-winning touchdown late in the third quarter... Moved into fourth on the club’s all-time
scoring list with his second quarter touchdown... Also moved into second place on the alltime touchdown list with his 35th and 36th career scores... Passed RB Errict Rhett for fourth
on the team’s all-time rushing chart with a five-yard run in the second quarter... Had 15 carries
for a season-high 71 yards (4.7 avg.) and one touchdown vs. Chicago (9/10)... Had the run of
the day, breaking three tackles while carrying another defender into the end zone on a 20
yard scamper... Led the team in rushing with 68 yards rushing on 21 carries at Detroit (9/17)...
Scored for the third consecutive week with a four-yard touchdown in the third quarter... Had
60 yards on 16 attempts (3.8 avg.) to lead the Bucs in rushing for the third consecutive week
vs. the Jets (9/24)... Had fourth touchdown of the year against Washington (10/1), rushing
for 46 yards on 15 carries... Racked up 10 rushes for 56 yards (5.6 avg.), including a 14-yard
run in the fourth quarter that helped set up a WR Reidel Anthony touchdown grab... Was
injured at Chicago (11/19) with a third degree sprain of the MCL in his left knee... Missed the
next three contests, but returned to the starting lineup in a Monday Night win vs. St. Louis
(12/18)... Led the team in rushing in Wild Card game at Philadelphia (12/31), carrying the ball
seven times for 42 yards (6.0 avg.)... Had an 18-yard run in the second quarter that help set
up a 29-yard field goal by K Martin Gramatica.
1999: Started all 16 games, earning Associated Press All-Pro honors and a trip to the Pro
Bowl... Also collected first-team All-Pro honors from College and Pro Football Newsweekly
and Football Digest... Rushed for a career-best and team-leading 949 yards on a career-high
242 carries (3.9 avg.)... Accounted for all seven of Tampa Bay’s rushing touchdowns... Also
caught 27 passes for 239 yards and two scores... Carried 15 times for 64 yards and scored
on a 17-yard screen pass in 19-5 win at Philadelphia (9/19)... Rushed for a career-high 131
yards on a then career-best 25 carries in 13-10 win over Denver (9/26)... Opened scoring with
a 28-yard touchdown run on Tampa Bay’s opening possession, then gobbled up 52 yards in
Veterans | 73
the fourth quarter... Racked up 87 yards on 14 carries at Green Bay (10/10)... Scored on a
22-yard run that gave the Bucs a 23-19 lead with 1:45 left... Netted 72 yards on 14 carries in
win over Chicago (10/24)... Toted the ball 25 times for 117 yards and one score in 31-16 win
at New Orleans (11/7)... Racked up 64 yards in the fourth quarter, including a game-clinching
25-yard touchdown run... Rushed for 48 yards in win over Atlanta (11/21)... Totaled 73 yards in
16-3 win at Seattle (11/28), including 24-yard catch that set up Tampa Bay’s lone touchdown...
Collected 95 yards on 23 carries in Monday Night win over Vikings (12/6), including seasonbest 30-yard scamper that set up a field goal... Scored twice in the fourth quarter to rally
Bucs to 23-16 win over Lions (12/12)... Plunged into the end zone from one yard out, then
scored on a 22-yard screen pass with 4:18 left to give Tampa Bay its first lead... Carried 19
times for 79 yards and two touchdowns in win over Packers (12/26) ... Scored on a five-yard
run to extend Bucs’ lead to 22-10... Sealed the game with a 17-yard touchdown run... Rushed
for 61 yards in the fourth quarter... Carried 22 times for 64 yards and a one-yard touchdown
run in division-clinching win at Chicago (1/2)... Turned in a highlight-reel scoring scamper that
ignited a two-touchdown rally in 14-13 divisional playoff triumph over Washington (1/15)...
Initially ventured right, eluded some tackles, then cut back to the middle, bounced off
another tackle and rumbled into the end zone for perhaps the longest two-yard touchdown
run ever caught on film... Rushed for 39 yards on 12 carries in NFC Championship Game at
St. Louis (1/23).
1998: Started all 16 games… Played in his second consecutive Pro Bowl as the NFC’s top
vote-getter at fullback... Also the only Buccaneer selected to the Associated Press All-Pro first
team and earned the same honor from USA Today... Posted 846 rushing yards on 215 carries
(3.9 avg.) while adding 22 receptions for 152 yards... Posted eight rushing touchdowns and
added another score on a reception to lead the team with nine total touchdowns... Helped
the Buccaneer running game finish fourth in the league with 2,148 rushing yards, Tampa Bay’s
best total since 1979 and second best ever... Crucial part of Bucs’ home-opening win over
Chicago (9/20), posting first career 100-yard rushing game with 103 yards and a touchdown
on 20 carries... Recorded 84 of his 103 yards vs. Bears in the second half as Tampa Bay rolled
up a single-half team-record 192 rushing yards... Rushed 17 times for 86 yards and one touchdown against N.Y. Giants (10/4)... Snagged a season-high six receptions for 36 yards against
Carolina (10/18)... Rushed for 128 yards and one touchdown on just 19 carries vs. Minnesota
(11/1) as Bucs downed previously-undefeated Vikings by amassing a team-record 246 yards
on the ground... Scored winning touchdown in 27-24 decision over Minnesota on a six-yard,
fourth-quarter run, then iced the game on Tampa Bay’s next possession with a pinballing
37-yard carry... Contributed 68 rushing yards and a score plus one 17-yard catch vs. Detroit
(11/22)... Scored critical third-down touchdown in win at Chicago (11/29) by catching a swing
pass short of the goal line and bulling over three Chicago defenders to reach the end zone...
Paced ground game vs. Pittsburgh (12/13) with 78 yards and a score on 24 totes, then posted
80 more yards on 13 carries (6.2 avg.) at Washington (12/19)... Finished season in grand style
at Cincinnati (12/27), tying a team-record by scoring three touchdowns on one, one and
three-yard carries among 69 rushing yards as Tampa Bay won 35-0.
1997: Started all 15 games in which he played, missing only contest at N.Y. Jets (12/14)
with a quad contusion... Went to first Pro Bowl as NFC’s leading vote-getter at fullback...
Selected to AP All-Pro, Sports Illustrated All-Pro and College and Pro Football Newsweekly
All-Pro (second team) squads... Produced a combined 843 total yards from scrimmage (665
rushing, 178 receiving) on 199 touches (176 rushes, 23 receptions), scored 10 touchdowns
(seven rushing, three receiving), and led or tied for the club lead in rushing yards a team-high
nine times... With those 10 scores, became just the third player in team history to register
double-digit touchdown totals... In season opener against 49ers (8/31), paced the team in
rushing with 69 yards on 14 carries (4.9 avg.) and hauled in three passes for 50 yards... In
prime time 31-21 beating of Dolphins (9/21), recorded 95 rushing yards on season-high 18
carries (5.3 avg.) and reeled in season-high four passes for 20 yards on way to scoring twice...
Led the team in rushing at Atlanta (11/9) with 77 yards on 14 attempts (5.5 avg.), including
a career-long 47-yard touchdown... The next week vs. New England (11/16), had most productive combined day of season with 126 yards (91 rushing, 35 receiving) and a one-yard
fourth-quarter touchdown run... In postseason action vs. Detroit (12/28), hauled in one pass
for 12 yards and contributed 68 yards rushing on 11 carries (6.2 avg.), including a 31-yard
touchdown scamper that stands as the longest run in franchise playoff history... At Green
Bay the following week (1/4), ran seven times for 21 yards and his second postseason score,
a six-yard touchdown burst.
1996: Started all 16 games… Enjoyed phenomenal rookie campaign, leading Tampa Bay with
six touchdowns and becoming first Buc ever to compile at least three rushing touchdowns
74 | Veterans
and three receiving touchdowns in same season... Inaugural year honors included firstalternate selection for 1996 Pro Bowl, 1996 AP All-Pro second-team, 1996 Football Digest
All-Pro second-team and NFC Offensive Rookie of the Month in November... Amassed 377
rushing yards and three touchdowns on 96 attempts and 557 receiving yards and three
touchdowns on 65 catches... Set new Buccaneer rookie record for receptions in a season,
pacing all players on the ‘96 squad and leading all NFC rookies... Finished second on squad
in rushing yards, averaging team-best 3.9 yards per carry... Enjoyed first career score in victory over Minnesota (10/13) on tackle-breaking 12-yard reception... Recorded first career
rushing touchdown in game at Arizona (10/20) on one-yard dive over center... Had strong
game in overtime victory over Oakland, setting career high and team season-high in receptions with eight... Led team with seven catches for 91 yards and a touchdown in home win
over New Orleans (11/24)... Set season-high mark in rushing (67 yards) in home triumph over
Washington (12/8)... Recorded season best 39-yard run at Minnesota (12/15)... Drafted by the
Buccaneers in the second round in 1996 (35th overall).
College: Purdue’s Most Valuable Player in each of final three seasons, the only player ever to
accomplish that feat for Boilermakers... Statistics in 43 games included 3,635 rushing yards on
644 carries (5.6 avg.) with 39 touchdowns... Also caught 93 passes for 1,075 yards (11.6 avg.)
with three scores... Finished as Purdue’s all-time leading rusher, surpassing Otis Armstrong...
Also is school’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns, total touchdowns and points... Is only
Purdue player ever to accumulate over 2,500 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards... As a senior,
finished 11th in Heisman Trophy balloting, was a Gannett All-America and was either a first
or second-team All-Big 10 choice by all selectors... Rushed for a school-record 1,436 yards on
243 attempts (5.9 avg.) with 11 touchdowns... Established school records with eight straight
100-yard performances and nine overall for season... Caught 25 passes for 162 yards... In
junior year, ran for 1,188 yards on 202 totes (5.9 avg.) with career-best 14 touchdowns, and
had 23 receptions for 298 yards... Was first Purdue player in 18 years to rush for over 1,000
yards, averaging 108 yards per contest... 14 touchdowns tied school record set by Tony
Butkovich (1943) and Leroy Keyes (1967)... In sophomore season, credited with 816 rushing
yards on 153 attempts (5.3 avg.) with 12 touchdowns... Also had career-best 30 catches for
407 yards with pair of scores... Was first Boilermaker sophomore in 48 years to be named
team’s MVP... As a freshman, ran for 195 yards on 46 carries (4.2 avg.) with two touchdowns
while also catching 15 passes for 208 yards with one score... Earned his degree in business.
Personal: Married to Nicole; couple resides in St. Petersburg with son Griffin and daughters
Hannah and Lexie... Along with wife Nicole, formed the Mike Alstott Family Foundation
during the 2007 offseason... Owns a restaurant - Island Way Grill - in Clearwater with former
teammate TE Dave Moore... Maintains his own ticket program named “Alstott’s Army” at all
home games... Spent Valentine’s Day 2006 visiting with patients at a carnival at All-Children’s
Hospital in St. Petersburg… Hosted the Celebrity Outdoor Weekend for the fourth consecutive year to benefit the Children’s Cancer Center in the Spring of 2007... Served as the Grand
Marshal of the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in 2005... Took 50 kids that were waiting for mentors in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Pinellas program fishing in 2005... Also does extensive
community work with The Angelus Group... Participated as a host in the last three Redneck
Golf Tournaments to benefit the Angelus, a home for disabled children... Along with Moore
spent time at the Joshua House during the holidays for the last 10 years... Visited the girls at
Brookwood, a home for neglected and abused teenage girls, for the holidays... In celebration
of the holidays, gave the girls a foosball table for their recreation room... Through involvement with the Boys & Girls Club, established the Mike Alstott Football Camp for youths ages
8-18 during 1997 offseason and has continued the popular program during the last nine summers... During the 2007 offseason, hosted his 11th Annual Alstott Football Camp at Skyway
Little League Park in Tampa... Worked with Special Olympic athletes through the Gatorade
Junior Training Camp in Orlando from 2004-2006... Was nominated to be inducted into the
Purdue Hall of Fame in 2004... Given the key to the city of St. Petersburg on February 13,
2003... Participated in the 2003 Campbell’s Chunky Soup Weigh-In On Hunger which donates
10 times a player’s weight to local food banks in NFL cities... Gave the “Start Your Engines”
call to begin the 2003 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg... Threw out the first pitch at the 2003
season opener for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays... Makes annual visits to the St. Petersburg All
Children’s Hospital to bring holiday cheer and take photos with the young patients... Hobbies
include golf, basketball and fishing... Attended Joliet Catholic (Illinois) High School, lettering
in football and baseball... In high school, was Parade All-America and Chicago Sun-Times
Player of the Year... High school team won state title in junior year with 14-0 record... Born
Michael Joseph Alstott on December 21, 1973 in Joliet, Illinois.
Veterans | 75
Alstott’s career statistics
Year
Team
GP
GS
Att
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Tampa Bay
16
15
16
16
13
16
16
4
14
16
16
16
15
16
16
13
16
9
3
11
7
15
96
176
215
242
131
165
146
27
67
34
60
377
665
846
949
465
680
548
77
230
80
171
NFL Totals
158
137
1,359
5,088
PLAYOFFS
Year
Team
GP
GS
1997
1999
2000
2001
2002
2005
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
2
2
1
1
3
1
2
2
1
1
1
0
18
27
7
12
44
4
89
63
42
32
100
15
10
7
112
341
Postseason RUSHING
Yds
Avg
Lg
TD
No
RECEIVING
Yds Avg Lg
TD
3.9
3.8
3.9
3.9
3.5
4.1
3.8
2.9
3.4
2.4
2.9
39
47t
37
30
20t
39t
32
29
32
9
17
3
7
8
7
5
10
5
2
2
6
3
65
23
22
27
13
35
35
10
29
25
21
557
178
152
239
93
231
242
83
202
222
85
8.6
7.7
6.9
8.9
7.2
6.6
6.9
8.3
7.0
8.9
4.0
29
26
26
24
21
19t
44t
17
20
24
18
3
3
1
2
0
1
2
0
0
1
0
3.7
47t
58
305
2,284
7.5
44t
13
RECEIVING
Att Yds
Avg
Lg
TD
No
Lg
TD
4.9
2.3
6.0
2.7
2.3
3.8
31t
9
18
15
20
8
2
1
0
0
4
0
1
4
2
5
8
1
12
26
14
32
70
7
12.0
6.5
7.0
6.4
8.8
7.0
12
9
8
12
17
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
3.0
31t
7
21
161
7.7
17
0
ADDITIONAL STATS
Threw incomplete pass in 1998; Threw incomplete pass
in 2000; One kickoff return for 14 yards in 1996; One
kickoff return for 0 yards in 1997; One kickoff return for 8
yards in 1998; One Kickoff return for 19 yards in 1999; One
kickoff return for 2 yards in 2005 Fumbles-lost — 4-2 in 1996, 5-3 in 1997, 5-5 in 1998, 6-6 in
1999, 3-2 in 2000, 2-2 in 2001, 4-2 in 2002, 0-0 in 2003, 2-2
in 2004, 0-0 in 2005, 1-1 in 2006
RUSHING
Yds Avg
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Rushes: 28 vs. Minnesota, 10/28/01
Rushing Yards: 131 vs. Denver, 9/26/99
Rushing TDs: 3, twice, vs. Minnesota, 10/28/01 and at
Cincinnati 12/27/98
Long Run: 47t at Atlanta, 11/9/97
Receptions: 8 vs. Oakland, 11/10/96
Receiving Yards: 91 vs. New Orleans 11/24/96
Long Reception: 44t at New Orleans, 12/1/02
Receiving TDs: 2 vs. Miami, 9/21/97
BUCS ALL-TIME CAREER TOUCHDOWNS
Player
1. FB Mike Alstott
2. RB James Wilder
3. TE Jimmie Giles
Years
TDs
1996-06
1981-89
1978-86
71
46
34
BUCS ALL-TIME CAREER RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS
Player
Years
1. FB Mike Alstott
2. RB James Wilder
3. RB Errict Rhett
1996-06
1981-89
1994-97
Rushing TDs
58
37
24
BUCS ALL-TIME CAREER SCORERS
Player
1. K Martin Gramatica
2. K Michael Husted
3. FB Mike Alstott
4. K Donald Igwebuike
5. RB James Wilder
76 | Veterans
Years
1999-04
1993-98
1996-06
1985-89
1981-89
Points
591
502
432
416
276
Pro: Joined the Buccaneers after spending first four seasons with the N.Y. Jets (20032006)… Special teams standout who can also contribute to offense at fullback position… Signed by the Buccaneers as a free agent on March 4, 2007… Appeared in 55
career games with six starts… Career totals include 27 rushes for 102 yards (3.8 avg.)
and 12 receptions for 73 yards (6.1 avg.)… His 68 career special teams tackles with the
Jets ranked fourth in team history… Has three kickoff returns for 45 yards (15.0 avg.)
in his career… Saw action in three postseason contests, totaling two receptions for 22
yards (6.1 avg.)… Originally entered the NFL as a third-round selection (85th overall) by
the Jets in the 2003 NFL Draft.
2006: Played in 13 games (all but vs. Chicago, vs. Houston and vs. Buffalo) with five
starts (at Tennessee, at Buffalo, vs. Indianapolis, at Minnesota and vs. Oakland) for the
Jets… Also played in lone postseason contest… Totaled six rushes for 11 yards and nine
receptions for 50 yards on the season… Had 11 special teams tackles on the season…
Posted two special teams tackles in season opener at Tennessee (9/10)… Had one
rushing attempt for zero yards and one special teams tackle vs. New England (9/17)…
Totaled three special teams tackles at Buffalo (9/24)… Had one rush for five yards vs.
Indianapolis (10/1)… Had two carries for five yards at Jacksonville (10/8)… Had a careerlong 12-yard reception and recorded one special teams tackle vs. Miami (10/15)…
Recorded two receptions for nine yards and one special teams tackle at New England
(11/12)… Caught a career-high three passes for 15 yards and recorded one rush for zero
yards at Minnesota (12/17)… Had one special teams tackle at Miami (12/25)… Tied his
career-high with three receptions for 14 yards in season finale vs. Oakland (12/31)…
Caught two passes for 22 yards in the Wild Card game at New England (1/7).
2005: Played in 10 games (all but vs. Jacksonville, at Baltimore, vs. Tampa Bay, at
Buffalo, at Carolina and at Denver) with one start (at New England) for the Jets…
Totaled a career-high 13 rushes for 59 yards and one reception for 11 yards on the
season… Notched 11 special teams tackles… Had one special teams tackle vs. Miami
(9/18)… Inactive from Week 3 through Week 5 because of an ankle injury… Had four
special teams tackles vs. New Orleans (11/27)… Had a career-high nine carries for a
career-high 54 yards and one special teams tackle vs. Oakland (12/11)… Posted four
carries for five yards, an 11-yard reception and recorded one special teams tackle at
Miami (12/18)… Notched three special teams tackle vs. Buffalo (1/1).
2004: Played in all 16 games for the Jets… Also played in both postseason contests…
Led the team with 31 special teams tackles… Totaled six rushes for 23 yards (3.8 avg.)
and two receptions for 12 yards (6.0 avg.)… Also returned two kickoffs for 18 yards
on the season… Had three special teams tackles vs. San Francisco (10/17)... Notched
three tackles on special teams and recorded six carries for 23 yards vs. Miami (11/1)…
Registered two tackles and one fumble recovery on special teams at Cleveland (11/21)…
Recorded the first reception of his career for 11 yards and added one special teams
tackle at Arizona (11/28)… Had two special teams tackles at St. Louis (1/2).
2003: Played in all 16 games as a rookie with the Jets… Finished with 15 special teams
tackles… Also had one kickoff return for 27 yards and two carries for nine yards… Had
one special teams tackle in NFL debut at Washington (9/4)… Totaled two carries for
nine yards and had one special teams tackle vs. Buffalo (10/12)… Notched three special
teams tackles vs. Jacksonville (11/23)… Finished contest at New England (12/20) with
three special teams tackles and one kickoff return for 27 yards.
Veterans | 77
College: Finished career at Michigan with 83 catches for 777 yards and six receiving
touchdowns in 48 games… Also totaled 343 rushes for 1,580 yards and 17 rushing
touchdowns… Named the team’s MVP as a senior while earning All-Big Ten Conference
honorable mention… Led the team in rushing with 199 carries for 902 yards and 10
touchdowns as a sophomore… Majored in kinesiology.
Personal: Rushed for 1,526 yards and scored 16 times during his senior year at Colerain
(Ohio) High School... Named second-team Division I All-Ohio, first-team All-Greater
Miami Conference, All-Southwest Ohio and All-Cincinnati pick in his senior year…
Selected by The Detroit Free Press “Best of the Midwest” team… Gained 2,093 yards
with 23 touchdowns during his prep career… Averaged 10 points per game as the
starting forward on the basketball team as a junior in high school… Member of the Jets
celebrity softball team at the annual Ronald McDonald House of Long Island’s Celebrity
Challenge… The Celebrity Challenge raised money for the Ronald McDonald House of
Long Island’s capital campaign to build a 24-bedroom extension to the current house on
Long Island… Born Bobby DeAngelo Askew, Jr. on August 19, 1980 in Colerain, Ohio.
Askew’s career statistics
Year
Team
GP
GS
Att
2003
2004
2005
2006
N.Y. Jets
N.Y. Jets
N.Y. Jets
N.Y. Jets
16
16
10
13
0
0
1
5
2
6
13
6
9
23
59
11
NFL Totals
55
6
27
102
PLAYOFFS
Year
Team
GP
GS
Att
2004
2006
N.Y. Jets
N.Y. Jets
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
Postseason RUSHING
Yds
Avg
RECEIVING
Yds Avg Lg TD
Lg
TD
No
4.5
3.8
4.5
1.8
6
14
14
5
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
9
0
12
11
50
0.0
6.0
11.0
5.6
0
11
11
12
0
0
0
0
3.8
14
0
12
73
6.1
12
0
RUSHING
Yds
Avg
Lg
TD
No
0.0
0.0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
22
0.0
11.0
0
23
0
0
0.0
0
0
2
22
11.0
23
0
RECEIVING
Yds Avg Lg TD
ADDITIONAL STATS
Special Teams Tackles: 15 in 2003, 31 in 2004, 11 in 2005, 11 in 2006; Returns: Returned one kick for 27 yards in 2003, returned two kicks for 18 yards in 2004
Buccaneers Largest Margin of Victory
in a Road Game
Margin
Score
Opponent
35-0
35-7
25-0
35-13
31-10
31-10
31-10
33-14
30-13
31-14
38-21
17-0
at Cincinnati
at Cincinnati
at Baltimore
at Washington
at Atlanta
at Detroit
at Atlanta at New Orleans
at Kansas City
at New Orleans
at Detroit
at Philadelphia
35
28
25
22
21
21
21
19
17
17
17
17
Bold above indicates under head coach Jon Gruden
78 | Veterans
Date
12/27/98
9/29/02
9/15/02
10/6/03
9/21/03
9/17/00
11/9/97
12/11/77
10/8/78
11/29/81
9/9/90
9/8/03
Pro: Cerebral cornerback who doggedly blankets opposing receivers whether from his right
corner position or in slot of nickel defense where he is apt to lineup… One of Tampa Bay’s
best tacklers and toughest defenders… Tenacious worker on the practice field and in film
study... Has cemented his reputation as the NFL’s finest all-around cornerback by earning his
fourth career and third consecutive Pro Bowl selection in 2006... Started in every game at
right cornerback as a key defensive playmaker for the Super Bowl XXXVII champion Tampa
Bay Buccaneers... Named to his fifth career All-Pro Team in 2006 (second team)... Also earned
first-team honors in 2001, 2004 and 2005 and second-team honors in 2002... Was named NFL
Alumni Defensive Back of the Year in 2001... Became first cornerback in NFL history and just
seventh player all-time to record 20 career interceptions and 20 career sacks when he posted
the 20th sack of his career at Carolina (12/11/05)… His 20 career sacks are most by a cornerback in team history and second among all active NFL defensive backs… Became first player
in team history to return two interceptions for touchdowns in same game during regular season when he twice picked off Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (10/22/06)… Named
NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 7 for that effort… Posted a career-high 10 interceptions in 2001, which tied him for first in NFL and also marked a Buccaneers single-season
record... Ranks tied for first (Donnie Abraham) on club’s all-time list with 31 interceptions... Has
scored nine regular season touchdowns in his career (five interception returns, three fumble
returns and one return of a deflected punt), to lead all defensive players in team history... His
eight career defensive touchdowns during the regular season are the most in team history…
Surpassed 100-tackle plateau for fourth consecutive season in 2006, notching 108 tackles…
His career-high 120 tackles in 2005 surpassed his own team single-season record for most
tackles by a cornerback (111 tackles in 2003 and 2004)… Only cornerback in team history to
record four consecutive 100-tackle seasons… Posted one of the most memorable and dominating defensive performances in NFC Championship Game history, forcing a fumble, posting
one sack and sealing the win at Philadelphia (1/19/03) with a 92-yard interception return for a
touchdown... His 145 career games played ranks 10th in team history, and his 136 career starts
rank fourth in team annals… Ranks second to LB Derrick Brooks among active Buccaneers in
consecutive games played (144) and consecutive games started (119)… His 119 consecutive
starts are most in the NFL among active cornerbacks and 15th among all active players… Also
has played in nine postseason games with eight starts... Career totals include: 878 tackles, 31
interceptions, 20 sacks, nine forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and 166 passes defensed...
Has added 44 career special teams stops as well as one blocked punt... Has appeared in nine
postseason contests with eight starts, recording 43 tackles, two interceptions, one sack, one
forced fumble and 11 passes defensed… Has also posted one touchdown and one special
teams tackle in his postseason career… His 878 tackles are most by a cornerback in team history and ranks fourth overall in team annals… Has recorded a statistic in every defensive category four times in his career (2000-2001 and 2003-2004)… On two occasions has corralled a
team single-game record three interceptions, vs. New Orleans (12/23/01) and at New Orleans
(12/4/05)... One of three players in club history to score on a fumble return and an interception
return in same season (also Richard Wood in 1977 and Derrick Brooks in 2002) in 2000... Has
scored three different ways in his career (fumble return, interception return and punt return),
just the second player in team history to do so (also Ricky Reynolds)... Originally entered NFL
as a third-round selection (66th overall) by the Buccaneers in 1997 draft.
Veterans | 79
2006: Earned his fourth career and third consecutive Pro Bowl invitation… Also selected as a
Pro Bowl starter for the fourth time… Named to fifth career AP All-Pro Team, garnering second
team honors… Named NFC Defensive Player of Week for Week 7 effort vs. Philadelphia…
Started all 16 contests for the seventh straight season… Ranked fourth on the team with
108 tackles, surpassing the 100-tackle plateau for the fourth consecutive season… Ranked
tied for first on the team with three interceptions… Ranked first on the team with 20 passes
defensed… Became the first player in team history to return two interceptions for touchdowns
in the same game during the regular season vs. Philadelphia (10/22)… Intercepted the 31st
pass of his career at Carolina (11/13), moving him into a tie for first place in team history for
most career interceptions… Finished season with 108 tackles, three interceptions, two forced
fumbles, 20 passes defensed and one special teams tackle… Also posted two touchdowns on
interception returns… Tied for the team lead with 13 tackles in season opener vs. Baltimore
(9/10)… Also added one pass defensed against the Ravens… Had nine tackles, including
one TFL, and one pass defensed at Atlanta (9/17)… Led the team with 13 tackles, including
one TFL, while also posting one pass defensed against Carolina (9/24)… Posted eight tackles at New Orleans (10/8)… Notched four tackles and one special teams stop vs. Cincinnati
(10/15)… Became the first player in team history to return two interceptions for touchdowns
in the same game during the regular season vs. Philadelphia (10/22)… Interceptions came off
QB Donovan McNabb, marking the second and third times in his career that he has returned
interceptions for touchdowns against the Eagles quarterback… First return covered 37 yards
and gave the Buccaneers a 7-0 lead in the second quarter and the second return went for
66 yards and a 17-0 lead in the third quarter… Finished contest against the Eagles with
six tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble and two passes defensed… Named NFC
Defensive Player of the Week for his effort against the Eagles... Led the secondary with nine
tackles at N.Y. Giants (10/29)… Finished contest vs. New Orleans (11/5) with five tackles…
Intercepted the 31st pass of his career at Carolina (11/13), moving him into a tie for first place
in team history for most career interceptions… Finished game against the Panthers with five
tackles, four passes defensed and one forced fumble… Forced fumble led to the Buccaneers
first score… Posted five tackles vs. Washington (11/19)… Added one pass defensed against
the Redskins… Totaled five tackles at Dallas (11/23)… Recorded eight tackles and led the
team with three passes defensed at Pittsburgh (12/3)… Led the secondary with seven tackles
and added one pass defensed vs. Atlanta (12/10)… Finished contest at Chicago (12/17) with
six tackles, including one TFL, and a team-high four passes defensed… Had two tackles at
Cleveland (12/24)… Had three tackles, including one TFL, and two passes defensed in season
finale vs. Seattle (12/31).
2005: Named to third career and second consecutive Pro Bowl… Also selected as a Pro Bowl
starter for the third time… Earned AP All-Pro first team honors for the second consecutive
season and third time in his career... Named NFC Defensive Player of Week for his Week 14
effort at Carolina… Started all 16 contests for the sixth straight season as well as playoff contest vs. Washington… Part of a defense that finished the season as the top-ranked unit in the
NFL, marking the fourth consecutive season the unit has ranked in the top five and seventh
time in the last nine years… It marked the defense’s third No. 1 ranking in team history and
second in the last four years… Additionally, it was the ninth consecutive season the defense
has finished in the NFL’s Top 10 in total defense, tied for the second-longest streak in the
NFL since 1970… Since 1999, his first year as a starter, the defense has finished ranked in the
NFL’s Top 10 in pass defense in six of seven seasons (1999 and 2001-2005) and in the top five
on five occasions (1999 and 2001-2004)… Ranked third on the team with a career-high 120
tackles, surpassing his own team record (111) for most tackles in a season by a cornerback…
Also marked the third consecutive season he surpassed the 100-tackle plateau… Led the
team with 22 passes defensed… Led the team and ranked tied for seventh in the NFC with
five interceptions… Became the first cornerback in NFL history and just the seventh player all
time to record 20 career interceptions and 20 career sacks when he posted the 20th sack of his
career at Carolina (12/11)… Tied his own club record with a career-high tying three interceptions at New Orleans (12/4)… Totaled 120 tackles, five interceptions, one fumble recovery, 22
passes defensed, one TFL, two sacks and one special teams tackle on the season… Recorded
six tackles and one pass defensed in season opener at Minnesota (9/11)… Part of a defensive
effort that did not allow an offensive touchdown to the Vikings while also surrendering just
33 rushing yards… Posted eight tackles and one pass defensed against Buffalo (9/18)… Part
of a defensive effort that limited the Bills offense to 147 total yards, eight first downs and
one field goal… Notched seven tackles and one fumble recovery in contest at Green Bay
(9/25)… Posted nine tackles to lead the secondary against Detroit (10/2)… Added one sack
of QB Joey Harrington vs. the Lions… Recorded first interception of the season off QB Vinny
80 | Veterans
Testaverde at N.Y. Jets (10/9)… Led the secondary with eight tackles and a season-high three
passes defensed against the Jets… Totaled three tackles and two passes defensed vs. Miami
(10/16)… Notched a then season-high 11 tackles at San Francisco (10/30)… Led team with
two passes defensed against the 49ers… Part of a defense that limited the 49ers to 50 passing yards… Posted six tackles and one pass defensed vs. Carolina (11/6)… Had eight tackles
and one pass defensed vs. Washington (11/13)… Notched five tackles and one pass defensed
at Atlanta (11/20)… Had a season-high four passes defensed and five tackles vs. Chicago
(11/27)… Tied his career high and tied his own club record with three interceptions at New
Orleans (12/4), including one at the Bucs goal line with less than two minutes remaining in
the game to preserve the Tampa Bay victory… Finished contest against the Saints with nine
tackles and three passes defensed… Became the first cornerback in NFL history and just the
seventh player all time to record 20 career interceptions and 20 career sacks when he posted
the 20th sack of his career at Carolina (12/11)… Also posted one interception against the
Panthers, intercepting QB Jake Delhomme in the fourth quarter to end a Panthers scoring
threat and set up a Buccaneers touchdown… Added eight tackles and one pass defensed as
he was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week… Had two tackles and one pass defensed
at New England (12/17)… Had a season-high and team-leading 13 tackles and one pass
defensed against Atlanta (12/24)… Recorded 12 tackles to lead the secondary in the regular
season finale vs. New Orleans (1/1)… Led team with 11 tackles, including one TFL, in NFC
Wild Card game vs. Washington (1/7).
2004: Named as a starter to his second career Pro Bowl… Earned AP All-Pro first team honors
for the second time in his career, garnering the most votes among cornerbacks… Also chosen
All-Pro first team by College & Pro Football Weekly and Football Digest… Named to the Daryl
Johnston All-Lunch Pail Crew… Started at right cornerback in all 16 contests for the fifth
consecutive season… Part of a defense that finished the season ranked fifth in the NFL in total
defense, marking the third consecutive season the unit has ranked in the top five and sixth
time in the last eight years… It also marked the eighth consecutive season that the defense
ranked in the top 10, the longest current streak in the league… Helped the defense finish the
season ranked No. 1 in the league in pass defense for the second time in three seasons…
Matched his then career-high in tackles (111) to become the first cornerback in team history
to record consecutive 100-plus tackle seasons… His 111 tackles ranked fourth on the team…
Recorded a statistic in every defensive category for the second consecutive season and fourth
time in his career… Ranked tied for second on the team in interceptions (three), first in tackles
for loss (nine), third in passes defensed (12) and tied for sixth in sacks (three)… Scored two
touchdowns on fumble returns, moving him into first place in team history for most career
touchdowns by a defensive player with seven… Made 100th career start vs. Atlanta (12/5)…
Totaled 111 tackles, three interceptions, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, 12 passes
defensed, nine TFLs, three sacks and six special teams tackles on the season… Posted five
tackles and two passes defensed at Washington (9/12)… Scored the team’s first touchdown of
the season against the Redskins, returning a QB Mark Brunell fumble nine yards for the score
in the third quarter… Added one special teams stop… Notched two tackles against Seattle
(9/19), helping limit the Seahawks to just 182 total yards... Totaled 11 tackles at Oakland
(9/26)… Added two special teams tackles against the Raiders… Posted nine tackles vs.
Denver (10/3)… Scored second touchdown of the season at New Orleans (10/10), returning a
RB Deuce McAllister fumble 18 yards for a score… Led the secondary with 11 tackles against
the Saints and added one special teams stop… Helped limit New Orleans to 106 passing
yards… Notched first interception of the season against Chicago (10/24), picking off QB Craig
Krenzel in the fourth quarter… Finished contest against the Bears with seven tackles and one
pass defensed… Part of a defensive unit that held the Bears to 167 yards… Led the secondary
with nine tackles and one forced fumble against Kansas City (11/7)… Also posted first sack
of the season against the Chiefs, dropping QB Trent Green on Kansas City’s final drive of the
game… Intercepted second pass of the season at Atlanta (11/14), picking off QB Michael Vick
in the third quarter… Finished game against the Falcons with four tackles and two passes
defensed… Totaled five tackles and one pass defensed against San Francisco (11/21)… Also
dropped 49ers QB Tim Rattay for one sack in the contest… Part of a defensive effort that
limited the 49ers offense to 26 total yards and two first downs in the first half… Registered
five tackles and one pass defensed at Carolina (11/28)… Recorded five tackles, including one
TFL, and two passes defensed vs. Atlanta (12/5)… Helped defense post ninth shutout in franchise history and first of the season against the Falcons… Intercepted QB Drew Brees in the
first quarter at San Diego (12/12)… Led the secondary with 11 tackles while posting one pass
defensed against the Chargers… Recorded five tackles, including one TFL and one sack of QB
Aaron Brooks against New Orleans (12/19)… Notched 11 tackles against Carolina (12/26) to
Veterans | 81
surpass the 100-tackle plateau for the second consecutive season… Added one special teams
stop against the Panthers… Posted eight tackles and one pass defensed at Arizona (1/2).
2003: Started all 16 games at cornerback for the fourth consecutive season… Part of a
defense that ranked fifth in the NFL, marking the seventh consecutive year the defense has
finished among the NFL’s Top 10… Defensive unit also finished third in passing defense,
marking the seventh time in the last eight seasons, including three straight, that the defense
has finished in the Top 10 in pass defense… His 111 tackles on the season ranked second on
the team and established a then career high… His tackle total also set a new single season
record for most tackles by a cornerback (Jeris White, 103 in 1978) in Bucs history… Ranked
tied for third on the team with nine passes defensed… Recorded his sixth career touchdown
(including postseason) and first interception of the season, returning a fourth quarter pick of
QB Peyton Manning 29 yards for a score against Indianapolis (10/6)… Along with DE Simeon
Rice, recorded a statistic in every defensive category compiled by the team… Finished season
with 111 tackles, two interceptions, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, nine
passes defensed and one special teams tackle… Posted seven tackles, one pass defensed
and 0.5 sack for five yards at Philadelphia (9/8)… Added one special teams stop… Helped
defense post third shutout in last 16 regular season games… Posted six tackles against
Carolina (9/14)… Posted five tackles at Atlanta (9/21)… Helped defense limit Falcons QB
Doug Johnson to a 40.4 quarterback rating… Recorded his sixth career touchdown (including postseason) and first interception of the season, returning a fourth quarter pick of QB
Peyton Manning 29 yards for a score against Indianapolis (10/6)… Finished the contest against
the Colts with nine tackles and one pass defensed… Led secondary with nine tackles at
Washington (10/12)… Added one forced fumble against the Redskins… Notched nine tackles,
three passes defensed and one fumble recovery at San Francisco (10/19)… Added one sack
for seven yards against QB Jeff Garcia… Also notched a blocked field goal in the third quarter
vs. the 49ers… Led secondary with eight tackles against Dallas (10/26)… Recorded second
interception of the season off QB Quincy Carter in the third quarter… Also added one forced
fumble and two passes defensed… Helped the defense post its second shutout of the season
against the Cowboys… Recorded 10 tackles against New Orleans (11/2)… Posted six tackles
at Carolina (11/9)… Led the team with a career-high 14 tackles against Green Bay (11/16)…
Posted four tackles against the New York Giants (11/24)… Helped the defense limit Giants
QB Kerry Collins to a 41.3 rating… Totaled five tackles and one pass defensed at Jacksonville
(11/30)… Posted five tackles at New Orleans (12/7)… Also picked up a David Gibson blocked
punt and raced 20 yards to the Saints one-yard line to set up the Bucs second touchdown
of the game just before halftime… Posted three tackles against Houston (12/14)… Part of
a defensive effort that surrendered just 107 total yards to the Texans, tying for the second
lowest total in team history… Notched four tackles and one pass defensed against Atlanta
(12/20)… Recorded seven tackles at Tennessee (12/28).
2002: Helped lead Buccaneers to their first world championship in Super Bowl XXXVII…
Fought off injuries, which included a right thumb fracture and a torn right posterior cruciate
ligament, to earn second-team All-Pro honors... Also selected to the Sports Illustrated All-Pro
Team... Named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his effort against Philadelphia in the
NFC Championship Game... Started all 16 regular season games at cornerback for the third
consecutive season... Started all three playoff contests... Led all Bucs defensive backs with
three sacks... Part of a unit that ranked first in the NFL in total defense and pass defense,
marking just the second time in team history the Buccaneers paced the league in each category... It also marked the second time in team history that the Buccaneers defense ranked
No. 1 in total defense… Posted 95 tackles to rank fourth on the team, three sacks for 20
yards, two interceptions and finished second on the team with 21 passes defensed... Also had
seven special teams tackles… Recorded eight tackles and two passes defensed against New
Orleans (9/8)... Posted a career-high six passes defensed at Baltimore (9/15)... Also registered
six tackles against the Ravens... Recorded a season-high 10 tackles and one pass defensed
against St. Louis (9/23)... Led all defensive backs with six tackles at Cincinnati (9/29) while
limiting the Bengals to 94 yards passing... Also recorded one special teams stop... Recorded
six tackles at Atlanta (10/6)... Tied for team-high two passes defensed against the Falcons...
Added one special teams stop... Notched first interception of the season off QB Tim Couch
in the first quarter against Cleveland (10/13)... Also tallied six tackles, one pass defensed and
one special teams tackle... Recorded five tackles and two passes defensed at Philadelphia
(10/20)... Helped limit QB Randy Fasani to 46 passing yards at Carolina (10/27)... Led the
secondary with seven tackles against the Panthers... Recorded first sack of the season on QB
Daunte Culpepper vs. Minnesota (11/3)... Led all defensive backs with nine tackles and added
one pass defensed against the Vikings... Posted two special teams tackles vs. Minnesota...
82 | Veterans
Recorded five tackles and one pass defensed against Carolina (11/17)... Suffered a left thumb
fracture in the fourth quarter against the Panthers... Recorded second interception of the
season against Green Bay (11/24) despite playing with a cast on his hand because of a fractured left thumb... Finished game with four tackles and two passes defensed... Recorded two
tackles and two passes defensed against Atlanta (12/8), while helping limit the Falcons to 113
passing yards... Recorded his second sack of the season at Detroit (12/15)... Finished game
with two tackles and a pass defensed... Recorded a nine-yard sack of QB Tommy Maddox
vs. Pittsburgh (12/23)... Finished contest with eight tackles against the Steelers... Notched
seven tackles at Chicago (12/29)... Helped limit the Bears to 133 passing yards... Recorded
first postseason interception of his career against San Francisco (1/12) in the NFC Divisional
Playoff game... Added four tackles and two passes defensed against the 49ers... Notched
three tackles, one sack, a forced fumble and four passes defensed at Philadelphia (1/19) in the
NFC Championship Game... Picked off a fourth quarter QB Donovan McNabb pass, returning
it 92 yards for a game-clinching touchdown against the Eagles... Named NFC Defensive Player
of the Week for his effort in the NFC Championship Game... Notched four tackles in Super
Bowl XXXVII against Oakland (1/26)... Added one special teams tackle against the Raiders...
Finished postseason with a team-high six passes defensed and tied for fifth on the team with
11 tackles... Added one sack for five yards, one forced fumble and posted two interceptions
to rank tied for second on the team in the playoffs.
2001: Named to his first Pro Bowl as a starter and was chosen to the Associated Press All-Pro
first team... Also selected to College & Pro Football Newsweekly and Pro Football Weekly’s
All-NFL Teams, as well as Football Digest’s All-Pro Team... Named the league’s defensive
back of the year by NFL Alumni... Ranked tied for first in the NFL with 10 interceptions, a club
single-season record... Became the first player in the league with 10 interceptions since Mark
Carrier in 1990... Chosen NFC Defensive Player of the Week twice (Week 9 and Week 15)...
Also led defense with career-high 29 passes defensed... Had a Bucs single-game record three
interceptions against New Orleans (12/23)... Started all 16 games for the second consecutive
season, as well as playoff game at Philadelphia... Racked up 91 tackles (fourth-best on the
team), one sack for six yards, 10 interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, 29
passes defensed and four special teams tackles... Helped defense finish among the NFL’s Top
10 (sixth) for the fifth consecutive year, the only team in the league to do so... Also played
pivotal role on unit which ranked fifth in the NFL in pass defense, marking the third time in the
past four seasons the defense finished in the top five... Played outstanding all-around game at
Minnesota (9/30) with four tackles, one interception and two passes defensed... Contributed
a team-high eight tackles and one pass defensed against Green Bay (10/7)... Finished with
seven tackles at Tennessee (10/14)... Had outstanding game against Pittsburgh (10/21),
collecting two tackles, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and two passes defensed...
Season-high four passes defensed at Green Bay (11/4)... Named NFC Defensive Player of the
Week for his performance at Detroit (11/11) with seven tackles, four passes defensed and two
interceptions... The first interception led to a K Martin Gramatica field goal in the second quarter... Had 10 tackles, two passes defensed and one interception on the first play from scrimmage against Chicago (11/18)... Blocked his first career punt, which TE Todd Yoder returned
for an 11-yard touchdown, representing the Bucs’ lone touchdown of the game at Cincinnati
(12/2)... Also contributed 10 tackles to lead the secondary, and added one forced fumble and
one special teams tackle... Four tackles and two passes defensed against Detroit (12/9)... Also
sealed the game with a fumble recovery of KR Desmond Howard’s fumble with 36 seconds
left... Notched team-high 13 tackles and two passes defensed at Chicago (12/16)... Had
sensational game against New Orleans (12/23), vaulting his way into the record books with
a Bucs single-game record three interceptions and also tying the team’s single-season mark
with nine interceptions... Was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts... First
interception resulted in a FB Mike Alstott one-yard plunge, and he added his second of the
game on the final play of the first half... The record-breaking interception came late in the
fourth quarter, and he punctuated the play by scoring his fourth career touchdown on the 36yard return... Added two tackles and three passes defensed... Added to his record-breaking
season against Baltimore (12/29) with his club-record 10th interception of the season... Added
seven tackles and five passes defensed... Had two tackles, one pass defensed and one special
teams tackle in playoff game at Philadelphia (1/12).
2000: Started in all 16 games for the first time in his career and one playoff contest at right
cornerback... Had then career bests in tackles (97), passes defensed (20) and a career-high 5.5
sacks, while matching his then career high in interceptions with two... Also added one forced
fumble, one fumble recovery and six special teams stops... Led all NFC defensive backs with
5.5 sacks on the season... Posted five tackles, including one sack for a loss of eight yards,
Veterans | 83
and one pass defensed at New England (9/3)... Earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week
honors after registering three tackles, a career-high two-and-a-half sacks, one forced fumble
and one 24-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown against Chicago (9/10)... Another stellar
performance at Detroit (9/17) where he supplied great special teams effort with a touchdown
saving tackle, a tipped punt and a recovery of a blocked punt... Also had two tackles and one
pass defensed... Five tackles, one pass defensed and one interception that he returned for 37
yards for a touchdown in the third quarter against the N.Y. Jets (9/24)... Had two tackles and
one sack in Monday Night clash with Minnesota (10/9)... Had seven tackles on Thursday night
game vs. Detroit (10/19)... Had nine tackles, one sack and one pass defensed vs. Minnesota
(10/29)... Had four tackles in a win at Atlanta (11/5)... Had a then career-high 10 tackles and
one pass defensed in a game with Green Bay (11/12)... Finished with nine tackles and one pass
defensed at Chicago (11/19)... Equaled his then career-high with 10 tackles, also contributed
two passes defensed and one special teams tackle vs. Buffalo (11/26)... Had 10 tackles and
posted a then career-high in passes defensed with five against Dallas (12/3)... Had four tackles
and two passes defensed at Miami (12/10)... Had one of three interceptions against the Rams
(12/18) with his first quarter pick and also chipped in six tackles and one pass defensed... Had
seven tackles and three passes defensed at Green Bay (12/24)... Had five tackles in Wild Card
game at Philadelphia (12/31).
1999: Played in all 16 games, starting 15 at right cornerback... Posted a then career-best
74 tackles, two interceptions, one sack and 16 passes defensed... Added six special teams
stops... Recorded six tackles against the Giants (9/12), Philadelphia (9/19), Denver (9/26) and
Minnesota (10/3)... Broke up two passes versus Chicago (10/24)... Picked off a QB Billy Joe
Tolliver pass in the end zone in 31-16 win at New Orleans (11/7)... Sprained his right shoulder
in the second quarter but returned... Collected five stops vs. Atlanta (11/21)... Posted three
tackles, two passes defensed and one interception in 16-3 win at Seattle (11/28)... Returned
interception 43 yards late in the fourth quarter to cement win... Recorded six stops, two
passes defensed and one sack in 24-17 Monday Night win over the Vikings (12/6)... Dropped
QB Jeff George for a 10-yard loss, forcing the Vikings back to the Bucs 40 on their last drive
of the game... Posted seven tackles and one pass defensed versus Lions (12/12)... Broke up a
then career-high four passes in 29-10 win over Packers (12/26), adding four tackles... Collected
six tackles in division-clinching win at Chicago (1/2)... Recorded three tackles and one pass
defensed in divisional playoff win over Washington (1/15)... Racked up season-high nine stops
and two passes defensed in NFC Championship Game at St. Louis (1/23).
1998: Played in 16 games with nine starts and had a breakthrough season after seeing limited
playing time as a rookie... Opened three games at left cornerback and the final six at right
cornerback, originally entering the starting lineup because of injuries to CB Donnie Abraham
and CB Anthony Parker but eventually winning permanent job opposite Abraham... Led all
Buccaneer cornerbacks in both tackles (68) and passes defensed (17) and also recorded three
sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and 12 special teams tackles... Moved into nickel
back position by season’s second game at Green Bay (9/13) and contributed three tackles...
Came in at nickel back against Giants (10/4) and helped seal victory with a fourth-quarter
interception, the first of his career, which he returned 11 yards to New York’s 30-yard line...
Replaced injured Donnie Abraham at left cornerback in fourth quarter vs. Carolina (10/18)
and made two tackles, then started in place of Abraham the following week at New Orleans
(10/25), leading all defensive backs with seven tackles and two passes defensed... Posted
eight tackles and two passes defensed vs. Detroit (11/22)... Notched four tackles, one pass
defensed and scored the Bucs’ second touchdown of the day when he picked up a deflected
Chicago punt and weaved 23 yards through traffic to the end zone at Chicago (11/29)... In
Monday Night Football win over Green Bay (12/7), led the Buccaneer secondary with nine
tackles and also recorded one sack and two forced fumbles, the second of which led to Tampa
Bay’s final touchdown in the fourth quarter... Tallied five tackles and three passes defensed at
Washington (12/19)... Finished season with seven-tackle, one-interception outing at Cincinnati
(12/27), returning his pick 56 yards for the Bucs’ longest interception runback of the year and
tied for the then 11th-longest in team annals.
1997: Saw action in only game of season against Arizona (9/28), contributing three tackles
while participating primarily on passing downs... Stayed on the active roster the remainder
of the season but was declared an inactive for each contest until the second playoff game at
Green Bay (1/4), in which he registered two tackles and a pass defensed as the team’s nickel
back.
College: Finished Cavalier career with 15 interceptions, third-highest total in school history
and just two shy of UVA record (17 by Keith McMeans, 1987-90)... Also broke up 26 passes,
84 | Veterans
made 154 tackles, forced one fumble and recovered another during three-year Virginia
career... Started all 36 Cavalier games and earned All-ACC first-team honors each of three
seasons, including two bowl games... In a pair of bowl games, added two interceptions, 10
tackles, four passes defensed and a fumble recovery... Started every game at left cornerback
during junior campaign and earned his third consecutive All-ACC first-team selection... Posted
38 tackles and trio of interceptions for 38 yards while also breaking up five passes and forcing and recovering a fumble... As a sophomore, earned first-team All-ACC accolades while
manning the Cavs’ left cornerback slot... Joined twin brother Tiki on all-conference squad as
the two became just the third pair of brothers to gain that distinction in the ACC in the same
year... Registered 63 tackles and came up with four interceptions for 18 yards... Credited with
10 passes broken up... Made outstanding college debut as a redshirt freshman, earning AP
All-America third-team honors and the first of three straight All-ACC first-team selections...
Also tabbed as the ACC’s Freshman of the Year and was given UVA’s Bill Dudley Award recognizing the team’s most outstanding first-year player... Picked off an ACC-leading (second
in the nation) eight passes, returning the picks for a total of 56 yards, while also making 53
tackles and breaking up 11 passes... Graduated with a degree in commerce with a concentration in marketing.
Personal: Married to Claudia... Couple lives in Tampa with daughters Yammile Rose and
Justyce Rosina... Twin brother, Tiki, was a teammate at Virginia, an All-America running back
and a 1997 second-round draft choice (36th overall) of the New York Giants (1997-2006)...
Was inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame in 2005… Along with Tiki, wrote a
children’s book titled “By My Brother’s Side” that was released during the 2004 season… A
second book titled “Game Day” was published in the fall of 2005 and a third children’s book,
“Teammates”, was released in the fall of 2006… The brothers are also currently in production
for an animated show based on the children’s books… Additionally, the two are planning
to pen two young adult novels to be released in 2007 and 2008… Along with Tiki, made
a $1 million gift in 2006 to their alma mater, the University of Virginia, at the launch of the
University’s $3 billion campaign in which the twins served as the emcees for the event… Tiki
and Ronde co-hosted a radio show on the NFL Channel on Sirius Satellite Radio during the
2005 and 2006 seasons… In February, 2006, hosted 11-year old Tyler Gardiner of Massillon,
Ohio at One Buccaneer Place to enjoy a tour of the practice facility and lunch on the practice
field… Tyler, who suffered from acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a terminal cancer of the white
blood cells, had a final wish of meeting Barber, his favorite NFL player… Along with Tiki, was
named as a co-chair for 2005 Read Across America Day… In conjunction with the program,
read several books to third grade students at Alexander Elementary School during the 2005
season… Along with teammate Derrick Brooks, played in the American Century Celebrity
Golf Classic at Lake Tahoe in 2005… Invited by the Tampa Bay Lightning to participate in
the pre-game festivities during the NHL 2004 Eastern Conference Finals... Co-hosted Sunday
Sports Extra on WFLA News Channel 8 for three years (2000, 2002-2003), which was named
Best Sportscast in the State of Florida by the Associated Press… Earned a SPJ Award (Society
Professional Journalist) for his role on the show… Featured with Tiki in a NFL-Reebok television commercial during the 2003 season… Named to the 2003, 2005 and 2006 All-Interview
teams by NFL.com… Named to The Sporting News’ 2003 and 2006 NFL’s 101 Best Players
List… Avid golfer who participated in the 2003 Gary Player Invitational, a charity event that
featured some of golf’s biggest names, including Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer… Serves
as a spokesman for Champs… Also serves as a spokesman for Reebok… Was featured in
a national VISA commercial with Tiki… Endorses Pro Trainer, personal home gym workout
equipment… Rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange following the 2002 season…
Along with Tiki, was named among the sexiest twins alive by People Magazine in 2006… Was
also selected with Tiki to both People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People” and Sports
Illustrated for Women’s Sexiest Male Athletes in 2001... Member of the Fellowship of Christian
Athletes... Member of the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society at Virginia... Father, James Barber,
a Virginia Tech grad, played in the former World Football League... Won all-district honors
each of his last three seasons at Cave Spring (Roanoke, Virginia) High School... Rated as one
of Virginia’s top five prospects and shared Male Athlete of the Year honors in the state with
brother Tiki... Lettered three times each in football and track and won the national title in the
55-meter hurdles as a senior after coming in second as a junior... Also twice won the state
outdoor 110-meter hurdle title... Born Jamael Oronde Barber on April 7, 1975 in Montgomery
County, Virginia.
Veterans | 85
Barber’s Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
1997 Tampa Bay 1 0
3
1
2 0.0 0
0
0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
1998 Tampa Bay 16 9 68
47
21 3.0 21.0 2 67 56 0 17 2 0
0 12 10 2
1999 Tampa Bay 16 15 74
49
25 1.0 10.0 2 60 43 0 16 0 0
0 6 6 0
2000 Tampa Bay 16 16 97
65
32 5.5 40.5 2 46 37t 1 20 1 1 24 6 6 0
2001 Tampa Bay 16 16 91
64
27 1.0 6.0 10 86 36t 1 29 1 1
0 4 4 0
2002 Tampa Bay 16 16 95
71
24 3.0 20.0 2
9
9 0 21 0 0
0 7 5 2
2003 Tampa Bay 16 16 111
86
25 1.5 12.0 2 53 29t 1 9 2 1
0 1 1 0
2004 Tampa Bay 16 16 111
84
27 3.0 20.0 3 23 23 0 12 1 2 27 6 6 0
2005 Tampa Bay 16 16 120
98
22 2.0 13.0 5 105 42 0 22 0 1
4 1 1 0
2006 Tampa Bay 16 16 108
83
25 0.0 0.0 3 103 66t 2 20 2 0
0 1 0 1
NFL Totals
145 136 878
648
230 20.0 142.5 31 552 66t
5 166 9
6
55 44 39 5
ST
PLAYOFFS
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
1997 Tampa Bay 1 0
2
1
1 0.0 0.0 0
0
0 0 1 0 0
0 0 0 0
1999 Tampa Bay 2 2 12
8
4 0.0 0.0 0
0
0 0 3 0 0
0 0 0 0
2000 Tampa Bay 1 1
5
3
2 0.0 0.0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
2001 Tampa Bay 1 1
2
0
2 0.0 0.0 0
0
0 0 1 0 0
0 1 1 0
2002 Tampa Bay 3 3 11
8
3 1.0 5.0 2 117 92t 1 6 1 0
0 0 0 0
2005 Tampa Bay 1 1 11
6
5 0.0 0.0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
Postseason
9
8
43
26
17
1.0 5.0
2
1
11
1
0
0
1 1 0
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
ADDITIONAL STATS
Punt Returns: 1-23t at Chicago, 11/29/98
Career Touchdowns: 10
37-yd. interception return, vs. Philadelphia, 10/22/06
66-yd. interception return, vs. Philadelphia, 10/22/06
29-yd. interception return, vs. Indianapolis, 10/6/03
92-yd. interception return, at Philadelphia, 1/19/03*
36-yd. interception return, vs. New Orleans, 12/23/01
37-yd. interception return, vs New York Jets, 9/24/00
24-yd. fumble return, vs. Chicago, 9/10/00
23-yd. deflected punt return, at Chicago, 11/29/98
18-yd fumble return at New Orleans, 10/10/04
9-yd fumble return at Washington, 9/12/04
117 92t
Tackles: 14 vs. Green Bay, 11/16/03
Interceptions: 3, twice, at New Orleans, 12/4/05 and vs.
New Orleans, 12/23/01
Sacks: 2.5 vs. Chicago, 9/10/00
Passes Defensed: 6 at Baltimore, 9/15/02
Defensive TDs: 2 vs. Philadelphia, 10/22/06
Punt Return TD: 1 at Chicago, 11/29/98
* Playoffs
20 SACKS AND 20 INTERCEPTIONS IN NFL HISTORY
Name
Sacks
Int
CB Ronde Barber
S LeRoy Butler
S Rodney Harrison
LB Seth Joyner
LB Ray Lewis
LB Wilber Marshall
LB William Thomas
20.0
20.5
27.5
52.0
23.0
45.0
37.0
31
38
31
24
20
23
27
MOST CAREER SACKS AMONG ACTIVE DEFENSIVE BACKS
Sacks
Player
Current Team
28.5
20.0
18.0
17.0
16.0
16.0
S Rodney Harrison
CB Ronde Barber
S Brian Dawkins
S Lawyer Milloy
S Adam Archuleta
S Adrian Wilson
New England
Tampa Bay
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Chicago
Arizona
CAREER SACKS AMONG ALL-TIME NFL CORNERBACKS
Player
Team(s)
Sacks
CB
CB
CB
CB
CB
Tampa Bay Detroit/Denver/Kansas City
Pittsburgh
N.Y. Jets/Kansas City/Oakland
Tennessee/Baltimore
20.0
15.5
13.5
10.0
9.5
86 | Veterans
Ronde Barber
Ray Crockett
Deshea Towsend
James Hasty
Samari Rolle
barber’s GAME-BY-GAME Statistics
1997
date
OPPONENT
Sept. 28 Arizona
TOTALS PLAYOFFS
Jan. 4
@Green Bay
1998
date
Dec. 6
Dec. 13
Dec. 20
Dec. 28
Oct. 4
Oct. 18
Oct. 25
Nov. 1
Nov. 8
Nov. 15
Nov. 22
Nov. 29
Dec. 7
Dec. 13
Dec. 19
Dec. 27
TOTALS
OPPONENT
@Minnesota
@Green Bay
Chicago
@Detroit
N.Y. Giants
Carolina
@New Orleans
Minnesota
Tennessee
@Jacksonville
Detroit
@Chicago
Green Bay
Pittsburgh
@Washington
@Cincinnati
1999
date
OPPONENT
Dec. 12
N.Y. Giants
Dec. 19
@Philadelphia
Dec. 26
Denver
Oct. 3
@Minnesota Oct. 10
@Green Bay
Oct. 24
Chicago
Oct. 31
@Detroit
Nov. 7
@New Orleans
Nov. 14
Kansas City
Nov. 21
Atlanta
Nov. 28
@Seattle
Dec. 6
Minnesota
Dec. 12
Detroit
Dec. 19
@Oakland
Dec. 26
Green Bay
Jan. 2
@Chicago
TOTALS PLAYOFFS
Jan. 15
Washington
Jan. 23
@St. Louis
2000
date
OPPONENT
Sept. 3
@New England
Sept. 10 Chicago
Sept. 17 @Detroit
Sept. 24 N.Y. Jets
Oct. 1
@Washington
Oct. 9
@Minnesota
Oct. 19
Detroit
Oct. 29
Minnesota
Nov. 5
@Atlanta
Nov. 12
Green Bay
Nov. 19
@Chicago
Nov. 26
Buffalo
Dec. 3
Dallas
Dec. 10
@Miami
Dec. 18
St. Louis
Dec. 24
@Green Bay
TOTALS PLAYOFFS
Dec. 31
@Philadelphia
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
1
2
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
0
0
0
2
1
3
2
3
5
2
1
3
1
0
1
1
1
2
6
1
7
3
3
6
0
3
3
3
1
4
6
2
8
1
3
4
9
0
9
0
1
1
4
1
5
7
0
7
47
21
68
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
4
2
6
2
4
6
3
3
6
4
2
6
1
0
1
2
1
3
5
1
6
2
1
3
2
2
4
3
2
5
2
1
3
5
0
5
5
2
7
4
0
4
0
4
4
5
0
5
49
25
74
1
7
2
2
3
9
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
2
3
5
3
0
3
0
2
2
4
1
5
4
0
4
2
0
2
3
4
7
6
3
9
2
2
4
4
6
10
7
2
9
7
3
10
9
1
10
3
1
4
5
1
6
4
3
7
65
32
97
3
2
5
FF
0
0
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS. PD
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
0
0
FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
2
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS. PD
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1 11
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
3
0
1 56
1
0 2 67 17
FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
17
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
43
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 2 60
0
0
FF
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS. PD
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
37
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
2
0
1
9
1
0
0
0
3
1 2 46 20
0
0
0
0
PD
1
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
0
2
3
1
1
4
1
16
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
2
0
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
0
0
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
10
0
0
1.0
8
0
0
0
0
1
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
3.0 21
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0 10
0
0
0
0
SACKS
NO. YDS
1.0
8
2.5 25.5
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
5
0
0
1.0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5.5 40.5
0.0
0
Veterans | 87
2001
date
OPPONENT
Sept. 9
@Dallas
Sept. 30 @Minnesota
Oct. 7
Green Bay
Oct. 14
@Tennessee
Oct. 21
Pittsburgh
Oct. 28
Minnesota
Nov. 4
@Green Bay
Nov. 11
@Detroit
Nov. 18
Chicago
Nov. 26
@St. Louis
Dec. 2
@Cincinnati
Dec. 9
Detroit
Dec. 16
@Chicago
Dec. 23
New Orleans
Dec. 29
Baltimore
Jan. 6
Philadelphia
TOTALS PLAYOFFS
Jan. 12
@Philadelphia
2002
date
OPPONENT
Sept. 8
New Orleans
Sept. 15 @Baltimore
Sept. 23 St. Louis
Sept. 29 @Cincinnati
Oct. 6
@Atlanta
Oct. 13
Cleveland
Oct. 20
@Philadelphia
Oct. 27
@Carolina
Nov. 3
Minnesota
Nov. 17
Carolina
Nov. 24
Green Bay
Dec. 1
@New Orleans
Dec. 8
Atlanta
Dec. 15
@Detroit
Dec. 23
Pittsburgh
Dec. 29
@Chicago
TOTALS PLAYOFFS
Jan. 12
San Francisco
Jan. 19
@Philadelphia
Jan. 26
Oakland
2003
date
Sept. 8
Sept. 14
Sept. 21
Oct. 6
Oct. 12
Oct. 19
Oct. 26
Nov. 2
Nov. 9
Nov. 16
Nov. 24
Nov. 30
Dec. 7
Dec. 14
Dec. 20
Dec. 28
TOTALS
OPPONENT
@Philadelphia
Carolina
@Atlanta
Indianapolis
@Washington
@San Francisco
Dallas
New Orleans
@Carolina
Green Bay
NY Giants
@Jacksonville
@New Orleans
Houston
Atlanta
@Tennessee
88 | Veterans
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
3
2
5
4
0
4
6
2
8
6
1
7
1
1
2
3
3
6
0
0
0
6
1
7
9
1
10
2
4
6
7
3
10
4
0
4
7
6
13
2
0
2
4
3
7
0
0
0
64
27
91
0
2
2
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
6
2
8
3
3
6
9
1
10
6
0
6
4
2
6
4
2
6
2
3
5
5
2
7
7
2
9
4
1
5
3
1
4
2
2
4
1
1
2
2
0
2
8
0
8
5
2
7
71
24
95
3
3
2
1
0
2
4
3
4
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
5
2
7
5
1
6
5
0
5
7
2
9
4
5
9
5
4
9
7
1
8
8
2
10
4
2
6
10
4
14
4
0
4
5
0
5
4
1
5
3
0
3
4
0
4
6
1
7
86
25 111
FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS. PD
0
0
0
1
0
1 12
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
2 10
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
2
2
4
0
1
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
2
0
3 56
3
0
1
6
5
0
0
0
0
1 10 86 29
0
0
0
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
9
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 2
9
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
25
92t
0
FF
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1 29t
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
24
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1 2 53
0
PD
2
6
1
0
2
1
2
0
1
1
2
0
2
1
0
0
21
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
6
0
1
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
10
1.0
9
0
0
3.0
20
2
4
0
0
1.0
0
0
5
0
PD
1
0
0
1
0
3
2
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
9
SACKS
NO. YDS
0.5
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.5 12
2004
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
4
1
5
2
0
2
7
4
11
7
2
9
8
3
11
1
2
3
7
0
7
8
1
9
3
1
4
4
1
5
1
4
5
3
2
5
9
2
11
4
1
5
10
1
11
6
2
8
84
27 111
FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS. PD
1
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
23
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2 3 23 12
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
8
0
0
1.0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
8
0
0
0
0
3.0 20
2005
date
OPPONENT
Sept. 11 @Minnesota
Sept. 18 Buffalo
Sept. 25 @Green Bay
Oct. 2
Detroit
Oct. 9
@NY Jets Oct. 16
Miami
Oct. 30
@San Francisco
Nov. 6
Carolina
Nov. 13
Washington
Nov. 20
@Atlanta
Nov. 27
Chicago
Dec. 4
@New Orleans
Dec. 11
@Carolina
Dec. 17
@New England
Dec. 24
Atlanta
Jan. 1
New Orleans
TOTALS PLAYOFFS
Jan. 7
Washington
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
4
2
6
7
1
8
5
2
7
7
2
9
6
2
8
3
0
3
8
3
11
5
1
6
8
0
8
4
1
5
4
1
5
6
3
9
8
0
8
2
0
2
12
1
13
9
3
12
98
22 120
FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS. PD
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
3
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
4
0
3
70
3
0
1
35
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1 5 105 22
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
13
0
0
0
0
0
0
2.0 13
2006
date
Sept. 10
Sept. 17
Sept. 24
Oct. 8
Oct. 15
Oct. 22
Oct. 29
Nov. 5
Nov. 13
Nov. 19
Nov. 23
Dec. 3
Dec. 10
Dec. 17
Dec. 24
Dec. 31
TOTALS
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
10
3
12
8
1
9
13
0
12
6
2
8
3
1
4
5
1
6
7
2
9
4
1
5
3
2
5
4
1
5
1
4
5
5
3
8
6
1
7
4
2
6
2
0
2
2
1
3
83
25 108
date
Sept. 12
Sept. 19
Sept. 26
Oct. 3
Oct. 10
Oct. 18
Oct. 24
Nov. 7
Nov. 14
Nov. 21
Nov. 28
Dec. 5
Dec. 12
Dec. 19
Dec. 26
Jan. 2
TOTALS
OPPONENT
@Washington
Seattle
@Oakland
Denver
@New Orleans
@St. Louis
Chicago
Kansas City
@Atlanta
San Francisco
@Carolina
Atlanta
@San Diego
New Orleans
Carolina
@Arizona
OPPONENT
Baltimore
@Atlanta
Carolina
@New Orleans
Cincinnati
Philadelphia
@N.Y. Giants
New Orleans
@Carolina
Washington
@Dallas
@Pittsburgh
Atlanta
@Chicago
@Cleveland
Seattle
6
5
11
0
0
0
0
0
FF
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS. PD
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2 103
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
4
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0 3 103 20
0
0
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Veterans | 89
Pro: Physical tight end whose athleticism enables him to be utilized in both the running
and passing game… Has recorded 167 career receptions for 1,391 yards (8.3 avg.) and 18
touchdowns… Also tallied eight special teams tackles… Durable athlete who has played
in 110 games with 106 starts… Also started six playoff games and totaled 10 career postseason catches for 76 yards and one touchdown… Contributed to five 1,000-yard rushing
seasons in his six-year career, including RB Carnell “Cadillac” Williams’ Buccaneers’ rookierecord 1,178 yards in 2005 and four by Jets RB Curtis Martin, including Martin’s career-high
1,697 yards in 2004… Has started every game the past six seasons and enters the 2007
season with 104 consecutive regular season starts… Earned Pro Football Weekly all-rookie
honors in 2000… Signed as a free agent by Tampa Bay on March 15, 2005… Spent first
five seasons (2000-2004) with the N.Y. Jets… Originally entered the league as a first-round
(27th overall) draft pick by the Jets in the 2000 NFL Draft.
2006: Started all 16 games… Finished season with 18 catches for 115 yards and one touchdown… Caught four passes for 27 yards against Baltimore (9/10)… Caught two passes for
10 yards at Atlanta (9/17)… Caught one pass for 13 yards at New Orleans (10/8)… Started
against Cincinnati (10/15) and caught one pass for 12 yards… Caught one pass against
Philadelphia (10/22)… Caught two passes for 16 yards at N.Y. Giants (10/29)… Caught two
passes for nine yards, including a two-yard TD reception for first score as a Buccaneer, vs.
Washington (11/19)… Caught two passes for 10 yards at Pittsburgh (12/3)… Caught two
passes for 12 yards at Chicago (12/17)… Caught one pass for five yards against Seattle
(12/31).
2005: Made an immediate impact in his first season with Tampa Bay in 2005, starting all 16
games for the NFC South champion Buccaneers… Also started playoff game… Caught 16
passes, second-best among Bucs tight ends and eighth overall on the team, for 112 yards
(7.0 avg.)… Started in Buccaneer debut at Minnesota (9/11) and caught one pass for seven
yards… Also played a key role in Tampa Bay rushing for 146 yards… Started vs. Buffalo
(9/18) and caught two passes for six yards… Started at Green Bay (9/25) and caught one
pass for nine yards… Also played a key role in RB Carnell “Cadillac” Williams rushing for
158 yards… Started vs. Detroit (10/2) and caught two passes for nine yards… Started at
the N.Y. Jets (10/9) in his first game against his former team and caught two passes for six
yards… Started vs. Miami (10/16) and caught one pass for 13 yards… Also played a key
role in Tampa Bay totaling 180 rushing yards… Started vs. Carolina (11/6) and caught two
passes for 10 yards… Started at Atlanta (11/20) and caught one pass for 12 yards… Started
vs. Chicago (11/27) and had two catches for 12 yards… Started at Carolina (12/11) and
helped lead the way for Williams to rush for 112 yards and two touchdowns… Started vs.
Atlanta (12/24) and caught two passes for 28 yards, including a season-long of 17 yards…
Started NFC Wild Card game vs. Washington (1/7) and caught three passes for 26 yards.
2004: Started all 16 regular season contests and both playoff games with the Jets…
Finished the regular season with 13 catches for 100 yards and one touchdown… Had
three receptions for 28 yards and one touchdown in two playoff games… Started in season opener against Cincinnati (9/12) and in Week 2 at San Diego (9/19)… Recorded two
catches for 20 yards, including a diving 11-yard reception that helped set up the gamewinning field goal on the Jets final drive against Buffalo (10/10)… Notched a season-high
four catches for 47 yards, including a season-long 19 yard reception, against San Francisco
(10/17)… Recorded two catches for eight yards at New England (10/24)…Had one catch
for five yards against Miami (11/1)… Started at tight end and participated on special teams
at Buffalo (11/7), against Baltimore (11/14), at Cleveland (11/21) and at Arizona (11/28),
90 | Veterans
recording one special teams tackle at Cleveland (11/21)… Made one catch, a two-yard
touchdown reception, at Houston (12/5)… Recorded one catch for four yards at Pittsburgh
(12/12)…Helped the Jets rush for 229 yards against Seattle (12/19)… Had one catch for
14 yards at St. Louis (1/2)… Caught one pass for a 13-yard touchdown in AFC Wild Card
playoff game at San Diego (1/8/05)… Tallied two catches for 15 yards in AFC Divisional
playoff game at Pittsburgh (1/15/05).
2003: Started all 16 games at tight end with the Jets… Set career highs with 40 receptions for 356 yards, including four touchdown catches… Had two receptions for 12 yards
in season opener at Washington (9/4)… Caught three passes for 12 yards against Miami
(9/14)… Gained 30 yards on three receptions at New England (9/21)… Recorded one
catch for two yards against Dallas (9/28)… Tied a career high with two touchdown catches,
including a career-long 18-yard touchdown grab, against Buffalo (10/12)… Finished with
three catches for 41 yards against the Bills… Had two receptions for 30 yards at Houston
(10/19)… Caught two passes for 31 yards at Philadelphia (10/26)… Started his 50th career
game against the N.Y. Giants (11/2)… Caught four balls for 44 yards, including a nine-yard
touchdown to tie the game at 28-28 and force overtime against the Giants… Recorded
one catch for six yards and caught a two-point conversion that tied the score at 24-24,
and forced overtime at Oakland (11/9)… Tied a then career high with five catches for a
career-best 63 yards against Jacksonville (11/23)… Started at tight end against Tennessee
(12/1)… Caught one pass for 14 yards at Buffalo (12/7)… Made two catches for 11 yards
and crossed the 1,000-yard mark for his career against Pittsburgh (12/14)… Had four receptions for 29 yards against New England (12/20)… Caught a career-best six passes, including
a one-yard touchdown grab, and gained 32 yards at Miami (12/28).
2002: Started in all 16 regular season games and both playoff contests with the Jets…
Totaled 28 receptions for 243 yards and tied a career high with five touchdown catches…
Had four catches for 36 yards, one touchdown, and caught a two-point conversion at
Buffalo (9/8)… Recorded four receptions for 33 yards, including his second touchdown
of the year versus New England (9/15)… Caught two passes for 25 yards at Jacksonville
(9/29)… Caught his third touchdown of the year, a two-yard strike, and added one tackle
on special teams versus Kansas City (10/6)… Started at tight end against Minnesota (10/20)
and Cleveland (10/27)… Hauled in four catches for 26 yards and one touchdown at San
Diego (11/3)… Started at tight end against Miami (11/10)… Caught two passes for eight
yards, including a one-yard touchdown catch at Detroit (11/17)… Tallied two catches for
25 yards against Buffalo (11/24)… Started at tight end at Oakland (12/02)… Had two
receptions for 22 yards against Denver (12/8)… Started at tight end at Chicago (12/15)…
Recorded two receptions for 21 yards at New England (12/22)… Started at tight end
against Green Bay (12/29)… Caught one pass for eight yards in AFC Wild Card playoff
game against Indianapolis (1/4)… Tallied three receptions for 14 yards in the AFC Divisional
Playoff game at Oakland (1/12).
2001: Started in all 16 regular season games and AFC Wild Card game with the Jets…
Finished with 36 catches for 321 yards and five touchdowns… Had four receptions for 58
yards with a long gain of 24 yards versus Indianapolis (9/9)… Recorded two receptions for
24 yards at New England (9/23)… Had three receptions for 24 yards against San Francisco
(10/1)… Caught three passes for 21 yards, and a touchdown at Buffalo (10/7)… Recorded
four catches for 31 yards vs. Miami (10/14)… Had five catches for 35 yards, and two
touchdowns against St. Louis (10/21)… Hauled in two catches for 34 yards at New Orleans
(11/4)… Recorded two catches for 22 yards against Kansas City (11/11)… Had one catch
for eight yards at Miami (11/18)… Caught two passes for 16 yards against New England
(12/2)… Started at tight end at Pittsburgh (12/9)… Had two catches for eight yards,
including the game winning touchdown, a two-yard pass, against Cincinnati (12/17)… Had
four catches for 22 yards, including the game-winning touchdown with 58 seconds left in
the fourth quarter at Indianapolis (12/23)… Caught one ball for 14 yards against Buffalo
(12/30)… Recorded one catch for four yards at Oakland (1/6)… Started at tight end in the
AFC Wild Card game at Oakland (1/12).
2000: Played in 14 games as a rookie, starting 10 contests with the Jets… Earned Pro
Football Weekly all-rookie team honors, with 16 catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns… Saw action at Green Bay (9/3), against New England (9/11), and at Buffalo
(9/17)… Had two catches for 20 yards at Tampa Bay (9/24)… Caught two passes for 19
yards against Pittsburgh (10/8)… Saw action at New England (10/15)… Inactive with a
sprained knee against Miami (10/23) and at Buffalo (10/29)… Recorded three catches for
41 yards, and one touchdown against Denver (11/05)… Started at tight end at Indianapolis
Veterans | 91
(11/12)… Recorded two catches for eight yards at Miami (11/19)… Caught one pass, a
two-yard touchdown, against Chicago (11/26)… Had two catches for 19 yards against
Indianapolis (12/3)… Caught one pass for 15 yards at Oakland (12/10)… Had one catch for
five yards against Detroit… Tallied two catches for 15 yards at Baltimore (12/24).
College: Finished his career at West Virginia ranked second on the school’s all-time reception list by a tight end with 83 catches for 1,173 yards (14.1 avg.) and 10 touchdowns…
Selected as a Football News honorable mention all-American pick as a senior… Played
in 35 games as a Mountaineer after redshirting in 1996 as a true freshman and started
26 games during his career… Had 29 catches for 393 yards, and four touchdowns as a
junior… Recorded 35 catches for 510 yards and five touchdowns as a senior… As both a
junior and senior earned second team all-Big East honors and was the team captain and
MVP… Earned All-ECAC First-Team honors as a junior and was a member of the school’s
Athletic Director’s honor roll… Appeared in every game as a sophomore and one game as
a redshirt freshman… Graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing.
Personal: Married to DeeAnn and has one son, Anthony Rocco, and one daughter, Olivia
Ann… Hosted the Anthony Becht Football Camp in the summer of 2006 at Monsignor
Bonner High School in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania… Spent Valentine’s Day 2006 visiting
with patients at a carnival at All-Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg… Was an all-city, allCatholic conference and all-county selection as a senior at Monsignor Bonner (Drexel Hill,
Pennsylvania) after recording 47 receptions for 693 yards… Also lettered three years in
basketball… Born Anthony Becht on August 8, 1977 in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.
Becht’s Career Statistics
Team
N.Y. Jets N.Y. Jets
N.Y. Jets
N.Y. Jets
N.Y. Jets
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
GP
14
16
16
16
16
16
16
110
GS
10
16
16
16
16
16
16
106
RECEIVING
No
16
36
28
40
13
16
18
167
Year
Team
2001
N.Y. Jets
2002
N.Y. Jets
2004
N.Y. Jets
2005
Tampa Bay
Postseason
GP
1
2
2
1
6
GS
1
2
2
1
6
RECEIVING
No
0
4
3
3
10
Year
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
NFL Totals
Yds
144
321
243
356
100
112
115
1,391
Avg
9.0
8.9
8.7
8.9
7.7
7.0
6.4
8.3
Lg
30
24
21
29
19
17
13
30
TD
2
5
5
4
1
0
1
18
Avg
-
5.5
9.3
8.7
7.6
Lg
-
8
13t
14
14
TD
0
0
1
0
1
PLAYOFFS
ADDITIONAL STATS
Two kickoff returns for 0 yards in 2000; Eight special
teams tackles
Fumbles-lost — 0-0 in 2000, 0-0 in 2001, 0-0 in ‘01
playoffs, 0-0 in 2002, 0-0 in ‘02 playoffs, 1-0 in 2003, 0-0
in 2004, 0-0 in ‘04 playoffs, 0-0 in 2005, 0-0 in ‘05 playoffs,
1-0 in 2006
92 | Veterans
Yds
0
22
28
26
76
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Receptions: 6 at Miami, 12/28/03 (with N.Y. Jets)
Receiving Yards: 63 vs. Jacksonville, 11/23/03 (with N.Y.
Jets)
Receiving TDs: 2, twice, vs. St. Louis, 10/21/01 (with N.Y.
Jets) and vs. Buffalo, 10/12/03 (with N.Y. Jets)
Pro: Young, talented defensive end with a tremendous work ethic… Helped provide
depth on Buccaneers’ defensive line during his first season in the NFL, appearing in three
games and totaling two tackles… Signed to Tampa Bay’s active roster on November 13,
2006… Signed to Buccaneers’ practice squad on September 4, 2006… Released by the
Buccaneers on September 2, 2006… Originally entered the league as a seventh-round
(241st overall) pick by the Buccaneers in the 2006 NFL Draft.
2006: Appeared in three contests (vs. Washington, at Dallas and vs. Seattle)… Spent Weeks
1-8 on the Buccaneers practice squad... Finished the season with two tackles… Dressed
but did not play at Carolina (11/13)… Saw first career action vs. Washington (11/19)…
Recorded first career tackle at Dallas (11/23)… Had one tackle vs. Seattle (12/31).
College: Helped Clemson rank 11th in nation in scoring defense in 2005... Named to the
All-State team by the Orangeburg Touchdown Club... Played in 46 career games with 22
starts... Went over the 1,000-mark in career plays in win over No. 19 South Carolina...
Starter for last two years, starting 22 of the last 23 games... Registered at least one tackle
for loss in 16 of his last 21 games... Finished with 27.5 career tackles for loss, including 14
as a junior and 12.5 in 2005... Finished with four career forced fumbles and one recovered
fumble… Has the ability to get out in pass coverage if necessary, totaling three career
interceptions... Had an interception against N.C. State on the last play of the game at the
goal line to preserve a six-point victory in 2004… Had an interception of a tipped pass on
South Carolina’s final play to preserve a win in 2005… Also had an interception at Duke in
2004… Majored in human resource development.
Personal: Ranked as one of the top 16 defensive ends in the country by USAToday.com…
Considered an All-American by that service and one of the top 125 players in the nation
regardless of position... Ranked as the 31st best defensive end in the nation by Rivals100.
com; a three-star player by that internet site... Ranked as the No. 3 player in South Carolina
by SuperPrep... Ranked as the No. 8 player in South Carolina by Mickey Plyler... Totaled 89
tackles, 15 quarterback pressures, 14 sacks, and 22 tackles for loss in his senior season…
Played in the North-South All-Star game... Ranked as the 25th-best defensive lineman in
the country by SuperPrep... Ranked as the No. 73 player in the Mid-Atlantic Region by Tom
Lemming... A Border Wars top-100 player in the South... A Max Emfinger All-American…
Ranked as a grade-7 player by Emfinger, his highest rating... Ranked as the 20th-best
defensive end prospect in the nation by The Sporting News... All-state selection by The
High School Sports Report... Played his high school football for Jimmy Neal at Camden
High... Born Charles Dantonja Bennett on April 4, 1983 in Camden, South Carolina.
BENNETT’s Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2006
Tampa Bay 3
0
2
2
0
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
Veterans | 93
Pro: Remarkably consistent punter who is considered one of the NFL’s finest athletes at his position… Possesses one of the NFL’s strongest legs and is equally adept at displaying the necessary
accuracy to pin opponents deep inside their own territory… Has been a steady performer over
the past seven years despite having his 1999 rookie campaign dashed by a testicular cancer
diagnosis late in training camp… Selected to first Pro Bowl in 2005… Appeared in 112 career
regular season games and six postseason contests… Totaled 573 career punts for 24,277 yards
(42.3 avg.) with a long of 68… Has placed 152 punts inside the 20-yard line in his career… For
the postseason, punted 24 times for 956 yards (39.8 avg) with nine punts landing inside the
opponents’ 20-yard line… 43.8-yard average as a Buccaneer is tops in team history… His 45.6yard gross average in 2005 was the best single-season performance in team history… Signed
by the Buccaneers as a free agent on March 13, 2004… Spent his first four professional seasons
(2000-2003) with the Green Bay Packers as one of the NFC’s top punters despite often kicking in
the NFL’s toughest weather conditions… Showed marked improvement in only second season in
league, raising his gross average by a full four yards, jumping from a 38.5-yard average in 2000
to the 42.5-yard mark in 2001… Selected by the Packers in the fourth round (133rd overall) of
the 1999 NFL Draft.
2006: Played in all 16 contests for the seventh consecutive season, extending his consecutive
games played streak to 112… Punted 93 times for 4,045 yards for a 43.5 yard average, the second best single-season performance in his career… His 36.8 net average ranks tied for fourth in
team history…Had a long punt of 59 yards, and placed 20 kicks inside the 20-yard line… Punted
eight times for 372 yards (46.5 avg.) with a long of 59 in season opener vs. Baltimore (9/10)…
Placed three punts inside the 20-yard line against the Ravens… Had four punts for 170 yards (42.5
avg.), with a long of 53, at Atlanta (9/17)… Placed one punt inside the 20-yard line against the
Falcons… Recorded six punts for 273 yards (45.5 avg.) with a long of 52 against Carolina (9/24)…
Appeared in his 100th career game and punted six times for 233 yards (38.8 avg.) with a long of
55 at New Orleans (10/8)… Placed four punts inside the Saints’ 20-yard line… Had seven punts
for 328 yards (46.9 avg.) with a long of 57 and one punt inside the 20-yard line vs. Cincinnati
(10/15)… Punted six times for 241 yards (40.2 avg.) with a long of 52 and one punt inside the
20-yard line against Philadelphia (10/22)… Had nine punts for 357 yards (39.7 avg.) with a long of
57 and two punts placed inside the 20-yard line at N.Y. Giants (10/29)… Finished with eight punts
for 327 yards (40.9 avg.) with a long of 48 and one punt placed inside the 20-yard line vs. New
Orleans (11/5)… Punted six times for 259 yards (43.2 avg.) with a long of 57 and two punts placed
inside the 20-yard line at Carolina (11/13)… Punted three times for 146 yards (48.7 avg.) with a
long of 51 and one punt placed inside the 20-yard line vs. Washington (11/19)… Net average of
49.3 against the Redskins was a career-best… Had four punts for 178 yards (44.5 avg.) with a long
of 49 at Dallas (11/23)… Punted six times for 229 yards (38.2 avg.) with a long of 52 and one punt
placed inside the 20-yard line at Pittsburgh (12/3)… Totaled four punts for 182 yards (45.5 avg.)
with a long of 49 and one punt placed inside the 20 vs. Atlanta (12/10)… Punted a career-high 11
times for a career-high 490 yards (44.5 avg.) with a long of 52 and one punt placed inside the 20
at Chicago (12/17)… The 11 punts also tied the Buccaneers single-game record for most punts in
a game… Also had one special teams tackle against the Bears… Punted twice for 83 yards (41.5
avg.) with one punt inside the 20 at Cleveland (12/24)… Totaled three punts for 157 yards (52.3
avg.) with a long of 58 vs. Seattle (12/31)… His 52.3-yard average was his highest single-game
gross average as a Buccaneer and the third highest of his career.
94 | Veterans
2005: Named to his first Pro Bowl… Selected as the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month in
November, and earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors in Week 3 at Green Bay
(9/25) and Week 6 vs. Miami (10/16)… His 45.6-yard gross average and 37.5-yard net average
were both career bests… His 45.6-yard gross average was the best single-season performance
in team history and ranked third in NFL… His 37.5-yard net average was the second-best singleseason performance in team history, and ranked third in the NFC… Placed 24 punts inside the
20-yard line, which ranked fifth in the NFC and was the second highest total of his career… Had
at least one punt of 50 or more yards in 16 of 17 games… Punted 90 times for 4,101 yards (45.6
avg.) and placed 24 kicks inside the 20-yard line… Played in all 16 contests for the sixth consecutive season… Also played in playoff game vs. Washington… Punted six times for 281 yards
(46.8 avg.) with a long of 52 in season opener at Minnesota (9/11)… Placed one punt inside
the Vikings 20-yard line… Punted six times for 277 yards (46.2 avg.) with a long of 61 against
Buffalo (9/18)… Had one punt inside the 20-yard line, which was downed at the one-yard line
and led to a Buccaneers’ safety… Named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after punting six times for 284 yards (47.3 avg.) with a long of 57 at Green Bay (9/25)… Placed one punt
inside the Packers 20-yard line… Had three punts for 140 yards (46.7 avg.) with a long of 50 vs.
Detroit (10/2)… Placed one punt inside the Lions 20-yard line… Totaled five punts for 259 yards
(51.8 avg.) with a long of 59 at N.Y. Jets (10/9)… The 51.8 avg. was the third-best single-game
gross average in team history… Had a season-high seven punts for 342 yards (48.9 avg.) with a
long of 61 against Miami (10/16) and was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his
performance… Placed a career-high five punts inside the Dolphins 20-yard line, including three
in the fourth quarter… Punted eight times for 349 yards (43.6 avg.) with a long of 55 yards at San
Francisco (10/30)… Placed one punt inside the 20-yard line against the 49ers… Had six punts for
289 yards (48.2 avg.) with a long of 59 and one punt placed inside the 20-yard line vs. Carolina
(11/6)… Had three punts for 150 yards (50.0 avg.) with a long of 59 at Atlanta (11/20)… Also
placed two punts inside the Falcons 20-yard line… Totaled seven punts for 292 yards (41.7 avg.)
with a long of 52 and two punts placed inside the 20-yard line vs. Chicago (11/27)… Totaled six
punts for 259 yards (43.2 avg.) with a long of 58 and two punts placed inside the 20-yard line at
Carolina (12/11)… Punted five times for 216 yards (43.2 avg.) with a long of 54 and three punts
placed inside the 20-yard line vs. Atlanta (12/24)… Had six punts for 276 yards (46.0 avg.) with
a long of 53 and one punt placed inside the 20-yard line in the regular season finale vs. New
Orleans (1/1)… Had five punts for 197 yards (39.4 avg.) with a long of 45, including three punts
inside the 20-yard line, in NFC Wild Card game vs. Washington (1/7).
2004: Played in all 16 games for the fifth consecutive season, extending his consecutive games
played streak to 80, in his first season in Tampa Bay… Had 82 punts for 3,472 yards (42.3 avg.)
and placed 23 punts inside the 20-yard line… Ranked eighth in the NFC with a 42.3 gross average per punt and sixth in the conference with a 36.8 net average per punt… His 23 punts inside
the 20-yard line was the third highest total of his career and tied for fifth-most in team history…
His 36.8 net punting average ranked third-best in team history and his 42.3 gross punting average ranked seventh best in team annals… Set or tied several single-game career highs in 2004,
including punts placed inside the 20 (four vs. Denver, 10/3), net punting average (44.3 avg. at
St. Louis, 10/18) and gross punting yards (371 yards vs. Seattle, 9/19)… Made Buccaneer debut
at Washington (9/12), punting a career-high nine times for 361 yards (40.1 avg.) with a long of
54… Placed three punts inside the 20 against the Redskins… Punted eight times for a careerhigh 371 yards (46.4 avg.), with a long of 55 against Seattle (9/19)… Pinned two punts inside
the 20… Totaled four punts for 176 yards (44.0 avg.) with a long of 54 at Oakland (9/26)…
Placed one punt inside the 20 against the Raiders… Punted five times for 221 yards (44.2 avg.)
with a long of 50 vs. Denver (10/3)… Tied a career high with four punts inside the 20 against
the Broncos… Punted three times for 139 yards (46.3 avg.), with a long of 48 at New Orleans
(10/10)… Recorded four punts for 172 yards (43.0 avg.) with a long of 58 and one punt placed
inside the 20 at St. Louis (10/18)… Had five punts for 217 yards (43.4 avg.) with a long of 49
against Chicago (10/24)… Punted four times for 179 yards (44.8 avg.) with a long of 57 against
Kansas City (11/7)… Placed one punt inside the 20 against the Chiefs… Punted seven times for
275 yards (39.3 avg.) with a long of 52 at Atlanta (11/14)… Placed one punt inside the Falcons
20-yard line… Had five punts for 243 yards (48.6 avg.) with a season long of 60 vs. San Francisco
(11/21)… Placed three punts inside the 49ers 20-yard line… Punted twice for 93 yards (46.5
avg.) with a long of 49 at Carolina (11/28)… Had one punt inside the 20 against the Panthers…
Had five punts for 212 yards (42.4 avg.) with a long of 57 vs. Atlanta (12/5)… Placed one punt
inside the Falcons 20… Posted five punts for 202 yards (40.4 avg.) with a long of 51 at San
Diego (12/12)… Placed one punt inside the Chargers 20… Punted five times for 186 yards (37.2
avg.) with a long of 48 against New Orleans (12/19)… Placed one punt inside the 20 against the
Saints… Punted three times for 132 yards (44.0 avg.) with a long of 45 against Carolina (12/26),
placing one punt inside the 20… Also had first career regular season punt blocked against the
Veterans | 95
Panthers… Punted eight times for 293 yards (36.6 avg.) with a long of 51 at Arizona (1/2)…
Pinned two punts inside the Cardinals’ 20-yard line and added one special teams tackle.
2003: Appeared in all 16 games with the Packers for the fourth consecutive season, extending
his consecutive games played streak to 64… Also saw action in both playoff contests… Ranked
sixth among NFC punters in both gross (41.7) and net average (35.1)… Punted 69 times for
2,875 (41.7 avg.) yards with a long of 60 yards… Placed 16 punts inside the 20-yard line… Broke
David Beverly’s 23-year-old Packers team record for most consecutive punts without a block
(274, set from 1977-80) by extending his own streak of unblocked punts to 308… Made one
special teams tackle… Punted 12 times for 485 yards (40.4-yard average), placing two inside the
20 and a long of 55 yards, during the postseason… Had four punts inside the 20, including a
pair that landed inside the five-yard line, in 20-13 triumph at Tampa Bay (11/16) while equaling
his season highs in both punts (seven) and net average (40.3 yards)… Also punted seven times
vs. Detroit (9/14), against Philadelphia (11/10) and in playoff contest with the Eagles (1/11)…
Enjoyed successful afternoon at Arizona (9/21), establishing his season-best 40.3-yard net average, posting a 43.3-yard gross average and dropping three of his four punts inside the 20…
Had a three-game stretch, starting with the Kansas City contest (10/12) where his gross averages
were 44.8, 45.8 and 46.5 yards, respectively… Also launched a season-long 60-yard punt against
the Chiefs… Put up a season-high 47.8-yard gross average, while booting another 60-yarder, at
San Diego (12/14)… Punted seven times for a 41.9-yard average in Divisional playoff contest at
Philadelphia (1/11), including a pair downed inside the 20.
2002: Saw action in all 16 games and one playoff contest with Green Bay… Punted 79 times
for 3,296 yards (41.7 avg.)… Finished in the top half of NFC punters in both net average (35.7
yards; seventh) and punts inside the 20-yard line (a career-high 26; fifth)… Kept his touchbacks
to only six among 79 punts and never had more than a single touchback in any one game…
Finished 10th in the conference in gross average (41.7; 79 for 3,296 yards)… Averaged a careerbest 53.3 yards per punt (min. four att.) – also tying him with Boyd Dowler for the fourth-best,
single-game performance in Packers history – at New Orleans (9/15), when he punted four times
for 213 yards with two placed inside the 20… Finished the season with 79 punts for 3,296 yards
(41.7 avg.) with a career-best 26 punts inside the 20-yard line… Also enjoyed a season-high
42.3-yard net average and a season-long 57-yard punt against the Saints… Maintained a 48.7yard average over seven punts at Tampa Bay (11/24) with a long of only 54 yards; ended Bucs
contest with a 42.1 net average… Established a career high with four punts placed inside the
20-yard line in victory over Carolina (9/29) while averaging 42.6 yards on a season-high eight
punts… Dropped three inside the 20 in three other games – at Detroit (9/22), vs. Miami (11/4)
and against Buffalo (12/22); did so in win over the Bills in spite of swirling winds that gusted up to
30 miles per hour… Forced four fair catches in game at Minnesota (11/17)… Punted five times
for a 46.0-yard average at Chicago (10/7), he later turned in similarly good day in rematch with
the Bears (12/1), posting a 44.7-yard average in spite of frigid conditions… Had a workmanlike
day in rainy conditions at New England (10/13) with six punts for a 43.0-yard average… Incurred
the first blocked punt of his NFL career in playoff contest with Atlanta (1/4), when the Falcons’ LB
Mark Simoneau stormed up the middle to smother the ball midway through the first quarter.
2001: Played in all 16 regular season games and two playoff contests with Green Bay… Posted
the second-best net average (36.5 yards) in team history… Punted 82 times for 3,485 yards
(42.5 avg.), dropping 21 inside the 20-yard line with 10 touchbacks… His 36.5-yard net average
ranked third among NFC punters… Upped his gross average by a full four yards over the previous season (to 42.5, after averaging 38.5 yards in 2000) to place seventh in the conference on
that basis… Was named NFL Special Teams Player of the Week after punting three times for
gross and net averages of 47.7 yards, including two inside the 20, in NFC Wild Card playoff win
over San Francisco (1/13)… His 47.7 net average represented a career best and was the highest
in a playoff game (min. 3 punts) since the Steelers’ P Craig Colquitt had a 48.3-yard net average
vs. Houston in the 1979 postseason… Subsequently averaged 43.7 yards on three punts (two
inside the 20-yard line) in Divisional playoff game at St. Louis (1/20)… Finished a strong postseason with six punts for 274 yards – a 45.7-yard gross average – and a net average of 44.7 yards
with four inside the 20 and no touchbacks… Averaged a season-high 47.8 yards on four punts
vs. Atlanta (Nov. 18), including a 43.3-yard net and two inside the 20… Had his initial punt of
60 or more yards in the NFL at Detroit on Thanksgiving Day (11/22) while averaging 46.5 yards
on four kicks… Subsequently nailed a career-best 68-yarder among seven punts for a 46.9-yard
average in Monday Night win at Jacksonville (12/3)… Dropped punts at the Buccaneers’ oneand five-yard lines at Tampa Bay (10/7) in posting a regular-season career best net average of
44.0 yards… In 21-20 rematch victory over the Bucs (11/4), he averaged 46.3 yards on four
fourth-quarter punts.
96 | Veterans
2000: Won Green Bay’s punting job left open when P Louie Aguiar was not re-signed, beating
out veteran P Tom Hutton with a steady training camp performance… Played in all 16 games in
his first NFL season on the field… Punted 78 times for 3,003 yards (38.5 avg.)… Posted a 34.6yard net average while dropping 22 of his 78 punts inside the 20… Managed to maintain gross
and net averages of 41.5 and 41.1 yards, respectively, in the finale against Tampa Bay (11/24)
despite punting a season-high eight times in 15-degree temperatures… Hit a season-long 53yard punt a week earlier in win at Minnesota (12/17)… Made a strong statement early in the year
with a stellar performance at Buffalo (9/10), punting seven times for a 42.7-yard average, including a season-best 42.3-yard net and three placed inside the 20… Also had three punts inside the
20-yard line in three other games – at Tampa Bay (11/12), at Chicago (12/3) and in the rematch
with the Buccaneers (12/24)… Turned in a season-high 44.8-yard average (four-punt min.) vs.
Philadelphia (9/17)… Pinned the Colts at their own six-yard line, leading to an early Green Bay
safety and the eventual winning margin, in 26-24 win over Indianapolis (11/19).
1999: Missed his entire rookie season after being diagnosed with testicular cancer September 1
on the eve of the team’s final preseason game… Was placed on the reserve/non-football illness
list on September 5… Having discovered the cancer in its early stages, he began a whirlwind
period in his life with an initial surgery on September 1 to remove a tumor… Subsequently
underwent a second surgery later that month, in Portland, to remove roughly 25 cancerous
lymph nodes and then went through two cycles of intensive chemotherapy, which were completed in late November of 1999… Eventually rehabilitated in Eugene, Oregon, as he worked
to regain the nearly 40 pounds he had lost during the treatment process… Was supported
throughout his treatment by Tour de France champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, who had used
the same surgeon and chemotherapist in his own successful battle with testicular cancer…
Armstrong’s support, often in the form of exchanged emails, typically included counsel on what
to expect as the treatment process unfolded… Also received emotional and monetary support
from his Packers teammates throughout his ordeal… When it was found that he was ineligible
for the NFLPA insurance program – Bidwell’s cancer was discovered 11 days prior to the first
regular season game, when his insurance coverage would have begun – his teammates, particularly kicker Ryan Longwell, worked to raise nearly $100,000 to help defray his anticipated
medical expenses, including roughly $70,000 in personal cash contributions… A team-wide golf
tournament to help cover his costs also was held on the players’ off day… Before his cancer
diagnosis, he had punted 11 times for 440 yards (40.0 avg.), with a long of 58, in three preseason
games… Averaged 43.6 yards on six punts in the team’s third preseason contest at New Orleans
(8/28)… Was the second of two fourth-round draft choices (133rd overall and the first punter) by
Green Bay in 1999, and was selected with a free agency compensatory pick.
College: Became Oregon’s punter midway through the first game of his redshirt freshman
season when the incumbent suffered what turned out to be a career-ending injury… Lettered
the next four years (1995-98) for the Ducks… Had redshirted in 1994, playing as much tight
end as punter for the scout team… Was concentrating on his duties as a backup wide receiver
when punting opportunity presented itself early in ’95 campaign… Punted 229 times for 9,350
yards – a 40.8-yard average, third-best in school history with a long of 69… Placed 61 punts
inside the 20 and registered a 38.1-yard net average over his collegiate career… Enjoyed a true
breakout season in 1998 as a fifth-year senior, when he averaged 46.0 yards per punt to shatter
the school’s single-season record (previously 43.7) and finished second in the nation in gross
average… Also posted a remarkable 41.8-yard net average and was a second-team All-America
selection by the Associated Press and Football News… Additionally earned first-team All-PAC10 Conference recognition for the first time and won the ‘Gordon Wilson Award’ as the Ducks’
special teams player of the year… Had the lone punt blocked of his collegiate career in 1998
Stanford game, snapping a string of 189 punts without a block… Was thrust into role as the
school’s punter when incumbent Matt Belden tore a thigh muscle in opening game at University
of Utah; luckily he had been on trip as a member of traveling squad in his then-role as a backup
wide receiver… Was one-of-three on field goal attempts and one-of-one on PAT tries while filling in for Belden vs. Utes on an emergency basis… Hit 42-yard field goal midway through third
quarter to tie game at 20 in eventual 27-20 victory over Utah, later adding a successful extra
point on Ducks’ go-ahead touchdown… Had opportunity to play in the 1996 Cotton Bowl, the
1997 Las Vegas Bowl and the 1998 Aloha Bowl… Holds a B.A. degree in English.
Personal: Married to Bethany, and the couple has two sons, Brady John and Aaron Robert…
Released his autobiography, “When It’s Fourth and Long,” this past summer... Has a Web Site,
www.joshbidwell.com... Was voted the 2000 ‘Ed Block Courage Award recipient’ by his Packers
teammates for his “commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage” in returning
to the field after testicular cancer… Remains interested in promoting testicular cancer awareness with the message being early discovery through self diagnosis… In conjunction with the
Children’s Cancer Center, created a survivors’ group consisting of young children that have
Veterans | 97
survived cancer… In November 2006, hosted several members of the Cancer Survivors Group
at the Buccaneers’ new training facility… Visited patients at Celebration Health, Florida Hospital
on opening day of training camp in 2005… Also visited with cadets at Falkenburg Academy, a
juvenile justice facility, to talk about faith and the importance of getting their lives back on track
in 2005… Involved with the Children’s Cancer Center in Tampa… During the Packers 2002 and
2003 training camps, tested as one of the strongest members of the team as he bench pressed
225 pounds an astonishing 25 times besting all other players other than linemen and linebackers
who lift 315 pounds… Was an all-state pick by The Oregonian as both a placekicker (second
team) and punter (third team) his senior season at Douglas (Winston, OR) High School when he
averaged 45.6 yards per punt despite missing the final three games due to an appendectomy…
Also earned all-conference honors three times as a kicking specialist… Served as the school’s
option quarterback his junior and senior years, he also had started at free safety early in his prep
career – a role he relinquished upon becoming the signal caller… Won four letters in football,
three in baseball and two for the basketball team, which he led in scoring as a senior… Was a
catcher on the school’s state championship baseball team his sophomore year… Plans to begin
work on a master’s degree in education in the near future… On the heels of his own successful
battle with testicular cancer, for the past six years has taught high school health classes throughout the state of Oregon in an effort to raise awareness about the disease… Also has delivered
a similar message to church and youth groups in both Wisconsin and Oregon since his 1999
diagnosis… Was active with other charitable efforts throughout Wisconsin, personally calling
an Algoma, Wisconsin student with cancer and gotten involved with the local Make-A-Wish
program… Also helped wrap Christmas presents for the less-privileged in Milwaukee and read
to schoolchildren in Green Lake… Wife, Bethany, a one-time all-league basketball and softball
player at Eugene’s Churchill High School, was also a pitcher for the University of Oregon softball
team in 1998-1999… Bethany also holds a Spanish degree from Oregon and worked in the past
as a part-time translator at a middle school near the couple’s off-season home… She is also
actively involved in the charitable efforts of the Buccaneers Women’s Organization… Josh is
an avid golfer; he also enjoys playing basketball, fishing, and anything else that gets him out of
the house… Resides in Eugene, Oregon during the offseason… Born Joshua John Bidwell on
March 13, 1976 in Winston, Oregon.
Bidwell’s Career Statistics
Year
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
PUNTING
Team
Green Bay Green Bay
Green Bay
Green Bay
Green Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
NFL totals G
0
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
112
Yds
0
3,003
3,485
3,296
2,875
3,472
4,101
4,045
Avg
-
38.5
42.5
41.7
41.7
42.3
45.6
43.5
Opp
Ret
0
27
34
41
32
31
49
81
Yds
0
205
288
357
316
279
466
487
Net
0
34.6
36.5
35.7
35.1
36.8
37.5
36.8
TB In 20 LG Blk
0
0
-
0
5
22
53
0
10
21
68
0
6
26
57
0
7
16
60
0
7
23
60
1
13
24
61
0
7
20
59
0
573 24,277
42.3
295 2,398
36.2
55 152
68
No
0
78
82
79
69
82
90
93
PLAYOFFS
Year
2001
2002
2003
2005
PUNTING
Team
Green Bay
Green Bay
Green Bay
Tampa Bay
Postseason
1
G
2
1
2
1
No
6
1
12
5
Yds
274
0
485
197
Avg
45.6
-
40.4
39.4
Opp
Ret
1
0
5
3
Yds
6
0
50
19
Net
44.7
0.0
31.2
35.6
TB In 20
0
4
0
0
3
2
0
3
LG Blk
57
0
-
1
55
0
45
0
6
24
956
39.8
9
75
32.8
3
57
9
1
ADDITIONAL STATS
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Fumbles-lost — 0-0 in 1999, 1-0 in 2000, 0-0 in 2001, 0-0
in 2002, 0-0 in 2003, 1-0 in 2004, 0-0 in 2005
Special Teams Tackles: 1 in 2001, 2003 and 2004
Punts: 11, at Chicago, 12/17/06
Gross Yards: 371, vs. Seattle, 9/19/04
Gross Average (min. 4 att): 53.3, at New Orleans, 9/15/02
Touchbacks: 2, six times, last time at New Orleans, 12/4/05
Net Average (min. 4 att): 44.3, at St. Louis, 10/18/04
Punts Inside the 20: 5, vs. Miami, 10/16/05
Longest Punt: 68, at Jacksonville, 12/3/01
98 | Veterans
Pro: Accomplished pass receiver who has the speed to stretch defenses… Has played in
75 games with 61 starts… Career numbers include 315 receptions for 4,699 yards and 25
touchdowns… Also rushed 18 times for 91 yards and returned seven punts for 62 yards
(8.9 avg.)… Originally entered the league as a first-round draft choice (eighth overall) of
the Arizona Cardinals in the 1999 Draft… Signed with San Diego as an unrestricted free
agent on March 7, 2003… Was traded to Miami on March 18, 2004 in exchange for CB
Jamar Fletcher and a sixth-round draft choice in 2005… Was released by the Dolphins on
March 7, 2005 and then re-signed on May 18, 2005… Signed by the Buccaneers as a free
agent on May 24, 2006… Released by the Buccaneers on September 9, 2006… Signed
by the Buccaneers on February 2, 2007.
2006: Attended training camp with the Buccaneers before being released on September
9.
2005: Played in five games for the Dolphins before being placed on injured reserve
(knee) on November 8… Finished the season with four catches for 80 yards… Opened
the season vs. Denver (9/11) with one catch for eight yards… Caught two passes for 18
yards at N.Y. Jets (9/18)… Caught one pass for a season-long 54 yards at New Orleans
(10/30).
2004: Sustained a season-ending knee injury during a training camp practice with the
Texans in Houston on August 6… Underwent surgery on August 9, and was placed on
injured reserve on August 31.
2003: Started all 14 games in which he played with the Chargers… Ranked second on the
team with 70 receptions for a team-leading 880 receiving yards and seven touchdowns…
Added 18 rushing yards on three attempts… Caught at least one pass in all 14 games
he was active… Was inactive vs. Denver (9/14) because of a bruised heel… Served a
club suspension for contest at Oakland (9/28)… Turned in his most productive receiving
game of his career at Jacksonville (10/5) when he caught 14 passes for 181 yards and two
touchdowns… Scores came on catches of 46 and 13 yards, both from QB Drew Brees,
marking his first two touchdown catches as a Charger... Reception total in that game is
tied with Kellen Winslow for the second-most in Chargers history... Had six catches for
103 yards and one touchdown in the first half of that game... Recorded nine receptions
for 139 yards and two touchdowns vs. Cincinnati (11/23), including scoring receptions of
37 and 26 yards, both from QB Doug Flutie.
2002: Started all eight games he was active for with Arizona… Was inactive for one
game and spent each of the last seven contests of the year on injured reserve with a
knee injury… Caught 32 passes for 512 yards and one touchdown, including at least one
reception in all eight contests… Also rushed for 29 yards on two attempts… Had seven
receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown in the season opener at Washington (9/8)…
Caught six passes for 110 yards and drew a key pass interference penalty in overtime
which led to the game-winning field goal, in the Cardinals’ 9-6 victory vs. Dallas (10/20)…
Had a 22-yard run at San Francisco (10/27)… Was inactive vs. Seattle (11/10) with a knee
injury… Was placed on injured reserve on November 13.
Veterans | 99
2001: Started all 16 games with Arizona… Put together the most productive season of
his career as he amassed 98 receptions for 1,598 yards and eight touchdowns… Also
rushed five times for 35 yards… Led the NFL in receiving yards, ranked third in the NFC
and sixth in the league in receptions… Yardage total marked a new Cardinals singleseason record while his reception total is fourth-best… Was voted to the first Pro Bowl
of his career… At 23 years and four months, became the second-youngest receiver in
NFL history to record 1,500-plus receiving yards (Rams’ Isaac Bruce with 1,781 yards at
23 years, two months in 1995)… Became the sixth, and youngest, Cardinal to record
consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons… Reached the 1,000-yard plateau in just 10
games, tying Roy Green (1984) for the fastest to attain that mark in club history… Also
led the NFL with 72 first down receptions… Of his 98 catches on the year, 14 went for
25 yards or longer… Posted a season-high 145 yards on eight catches in opener vs.
Denver (9/23)… Hauled in seven passes for 131 yards and one touchdown vs. Kansas City
(10/21)… Tied a team record, also held by Rob Moore (1997), with his fourth consecutive
100-yard receiving contest, vs. N.Y. Giants (11/11), when he tied a season and career-high
with nine receptions, totaling 137 yards and one touchdown… Caught five passes for
80 yards and two touchdowns vs. Detroit (11/18)… Tallied six receptions for 121 yards
and one touchdown at San Diego (11/25)… Had a key performance in 34-31 overtime
victory at Oakland (12/2) when he caught six passes for 106 yards, including a 50-yard
scoring catch… Had six catches for 132 yards vs. Washington (12/9)… Amassed 127 yards
and two touchdowns on seven receptions at Carolina (12/30), his ninth 100-yard receiving game of the season, setting a new Cardinals single-season record… Touchdowns
included a season-long 61-yard reception.
2000: Started all 16 contests for Arizona… Ranked second on the team with 71 passes
for a team-best 1,156 yards and seven touchdowns… His 1,156 receiving yards also
ranked eighth in the NFC and 16th in the NFL… Accounted for seven of the Cardinals’
10-longest plays from scrimmage on the season… Tallied 11 receptions of 25 yards or
longer… Had at least one catch in all 16 games… Opened the season with consecutive
100-yard receiving efforts, just the third player in Cardinals history to achieve this feat,
joining Woodley Lewis (1959) and J.T. Smith (1989)… This included nine catches for 128
yards and two touchdowns at N.Y. Giants (9/3) and six receptions for 102 yards vs. Dallas
(9/10)… Scoring catches in the Giants contest were from nine and 25 yards out, both
from QB Jake Plummer within the final 1:55 of the game… His 63-yard catch in the fourth
quarter of the Cowboys game helped set up a Plummer to WR Frank Sanders touchdown
pass in the Cards’ 32-31 comeback win… Accounted for six receptions for 123 yards,
including a career-long 70-yard scoring catch from Plummer vs. Philadelphia (10/15)…
Amassed a career-best 184 receiving yards on nine receptions and two touchdowns at
Cincinnati (12/3)… That performance put him over the 1,000-yard receiving plateau for
the season… Touchdown catches were from 38 and 15 yards out, both from Plummer.
1999: Started seven of the 16 games in which he played during his rookie season with
Arizona… Caught 40 passes for 473 yards and two touchdowns… Also rushed five times
for no yards and returned seven punts for an 8.9-yard average… Reception and yardage
figures both ranked third on the club… Was part of the starting lineup in his NFL debut,
in opener at Philadelphia (9/12)… Totaled four receptions for 21 yards in the game…
Turned in the best performance of his rookie season vs. N.Y. Giants (10/10), catching
eight passes for 101 yards and a touchdown in helping the Cards to a 14-3 victory.
College: Finished his three-year career at Ohio State (1996-98) having established 11
school records… Caught 191 passes for 2,855 yards and 34 touchdowns during that
time… Still owns Buckeye career marks for receptions and receiving touchdowns, and is
second in receiving yards… Was a First-Team All-America and All-Big 10 selection as a
junior when he set school single-season standards with 85 receptions for 1,435 yards…
Had 13 receiving touchdowns that year… Fielded 19 punts for a 14.2-yard average
and one touchdown… Caught 10 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns against
Michigan… Was a First-Team All-Big 10 choice as a sophomore when he snared a conference-best 73 passes for 973 yards and 14 touchdowns… Also returned 47 punts for
an 8.3-yard average… Played in every game as a true freshman, including starts in the
final seven, and responded with 33 receptions for 450 yards and seven touchdowns…
Returned 32 punts for a 9.7-yard average and one score… In Rose Bowl win over Arizona
State, caught four passes for 20 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including a five-yard
grab for the game-winner with 19 seconds remaining in the Buckeyes’ 20-17 decision…
Majored in sociology.
100 | Veterans
Personal: Has a daughter, Alaia… Was the Greater Houston Player of the Year as a senior
at Humble (Texas) High School, where he played both wide receiver and free safety…
Was a First-Team All-State pick at safety and Second-Team choice as a receiver… Was
a Second-Team all-state selection in basketball as he helped his team to the state’s
Final Four as a senior… Also lettered in track and won the district title in the 300-meter
intermediate hurdles… Enjoys working out and traveling… Is interested in anatomy and
physiology, and has read several books authored by Frank Netter, one of the world’s top
authorities on human anatomy… Hopes to have a career as an athletic trainer following his playing days… Father, Byron, has been an NFL line judge since 1995… Mother,
Carolyn, is a retired elementary school teacher… Older brother, Byron Jr., played football at Sam Houston State and currently is a Dallas policeman where he specializes in
the crime unit that investigates drug complaints in high-crime areas… Sister, Alicia, is a
Houston attorney who helped negotiate David’s first NFL contract… Born David Boston
on August 19, 1978 in Humble, Texas.
boston’s Career Statistics
RECEIVING RUSHING
Year Team
GP GS
No
Yds
Avg
Lg
TD
Att Yds
1999
Arizona
16
7
40
473
11.8
43
2
5
0
2000
Arizona
16
16
71
1,156
16.3
70t
7
3
9
2001
Arizona
16
16
98
1,598
16.3
61
8
5
35
2002
Arizona
8
8
32
512
16.0
34
1
2
29
2003
San Diego 14
14
70
880
12.6
46t
7
3
18
2004
Miami
Injured Reserve
2005
Miami
5
0
4
80
20.0
54
0
0
0
2006
Did not play
NFL totals
75
61
315
4,699
14.9
70t
25
18
91
ADDITIONAL STATS
Fumbles-lost — 2-1 in 1999, 2-1 in 2000, 1-1 in 2001,
0-0 in 2002, 2-2 in 2003, 0-0 in 2004, 0-0 2005
Punt Returns: 7 for 62 yards in 1999
Avg
0.0
3.0
7.0
14.5
6.0
0.0
Lg
7
24
17
22
13
0
TD
0
0
0
0
0
5.1
24
0
0
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Receptions: 14 at Jacksonville, 10/5/03 (with San Diego)
Receiving Yards: 184 at Cincinnati, 12/3/00 (with Arizona)
Receiving TDs: 2, six times, last vs. Cincinnati, 11/23/03
(with San Diego)
TOP COMEBACK WINS OF ALL-TIME
(14 OR MORE POINTS)
Deficit
Opponent
Date
Score
17 (Trailed 23-6)
vs. Chicago
1/2/1983
W, 26-23 OT
17 (Trailed 17-0)
at Baltimore
9/9/1979
W, 29-26 OT
14 (Trailed 14-0)
at San Diego
11/17/1996
W, 25-17
14 (Trailed 14-0)
at Detroit
9/16/1984
W, 21-17
Veterans | 101
Pro: Unquestioned leader of the Buccaneers and arguably the most respected player in the
NFL… Dominating linebacker who has been the cornerstone for the league’s best defense
of the last decade… Devoted and inspirational player who demands and receives total commitment from his teammates… Leads by example, routinely making game-changing plays
and forcing opponents to game plan for him… Prototypical linebacker for Tampa-2 Defense,
displaying unique skills as a run and pass defender... Excellent open-field tackler who boasts
exceptional speed and recognition... Ultimate professional who is a steady force on the field
and in the locker room... Long considered one of NFL’s best linebackers, earned club-record
10th consecutive Pro Bowl appearance in 2006… His 10 total Pro Bowl selections are also a
team record… His 10 consecutive Pro Bowls rank him tied for second in NFL history for most
consecutive Pro Bowls by a linebacker… Has also been named as a Pro Bowl starter eight
times… Earned 2006 Pro Bowl MVP honors… Affirmed his status as one of league’s most
accomplished defenders after being honored as NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2002...
Team captain who was instrumental in leading Tampa Bay to its first Super Bowl championship following 2002 season... Undeniably the most philanthropic athlete in the Tampa Bay
community and one of the NFL’s most active off the field… Has received numerous awards
for his civic work including the 2000 Walter Payton/NFL Man of the Year award (co-recipient), the 2004 Byron “Whizzer” White Award and the 2003 Bart Starr Award… Only active
player, and just the fourth player in NFL history, to be selected to 10 consecutive Pro Bowls,
earn AP Defensive Player of the Year honors and win a Super Bowl… Along with former
teammate DT Warren Sapp, became first pair of teammates selected in the same draft class
(1995) to earn seven Pro Bowl appearances since the Buffalo Bills’ DE Bruce Smith and WR
Andre Reed (1985 draft class)... Earned All-Pro honors from the Associated Press for eight
consecutive seasons (1998-2005), garnering first-team honors in 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004 and
2005; and second-team honors in 1998, 2001 and 2003... Led defense in tackles for seven
consecutive seasons (1998-2004) and paced the club in that category in nine of the past 11
seasons... Tied for the NFL lead with 11 consecutive seasons (1996-2006) of 100 or more
tackles (also Miami LB Zach Thomas)… Ranks as the most prolific tackler in franchise history
with 1,925 stops... His 1,925 stops lead all active NFL defenders… Ranks fifth in club history
with 24 career interceptions... Has totaled six career interception returns for touchdowns
during the regular season to rank first in team history… Has scored seven regular season
touchdowns in his career, second-most in team history by a defensive player… Ranks first on
the club’s all-time games started list (189) and first on the all-time games played list (192)...
Has played in 192 consecutive games and has posted 176 straight starts, the most among
all active NFL defensive players while also leading all active Buccaneers... His 192 consecutive games played rank tied for first among active defensive players (also teammate Kevin
Carter) and tied for seventh among all active players... Has not missed a start in each of the
last 11 seasons... Named team MVP by the Tampa Sports Club (fan) in 1996, 1998, 1999
(along with Sapp) and 2002… Only linebacker in NFL history to have three interception
returns for a touchdown in a season (2002) and his four touchdowns on turnovers (2002)
are tied for second-most in a single season in NFL history... Added an interception return
for a score in Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl XXXVII victory... Has totaled 24 career interceptions,
21 forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 13.5 sacks, 125 passes defensed and 10 special
teams tackles... Started in 10 postseason contests, notching 98 career tackles, 0.5 sack, three
102 | Veterans
passes defensed, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two interceptions (including
one returned for a touchdown)... Has earned NFC Player of the Week honors five times and
Player of the Month honors twice during his career… Selected by the Buccaneers in the first
round (28th overall) of the 1995 NFL Draft.
2006: Named to his club-record 10th consecutive Pro Bowl to become only the fourth linebacker in NFL history to be selected to the Pro Bowl at least 10 times… His 10 total Pro Bowl
selections are also a team record… Started all 16 contests for the 11th consecutive season…
Led the team in tackles (150) for the ninth time in his career… Ranked tied for first on the
team with three interceptions… Tied for second on the team with five TFLs… Recorded first
touchdown of the season at Cleveland (12/24), returning an interception 21 yards for a touchdown… Reached the 100-tackle plateau for the 11th consecutive season, tying him for the
NFL lead (LB Zach Thomas – Miami)… Finished season with 150 tackles, three interceptions,
including one returned for a touchdown, and seven passes defensed… Tied for the team
lead with 13 tackles, including one TFL, in season opener vs. Baltimore (9/10)… Registered
first interception of the season at Atlanta (9/17)… Finished contest against the Falcons with
nine tackles and one pass defensed… Notched 10 tackles, including two TFLs, and one
pass defensed vs. Carolina (9/24)… Registered six tackles at New Orleans (10/8)… Tallied
six tackles vs. Cincinnati (10/15)… Totaled seven tackles vs. Philadelphia (10/22)… Had 10
tackles, including one TFL, and one pass defensed at N.Y. Giants (10/29)… Appeared in his
184th career game to move into first place in team history for most career games played vs.
New Orleans (11/5)… Finished game against the Saints with a team-leading and season-high
15 tackles, including two TFLs… Tied for the team lead with 13 tackles at Carolina (11/13)…
Led the team with 10 tackles vs. Washington (11/19)… Totaled eight tackles at Dallas (11/23)
on Thanksgiving Day… Recorded eight tackles, one interception and two passes defensed
at Pittsburgh (12/3)… Posted seven tackles vs. Atlanta (12/10)… Finished with 10 tackles at
Chicago (12/17)… Picked off QB Derek Anderson, returning it 21 yards for a touchdown at
Cleveland (12/24)… Added six tackles and one pass defensed against the Browns… Posted
12 tackles and one pass defensed vs. Seattle (12/31).
2005: Named to his club-record ninth consecutive Pro Bowl to become only the seventh
linebacker in NFL history to be selected the Pro Bowl at least nine times… His nine total Pro
Bowl selections are also a team record… Was also named a starter in the Pro Bowl for the
eighth consecutive season… Garnered Pro Bowl Player of the Game honors after returning
an interception 59 yards for a touchdown in the NFC’s victory… Also earned AP All-Pro firstteam honors for the fifth time… Started all 16 contests on the season for the 10th consecutive year as well as playoff game vs. Washington… Finished season with 174 tackles, three
sacks, five TFLs, one interception, one forced fumble and 15 passes defensed… Part of a
defense that finished the season as the top-ranked unit in the NFL in total defense, marking
the fourth consecutive season the unit has ranked in the top five and seventh time in the last
nine years… The 2005 season was also the second time in the past four years and third time
in team history that the defense finished No. 1 overall… It also marked the ninth consecutive
season that the defense has finished among the NFL’s Top 10 in total defense, tied for the
second-longest streak in the NFL since 1970… Ranked second on the team with 174 tackles
and third with 15 passes defensed… His three sacks on the season tied his career high and
ranked tied for second on the team… Reached the 100-tackle plateau for the 10th consecutive season in 2005, tying him for the NFL lead (LB Zach Thomas – Miami)… Led the team
with eight tackles in season opener at Minnesota (9/11)… Intercepted QB Daunte Culpepper
late in the fourth quarter against the Vikings to secure the victory… Helped lead a defense
that did not surrender an offensive touchdown against the Vikings while also limiting the
Vikings to 33 rushing yards… Totaled three tackles and two passes defensed against Buffalo
(9/18)… Part of a defensive effort that limited the Bills offense to 147 total yards, eight
first downs and one field goal… Recorded nine tackles and one pass defensed at Green
Bay (9/25)… Posted a then season-high 11 tackles and one pass defensed against Detroit
(10/2)… Recorded 10 tackles and one pass defensed at N.Y. Jets (10/9)… Notched 10 tackles and two passes defensed vs. Miami (10/16)… Posted first sack of the season against the
Dolphins… Totaled 10 tackles at San Francisco (10/30)… Part of a defense that limited the
49ers to 50 passing yards… Tied his then season-high with 11 tackles vs. Carolina (11/6)…
Recorded a then season-high 12 tackles vs. Washington (11/13)… Established a then-season
high with 13 tackles at Atlanta (11/20), along with one sack, one pass defensed and one
forced fumble… Sack and forced fumble of QB Michael Vick came in the final minute of
regulation and set up the Buccaneers game-winning field goal… For the fourth consecutive
week, either tied or established a new season-high by posting a season-best and team-high
17 tackles vs. Chicago (11/27)… Added one pass defensed against the Bears… Tied for the
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team lead with 12 tackles at New Orleans (12/4)… Added one pass defensed against the
Saints… Totaled nine tackles and two passes defensed at Carolina (12/11)… Led the team
with 10 tackles and one pass defensed at New England (12/17)… Posted his third sack of
the season along with 12 tackles and one pass defensed against Atlanta (12/24)… Tied
his season-high with 17 tackles vs. New Orleans (1/1)… Finished NFC Wild Card game vs.
Washington (1/7) with eight tackles, including one TFL, and one forced fumble.
2004: Named to a team-record eighth consecutive Pro Bowl, ranking him tied for sixth for
most consecutive Pro Bowls by a linebacker in NFL history… Selected as a Pro Bowl starter
for the seventh consecutive season… Earned AP All-Pro first-team honors for the fifth time
in his career… Named to the Pro Football Weekly/PFWA All-NFL Team… Earned first-team
All-Pro honors from the Football Digest… Garnered second-team All-Pro recognition from
College & Pro Football Weekly… Earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week
13 against Atlanta (12/5)… Started at weakside linebacker in all 16 contests for the ninth
consecutive year… Part of a defense that finished the season ranked fifth in the NFL in total
defense, marking the third consecutive season the unit has ranked in the top five and sixth
time in the last eight years… It also marked the eighth consecutive season that the defense
has finished among the NFL’s Top 10… Reached the 100-tackle plateau for the ninth consecutive season, tying him for the NFL lead (LB Zach Thomas – Miami)… Led the team in
tackles for the seventh consecutive season with 172 tackles… Recorded a career-high three
sacks (later tied)… Finished season with one interception, three forced fumbles and six
passes defensed… Finished the contest at Washington (9/12) with seven tackles… Posted
his first interception of the season against Seattle (9/19)… Led the team with 10 tackles while
helping limit the Seahawks to 182 total yards… Notched 12 tackles at Oakland (9/26)… Tied
for the team lead with a season-high 14 tackles against Denver (10/3)… Added one pass
defensed vs. the Broncos… Tallied 11 tackles at New Orleans (10/10)… Totaled 14 tackles
at St. Louis (10/18)… Registered eight tackles against Chicago (10/24)… Led the team with
14 tackles against Kansas City (11/7)… Posted 10 tackles at Atlanta (11/14)… Notched eight
tackles vs. San Francisco (11/21)… Recorded one sack and one forced fumble that set up
the Buccaneers first touchdown of the afternoon against the 49ers… Part of a defensive
effort that limited the 49ers offense to 26 total yards and two first downs in the first half…
Finished contest at Carolina (11/28) with seven tackles… Earned NFC Defensive Player of the
Week Honors after leading the team with 13 tackles, including a career-high two sacks of QB
Michael Vick, against Atlanta (12/5)… Added two forced fumbles and two passes defensed
vs. the Falcons… Helped defense post ninth shutout in franchise history and first of the
season against the Falcons… Totaled 10 tackles at San Diego (12/12)… Notched 12 tackles
against New Orleans (12/19)… Posted 13 tackles and one pass defensed against Carolina
(12/26)… Recorded nine tackles and one pass defensed at Arizona (1/2).
2003: Named to the Pro Bowl for the seventh consecutive season, breaking DE Lee Roy
Selmon’s team record (tied along with DT Warren Sapp) for total appearances and consecutive appearances… Also selected a starter for the sixth consecutive year, but did not play in
the game… Named second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press… Started all 16 games at
weakside linebacker for the eighth consecutive season… Part of a defense that ranked fifth
in the NFL, marking the seventh consecutive year the defense has finished among the NFL’s
Top 10… Ranked first on the team with 151 tackles… Tied for second on the team with two
interceptions… Also added three forced fumbles, nine passes defensed, one sack and one
special teams stop… Notched six tackles and one pass defensed at Philadelphia (9/8)…
Helped defense post third shutout in last 16 regular season games… Recorded 12 tackles
against Carolina (12/14)… Led team with 10 tackles at Atlanta (9/21)… Helped defense limit
the Falcons to 136 total yards, the seventh-best defensive effort in club history… Posted
eight tackles vs. Indianapolis (10/6)… Posted first interception of the season off QB Patrick
Ramsey at Washington (10/12), returning it 44 yards for a touchdown to seal the victory in
the fourth quarter… Finished game with a team-high 11 tackles and one pass defensed…
Led team with 11 tackles at San Francisco (10/19)… Led team with 10 tackles and added one
pass defensed against Dallas (10/26)… Helped the defense post its second shutout of the
season against the Cowboys… Posted second interception of the season, picking off a QB
Aaron Brooks pass in the third quarter against New Orleans (11/2)… Finished game with 12
tackles and one pass defensed… Notched five tackles at Carolina (11/9)… Recorded 10 tackles and two passes defensed against Green Bay (11/16)… Added one special teams tackle
vs. the Packers… Totaled seven tackles against the N.Y. Giants (11/24)… Part of a defensive
effort that held the Giants offense to 212 total yards… Led the team with a season-high 15
tackles at Jacksonville (11/30)… Added two forced fumbles and one pass defensed against
the Jaguars… Totaled 13 tackles and one forced fumble at New Orleans (12/7)… Also posted
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first sack of the season, dropping Brooks… Led defensive charge that limited Saints RB
Deuce McAllister to 69 yards on 22 carries (3.1 avg.)… Finished contest vs. Houston (12/14)
with six tackles and one pass defensed… Part of a defensive effort that surrendered just
107 total yards to the Texans, tying for the second-lowest total in team history… Notched
10 tackles and one pass defensed against Atlanta (12/20)… Finished contest at Tennessee
(12/28) with five tackles.
2002: Named NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press while helping lead
the Buccaneers to their first Super Bowl championship... Selected to his sixth consecutive
Pro Bowl, along with DT Warren Sapp, tying DE Lee Roy Selmon’s team record for total and
consecutive appearances... Also named as a starter in the Pro Bowl for the fifth consecutive
season... Garnered AP All-Pro first-team honors for the third time in the last four seasons...
Honored as the 2002 NFL Alumni Linebacker of the Year... Named Defensive Player of the
Year and All-Pro by College and Pro Football Newsweekly... Selected All-Pro first-team and
honored as Defensive Player of the Year by Football Digest... Also honored as Defensive MVP
and named to the All-NFL and All-NFC teams by Pro Football Weekly/PWFA... Named team
MVP by the Tampa Sports Club (fan)… Earned All-Pro honors from Sports Illustrated and The
Sporting News... Garnered NFC Defensive Player of the Month honors in October... Named
NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his effort in Week 5 against Atlanta... Became the only
linebacker in NFL history to have three interception returns for touchdowns in a season...
His four touchdowns on turnovers in 2002 were tied for second-most in a single season in
NFL history... Tied for fourth in the NFC with five interceptions... Started in his 125th career
game at Chicago (12/29), moving into third place on the club’s all-time games started list...
Started all 16 regular season games at weakside linebacker for the seventh consecutive
season... Started all three playoff games... Led team with 170 tackles... Posted career-high
five interceptions, one fumble recovery, 15 passes defensed and one sack on the year... Part
of a defense that ranked first in the NFL, marking the sixth consecutive year the defense
finished among the NFL’s Top 10... At the time, also marked the second time in franchise history that the defense finished the year ranked No. 1 overall (also 1979)… Tied with CB Brian
Kelly for a team-high 12 tackles against New Orleans (9/8)... Also added one interception
against the Saints... Intercepted second pass of the season, returning it 97 yards for a touchdown to preserve shutout at Baltimore (9/15), the fifth shutout in club history... The 97-yard
interception return was the second-longest play in team history... Added six tackles and two
passes defensed vs. the Ravens... Recorded his second interception return for a touchdown
of the season to secure the Monday night victory against St. Louis (9/23), returning QB Kurt
Warner’s fourth quarter pass 39 yards... Tied for a team-high three passes defensed while
also posting eight tackles vs. the Rams... Notched first sack of the season at Cincinnati
(9/29), dropping QB Akili Smith for an eight-yard loss in the third quarter... Finished contest
with nine tackles... Earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance at
Atlanta (10/6)... Recorded his third return for a touchdown of the season after taking a lateral
15 yards following a DT Warren Sapp interception in the fourth quarter... Notched his then
team-leading fourth interception of the season on the final play of the contest... Finished
with a game-high 13 tackles while also recording two passes defensed against the Falcons...
Tied for a team-high nine tackles in helping hold third straight opponent without an offensive
touchdown against Cleveland (10/13)... Registered his fourth touchdown on a turnover of the
season, returning a QB Donovan McNabb fumble 11 yards for a touchdown at Philadelphia
(10/20)... Led all defenders with 13 tackles against the Eagles... Posted 12 tackles at Carolina
(10/27)... Registered a team-leading 11 tackles vs. Minnesota (11/3)... Recorded a seasonhigh 16 tackles against Carolina (11/17)... Led all defenders with 15 tackles against Green
Bay (11/24)... Added one pass defensed against the Packers... Led defense with 11 tackles
against Atlanta (12/8)... Added one pass defensed and helped to limit the Falcons offense
to 181 yards... Finished game vs. Pittsburgh (12/23) with a team-high 14 tackles... Added a
pass defensed against the Steelers... Established a new career-high with his fifth interception
of the season at Chicago (12/29), returning it 44 yards to set up the Bucs second score of
the game... Recorded a team-high 11 tackles against the Bears... Recorded first postseason
interception of his career in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game against San Francisco (1/12)...
Added seven tackles, a 0.5 sack and a fumble recovery vs. the 49ers... Posted seven tackles
and a pass defensed in the NFC Championship Game at Philadelphia (1/19)... Intercepted
a fourth quarter QB Rich Gannon pass, returning it 44 yards for a touchdown in Super Bowl
XXXVII against Oakland (1/26)... Added three tackles vs. the Raiders... Finished second on
the team with 17 tackles in the postseason... Notched two interceptions, including one
returned for a touchdown, a 0.5 sack, three passes defensed and one fumble recovery in
the playoffs.
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2001: Named to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl and as a starter for the fourth consecutive
season… Was also voted to the AP All-Pro second-team... Also named to both Football
News and Pro Football Weekly’s All-NFC Team... Started all 16 games for the sixth straight
season... Had a team-best 165 tackles, three interceptions, one forced fumble and 11 passes
defensed on the year... Led the team in tackles in seven games... Started in his 105th career
game against Detroit (12/9), moving into fifth place on the club’s all-time games started list...
Helped defense finish among the NFL’s Top 10 (sixth) for the fifth straight year, the only team
in the league to do so... Set franchise record with 23 tackles (18 solo) at Minnesota (9/30),
breaking single-game mark previously held by himself and LB Hardy Nickerson... Also had
an interception on the Vikings’ opening possession, which led to a K Martin Gramatica FG,
and added one pass defensed... Had seven tackles and one pass defensed despite suffering
left foot sprain late in the game against Green Bay (10/7)... Seven tackles, one pass defensed
and one interception for seven yards, which led to the first touchdown at Tennessee (10/14)...
Led the team with 12 tackles at Green Bay (11/4), surpassing the 1,000-tackle mark for his
career... Led the defense in tackles with 13 at Detroit (11/11) and also had one forced fumble... Became club’s all-time leading tackler with 10 tackles against Chicago (11/18)... Led the
team in tackles at St. Louis (11/26) with 12 stops and also had two passes defensed... The last
pass defensed led to an interception by S John Lynch that sealed the win... Roamed the field
with a team-high 16 tackles at Cincinnati (12/2)... Had nine tackles against Detroit (12/9)...
Had 10 tackles and one pass defensed at Chicago (12/16)... Led the team in tackles with
eight stops against New Orleans (12/23) and one pass defensed... Named NFC Defensive
Player of the Week for his performance against Baltimore (12/29), leading the defense with
20 tackles, two passes defensed and an interception... The interception was returned for 53
yards to the one-yard line and QB Brad Johnson scored two plays later... Led the team with
nine tackles in playoff game at Philadelphia (1/12).
2000: Earned Pro Bowl honors for the fourth consecutive season and named as a starter for
the third consecutive season… Earned first-team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press,
Sports Illustrated, Pro Football Weekly, College and Pro Football Newsweekly, Football
Digest and The Sporting News... Named co-recipient of Walter Payton/NFL Man of the Year
Award and also chosen squad’s Most Valuable Player... Started all 16 games for the fifth consecutive season and playoff contest at weakside linebacker... Collected a team-best 179 tackles, forced a career-high five fumbles, posted one interception return for a touchdown, had
11 passes defensed and one sack... Led or tied for team lead in tackles in 10 of 16 games...
Opened the regular season at New England (9/3) with a team-leading 16 tackles (12 solo), a
pass defensed and forced a crucial third quarter fumble... Was named NFC Defensive Player
of the Week for his efforts... Continued to lead the defense against Chicago (9/10) with 13
stops (11 solo)... Helped turn in the fourth shutout in team history and the first home blanking
in 15 years... Led the team in tackles for the third consecutive week with an 11-tackle performance and a forced fumble at Detroit (9/17)... Had seven tackles against the Jets (9/24)...
Had 17 tackles (12 solo) and contributed two passes defensed at Washington (10/1)...
Played another excellent game in a Monday Night matchup at Minnesota (10/9), totaling
11 tackles with one forced fumble... Had nine tackles and two passes defensed in Thursday
night prime-time matchup against Detroit (10/19)... Played spectacular game vs. Minnesota
(10/29), recording his first career NFL touchdown on a 34-yard interception against Pro Bowl
QB Daunte Culpepper in the second quarter... Also contributed seven tackles and two passes
defensed... Had 12 tackles at Atlanta (11/5)... Led the team in tackles with 15 at Chicago
(11/19)... Tied a then club record with a then career-high 22 tackles against Buffalo (11/26)
and added one sack... Named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for November for his
efforts... Recorded 10 tackles and two passes defensed vs. Dallas (12/3), as well as forced a
key fumble in the fourth quarter on Dallas RB Emmitt Smith... Showed great awareness in
rainy day at Miami (12/10), recording 11 tackles and one pass defensed... Helped hold the
high-powered Rams (12/18) offense to less than 100 yards rushing on Monday Night game
and had eight tackles and one pass defensed... At Green Bay (12/24) had two tackles before
leaving the contest with a right shoulder sprain... Returned to action the following week, collecting eight tackles in the NFC Wild Card matchup at Philadelphia (12/31).
1999: Named to the Pro Bowl for the third consecutive season… Also named as a starter
in the Pro Bowl for the second consecutive season… Earned first-team All-Pro honors from
the Associated Press, Sports Illustrated, Pro Football Weekly, College and Pro Football
Newsweekly, Football Digest and The Sporting News... Started all 16 games at weakside
linebacker for the fourth consecutive season... Collected 180 tackles, recovered two fumbles
and posted then career-highs in interceptions (4), forced fumbles (2) and sacks (2)... Also
posted a career high in passes defensed with 20… Lone Buccaneer to crack every statistical
106 | Veterans
category... Racked up 12 tackles in season-opening loss to Giants (9/12)... Notched 13 stops
and one pass defensed at Philadelphia (9/19)... Recorded 10 tackles and one pass defensed
in 13-10 win over Denver (9/26)... Had seven tackles at Minnesota (10/3)... Added eight
stops at Green Bay (10/10)... Named NFC Defensive Player of the Week after exceptional
performance in 6-3 win over Chicago (10/24)... Racked up 13 tackles, career-high tying four
passes defensed and career-high two interceptions... Intercepted QB Cade McNown at the
Bucs 21-yard line in the third quarter... Picked off QB Jim Miller at midfield with 45 seconds
left, one of three passes defensed on Chicago’s final drive... Posted eight tackles at Detroit
(10/31)... Recorded 10 tackles and two passes defensed in 31-16 win at New Orleans (11/7)...
Also picked off QB Billy Joe Tolliver, returning the theft 38 yards to set up a touchdown...
Collected a season-high 17 stops and one pass defensed against Kansas City (11/14), also
forcing a fumble that led to a field goal... Racked up 14 tackles, one sack, one pass defensed
and one forced fumble vs. Atlanta (11/21)... Fumble was snared by CB Donnie Abraham,
who returned it 47 yards for a score... Blanketed the Kingdome turf, amassing 12 tackles,
three passes defensed, one interception and one sack in 16-3 win over Seahawks (11/28)...
His pick set up a field goal, while his 15-yard sack of QB Jon Kitna knocked Seattle out of FG
range... Had eight tackles and one pass defensed in Monday Night win over Vikings (12/6)...
Racked up 16 tackles and broke up four passes in crucial division win over Lions (12/12)...
Posted eight stops at Oakland (12/19)... Recorded 13 tackles, two passes defensed and one
fumble recovery in win over Packers (12/26)... Paced Bucs in tackles for 12th time, collecting
11 stops in division-clinching win at Chicago (1/2)... Set Tampa Bay playoff record with 18
tackles in 14-13 divisional win over Washington (1/15)... Added 17 stops at St. Louis in NFC
Championship Game (1/23).
1998: Started all 16 games at weakside linebacker for the third consecutive season... Started
in the Pro Bowl at outside linebacker, making his second consecutive appearance in the
all-star game… Also was a first-team All-Pro choice by Sports Illustrated, USA Today and
Football Digest, a second-team All-Pro choice by the Associated Press and College and Pro
Football Newsweekly and an All-NFC selection by Pro Football Weekly and Football News...
Led all Buccaneers with 189 tackles, then the third-highest total in team history behind the
214 posted by LB Hardy Nickerson in 1993 and Nickerson’s 194 in 1997... Also pitched in
with one interception (returned 25 yards), five passes defensed and two forced fumbles...
Reached double digits in tackles in nine of the team’s 16 games and had at least 15 stops
on seven occasions... Opened season with outstanding effort at Minnesota (9/6), leading the
team with 17 tackles (12 solos)... Recorded one forced fumble and 20 stops against Carolina
(10/18), tying for the then third-best single-game tackle mark in team history, just one behind
the then record of 21, achieved twice by Nickerson... Recorded 15 tackles and one forced
fumble at New Orleans (10/25)… Had 10 stops plus a crucial fourth quarter interception in
the Bucs’ 27-24 win over Minnesota (11/1)... Helped Buccaneers to Monday Night Football
win over Green Bay (12/7) by leading all defenders with 17 tackles... Key factor in holding
Pittsburgh (12/13) to 166 total yards of offense, leading all players with 18 stops, including
one for a six-yard loss.
1997: One of only five defensive players to start all 16 regular season and both playoff
games... Started all 16 games for the second consecutive season… Posted 182 tackles, 1.5
sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and 10 passes defensed on
way to earning first career Pro Bowl selection... Contributed to season-opening 13-6 defeat
of San Francisco 49ers (8/31) by matching DT Warren Sapp with a team-best 11 tackles and
assisting on a sack... In week six contest at Green Bay (10/5), posted season-high 18 tackles,
ending two Packer drives with clutch third-down stops to force punts... Hauled in first interception of season against New England (11/16), adding three tackles and a pair of passes
defensed... Two weeks later at N.Y. Giants (11/30), had most complete outing of season,
pacing team with 11 tackles, breaking up two pass attempts and snaring second interception
of season on a diving effort at the Tampa Bay 10-yard line... Led team in postseason tackles
with a combined 21 in two games, including team-high 13 in 20-10 wild card victory over
Detroit (12/28) and another eight at Green Bay (1/4).
1996: Started all 16 games at linebacker and led team with 133 tackles... Broke LB Hardy
Nickerson’s three-year string of leading the defense in tackles... Provided outstanding pass
coverage as well, tying for the team lead with 12 passes defensed, then the most ever
recorded in a single season by a Tampa Bay linebacker... Finished season with 133 tackles,
one forced fumble, one interception and six special teams tackles… Turned in Buccaneers’
top single-game performance of the year during nationally-televised game at Denver (9/15)
with a then career-best 19 tackles (18 solos), one interception and one pass defensed...
Notched 12 tackles and one pass defensed at Green Bay (10/27)… Tied career high with four
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passes defensed and added 10 tackles against Washington (12/8)… In game at Minnesota
(12/15), led squad with 11 stops, while also forcing a Viking fumble and recording one pass
defensed.
1995: Appeared in all 16 games with 13 starts at linebacker as team opened up three
contests in nickel defense... Enjoyed productive rookie campaign, earning starting spot in
training camp... Was perhaps top rookie linebacker in league as evidenced by First Team
All-Rookie honors from Pro Football Weekly, PFWA, Football News and College and Pro
Football Newsweekly… Three non-starts came when Bucs opened with extra defensive backs
against run-and-shoot teams... Ranked second on club with 80 tackles to go with one sack,
two forced fumbles, four passes defensed and three special teams solos... In first NFL game,
started at RLB and notched seven tackles and a pass breakup in win at Philadelphia (9/3)... In
best outing, was team’s Player of the Game at Minnesota (12/3) with seven solos, first career
sack and a forced fumble... Drafted by Buccaneers with second of two first-round picks (28th
overall) in 1995... First-round choice to pick Brooks was obtained from Cowboys for pair of
1995 second rounders.
College: Four-year letterman at Florida State... Played first season at safety before shift to
linebacker... Career statistics included 274 tackles, five interceptions, 8.5 sacks, 13 passes
defensed, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries... Senior honors included FirstTeam All-America by American Football Coaches, UPI and Walter Camp... Also a GTE
Academic All-America choice... First-Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference choice, and was
selected for Senior Bowl... For two consecutive years, finalist for Vince Lombardi Award, symbolic of nation’s top lineman/linebacker... In nine starts, finished second on team with 77 tackles to go with three interceptions, three sacks, six passes defensed, one forced fumble and
one fumble recovery... As a junior, was named First-Team All-America by Football Writers’
Association and Walter Camp... Consensus First-Team All-ACC choice and was that conference’s Defensive Player of the Year... Finalist for the Butkus Award, the Lombardi Award and
the Football Writers’ Defensive Player of the Year award... Racked up 77 tackles (47, 30), two
interceptions, two sacks, five passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries... Had two touchdowns on interception returns, which tied single-season school record
set by CB Deion Sanders and CB Terrell Buckley... Three defensive TDs overall tied John
Wessel’s FSU mark... Earned sophomore All-America honors from Football News and was
also a First Team All-ACC choice... Started all 11 games at OLB and produced career-best
98 tackles (55, 43), 3.5 sacks and a fumble recovery... One of only two true freshman to earn
a letter... Saw action in all 11 contests and produced 22 tackles (10, 12) as a reserve strong
safety... Was moved to outside LB in spring practice prior to second season... Originally
graduated from Florida State with a bachelor of arts degree in business communications,
then added his masters degree in the same subject, graduating again from FSU in 1999.
Personal: Married to Carol... Has four children: daughters, Brianna Monai (12) and Dania
Denice (born September, 2005) and sons, Derrick Brooks, Jr. (8) and Darius Dewan (6)...
Mother is Geraldine Mitchell, who recently went home to God on her birthday (5/21/55 5/21/07)... Lists his favorite scripture as Proverb 16:3 - Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed… Lives by the words, “Put God in all you do and treat others the
way you want them to treat you”… Co-recipient of the 2000 Walter Payton/NFL Man of the
Year award… In 2004, was the winner of the prestigious 38th annual Byron “Whizzer” White
Award for his dedication to serve his team, community and country in the spirit of the late
Supreme Court Justice… Was given the award at the 2004 NFL Players Gridiron Gala, which
honored the unsung heroes of the NFL… In October 2006, helped establish the BrooksDeBartolo Collegiate High School in Tampa, a charter school with a mission to provide youngsters a high quality, challenging education with rigorous and relevant curricula, thereby
enabling students to make valuable and productive contributions to the community…
Opening in August 2007, the underlying purpose of the Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High
School is to prepare all students for successful postsecondary education opportunities…
Appointed to Florida State University board of trustees by former Governor Jeb Bush in 2003
and still holds the position… Serves as the Chairman of the Governor’s Council for Physical
Education… Also serves on the Board of Governors for St. Leo’s University… In 2004, was
asked to sit on the Florida Department of Education Foundation by Jim Horne, the State
Commissioner of Education… Recipient of 2003 Bart Starr Award, given to the NFL player,
voted on by his peers, who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the
home, on the field and in the community… In 2002, was named to the NFLPA Diversity
Committee to work with NFLPA executive Director Gene Upshaw on the issue of diversity in
the NFL... Has a web site, www.derrickbrookscharities.org, which outlines all of his community
endeavors… In March 2003, established his own foundation - Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc....
108 | Veterans
The Foundation hosts an annual golf tournament, The Derrick Brooks Celebrity Classic...
Focuses charitable endeavors on children and has done considerable work with March of
Dimes, D.A.R.E. and the Belmont Heights, Ybor City and Brandon Boys and Girls Club... For
the 10th consecutive year in 2006, hosted “Brooks Bunch,” a group of 20 kids from Belmont
Heights, Ybor City and Brandon Boys and Girls Club whom he invites to every Buccaneers
home game... Also has taken “Brooks Bunch” participants on out-of-town field trips, including
a 1999 visit to Washington, D.C, a two-week trip to Africa in 2000 and a visit to the Western
United States in 2001, including stops at historical sites, such as the Grand Canyon... The 2003
trip featured visits to colleges and universities in New York, Chicago, Atlanta and Tallahassee...
The group’s seventh educational trip during the 2005 offseason saw the Brooks Bunch return
to Africa, making several educational stops throughout South Africa… This past offseason,
became the fourth inductee to the City of Champions Wall of Fame exhibit at the Pensacola
Regional Airport, as honored by the Pensacola Sports Association... In April 2006, received the
prestigious J. Rex Farrior Distinguished Citizenship Award at the Tampa chapter of the
National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame’s 38th Annual Scholar Athlete Awards
Banquet… The award is presented annually to a former or current player who has carried the
lessons learned on the football field into a life of service to the community… Participated in
the NFL’s 2005 and 2006 “Take A Player to School” program… In early December, 2005 along
with several other top NFL players, past and present, taped the 10th anniversary installment
of Wheel of Fortune NFL Players Week, which aired in national syndication in January, 2006…
Each player was paired with a fan, spinning the wheel for cash and NFL-themed prizes while
benefiting Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc… Has been named to The Sporting News NFL’s 101
Best Players List the past four seasons (2003-2006)… During the past five Thanksgivings (20022006), distributed 100 Thanksgiving dinners to families in need whose children attend the
Wilbert Davis and Ybor City Boys & Girls Clubs… In May 2006, was presented an honorary
Doctorate of Humane Letters from St. Leo’s University for his work in the community… In
January, 2006, surprised Michelle Stone, a fifth-grade teacher at Sheehy Elementary School in
Tampa, in her classroom with a lei, balloons, flowers, jersey and a letter from the NFL naming
her the national 2005 NFL Fan Teacher of the Year… During the 2005 season, participated in
the NFL’s “Road To Forty” Ad Campaign, appearing in a commercial with several other former
and current NFL greats… In February, 2005 was one of six African-Americans who were honored as part of BET and General Motors’ “History Makers in the Making” celebration… Visited
Hurricane Charley victims and relief workers in Lake Wales in the summer of 2004… Prior to
the September 19, 2004 game against Seattle, Derrick Brooks Charities and the Buccaneers
organized a program to collect monetary donations at Raymond James Stadium for Hurricane
Ivan relief efforts in his hometown of Pensacola, Florida… In addition, Derrick Brooks Charities
donated $1,000 for each tackle he made against the Seahawks (10 tackles), which resulted in
an additional $10,000 towards the relief effort… Because of his work in Pensacola with victims
of Hurricane Ivan, the NFL named him the Ameriquest Neighborhood MVP for Week 6 of the
2004 NFL regular season… Along with teammate Ronde Barber, played in the American
Century Celebrity Golf Classic at Lake Tahoe during the 2005 offseason… Hosted his annual
holiday party at GameWorks with members of the Wilbert Davis, Brandon and Ybor City Boys
& Girls Clubs during the past four holiday seasons (2003-2006)… Traveled to his hometown of
Pensacola during the 2004 season to distribute 200 turkey dinners to families whose children
attend the Boys & Girls Clubs of Escambia County… In 2004, attended the Shelton Quarles
IMPACT Foundation Extra Effort Awards Luncheon, where he served as a table host for other
attendees… Received an inaugural “JB Award” prior to the 2004 season, which was presented by then-FOX NFL Sunday anchor James Brown, recognizing NFL players for their
commitment to achieve excellence off the field through building better communities and
stronger families… Participated in the launch of Tampa’s Civic Pride Campaign with Mayor
Pam Iorio during the 2004 offseason… One of 13 local residents featured on billboards across
the Bay Area as part of the “I Am Tampa” campaign… Invited by the Tampa Bay Lightning to
participate in the pre-game festivities during the NHL’s 2004 Stanley Cup Finals... During the
2004 offseason, Brooks was presented with a jersey from the Tampa Bay Titans and University
of South Florida Rugby teams in honor of his support of the two programs… Visited Lutz
Elementary School during the 2004 offseason to speak to students about the importance of
education and how it plays a vital role in their futures… Named to the 2003 and 2004 AllInterview Team by NFL.com… Received the 2003 Outstanding Achievement Award from
Junior Achievement… Named the Eddie Mitchell Memorial Award winner from the Tampa
Hillsborough County Human Rights Council… Honored in November 2003 as the inaugural
recipient of the Derrick Brooks Diamond in the Community Award presented by The
Champions Fund, a Florida-based national public charity comprised of donor athlete funds…
Featured on the cover of the NFL’s 2003 NFL Record and Fact book… One of a group of
Veterans | 109
Buccaneers to represent the team at the 2003 ESPY Awards… Teamed with the Kids Wish
Network in November of 2002 to participate in its Holiday of Hope program at Shriners
Hospitals for Children to pass out toys and sign autographs for children confined to their
hospital... Participated in Just Play, an all-sport equipment-recycling program for youth in the
Tampa Bay area... Received a 2002 Giant Steps Award from the National Consortium for
Academics and Sports for his dedication to using his appeal as an athlete to positively affect
social change... Winner of 2002 EDDIE (Excellence, Dedication, Devotion, In Education) Award
from the Hillsborough Education Foundation in the educational visionary category... One of
three recipients of a 2001 Silver Medallion Humanitarian Award by the National Conference
for Community and Justice... Named to Florida State’s Hall of Fame and the school’s All-Time
Team in 2000... Received honors from the Florida Sports Awards in both 2000 and 2001 for
his civic duty... Was the recipient of the Tampa Tribune People’s Champion Award for his contributions on and off the field in 1998... Earned first college degree in December, 1994, five
months early... Attended the Craig James School of Broadcasting and is interested in pursuing
broadcasting career following conclusion of playing career... Co-hosts weekly one-hour radio
call-in show... Cousin of former Buccaneer RB Melvin Carver... Attended Booker T. Washington
(Pensacola, Florida) High School, lettering in football and basketball... His alma mater named
an athletic facility after him and boxer Roy Jones, Jr... As a senior, was USA Today High School
Defensive Player of the Year, a first team Parade All-America selection and a first team all-state
pick... Rated best safety in country by several recruiting services and was ranked as best defensive player in country by Super Prep... Was high school honor student, graduating ST
with 3.94
average... Born Derrick Dewan Brooks on April 18, 1973 in Pensacola, Florida.
brooks’ Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
NFL Totals
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
13
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
80
133
182
189
180
179
165
170
151
172
174
150
60
92
116
133
122
130
110
117
98
133
110
98
192 189 1,925 1,319
20
41
66
56
58
49
55
53
53
39
64
52
1.0
0.0
1.5
0.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
1.0
1.0
3.0
3.0
0.0
10.0
0.0
7.0
0.0
22.0
2.0
0.0
8.0
0.0
13.0
9.0
0.0
0
1
2
1
4
1
3
5
2
1
1
3
0
6
13
25
61
34
65
218
56
3
0
51
0
6
13
25
38
34t
53
97t
44t
3
0
21t
606 13.5 71.0 24 532 97t
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
3
1
0
0
1
4
12
10
5
20
11
11
15
9
6
15
7
2
1
1
2
2
5
1
0
3
3
1
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
11t
0
0
0
0
3
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
3
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
6 125 21
4
15 10 9 1
PLAYOFFS
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
1997
1999
2000
2001
2002
2005
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Postseason
2
2
1
1
3
1
2
2
1
1
3
1
21
35
8
9
17
8
13
23
5
5
13
6
8
12
3
4
4
2
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.5
0.0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
44
0
0
0
0
0
44t
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10 10
98
65
33
0.5 2.5
2
44
44t
1
3
1
1
0
0 0 0
ADDITIONAL STATS
Career Touchdowns: 8
21-yd interception return, at Cleveland, 12/24/06
44-yd interception return, at Washington, 10/12/03
44-yd interception return, vs. Oakland, 1/26/03*
11-yd fumble recovery, at Philadelphia, 10/20/02
15-yd interception return, at Atlanta, 10/6/02
39-yd interception return, vs. St. Louis, 9/23/02
97-yd interception return, at Baltimore, 9/15/02
34-yd interception return, vs. Minnesota, 10/29/00
* Playoffs
110 | Veterans
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 23, at Minnesota, 9/30/01
Sacks: 2, vs Atlanta, 12/5/04
Interceptions: 2, vs. Chicago, 10/24/99
Defensive TDs: 1, seven times, last at Cleveland, 12/24/06
Passes Defensed: 4 vs. Chicago, 10/24/99; 4 vs.
Washington, 12/8/96
Linebackers Named To NINE Or More Pro Bowls
Player
Team(s)
Junior Seau
Derrick Brooks
Mike Singletary
Lawrence Taylor
Harry Carson
Jack Lambert
Derrick Thomas
SD/Miami/NE (1990-)
Tampa Bay (1995-)
Chicago (1981-1992)
N.Y. Giants (1981-1993)
N.Y. Giants (1976-1988)
Pittsburgh (1974-1984)
Kansas City (1989-1999)
Selections
12
10
10
10
9
9
9
All-time players who have been named to 10
consecutive Pro Bowls, won AP Defensive
Player of the Year and won a Super Bowl
LB Derrick Brooks
LB Mike Singletary
LB Lawrence Taylor
DE Reggie White
CONSECUTIVE GAMES PLAYED LEADERS
AMONG ACTIVE PLAYERS
Player
Current Team
P Jeff Feagles
P Chris Gardocki
QB Brett Favre
P Craig Hentrich
FB Lorenzo Neal
LB Derrick Brooks
DE/DT Kevin Carter
LS Ethan Albright
T Jon Runyan
N.Y. Giants
Pittsburgh Green Bay
Tennessee
San Diego
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Washington
Philadelphia
Consec. GP
304
244
239
208
208
192
192
176
169
NFL LEADERs IN CAREER TACKLES
AMONG ACTIVE PLAYERS
Player
Current Team
Tackles
LB Derrick Brooks
LB Ray Lewis
LB Zach Thomas
LB Junior Seau
LB Donnie Edwards
Tampa Bay
Baltimore
Miami
New England
Kansas City
1,925
1,838
1,814
1,794
1,508
Veterans | 111
BROOKS’ GAME-BY-GAME Statistics
1995
date
Sept. 3
Sept. 10
Sept. 17
Sept. 24
Oct. 1
Oct. 8
Oct. 15
Oct. 22
Oct. 29
Nov. 12
Nov. 19
Nov. 26
Dec. 3
Dec. 10
Dec. 17
Dec. 23
TOTALS
1996
date
Sept. 1
Sept 8
Sept. 15 Sept. 22
Sept. 29
Oct. 13
Oct. 20
Oct. 27
Nov. 3
Nov. 10
Nov. 17
Nov. 24
Dec. 1
Dec. 8
Dec. 15
Dec. 22
Totals OPPONENT
@Philadelphia
@Cleveland
Chicago
Washington
@Carolina
Cincinnati
Minnesota
Atlanta
@Houston
@Detroit
Jacksonville
@Green Bay
@Minnesota
Green Bay
@Chicago
Detroit
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
5
2
7
3
1
4
5
3
8
5
5
10
6
0
6
2
0
2
1
1
2
0
3
3
5
0
5
4
2
6
1
1
2
3
1
4
7
0
7
7
1
8
4
0
4
2
0
2
60
20
80
FF
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
2
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
PD
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
4
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0 10
OPPONENT
Green Bay
@Detroit
@Denver
Seattle
Detroit
Minnesota
@Arizona
@Green Bay
@Chicago
Oakland
@San Diego
New Orleans
@Carolina
Washington
@Minnesota
Chicago
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
5
2
7
6
1
7
18
1
19
4
3
7
5
2
7
4
3
7
6
3
9
6
6
12
5
2
7
3
2
5
3
1
4
9
1
10
4
1
5
4
6
10
6
5
11
4
2
6
92
41 133
FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 1 6.0
PD
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
2
1
0
0
1
4
1
0
12
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
6
5
11
11
1
12
7
1
8
9
2
11
8
5
13
10
8
18
6
6
12
5
4
9
6
3
9
6
6
12
3
0
3
5
10
15
6
5
11
7
3
10
11
2
13
10
5
15
116
66 182
FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
13
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1 2 13
PD
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
1
0
0
2
0
2
0
0
2
10
SACKS
NO. YDS
0.5
0
0
0
1.0
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.5
7
1997
date
OPPONENT
Aug. 31
San Francisco
Sept. 7
@Detroit
Sept. 14 @Minnesota
Sept. 21 Miami
Sept. 28 Arizona
Oct. 5
@Green Bay
Oct. 12
Detroit
Oct. 26
Minnesota
Nov. 2
@Indianapolis
Nov. 9
@Atlanta
Nov. 16
New England
Nov. 23
@Chicago
Nov. 30
@N.Y. Giants
Dec. 7
Green Bay
Dec. 14
@N.Y. Jets
Dec. 21
Chicago
TOTALS Playoffs
Dec. 28
Detroit
Jan. 4
@Green Bay
112 | Veterans
9
4
4
4
13
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1998
date
Sept. 6
Sept. 13
Sept. 20
Sept. 28
Oct. 4
Oct. 18
Oct. 25
Nov. 1
Nov. 8
Nov. 15
Nov. 22
Nov. 29
Dec. 7
Dec. 13
Dec. 19
Dec. 27
Totals
OPPONENT
@Minnesota
@Green Bay
Chicago
@Detroit
N.Y. Giants
Carolina
@New Orleans
Minnesota
Tennessee
@Jacksonville
Detroit
@Chicago
Green Bay
Pittsburgh
@Washington
@Cincinnati
1999
date
OPPONENT
Sept. 12 N.Y. Giants
Sept. 19 @Philadelphia
Sept. 26 Denver
Oct. 3
@Minnesota Oct. 10
@Green Bay
Oct. 24
Chicago
Oct. 31
@Detroit
Nov. 7
@New Orleans
Nov. 14
Kansas City
Nov. 21
Atlanta
Nov. 28
@Seattle
Dec. 6
Minnesota
Dec. 12
Detroit
Dec. 19
@Oakland
Dec. 26
Green Bay
Jan. 2
@Chicago
Totals Playoffs
Jan. 15
Washington
Jan. 23
@St. Louis
2000
date
OPPONENT
Sept. 3
@New England
Sept. 10 Chicago
Sept. 17 @Detroit
Sept. 24 N.Y. Jets
Oct. 1
@Washington
Oct. 9
@Minnesota
Oct. 19
Detroit
Oct. 29
Minnesota
Nov. 5
@Atlanta
Nov. 12
Green Bay
Nov. 19
@Chicago
Nov. 26
Buffalo
Dec. 3
Dallas
Dec. 10
@Miami
Dec. 18
St. Louis
Dec. 24
@Green Bay
Totals Playoffs
Dec. 31
@Philadelphia
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
12
5
17
11
4
15
11
5
16
6
2
8
6
2
8
14
6
20
10
5
15
8
2
10
5
4
9
4
5
9
4
0
4
6
1
7
12
5
17
13
5
18
8
3
11
3
2
5
133
56 189
FF
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
25
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 1 25
PD
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
5
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0 0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
9
3
12
6
7
13
6
4
10
6
1
7
5
3
8
9
4
13
4
4
8
10
0
10
12
5
17
9
5
14
7
5
12
4
4
8
11
5
16
6
2
8
9
4
13
9
2
11
122
58 180
FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
2
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
13
0
0
0
0
1
38
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
2 4 61
PD
0
1
1
0
0
4
0
2
1
1
3
1
4
0
2
0
20
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
7
1.0
15
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2.0 22
14
9
4
8
18
17
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
12
4
16
11
2
13
10
1
11
3
4
7
12
5
17
6
5
11
6
3
9
5
2
7
10
2
12
7
1
8
10
5
15
18
4
22
9
1
10
4
7
11
5
3
8
2
0
2
130
49 179
5
3
8
0
0
FF
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1 34t
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 1 34t
0
0
0
0
0
PD
1
0
0
0
2
0
2
2
0
0
0
0
2
1
1
0
11
0
0
0
0
0
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0 2.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0 2.0
0
0
Veterans | 113
2001
date
OPPONENT
Sept. 9
@Dallas
Sept. 30 @Minnesota
Oct. 7
Green Bay
Oct. 14
@Tennessee
Oct. 21
Pittsburgh
Oct. 28
Minnesota
Nov. 4
@Green Bay
Nov. 11
@Detroit
Nov. 18
Chicago
Nov. 26
@St. Louis
Dec. 2
@Cincinnati
Dec. 9
Detroit
Dec. 16
@Chicago
Dec. 23
New Orleans
Dec. 29
Baltimore
Jan. 6
Philadelphia
Totals Playoffs
Jan. 12
@Philadelphia
2002
date
OPPONENT
Sept. 8
New Orleans
Sept. 15 @Baltimore
Sept. 23 St. Louis
Sept. 29 @Cincinnati
Oct. 6
@Atlanta
Oct. 13
Cleveland
Oct. 20
@Philadelphia
Oct. 27
@Carolina
Nov. 3
Minnesota
Nov. 17
Carolina
Nov. 24
Green Bay
Dec. 1
@New Orleans
Dec. 8
Atlanta
Dec. 15
@Detroit
Dec. 23
Pittsburgh
Dec. 29
@Chicago
Totals Playoffs
Jan. 12
San Francisco
Jan. 19
@Philadelphia
Jan. 26
Oakland
2003
date
Sept. 8
Sept. 14
Sept. 21
Oct. 6
Oct. 12
Oct. 19
Oct. 26
Nov. 2
Nov. 9
Nov. 16
Nov. 24
Nov. 30
Dec. 7
Dec. 14
Dec. 20
Dec. 28
Totals
OPPONENT
@Philadelphia
Carolina
@Atlanta
Indianapolis
@Washington
@San Francisco
Dallas
New Orleans
@Carolina
Green Bay
N.Y. Giants
@Jacksonville
@New Orleans
Houston
Atlanta
@Tennessee
114 | Veterans
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
2
2
4
18
5
23
4
3
7
4
3
7
6
4
10
3
1
4
8
4
12
9
4
13
4
6
10
9
3
12
12
4
16
6
3
9
7
3
10
6
2
8
12
8
20
0
0
0
110
55 165
5
4
9
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
8
4
12
5
1
6
6
2
8
7
2
9
8
5
13
7
2
9
7
6
13
4
8
12
7
4
11
13
3
16
11
4
15
3
2
5
10
1
11
3
2
5
11
3
14
7
4
11
117
53 170
5
6
2
2
1
1
7
7
3
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
5
1
6
8
4
12
5
5
10
5
3
8
7
4
11
9
2
11
7
3
10
5
7
12
3
2
5
7
3
10
3
4
7
8
7
15
12
1
13
4
2
6
7
3
10
3
2
5
98
53 151
FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
1
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
53
0
0
0
0 3 65
0
0
FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
1
23
0
1 97t
0
1 39t
0
0
0
0
1 15t
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
44
1 5 218
0
0
0
FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
0
3
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
44t
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1 44t
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
12
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 2 56
PD
1
1
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
1
1
2
0
11
0
PD
1
2
3
0
2
1
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
15
1
1
1
PD
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
2
0
1
0
1
1
0
9
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
8
0.5
0
0
2.5
0
0
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0 0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
0
2004
date
Sept. 12
Sept. 19
Sept. 26
Oct. 3
Oct. 10
Oct. 18
Oct. 24
Nov. 7
Nov. 14
Nov. 21
Nov. 28
Dec. 5
Dec. 12
Dec. 19
Dec. 26
Jan. 2
TOTALS
OPPONENT
@Washington
Seattle
@Oakland
Denver
@New Orleans
@St. Louis
Chicago
Kansas City
@Atlanta
San Francisco
@Carolina
Atlanta
@San Diego
New Orleans
Carolina
@Arizona
2005
date
OPPONENT
Sept. 11 @Minnesota
Sept. 18 Buffalo
Sept. 25 @Green Bay
Oct. 2
Detroit
Oct. 9
@NY Jets Oct. 16
Miami
Oct. 30
@San Francisco
Nov. 6
Carolina
Nov. 13
Washington
Nov. 20
@Atlanta
Nov. 27
Chicago
Dec. 4
@New Orleans
Dec. 11
@Carolina
Dec. 17
@New England
Dec. 24
Atlanta
Jan. 1
New Orleans
TOTALS PLAYOFFS
Jan. 7
Washington
2006
date
Sept. 10
Sept. 17
Sept. 24
Oct. 8
Oct. 15
Oct. 22
Oct. 29
Nov. 5
Nov. 13
Nov. 19
Nov. 23
Dec. 3
Dec. 10
Dec. 17
Dec. 24
Dec. 31
TOTALS
OPPONENT
Baltimore
@Atlanta
Carolina
@New Orleans
Cincinnati
Philadelphia
@N.Y. Giants
New Orleans
@Carolina
Washington
@Dallas
@Pittsburgh
Atlanta
@Chicago
@Cleveland
Seattle
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
7
0
7
7
3
10
11
1
12
7
7
14
10
1
11
13
1
14
7
1
8
11
3
14
4
6
10
7
1
8
6
1
7
10
3
13
7
3
10
9
3
12
9
4
13
8
1
9
133
39 172
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
5
3
8
3
0
3
7
2
9
3
8
11
6
4
10
9
1
10
9
1
10
2
9
11
8
4
12
10
3
13
11
6
17
8
4
12
7
2
9
5
5
10
7
5
12
10
7
17
110
64 174
6
2
TACKLES
8
SOLO AST. TOT.
9
4
13
5
4
9
8
2
10
2
4
6
5
1
6
5
2
7
6
4
10
10
5
15
7
6
13
8
2
10
5
3
8
4
4
8
6
1
7
7
3
10
5
1
6
6
6
12
98
52 150
FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
0
0
0
3
FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
1
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 1
3
PD
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
1
1
6
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
6
0
0
2.0
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3.0 13
FR INT. YDS. PD
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0 1
0 15
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
1
0
0
3.0
9
TURNOVERS
0
0
0
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
1
21
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
9
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1 21t
0
0
0
0 3 51
0
PD
0
1
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
1
1
7
SACKS
0
0
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Veterans | 115
Pro: Reliable, strong-legged kicker who has connected on several big kicks during his
career… Kicked second-longest game-winning field goal in NFL history when he connected
on a 62-yarder against Philadelphia (10/22/06)… Named NFC Special Teams Player of the
Week for Week 7 for that effort… In two seasons with Buccaneers has amassed a .809 field
goal percentage (38-of-47 field goals), ranking him tied for first (Steve Christie, 1990-91)
as the most accurate kicker in team history (min. 10 att.)… Also ranks tied for fifth in team
history (Christie) with 38 field goals made with Tampa Bay… Has played in 62 regular season games and two playoff contests… Career totals include making 78-of-97 field goals,
with a long of 62 yards (vs. Philadelphia, 10/22/06) and 112-of-115 on PATs… Signed by
the Buccaneers as a free agent on March 2, 2005… Signed as a free agent by the Miami
Dolphins on October 13, 2004… Waived by the Indianapolis Colts on October 11, 2004…
Signed as a free agent by the Colts on October 8, 2004… Released by the N.Y. Giants on
July 30, 2004… Signed by the Giants on September 3, 2002… Waived by the Giants on
August 30, 2002… Assigned to the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe… Released by the
Iowa Barnstormers of the Arena Football League on April 4, 2000… Signed by the Iowa
Barnstormers on November 17, 1999… Originally entered the NFL as a free agent with the
Giants and allocated to NFL Europe on January 9, 2002.
2006: Appeared in all 16 contests for Tampa Bay… Named NFC Special Teams Player
of the Week for Week 7 after connecting on field goals from 30, 44 and 62 yards against
Philadelphia (10/22)… The 62-yard field goal was the second-longest game-winning field
goal in NFL history, the third longest in NFL history and a franchise record… Made 17-of-22
field goals and 22-of-23 PATs on the season… Went 1-3 on field goal attempts at Atlanta
(9/17), connecting from 22 yards… Hit lone field goal attempt from 28 yards and converted
all three PATs vs. Carolina (9/24)… Converted all three PATs at New Orleans (10/8)… Missed
lone field goal attempt following a high snap vs. Cincinnati (10/15)… Converted both PATs
against the Bengals… Had the second-longest game-winning field goal in NFL history vs.
Philadelphia (10/22), connecting from 62 yards against the Eagles… Converted both PATs
and went 3-3 on field goal attempts against the Eagles, connecting from 30, 44 and 62
yards… Connected on lone field goal attempt from 43 yards despite severe wind at N.Y.
Giants (10/29)… Converted both PATs vs. New Orleans (11/5)… Converted lone PAT and hit
field goal attempt from 28 yards at Carolina (11/13)… Went 2-2 on field goal attempts vs.
Washington (11/19), connecting from 26 and 31 yards… Also converted both PATs against
the Redskins… Hit a 46-yard field goal at Dallas (11/23), and connected on lone PAT against
the Cowboys… Connected on lone field goal attempt from 27 yards at Pittsburgh (12/3)…
Went 2-3 on field goal attempts vs. Atlanta (12/10), hitting from 42 and 24 yards before
missing from 51 yards and ending a streak of 11 consecutive made field goals… Went 4-4 on
PATs and hit lone field goal attempt from 45 yards at Chicago (12/17)… Also had one special
teams tackle against the Bears… Went 3-3 on field goal attempts at Cleveland (12/24), connecting from 23, 24 and 37 yards… Also went 1-2 on PATs after his first attempt was blocked
against the Browns.
2005: Played in 15 games (all but at New Orleans) as well as playoff game vs. Washington
with Tampa Bay… Made all 31 PATs while connecting on 21-of-25 field goals, with a then
career long of 50 yards vs. Atlanta (12/24)… His .840 field goal percentage was the thirdhighest single-season percentage in team history… His 21 field goals made were the most
by a Buccaneer since K Martin Gramatica made 32 in 2002… Tied the team record (min.
10 att.), accomplished 14 other times, by converting all 31 PATs on the season… Kicked the
game-winning field goal from 45 yards at Atlanta (11/20) in the Bucs Week 11 victory and
116 | Veterans
added his second game-winning field goal of the year against Atlanta (12/24) from 41 yards
in the Bucs Week 16 victory… Connected on lone goal field attempt from 41 yards and made
all three PATs in Buccaneer debut at Minnesota (9/11)… Went 1-1 on field goal attempts
against Buffalo (9/18), connecting from 40 yards… Also made both PATs against the Bills…
Connected on lone field goal attempt from 42 yards at Green Bay (9/25)… Also made both
PATs against the Packers… Connected on one of two field goal attempts vs. Detroit (10/2),
connecting from 43 yards and missing from 46 yards… Made both PATs against the Lions…
Had a perfect afternoon, connecting on all four field goal attempts at N.Y. Jets (10/9)… Hit
field goals from 35, 36, 43 and 30 yards against the Jets to tie his career single-game high…
Connected on all three PATs and made both field goal attempts from 36 and 32 yards against
Miami (10/16)… Went 1-2 on field goal attempts at San Francisco (10/30), connecting from
47 yards to tie his then career… Converted lone PAT against the 49ers… Converted all four
PATs vs. Washington (11/13)… Kicked the game-winning field goal from 45 yards at Atlanta
(11/20) with 42 seconds remaining in the contest… Had a perfect afternoon against the
Falcons, connecting on all three field goal attempts from 31, 45 and 45 yards while also
converting all three PATs… Hit one of two field goal attempts vs. Chicago (11/27), connecting from 27 yards… Converted lone PAT against the Bears… Inactive at New Orleans (12/4)
because of injury… Returned to action at Carolina (12/11), connecting on field goals from
34 and 36 yards while converting both PATs… Kicked second game-winning field goal of
the season against Atlanta (12/24) from 41 yards with 15 seconds remaining in overtime…
Converted all three PATs against the Falcons while hitting 2-3 field goals, including a careerlong from 50 yards to tie the game in the fourth quarter… Had a perfect afternoon vs. New
Orleans (1/1), connecting on field goals from 46 and 26 yards while converting all three
PATs… Converted lone PAT and connected on a 43-yard field goal in NFC Wild Card game
vs. Washington (1/7).
2004: Made 3-of-4 field goals and 12-of-12 PATs with the Colts and Dolphins… Made careerhigh tying five PATs for the Colts in a Week 5 win against Oakland (10/10)… For Miami, went
2-2 on field goals, with a long of 47 yards, and made his only PAT at Buffalo (10/17)… Made
only field goal attempt, from 43 yards, and went 4-4 PATs against St. Louis (10/24)… Went
2-2 on PATs at N.Y. Jets (11/1).
2003: Played in 11 games, missing five with a hamstring injury, with the Giants... Led the
team in scoring with 50 points... Connected on all 17 PATs and 11-14 field goal attempts...
Opened the season by kicking a season-high three field goals, from 24, 47, and 44 yards vs.
St. Louis (9/7)… The 47-yarder was a season-long… Connected on only field goal attempt,
from 30 yards, to give the Giants a 32-29 lead with 11 seconds remaining in the fourth
quarter vs. Dallas (9/15)… Kicked game-winning 29-yard field goal on the Giants’ first possession in overtime at Washington (9/21)… Also recorded his only touchback of the season
in that game… Inactive because of injury at New England (10/12), vs. Philadelphia (10/19),
at N.Y. Jets (11/2) and vs. Atlanta (11/9) after suffering a hamstring injury while kicking a
43-yard field goal at the end of the second period vs. Miami (10/5)… Returned to action
at Philadelphia (11/16) and made his only field goal attempt, from 30 yards and one PAT…
Kicked two 30-yard field goals and one PAT at Tampa Bay (11/24)... Scored the Giants only
points of the game on a 45-yard field goal in the first quarter at Dallas (12/21)... Was successful on his only field goal attempt, from 28 yards, and also went 3-3 on PATs vs. Carolina
(12/28).
2002: Was the Giants kicker for all 16 regular season games and the NFC Wild Card game
in San Francisco (1/5/03)… Finished sixth in the NFC with 108 points… Connected on 30of-32 PATs and 26-of-32 field goal attempts… Scored at least one point in every game…
Twice named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, following game vs. Seattle (9/22),
when he made 3-of-3 field goal tries in 9-6 victory, and after game vs. Washington (11/17),
when he kicked field goals from 43, 34, 33 and 19 yards in 19-17 win to tie his career high…
Also kicked career-high tying four field goals at St. Louis (9/15), scoring a career-high 14
points… Kicked three field goals in each of three consecutive games vs. Tennessee (12/1), at
Washington (12/8) and vs. Dallas (12/15)… Set a career high (since tied) with five PATs made
at Indianapolis (12/22) and added a 20-yard field goal… Kicked a 39-yard field goal in overtime vs. Philadelphia (12/28) to give Giants 10-7 victory that clinched playoff berth… Kicked
21-yard field goal and five extra points in NFC Wild Card game at San Francisco (1/5/03).
College: Ranks seventh on Baylor’s all-time scoring list with 105 points (21 field goals and 42
extra points)… His 21 field goals place him fifth in Bears history…Hit 42-of-42 extra points
to set the school record with a 100 percent success rate… Attended Trinity Valley Junior
College for two years… Twice named a junior college All-American… Majored in criminal
justice.
Veterans | 117
Personal: Married to Melissa, and the couple has one son, Tre… After kicking the gamewinning 62-yard field goal against Philadelphia (10/22), Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio declared
Monday, October 23, 2006, “Matt Bryant Day”… Named spokesperson for Florida Attorney
General Bill McCollum’s Child Predator CyberCrime Unit… Sponsors a ticket program at all
home games named, Bryant’s Bucaroos, in support of various children’s charities… One of
five Buccaneers players who visited USS Bainbridge, a United States Navy ship at the Port
of Tampa, to meet military personnel on board in January 2007… Named spokesperson
for Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum’s Child Predator Cybercrime Unit that helps
protect children from computer-based exploitation and harassment… Visited the Keller
Army Community Hospital at West Point to participate in the Foundation for Hospital Art’s
Paintfest 2003… Attended high school in Bridge City (TX), where his 52-yard field goal is still
the school record… Also played baseball in high school… Once hit four home runs in four
consecutive at-bats in a game… Born Matt Bryant on May 29, 1975 in Bridge City, Texas.
Bryant’s career statistics
Year Team
2002 N.Y. Giants
2003 N.Y. Giants
2004 Indianapolis/Miami
2005 Tampa Bay
2006 Tampa Bay
GP
16
11
4
15
16
FG
26
11
3
21
17
FGA
32
14
4
25
22
SCORING
Pct
Lg
81.3
47
78.6
47
75.0
47
84.0
50
77.3
62
NFL totals
62
78
97
80.4
Year Team
2002 N.Y. Giants
2003 N.Y. Giants
2004 Indianapolis/Miami
2005 Tampa Bay
2006 Tampa Bay
1-19 Pct
2/2 100.0
0/0
0.0
0/0
0.0
0/0
0.0
0/0
0.0
NFL totals
2/2 100.0
20-29
7/7
3/4
1/1
2/4
8/8
21/24
Blk
1
1
0
0
0
62
2
FIELD GOALS
Pct
30-39
100.0 14/19
75.0
4/5
100.0
0/0
50.0
8/8
100.0
3/3
87.5
XP
30
17
12
31
22
XPA
32
17
12
31
23
Pct Blk Points
93.8
0
108
100.0
0
50
100.0
0
21
100.0
0
94
95.6
1
73
112
115
Pct
73.7
80.0
0
100.0
100.0
40-49
3/4
4/5
2/3
10/11
5/9
Pct
75.0
80.0
66.7
90.9
55.5
50+ Pct
0/0
0.0
0/0
0.0
0/0
0.0
1/2 50.0
1/2 50.0
82.8
24/32
75.0
2/4
29/35
97.3
1
346
50.0
PLAYOFFS
Year Team
2002 N.Y. Giants 2005 Tampa Bay
NFL totals
GP
1
1
FG
1
1
FGA
2
1
2
2
3
Year Team
2002 N.Y. Giants
2005 Tampa Bay
1-19 Pct
0/0
0.0
0/0
0.0
NFL totals
0/0
0.0
20-29
1/1
0/0
1/1
SCORING
Pct
Lg
50.0
21
100.0
43
66.7
Blk
0
0
XP
5
1
XPA
5
1
Pct
100.0
100.0
0
6
6
100.0
43
FIELD GOALS
Pct
30-39
100.0
0/0
0.0
0/0
100.0
0/0
Pct
0.0
0.0
0.0
40-49 Pct
0/1
0.0
1/1 100.0
1/2
50.0
Points
8
4
12
50+
0/0
0/0
Pct
0.0
0.0
0/0
0.0
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
FGs Made: 4, three times, last at N.Y. Jets, 10/9/05
FGs Attempted: 4, three times, last at N.Y. Jets, 10/9/05
Points: 14 at St. Louis, 9/15/02 (with N.Y. Giants)
Long Field Goal: 62 vs. Philadelphia, 10/22/06
118 | Veterans
PATs Made: 5, twice, vs. Oakland, 10/10/04 (with Indianapolis) and at Indianapolis, 12/22/02 (with N.Y. Giants)
Pro: Athletic cornerback who possesses great burst… Has played in 60 games with 38
starts… Totaled 189 tackles, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 0.5 sack, 36
passes defensed and 13 interceptions, including four returned for touchdowns… Has
added 98 punt returns for 986 yards and three touchdowns, and seven kickoff returns for
131 yards… Signed by Tampa Bay on October 17, 2006… Released by the Houston Texans
on October 16, 2006… Traded to Houston for second and third-round picks in the 2005
draft on April 20, 2005… Entered the league as a first-round pick (17th pick overall) of the
Oakland Raiders in the 2002 NFL Draft.
2006: Played in 14 games (four with Houston and 10 with Tampa Bay) with four starts
(with Tampa Bay - vs. Atlanta, at Chicago, at Cleveland and vs. Seattle)… Notched 30
tackles, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and eight passes defensed on the season… With the Texans, returned five kickoffs for 106 yards… Released by Houston on
October 16… Signed with the Buccaneers on October 17… Saw action vs. Philadelphia
(9/10), vs. Washington (9/24) and vs. Miami (10/1)… Posted two tackles and one pass
defensed at Dallas (10/15)… Made debut with the Buccaneers vs. Philadelphia (10/22)
with one punt return for eight yards… Returned two punts on Monday Night football at
Carolina (11/13)… Notched two tackles on defense and added one punt return for seven
yards vs. Washington (11/19)… Saw action on defense and special teams at Pittsburgh
(12/3), notching one pass defensed on defense and returning two punts for five yards…
Made first start as a Buccaneer vs. Atlanta (12/10), and recorded first interception with the
team on a pass into the end zone by QB Michael Vick… Added six tackles and two passes
defensed against the Falcons… Started at Chicago (12/17) and recorded eight tackles…
Started at Cleveland (12/24) and totaled three tackles, one interception and three passes
defensed… Started vs. Seattle (12/31) and posted seven tackles, one fumble recovery and
one pass defensed.
2005: Played in 10 games with six starts for Houston… Totaled 35 tackles and four passes
defensed… Made a career-high nine tackles during his first regular-season start as a
Texan at Buffalo (9/11)... Also returned one punt for six yards... Had one pass defensed
as a starter in home-opening loss to Pittsburgh (9/18)... Returned one punt for six yards...
Posted three tackles at Cincinnati (10/2)... Also returned one punt for four yards... Made
two tackles vs. Tennessee (10/9)... Also returned two punts for 19 yards... Recorded four
tackles against Indianapolis (10/23)... Made four tackles and had three passes defensed vs.
Cleveland (10/30), including a deflection of a would-be touchdown pass with 50 seconds
left in the contest... Also returned one punt for 20 yards... Had two tackles at Jacksonville
(11/6)... Started at right cornerback and made four tackles at Indianapolis (11/13)... Started
at left cornerback and made one tackle against Kansas City (11/20)... Also had a seasonlong 37-yard punt return that set the Texans up at their own 35-yard line... Left game in
third quarter with an ankle injury and did not return.
2004: Started 14 games at right cornerback for the Oakland Raiders… Collected careerhigh 59 tackles, 0.5 sack, one fumble recovery, three interceptions and nine passes
defensed, pacing the team in the latter two categories… Returned one interception for
a touchdown… Averaged 5.8 yards on 21 punt returns… Posted seven tackles in season
opener at Pittsburgh (9/12)… Made six tackles and returned one punt for 15 yards in win
vs. Buffalo (9/19)… Picked off Buccaneers’ QB Brad Johnson in win vs. Tampa Bay (9/26),
returning the interception 32 yards for a score, his fourth career interception return for
a touchdown… Collected seven stops at Houston (10/3)… Also helped LB DeLawrence
Grant drop Texans’ QB David Carr for a share of his first career sack and made first career
Veterans | 119
fumble recovery near Oakland’s goal line… Recorded three tackles and picked off Colts’
QB Peyton Manning at Indianapolis (10/10)… Posted two stops vs. Broncos (10/17)… Had
five tackles vs. New Orleans (10/24)… Collected four tackles and returned one punt for 18
yards at San Diego (10/31)… Registered five stops and broke up two passes at Carolina
(11/7)… Recorded six tackles vs. Chargers (11/21)… Made three stops and picked off
Broncos’ QB Jake Plummer in snowy win at Denver (11/28)… Returned the Interception 37
yards… Posted three tackles vs. Kansas City (12/5)… Had five tackles at Atlanta (12/12)…
Broke up two passes against Tennessee (12/19) before leaving the game with a bruised
tailbone… Inactive for the final two games.
2003: Played in all 16 games, starting 11 at right cornerback for the Raiders… Registered
44 tackles, two forced fumbles, six interceptions and 10 passes defensed… Led the team
and established career-highs in picks and passes defensed… Interception total tied for
second in the AFC and fifth in the NFL… Racked up 176 return yards on his six picks (29.3
avg.), taking two to the end zone… Returned 36 punts for 491 yards (13.6 avg.) and two
touchdowns… Ranked second in the AFC and sixth in the NFL in punt return average…
Posted a then career-high eight tackles and returned an interception 83 yards for a score
vs. Cincinnati (9/14)… Also returned five punts for 81 yards… Returned four punts for 74
yards at Denver (9/22)… Had three tackles and one pick vs. Kansas City (10/20)… Returned
three punts for 96 yards vs. N.Y. Jets (11/9), including a 78-yard touchdown… Registered
five stops and picked off career-high two passes vs. Minnesota (11/16), returning one interception 64 yards for a score… Also forced a fumble… Had five tackles and returned three
punts for 58 yards at Kansas City (11/23)… Picked off a pass at the goal line vs. Denver
(11/30)… Also returned three punts for 61 yards… Collected four stops and returned an
interception 29 yards vs. Baltimore (12/14)… Capped season by returning one punt 80
yards for a touchdown at San Diego (12/28), tying Oakland’s single-season record with his
second punt return for a score.
2002: Played in six games as a rookie for the AFC champion Oakland Raiders, starting
three games at right cornerback… Posted 21 tackles, two interceptions and five passes
defensed… Returned one pick for 81 yards for a touchdown… Also returned 15 punts for
178 yards (11.9 avg.) and one touchdown… Made NFL debut vs. Seattle (9/8), returning
one punt for 22 yards… Made first NFL start a memorable one vs. Tennessee (9/29)…
Posted seven tackles and recorded first career interception… Also returned one punt
83 yards for his first career touchdown and lateraled another to RB Terry Kirby, who
scampered 79 yards for a score… Collected six tackles at Buffalo (10/6) and returned an
interception 81 yards for a score… Earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors…
Had three tackles against San Diego (10/20) before leaving with a wrist injury… Placed on
injured reserve on October 25.
College: Lettered three seasons at Miami (FL), amassing 88 tackles and seven interceptions
in 32 career games… Also returned 32 punts for 477 yards (14.9 avg.) and two touchdowns… Collected 23 tackles and five picks as a senior… Also led the Big East with a 15yard punt-return average with two scores… Earned All-American honors as a returner and
was a finalist for the Mosi Tatupu Award for the nation’s most outstanding special teams
player… Had three tackles and one sack in Rose Bowl win over Nebraska, helping Miami
capture fifth national title in school history… Posted career-high 44 tackles as a sophomore,
adding two interceptions, returning one 78 yards for a touchdown against Pittsburgh…
Also returned a fumble against West Virginia 77 yards for a touchdown… Recorded 21
tackles as a freshman.
Personal: All-State selection as a senior at Lehigh High School in Ft. Myers, Fla., racking
up 102 tackles and seven picks… Also rushed for 928 yards and 13 touchdowns… Added
All-State honors in baseball, hitting .463 as a senior… Also lettered in basketball and
track… Member of the school’s honor roll… Cousin, Jevon Kearse, plays defensive end
for the Philadelphia Eagles… Born Phillip Buchanon in Ft. Myers, Florida on September
19, 1980.
120 | Veterans
buchanon’s Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Oakland
Oakland
Oakland
Houston
Hou/TB
6 3
16 11
14 14
10 6
14 4
21
44
59
35
30
21
42
50
29
22
0
2
9
6
8
0.0
0.0
0.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
2.0
0.0
0.0
2
6
3
0
2
81 81t
176 83t
69 37
0
0
0
0
1
2
1
0
0
5
10
9
4
8
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
NFL Totals
60 38 189 164
25 0.5 2.0 13 326 83t 4 36 2 2
0 0 0 0
Kickoff Returns Punt Returns
YEAR TEAM
NO YDS
AVG
LG TD
NO
FC YDS AVG
LG TD
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Oakland
Oakland
Oakland
Houston
Hou/TB
0
2
0
0
5
0
25
0
0
106
0
12.5
0
0
21.2
0
17
0
0
28
0
0
0
0
0
15
36
21
12
14
8
14
7
6
4
178
491
121
101
95
11.9
13.6
5.8
8.4
6.8
83t
80t
18
37
45
1
2
0
0
0
Totals
7
131
18.7
28
0
98
39
986
10.1
83t
3
ADDITIONAL STATS
Career Touchdowns: 7
32-yd. interception return, vs. Tampa Bay, 9/26/04
80-yd. punt return, at San Diego, 12/28/03
64-yd. interception return, vs. Minnesota, 11/16/03
78-yd. punt return, vs. N.Y. Jets, 11/9/03
83-yd. interception return, vs. Cincinnati, 9/14/03
81-yd. interception return, at Buffalo, 10/6/02
83-yd. punt return, vs. Tennessee, 9/29/02
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 9 at Buffalo, 9/11/05
Interceptions: 2 vs. Minnesota, 11/16/03
Sacks: 0.5 at Houston, 10/3/04
Punt Return Yards: 96 vs. N.Y. Jets, 11/9/03
Pro: Gritty, young offensive lineman who displays an imposing physical prowess in the
running game, along with skillful mobility as a pass blocker… One of only four offensive
linemen in the NFL to start all 16 games as a rookie in 2005… Played in 25 games with 23
starts… Also started one playoff game… Selected in the fourth round (107th overall) of
the 2005 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers.
2006: Played in nine games (all but vs. Baltimore, at Pittsburgh, vs. Atlanta, at Chicago,
at Cleveland and vs. Seattle) with seven starts (at Atlanta, vs. Carolina, at New Orleans,
vs. Cincinnati, at Carolina, vs. Washington and at Dallas) at left guard before being placed
on injured reserve on November 27 because of a knee injury… Declared inactive vs.
Baltimore with ankle injury (9/10)… Made season debut at Atlanta, helping contribute
to 311 passing yards by QB Chris Simms (9/17)… Started at New Orleans (10/8) and
helped contribute to 187 rushing yards and 5.7 yards-per-carry average… Started against
Cincinnati (10/15) and contributed to 126 rushing yards by Buccaneers… Saw action
against Philadelphia (10/22) and at N.Y. Giants (10/29)… Did not play vs. New Orleans
(11/5)… Started at left guard at Carolina (11/13)… Started at left guard vs. Washington
(11/19) and helped Buccaneers rush for 181 yards, including 122 by RB Cadillac Williams…
Veterans | 121
Started at left guard at Dallas (11/23) and left the game because of injury… Placed on
injured reserve on November 27.
2005: Started all 16 games at left guard… Also started playoff game… One of four
rookie offensive linemen in the NFL to start all 16 games – also G Logan Mankins (New
England), T Rob Petitti (Dallas) and T Michael Roos (Tennessee)… One of five members
of the offensive line that started all 16 regular season games on the season for the first
time in franchise history and one of only three in the NFL… Provided blocking to allow
for NFL Rookie of the Year RB Carnell “Cadillac” Williams to break the team record with
six 100-yard rushing performances and set a franchise rookie record with 1,178 rushing
yards… Started at left guard in NFL debut at Minnesota (9/11) and helped the Buccaneers
achieve a balanced offensive attack… Helped lead the way for fellow rookie Williams’ 148
rushing yards and one touchdown… Also provided time for QB Brian Griese to throw a
pair of touchdown passes to fellow rookie TE Alex Smith… Helped lead the way for the
Buccaneers to total 191 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns vs. Buffalo (9/18)…
Helped lead the way for Williams to rush for 158 yards at Green Bay (9/25)… Helped
provide time for Griese to pass for 302 yards vs. Detroit (10/2)… Helped lead the way for
RB Michael Pittman to rush for 127 yards and one touchdown vs. Miami (10/16)… Helped
lead the way for FB Mike Alstott to rush for two touchdowns and a two-point conversion
vs. Washington (11/13)… Helped lead the way for Williams to rush for 116 yards and one
touchdown at Atlanta (11/20)… Helped lead the way for Williams to rush for 112 yards
and two touchdowns at Carolina (12/11)… Helped lead the way for Williams to rush for
150 yards and one touchdown vs. Atlanta (12/24)… Helped the Buccaneers total 149 rushing yards vs. New Orleans (1/1)… Started first career postseason game in NFC Wild Card
contest vs. Washington (1/7).
College: Played in 51 games with 49 starts at Wisconsin… Four-year starter with excellent
skills and good awareness… In 2004, named Second-Team All-American (AP), First-Team
All-American (Pro Football Weekly), consensus First-Team All-Big Ten and honorable
mention All-American (Sports Illustrated)… Started all 12 games at left guard in 2004 and
allowed only one pressure throughout the year and helped Wisconsin’s rushing offense
to average 160.9 yards a game… In 2003, named Second-Team All-Big Ten after starting
all 13 games at left guard… Part of an offensive line that cleared the way for the Badgers
to average 394.9 yards per game and score 45 touchdowns… In 2002, started 11 of 13
games at left guard… Part an offense that averaged 354.7 yards per game and scored 47
touchdowns… In 2001, named Fourth-Team Freshman All-American (The Sporting News),
and Big Ten All-Freshman team (The Sporting News) after starting all 13 games at left
guard as a freshman… Helped open holes for Wisconsin’s Big Ten-record ninth consecutive 1,000 yard rusher (RB Anthony Davis)… Redshirted in 2000… Majored in agricultural
science.
Personal: Married to the former Ashley Trantow… Visited the North Tampa Boys & Girls
Club in September 2005 and helped the kids with their homework before participating
in the Gatorade Junior Training Camp football drills… Attended Bay Port (Green Bay,
Wisconsin) High School… USA Today All-American honorable mention… Named to the
Super Prep and Prep Star All-Region squads and was a WFCA First-Team All-State on both
offense and defense as a senior… First-Team All-State (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and
AP)… Son of Cindy and Tom Buenning… Born Daniel Robert Buenning on October 26,
1981 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Buenning’s career statistics
Games/Starts: TB: 2005: 16/16 (P: 1/1); 2006: 9/7
Career Totals: 25/23 (P: 1/1)
P=Playoffs
122 | Veterans
Pro: Two-time Pro Bowl selection (1999 and 2002) has started 99 consecutive games…
Powerful and durable defensive end has not missed a game in his NFL career (192 games)
and ranks tied for first (with LB Derrick Brooks) for the longest current streak of games
played among active defensive players... Consensus All-Pro selection, as well as being
named to the All-Madden and Phil Simms’ All-Iron Teams in 1999… Has started 189 of the
192 games played… Career totals include 697 tackles, 97.5 sacks, 22 passes defensed,
17 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, two safeties, one special teams tackle and three
blocked field goals… His 97.5 sacks ranks fourth-most among active players… Has totaled
14 multi-sack games… Signed with the Buccaneers on March 3, 2007… Released by the
Dolphins on March 2, 2007… Signed with the Dolphins on March 7, 2005... Released by the
Tennessee Titans on February 22, 2005… Traded to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a
2001 first-round draft choice on April 4, 2001… Appeared in Super Bowl XXXIV as a member
of the world champion St. Louis Rams... Originally a first-round draft choice of St. Louis (sixth
overall) in 1995.
2006: Started all 16 games for the Dolphins, marking the sixth consecutive season that he
started all 16 contests… Totaled 45 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries… It marked
the 11th time in 12 NFL seasons that he produced five or more sacks... Collected four tackles
and one sack at Pittsburgh (9/7)… Recorded two tackles and one sack vs. Buffalo (9/17)…
Totaled five tackles at Houston (10/1)… Had four tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery
at Chicago (11/5)… Recorded a season-high six tackles vs. Minnesota (11/19)… Had two
tackles and one sack at Detroit (11/23)… Recorded one tackle and 0.5 sacks vs. Jacksonville
(12/3)… Had two tackles and one sack vs. New England (12/10)… Tied a season-high with
six tackles and added one fumble recovery at Buffalo (12/17).
2005: Started all 16 games at left defensive end for the Dolphins… Posted 54 tackles, six
sacks, four passes defensed, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble… Sack total tied
with DE David Bowens for second on the team… Was credited with a season-high six tackles
on two occasions: at N.Y. Jets (9/18) and vs. Atlanta (11/6)… First sack as a Dolphin came in
the Jets contest, the first of two consecutive games in which he recorded a sack, as he also
had one vs. Carolina (9/25)… Notched the second safety of his career in win at New Orleans
(10/30) when he sacked Saints QB Aaron Brooks in the end zone… Came up with key recovery of a QB Drew Brees fumble in the fourth quarter of win at San Diego (12/11)… Against
his former team, the Tennessee Titans (12/24), posted five tackles and one sack… On the
sack, forced the ball loose from QB Billy Volek, which was recovered by Vonnie Holliday at
the Dolphins’ 16 to thwart a Titans drive.
2004: As a member of the Titans, started all 16 games, nine at left defensive tackle and
seven at left end… Posted a career-high and team-leading 82 tackles, and added six sacks,
one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and two passes defensed… Turned in his top performance of the year in 19-17 overtime loss vs. Chicago (11/14), when he recorded a career-high
12 tackles, equaled a career-best with three sacks and also forced a fumble as the Titans held
the Bears to 176 yards of total offense… It marked the fourth time in his career he tallied
three sacks in a game.
2003: Started all 16 games for the Titans… Led all Titans linemen with 79 tackles… Added
5.5 sacks, one forced fumble and a pass defensed… Played both end and tackle and was
instrumental in helping Tennessee to the No. 1-ranked rushing defense in the NFL (80.9
Veterans | 123
yards per game)… Amassed a season-high 10 tackles, 0.5 sacks and one forced fumble at
Atlanta (11/23)… Started both playoff games and registered seven tackles, one sack and one
forced fumble… Had two tackles and one sack in AFC Wild Card win at Baltimore (1/3/04)
as Tennessee held the Ravens’ RB Jamal Lewis to 35 yards rushing.
2002: Started all 16 contests for the Titans… Was voted to the second Pro Bowl of his career
after he posted 71 tackles and 10 sacks, tied for fourth in the AFC… Also named secondteam All-Pro by Football Digest… Added one fumble recovery and one pass defensed…
Recorded 1.5 sacks and one fumble recovery in season-opening win vs. Philadelphia (9/8)…
Collected a season-high 10 tackles, including 1.5 sacks, vs. Cleveland (9/22)… Had a season-best two sacks vs. Jacksonville (10/13)… Started both playoff games and produced five
tackles and one forced fumble as Tennessee advanced to the AFC Championship game.
2001: Started all 16 games at left defensive end in his first season with the Titans… Posted
61 tackles and two sacks… Led the team with 34 QB pressures… Both sacks came in 27-24
win at Detroit (10/21).
2000: As a member of the Rams, played in all 16 games with 13 starts… Tallied 42 tackles,
10.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and one pass defensed… Sack total
ranked second on the team and ninth in the NFC… Had streak of 87 consecutive starts
snapped when he saw action in a reserve role vs. San Francisco (10/29)… Recorded a seasonhigh three sacks at Carolina (11/5).
1999: Named to his first-career Pro Bowl… Became the Rams first defensive lineman to be
chosen for the Pro Bowl since Jack Youngblood in 1979… Consensus All-Pro selection, as
well as being named to the All-Madden and Phil Simms’ All-Iron Teams… Memeber of the
Super Bowl XXXIV champion St. Louis Rams... Named NFC Defensive Player of the Month
in November and earned NFC Defensive Player of Week honors in Week 8 vs. Carolina
(11/14)… Started all 16 games with the Rams… Posted 44 tackles and tallied a NFL-leading
and career-high 17 sacks… Sack total was the most by a Ram since Youngblood collected 18
sacks in 1979… Also added a career-high four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and
two passes defensed… Had five multiple-sack games on the year, including a season-high
three at Detroit (11/7), the first of eight consecutive wins by the Rams… Posted 2.5 sacks the
following week vs. Carolina (11/14) and a pair of sacks at San Francisco (11/21), giving him 7.5
sacks in November as he was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month… In the Panthers
game, also recovered a fumble and was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week… Posted
the 50th sack of his career in win vs. N.Y. Giants (12/19)… Started all three playoff games
and was credited with six tackles and three sacks… Had one sack in the Rams’ Super Bowl
XXXIV win over Tennessee.
1998: Started all 16 games for the Rams… Recorded 59 tackles, 12 sacks, one forced
fumble, a career-high five passes defensed and one field goal block… Sack total led the team
and tied for sixth in the NFC… Earned the Daniel F. Reeves Memorial Award as the Rams’
Most Valuable Player as voted upon by coaches and players, becoming the first defensive
player to earn this honor since LB Shane Conlan in 1994… Turned in a pair of multiple-sack
games on the year, including two at Buffalo (9/20) and a career-high three vs. Carolina
(1/22)… Had a streak of six consecutive games with at least a half-sack (games 8-13), the
longest such streak of his career.
1997: Started all 16 games for the Rams… Amassed 45 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and two passes defensed… Also blocked two field goals on special
teams… Ranked second on the team in sacks… Posted five sacks over the final six games of
the year, including two in finale at Carolina (12/20)… Blocked a K Jason Elam 43-yard field
goal attempt at Denver (9/14) and a 22-yard try by K Jeff Jaeger vs. Chicago (12/14).
1996: Started all 16 games for the Rams… Led the team and ranked tied for 13th in the NFC
with 9.5 sacks… Also registered 65 tackles, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and
two passes defensed… In season-opening win vs. Cincinnati (9/1), recorded 1.5 sacks, the
first time in his career he had more than one sack in a game… At Arizona (9/29), recorded
two sacks in a game for the first time in his career… In season finale vs. New Orleans (12/21),
notched a season-high nine tackles, caused two fumbles and recovered another.
1995: Started all 16 games for St. Louis in his rookie season… Ranked second on the team
and second among rookies with six sacks… Also posted 50 tackles, two forced fumbles, one
safety and one fumble recovery… Won the team’s Carroll Rosenbloom Memorial Award as
the Rams’ Rookie of Year… Became the first Rams defensive rookie to start in a seasonopener since DT Sean Gilbert in 1992, and recorded his first career sack when he dropped
QB Brett Favre for a 10-yard loss at Green Bay (9/3)… Tallied first career safety when he
sacked QB Boomer Esiason in end zone vs. N.Y. Jets (12/3).
124 | Veterans
College: Was a four-year letterman at Florida (1991-94), and played in 47 games with 37
starts during his career… Started at left defensive end during his final three seasons…
Concluded his career with 203 tackles, 39 stops for loss and 21.5 sacks… Was a First-Team
consensus All-America selection as a senior when he tallied 66 tackles and 11.5 sacks… Was
a First-Team All-SEC choice each of his final two seasons… Became the first true freshman to
start along the defensive line for the Gators since 1979 when he recorded his first collegiate
start against Syracuse on September 21, 1991... Majored in zoology.
Personal: Married to Shima with one son, Zion… Was a Parade All-America selection as a
linebacker his senior year at Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Fla… Lettered in basketball
as well… Was a member of the school’s Crime and Drug Prevention Task Force and was
named Student-Athlete of the Year as a senior… He and his wife have been extremely active
in community endeavors, and in 2002 started the Kevin Carter Foundation… Was the winner of the Tennessee Titans’ Community Man of the Year Award three straight years (200204)… During his six years with the Rams (1995-2000), was a United Way African-American
Leadership Giver… Also was part of a defensive line that raised more than $100,000 for
St. Patrick Center through their Sack Homelessness Program… In 1998, started the Kevin
Carter Football Endowment at the University of Florida, which provides scholarships at
the Gainesville school… While at Florida, served as president for the school’s chapter of
Fellowship of Christian Athletes… In 2004, was inducted into the University of Florida Sports
Hall of Fame… In 2005, was part of the Dolphins’ “All Community Team,” in which he donated 20 tickets for each home game to the Head Start/Men As Partners Program… Work with
kids in South Florida includes visiting foster children at Kids in Distress, speaking at D.A.R.E.
graduations and speaking to at-risk kids in the Broward County Court system… Brother,
Bernard Carter, played linebacker at East Carolina University from 1990-93, and spent a brief
stint in the NFL with Green Bay (1994) and Jacksonville (1995)… Born Kevin Louis Carter on
September 21, 1973 in Miami, Florida.
carter’s career statistics
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst
Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD
FF
FR Yds
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee
Miami
Miami
NFL Totals
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
13
16
16
16
16
16
16
192189
50
65
45
59
44
42
61
71
79
82
54
45
35
41
33
45
31
32
39
42
49
40
35
28
15
24
12
14
13
10
22
29
30
42
19
17
6.0
9.5
7.5
12.0
17.0
10.5
2.0
10.0
5.5
6.0
6.0
5.5
23.0
71.5
62.0
76.0
106.0
53.0
11.0
59.0
40.5
39.0
33.0
30.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
5
2
1
2
1
1
2
4
0
2
4
2
1
4
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
1
1
2
0
2
1
0
1
0
1
1
2
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
697 450 247
97.5
604.0
0
0
0
0
22
17
12
5
PLAYOFFS
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst
Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD
FF
FR Yds
1999
2000
2002
2003
St. Louis
St. Louis
Tennessee
Tennessee
Postseason
3
1
2
2
3
1
2
2
6
2
5
7
4
2
4
6
2
0
1
1
3.0
0.0
0.0
1.0
18.0
0.0
0.0
5.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
8
8
20
16
4
4.0
23.0
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
ADDITIONAL STATS
Safeties: (St. Louis): 1 in 1995, (Miami): 1 in 2005 for a
total of 2
Special Teams Tackles: 1 in 1998
Blocked Field Goals: 2 in 1997, 1 in 1998 for total of 3
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 10, three times, last at Atlanta, 11/23/03 (w/ Tenn.)
Sacks: 3, four times, last vs. Chicago, 11/14/04 (w/ Tenn.)
14 multi-sack games
Veterans | 125
Pro: Athletic and rangy linebacker who was a solid special teams performer in his first full
season with the Buccaneers… Has appeared in 19 career games (three with Atlanta and
16 with the Buccaneers)… Career totals include 19 special teams tackles… Signed by the
Buccaneers on January 12, 2006… Signed to the Buccaneers practice squad on November
9, 2005… Released by the Falcons on November 2, 2005… Originally entered the league
as an undrafted free agent with the Falcons on April 26, 2005 and played three games with
Atlanta, totaling two special teams tackles.
2006: Played in all 16 contests for Tampa Bay… Ranked fourth on the team with 17 special
teams tackles… Led the team with three special teams tackles vs. Carolina (9/24)… Had
one special teams tackle at New Orleans (10/8)… Finished contest vs. Cincinnati (10/15)
with one special teams tackle… Led the team with a career-high four special teams tackles
vs. Philadelphia (10/22)… Had one special teams tackle at N.Y. Giants (10/29)… Notched
one special teams tackle vs. New Orleans (11/5)… Had two special teams tackles at
Carolina (11/13)… Had two special teams tackles vs. Atlanta (12/10)… Had two special
teams tackles at Cleveland (12/24).
2005: Played in three contests with Atlanta… Totaled two special teams tackles for the
Falcons… Released by Atlanta on November 2… Signed to the Buccaneers practice squad
on November 9 where he spent the remainder of the season.
College: Appeared in 39 games with 15 starts for Southern Mississippi… Career totals
included 266 tackles, eight passes defensed, four forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries,
4.5 sacks and one interception… Notched a career-high 13 tackles and added one forced
fumble against Houston as a senior…Majored in business adminnistration with a minor in
architectural engineering.
Personal: Attended South Delta (Anguilla, Mississippi) High School… Selected to The
Clarion-Ledger’s “Top 40 Recruits” in Mississippi and played in the Alabama/Mississippi
All-Star Classic… Starred as an outside linebacker and also rushed for 1,378 yards as a
senior… Born Antoine Cash on March 5, 1982, in Anguilla, Mississippi.
cash’s Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2005
2006
Atlanta
3
Tampa Bay 16
NFL Totals
19
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2 2 0
17 11 6
0
0
0
0
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
19 13 6
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Special Teams Tackles: 4 vs. Philadelphia, 10/22/06
126 | Veterans
Pro: A versatile defender who has seen action at linebacker and defensive end during
his career… Expected to provide depth at linebacker and contribute at defensive end in
pass-rush situations with the Buccaneers… Solid special teams performer… Spent parts
of four seasons with the Denver Broncos (2003-2006) and two seasons with the Minnesota
Vikings (2001-2002) before signing with the Buccaneers as a free agent on March 3,
2007… Appeared in 69 games with five starts in his career… Career totals include 49
tackles, eight sacks, three passes defensed and three forced fumbles… Has registered
43 special teams tackles in his career… Also appeared in three playoff contests, recording one special teams tackle… Signed by the Broncos on January 13, 2004… Waived by
Denver on December 26, 2003… Signed by the Broncos on December 24, 2003… Waived
by the Houston Texans on August 31, 2003… Claimed off waivers by Houston on February
28, 2003… Waived by the Vikings on February 27, 2003… Originally entered the NFL as a
fifth-round selection (157th overall) of the Vikings in the 2001 NFL Draft.
2006: Played in 14 games (all but at Oakland and vs. San Diego) with Denver… Amassed
a career-high 20 tackles, one pass defensed and placed fourth on the team with a
career-best 4.5 sacks… Also tied for third on the team with nine special teams tackles…
Recorded one sack of QB Marc Bulger in season opener at St. Louis (9/10)… Posted 0.5
sack of QB Damon Huard in home opener vs. Kansas City (9/17)... Also notched one pass
defensed and contributed two special teams stops against the Chiefs… Had two tackles
at New England (9/24)… Dropped QB Andrew Walter for a sack vs. Oakland (10/15)…
Had one tackle at Cleveland (10/22)… Posted one stop vs. Indianapolis (10/29)… Posted
a season-high four tackles at Pittsburgh (11/5)… Inactive at Oakland (11/12) and vs. San
Diego (11/19) because of a hamstring injury… Posted one tackle on special teams on
Thanksgiving at Kansas City (11/23)... Recorded one sack of QB Philip Rivers at San Diego
(12/10)… Contributed two tackles at Arizona (12/17) and three tackles vs. Cincinnati
(12/24)… Led the team with four special teams stops and posted two tackles, including
one sack, vs. San Francisco (12/31).
2005: Played in 14 games (all but at Jacksonville and vs. Philadelphia) and both postseason contests for Denver… Totaled two tackles and seven special teams tackles on the
season… Had one tackle vs. Miami (9/11)… Inactive at Jacksonville (10/2) because of
injury… Totaled one special teams tackle vs. Washington (10/9)… Inactive vs. Philadelphia
(10/30)… Posted one tackle at Oakland (11/13)… Had one special teams tackle at Buffalo
(12/17)… Had one stop on special teams in AFC Divisional Playoff vs. New England
(1/14)… Played in the AFC Championship Game vs. Pittsburgh (1/22).
2004: Played in 14 games (all but vs. Kansas City and at Oakland) for Denver… Also
played in lone playoff game… Totaled four tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one
pass defensed on the season… Notched five special teams tackles to tie for ninth on the
Broncos… Inactive for season opener vs. Kansas City (9/12) because of injury… Inactive
at Oakland (10/17) because of injury… Had one tackle and one special teams tackle vs.
Houston (11/7)… Posted one sack, one forced fumble and two tackles vs. New Orleans
(11/21)… Tallied one tackle and one special teams tackle vs. Miami (12/12)… Appeared in
his first career playoff game in the AFC Wild Card matchup at Indianapolis (1/9).
2003: Waived by Denver on December 26… Did not play during the season… Signed
with the Broncos on December 24 after he was waived in the final cutdown of training
camp by Houston.
Veterans | 127
2002: Played in 11 games with two starts (vs. Chicago and vs. Detroit) at linebacker for
Minnesota… Posted a then career-high 14 tackles and a career-best 12 special teams
stops on the year… Started season opener at Chicago (9/8), posting four tackles… Had
a career-high seven tackles in a start vs. Detroit (10/13) while adding three special teams
stops.
2001: Appeared in all 16 games as a rookie with Minnesota, starting two at linebacker (vs.
Carolina and at Detroit) and one at left defensive end (vs. N.Y. Giants)… Collected nine
tackles, two forced fumbles, 2.5 sacks and one pass defensed on the season… Made NFL
debut vs. Carolina (9/9), becoming the first Vikings rookie linebacker to start since 1997
(Dwayne Rudd) and the first Vikings rookie linebacker to start the season opener since
1962 (Roy Winston)… Totaled four tackles against the Panthers… Started at defensive
end in a Monday Night Football contest vs. N.Y. Giants (11/19), dropping Giants QB Kerry
Collins for his first career sack… Also forced his first career fumble against the Giants…
Forced one fumble vs. Tennessee (12/9)… Posted a career-high 1.5 sacks and two tackles
at Detroit (12/16).
College: A three-year starter at the University of Wyoming, where he recorded 245
tackles, 27 sacks, 47 TFLs in 45 career games… Earned first-team All-Mountain West
Conference honors as a senior, posting 100 tackles and seven sacks along with a conference-best 19 TFLs... Elected defensive team captain as a senior and ended his Wyoming
career ranked 11th in career tackles… As a junior, was a second-team all-conference selection who earned team defensive MVP honors.
Personal: Earned honorable-mention all-state honors as a defensive end/outside linebacker as a senior at MacArthur High School in Irving, Texas… Also was named firstteam all-district… Participated in A.C.E.S. (Athletes Committed to Educating Students)
and the Twin Cities’ LISC/NFL Grassroots Program while with the Vikings… Born Patrick
Chukwurah on March 1, 1979 in Nigeria.
CHUKWURAH’S Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Minnesota
Minnesota
Denver
Denver
Denver
Denver
NFL Totals
16
11
0
14
14
14
3
2
0
0
0
0
9
14
0
4
2
20
6
6
0
3
1
11
3
8
0
1
1
9
2.5
0.0
0.0
1.0
0.0
4.5
25.0
0.0
0.0
12.0
0.0
20.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
12
0
5
7
9
69
5
49
27
22
8.0 57.0
0
0
0
0
3
3
0
0
43
PLAYOFFS
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T
2004
2005
Denver
Denver
Postseason
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
3
0
0
0
0
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 7 vs. Detroit, 10/13/02
Sacks: 1.5 at Detroit, 12/16/01
128 | Veterans
Pro: Ultra-physical receiver who is equally adept at run-blocking as well as pass-catching…
Displays excellent route-running ability and fearlessness over the middle of field… Possesses
knack for catching passes in traffic and consistently fights for yards after catch… Talented
pass catcher has played in 42 career games with 32 starts… Career numbers include 145
receptions for 1,921 yards and eight touchdowns… Has also rushed 11 times for 73 yards and
returned one punt for two yards… Led or tied for the team lead in receptions in 13 games
during his career… Led the team in receiving yards in 14 games in his career… Has at least
one reception in 39 of his 42 career games… Known for his leadership and determination,
helped LSU win a share of the 2003 National Championship and two SEC Championships…
In his rookie season in 2004, set Buccaneers’ rookie records for most receptions (80), receiving yards (1,193) and receiving touchdowns (seven)… That performance statistically ranked as
one of the five most prolific by a first-year wideout in NFL history… Tampa Bay’s first-round
selection (15th overall) in 2004… The highest wide receiver ever taken by the Buccaneers and
just the second wideout selected by Tampa Bay in the first round (also WR Reidel Anthony,
16th overall selection in 1997).
2006: Appeared in season’s first 12 games with nine starts (all but vs. Baltimore, at Atlanta
and vs. Washington) before being placed on injured reserve (12/5) with a knee injury…
Finished season fifth on the team with 33 receptions for 356 yards and one touchdown…
Saw significant action against Baltimore (9/10) despite not starting, as Buccaneers began
game with two tight ends and a fullback… Caught three passes for 34 yards… Saw significant
action at Atlanta (9/17), catching five passes for 62 yards… Started against Carolina (9/24) and
caught one pass for 14 yards... Started at New Orleans (10/8) and caught one pass for seven
yards… Also rushed once for a career-high 27 yards… Started against Cincinnati (10/15) and
caught six passes for 55 yards, including game-winning touchdown with 35 seconds remaining
in game… Started against Philadelphia (10/22) and caught three passes for 30 yards, including 11-yard reception on team’s final drive that helped set up game-winning field goal… Also
rushed once for four yards… Caught one pass for four yards at N.Y. Giants (10/29)… Started
vs. New Orleans (11/5) and caught four passes for 38 yards… Also rushed once for two
yards… Started at Carolina (11/13), catching two passes for 22 yards… Saw significant action
vs. Washington (11/19) despite not starting, as Buccaneers began game with two tight ends…
Caught one pass for 14 yards and rushed once for five yards… Started at Dallas (11/23),
catching two passes for 19 yards… Started at Pittsburgh (12/3) and led team in receptions
and receiving yards, catching four passes for 57 yards… Also rushed once for three yards…
Placed on injured reserve (12/5) prior to game against Atlanta.
2005: Played in 14 games (all but vs. Washington and vs. New Orleans) with 10 starts (all
but at Minnesota, vs. Washington, at Atlanta, at Carolina, vs. Atlanta and vs. New Orleans)…
Battled injuries all season, but still caught 32 passes for 372 yards (11.6 avg)… Caught four
passes for 57 yards at Minnesota (9/11), including a season-long 41-yard reception from QB
Brian Griese on third down that led to Tampa Bay’s second touchdown of the game… Started
vs. Buffalo (9/18) and led the team with six receptions and 84 receiving yards… Hauled in a
34-yard pass that helped set up RB Carnell Williams’ three-yard touchdown run… Started at
Green Bay (9/25) and tied for the team lead with five receptions for 44 yards… Started vs.
Detroit (10/2) and caught two passes for 11 yards… Started at the N.Y. Jets (10/9) and did
not record a catch for the first time in his career… Started vs. Miami (10/16) and caught two
passes for 27 yards, including a 22-yard reception… Started at San Francisco (10/30) and
caught four passes for 30 yards… His first catch of the game was his 100th career reception…
Started vs. Carolina (11/6) and caught two passes for 22 yards… Tied for the team lead with
three receptions for 48 yards at Atlanta (11/20)… Started vs. Chicago (11/27) and at New
Veterans | 129
Orleans (12/4) in his return to LSU’s Tiger Stadium… Started at New England (12/17) and
caught two passes for 26 yards.
2004: Played in all 16 games with 13 starts (all but at Washington, vs. Seattle and at
Oakland)... Established himself as the top rookie receiver in team history in receptions (80),
receiving yards (1,193) and receiving touchdowns (seven)... Also totaled five rushing attempts
for 30 yards... Returned one punt for two yards... Ranked fifth all-time in NFL history among
rookies with 80 receptions and 1,193 yards... Ranked 11th in the NFC in receptions with 80...
Ranked ninth in the NFC in receiving yards with 1,193... Caught 19 passes for 20 or more
yards and four of 40 or more yards... Finished first on the team in receptions (80), receiving
yards (1,193) and receiving touchdowns (seven)... Finished the season with 1,223 yards of
total offense... Led or tied for the team lead in receptions in eight games... Led the team
in receiving yards in 10 games... Named to ESPN.com’s All-Rookie team… Named NFL
Offensive Rookie of the week after catching nine passes for 145 yards and a touchdown at
San Diego (12/12)... Nominated for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors for October
after totaling 24 receptions for 356 yards and two touchdowns in four games... Nominated
for the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week honors after leading the team with seven receptions for
53 yards in the season opener at Washington (9/12)... Nominated for the Pepsi NFL Rookie of
the Week honors after catching his first career touchdown vs. Denver (10/3)... Finished with
four catches for a team-leading 91 yards... Nominated for the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week
honors after leading the team with eight receptions for 142 yards at St. Louis (10/18)... Made
his professional and Buccaneer debut at Washington (9/12)... Led the team in receiving in his
first career game, totaling a game-high seven receptions for 53 yards... Tied for second on the
team with six receptions vs. Seattle (9/19)... Led the team with 61 receiving yards... Caught
two passes for 35 yards at Oakland (9/26)... Made his first career start vs. Denver (10/3) and
caught four passes for a team-best 91 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown reception against
CB Champ Bailey... On the touchdown, he fell to the ground without being touched, lost
his helmet while on the turf, then popped up before being touched by an opposing player
and scampered into the end zone for his first career score... Also had his first career rushing
attempt (seven yards) on a reverse and his first career punt return (two yards)... Started at New
Orleans (10/10) in his return to his home state of Louisiana... Caught four passes for 61 yards...
Also rushed two times for 24 yards, including a long of 15 yards... Started at St. Louis (10/18)
and led the team with eight receptions for 142 yards (17.8 avg.) for his first career 100-yard
receiving game... Started vs. Chicago (10/24) and caught a game-high six passes for 62 yards
and one touchdown... Caught a six-yard touchdown pass, the second of his career, from QB
Brian Griese... Tied for the team lead with five receptions for a team-high 90 yards vs. Kansas
City (11/7)... Hauled in a 56-yard pass that set up a FB Jameel Cook touchdown reception...
Started at Atlanta (11/14) and led the team with six receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown... Caught two passes of 20 or more yards (21 and 25 yards, respectively)... Caught a
25-yard touchdown pass from QB Brian Griese... Also had one carry for three yards... Started
vs. San Francisco (11/21) and caught four passes for 66 yards... Started at Carolina (11/28)
and tied for the team lead with eight receptions for 77 yards... Started at San Diego (12/12)
and set career highs with nine catches for 145 yards… Also added one touchdown... Nine
receptions tied RB James Wilder (1981) for the most catches in a single game by a Buccaneer
rookie in franchise history... With his fifth reception of the game, passed FB Mike Alstott (65
receptions) as the all-time leader in receptions by a rookie in team history... Caught a 20-yard
touchdown pass that tied the game at 21 in the fourth quarter... Caught three passes of 20 or
more yards in the final quarter... Caught a team-best four passes for 53 yards vs. New Orleans
(12/19)... Started vs. Carolina (12/26) and caught four passes for 66 yards and a career-high
two touchdowns... Scored on a 22-yard catch and run, eventually leaping into the end zone...
Also caught a six-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone... Started at Arizona (1/2) and
caught two passes for 86 yards and a touchdown... Scored on a career-long 75-yard catchand-run, the longest passing play of the season for the Buccaneers.
College: Helped lead Louisiana State to a co-National Championship in 2003... Also helped
the Tigers win two SEC Championships (2001 and 2003)... Honors included 2003 Third-Team
All-America (Collegefootballnews.com), 2003 First-Team All-SEC (AP, Coaches, ESPN.com,
Collegefootballnews.com), 2003 Biletnikoff Award semifinalist, 2002 Second-Team All-SEC
(AP, Coaches), 2001 Third-Team Freshman All-America (Sporting News) and 2001 Freshman
All-SEC (Knoxville News)... Caught 182 passes for 2,582 yards and 21 touchdowns for the
Tigers... Holds the LSU record for career TD receptions with 21... Finished second in school
history in receptions with 182, just one shy of tying Wendell Davis’ record of 183... Ranked
fourth in career receiving yards with 2,582 and seventh in career 100-yard games... Is the
only player in LSU history to have at least 700 yards receiving in three consecutive seasons...
Caught at least one pass in all 40 games of his career... Also recorded 36 special teams
130 | Veterans
tackles (30 solo) with a fumble recovery... As a junior, led the SEC in both receptions (78) and
yards (1,079) and ranked second in the SEC with 10 TD receptions... As a sophomore, ranked
among the SEC leaders with 57 catches for 749 yards and five TDs... As a freshman, caught
47 passes for 754 yards and six TDs in the regular season.
Personal: Has two daughters, Madison Michelle and Michaela Kristina... Married to the
former Kristina Wright… Sponsors “Clayton’s Crew,” a ticket program for Buccaneers’
home games in support of Hillsborough County Schools and other local charities… Started
Michael Clayton’s Generation Next Foundation during the 2006 offseason that supports the
Ronald McDonald Mobile Unit, the Children’s Cancer Center, the Tampa Pediatric Cancer
Foundation and the LSU Hurricane Relief Fund… Hosted the second annual Michael Clayton
Celebrity Summer Jam, benefiting The Ronald McDonald Mobile Care Unit and the Tampa
Bay Pediatric Cancer Center in 2007… Has his own Web site: ClaytonGeneration.org... Played
in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Charity Golf Tournament to raise money for All Children’s
Hospital in 2007 and the Children’s Cancer Center in 2006... Sang at “Karaoke for the Kids”
to raise funds for All Children’s Hospital in 2007... Served as a celebrity model in the fourth
annual Fashion Funds the Cure show to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation in 2007... Hit
the runway at the Jocks & Jewels celebrity fashion show to benefit the National Council on
Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Inc. Tampa Bay in 2006... Joined fellow Buccaneers, Home
Depot and KaBoom! to refurbish a practice football/soccer field and aid in the construction
of an obstacle course at Tampa’s Jefferson High School in 2006... Accompanied children
to a preview of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Pirates 4-D in 2006... Teamed with MercedesBenz to donate $60,000 to the Pediatric Cancer Foundation through “Catch for a Cure” in
2006... Played games with children and helped with arts and crafts projects at the Lil’ Tales
Halloween Celebration at the Children’s Cancer Center in 2006... Contributed the “Clayton’s
Classic Cookies” recipe to the CancerCare for Kids Celebrity Cookbook in 2005... In 2005,
during the Buccaneers’ bye week, traveled to his hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and
donated a $20,000 check to the LSU Foundation for the Student Hurricane Relief Fund, which
was established to assist LSU students who lost financial support, or had been displaced due
to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita… Participated in the 2005 Hometown Huddle and helped
landscape the front of Potter Elementary School in Tampa… Flew with the United States
Air Force’s Thunderbirds in an F-16 fighter jet in April 2005... Hosted the Michael Clayton
Raymond James/PARC Golf Tournament in May 2005... In May 2005, along with teammates
LB Derrick Brooks, LB Barrett Ruud and LB Shelton Quarles, rode the SheiKra, Busch Garden
Tampa Bay’s newest roller coaster… At 200 feet, SheiKra is Florida’s tallest roller coaster and
is also the tallest dive coaster in the world… Signed autographs at Metropolitan Ministries
in exchange for toy donations as part of a holiday toy drive for needy families in 2004...
Sang holiday carols for residents of North Shore Retirement Home in 2004... Visited patients
at All Children’s Hospital for the 2004 holiday season... Provided insight into the 2004 and
2005 seasons to the Greater Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater Chamber of Commerce
members at two football season kickoff events sponsored by TECO Energy… Along with fellow 2004 Buccaneer rookies, visited the North Tampa Boys & Girls Club and ran the children
there through the Gatorade Junior Training Camp... Celebrated Halloween in 2004 and 2006
at the Children’s Home, where he helped the kids carve pumpkins and decorate trick-or-treat
bags... A consensus high school All-American... Named All-American by Parade, SuperPrep,
USA Today and Fox Sports... A member of the ESPN and Rivals.com Top 100 high school
players in the nation... Also selected to the Baton Rouge Advocate Super Dozen, the New
Orleans Times-Picayune Top 16 Blue Chip list and the Shreveport Times Top 20 for the state
of Louisiana... Rated as the nation’s No. 5 prospect by SuperPrep and was a member of the
Dallas Morning News Top 100 for the nation... Rated by Max Emfinger as one of the nation’s
top 125 players... First team 2A All-State and a member of the Academic All-State team...
As a senior, rushed for 663 yards and 12 touchdowns and passed for another 338 yards and
three touchdowns... Also named First Team 2A All-State as a defensive back as a senior as he
recorded 78 tackles and five interceptions... As a junior, caught 23 passes for 500 yards and
13 touchdowns in just half a season at wide receiver... First team 2A All-State in basketball as
a junior after averaging 19.4 points a contest... Coached in high school by David Barham...
Attended Christian Life Academy (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)... Parents are Milton and Marjorie
Clayton... Has two brothers - Milton and Marcus, and one sister - Marcie... Lists golf as his
favorite sport other than football... Was highly recruited in both football and basketball coming out of high school... Turned down basketball scholarship offers from a number of top 20
schools to play football at LSU... Born Michael Rashard Clayton on October 13, 1982 in Baton
Rouge, Louisiana.
Veterans | 131
clayton’s Career Statistics
Year
Team
GP
GS
RECEIVING
No Yds
Avg
Lg
TD
Att
2004
2005
2006
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
16
14
12
13
10
9
80
32
33
1,193
372
356
14.9
11.6
10.8
75
41
27
7
0
1
5
1
5
30
2
41
6.0
2.0
8.2
15
2
27
0
0
0
NFL totals
42
32
145
1,921
13.2
75
8
11
73
6.6
27
0
GP
GS
RECEIVING
No Yds
Avg
Lg
TD
Att
PLAYOFFS
Year
Team
2005
Tampa Bay
Postseason RUSHING
Yds Avg Lg
TD
RUSHING
Yds Avg Lg TD
0
0
0
0
-
0
0
0
0.0
-
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0
0
ADDITIONAL STATS
Fumbles-lost — 0-0 in 2004, 1-0 in 2005, 0-0 in ‘05
playoffs, 2-0 in 2006
Punt Returns: 1 for 2 yards in 2004
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Receptions: 9 at San Diego, 12/12/04
Receiving Yards: 145 at San Diego, 12/12/04
Receiving TDs: 2, vs. Carolina, 10/18/04
2 100-yard receiving games
Pro: Aggressive special teams standout who also is a solid contributor as a defensive back…
Highly instinctive cornerback with good awareness and a solid frame… Fearless coverman
who plays bigger than his size… Selected as a Pro Bowl alternate in 2006… Ranked tied
for first on team in 2006 with 20 special teams tackles and was selected to USA Today’s
2006 All-Joe Team… Has appeared in 41 career games and one playoff contest, recording
35 tackles, four passes defensed and one interception… Lone interception was returned
55 yards for his first career touchdown against San Francisco (11/21/04)… Has totaled 45
special teams tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery on special teams… Has
also returned 75 kickoffs for 1,717 yards (22.9 avg.), with a long of 59 yards… Rookie season in 2003 was cut short after sustaining a torn left ACL in a preseason contest… Tabbed
a sixth-round draft selection (205th overall) in the 2003 NFL Draft by Tampa Bay.
2006: Appeared in all 16 games with three starts (vs. New Orleans, at Carolina at Dallas)…
Named as a Pro Bowl first alternate as a special teams player… Also named to USA Today’s
All-Joe Team… Ranked tied for first on the team with 20 special teams tackles and recorded
25 defensive tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two passes defensed…
Also returned 18 kickoffs for 387 yards, with a long of 44 yards and gained nine punt return
yards… Totaled two special teams tackles in season opener vs. Baltimore (9/10)… Also had
one kickoff return for 26 yards against the Ravens… Posted two tackles, one forced fumble
and one special teams tackle at Atlanta (9/17)… Saw extensive action as the nickelback
vs. Carolina (9/24), recording one pass defensed… Had two tackles on special teams at
New Orleans (10/8)… Also registered nine punt return yards after taking a lateral from
WR Mark Jones… Saw significant time at nickelback vs. Cincinnati (10/15), totaling three
tackles and one special teams tackle… Notched two tackles, one fumble recovery and one
special teams stop against the Eagles (10/22)… Totaled one tackle and two special teams
132 | Veterans
stops at N.Y. Giants (10/29)… Made first career start at nickelback vs. New Orleans (11/5)…
Had a career-high six tackles and one pass defensed against the Saints… Also totaled a
career-high five special teams tackles vs. New Orleans, tying for the second-highest singlegame total in team history… Returned one kickoff for 17 yards against the Saints… Had
two tackles and one kickoff return for 26 yards at Carolina (11/13)… Posted five tackles
and one special teams tackle vs. Washington (11/19)… Started at nickelback at Dallas
(11/23), recording four tackles… Added one special teams tackle and two kickoff returns
for 38 yards (19.0 avg.) vs. the Cowboys… Returned four kickoffs for 78 yards (19.5 avg.)
at Pittsburgh (12/3)… Had two kickoff returns for 34 yards with a long of 18 vs. Atlanta
(12/10)… Posted one special teams tackle at Chicago (12/17)… Returned four kickoffs for
74 yards (18.5 avg.) with a long of 31 against the Bears… Had two special teams tackles
and one kickoff return for 22 yards at Cleveland (12/24)… Had one special teams tackle
and returned two kickoffs for 72 yards (36.0 avg.) vs. Seattle (12/31).
2005: Played in 15 regular season games (all except vs. Buffalo) and playoff contest…
Recorded two tackles on defense, and ranked third on the team with 19 special teams
tackles while adding one forced fumble on special teams… Also returned 24 kickoffs for
464 yards (19.3 avg.) with a long of 30 yards vs. Carolina (11/6)… Played on special teams
at Minnesota (9/11), finishing contest with one special teams tackle… Also returned four
kickoffs for 83 yards (20.8 avg.) with a long of 26 against the Vikings… Posted two special teams tackles and returned four kickoffs for 68 yards (17.0 avg.) with a long of 28 at
Green Bay (9/25)… Recorded two special teams tackles vs. Detroit (10/2)… Also returned
one kickoff for 17 yards against the Lions… Replaced the injured Juran Bolden as the fifth
defensive back late in the game against Miami (10/16), recording two tackles… Added
two special teams tackles and returned one kickoff for 23 yards against the Dolphins…
Returned two kickoffs for 38 yards (19.0 avg.) with a long of 21 at San Francisco (10/30)…
Had a career-high seven kickoff returns for 155 yards (22.1 avg.) with a season-long of 30
yards vs. Carolina (11/6)… Saw action on special teams, returning four kickoffs for 81 yards
(20.3 avg.) with a long of 25 yards vs. Washington (11/13)… Posted one special teams
tackle and saw brief action as the fifth defensive back at Atlanta (11/20)… Matched his
season high with two special teams tackles vs. Chicago (11/27)… Had one special teams
tackle at Carolina (12/11)… Led the team with a career-high three special teams tackles at
New England (12/17)… Recorded two special teams tackles vs. Atlanta (12/24)… Posted
one special teams tackle vs. New Orleans (1/1)… Appeared on special teams in NFC Wild
Card game vs. Washington (1/7), posting two special teams tackles and one special teams
forced fumble.
2004: Played in 10 contests and inactive for six others (at Washington, vs. Seattle, vs.
Denver, vs. Atlanta, at San Diego and vs. New Orleans)… Ranked fourth in the NFL and
second in team history with a 26.2 kickoff return average… Recorded first career interception and touchdown vs. San Francisco (11/21)… Finished season with eight tackles, one
interception and two passes defensed… Added six special teams tackles and one fumble
recovery on special teams… Returned 33 kickoffs for 866 yards (26.2 avg.), with a long of
59 yards (at St. Louis)… Made NFL debut at Oakland (9/26) and handled kickoff return
duties against the Raiders, returning five kickoffs for 128 yards (25.6 avg.)… Tied for the
team lead with two special teams tackles at New Orleans (10/10)… Added four kickoffs
for 108 yards (27.0 avg.), with a long of 42 yards against the Saints… Totaled four kickoff
returns for 152 yards (38.0 avg.), with a long of 59 yards, (sixth-longest in team history) at
St. Louis (10/18)… Returned two kickoffs for 45 yards (22.5 avg.) against Chicago (10/24)…
Made first career appearance on defense vs. the Bears, seeing action at nickelback and
posting one tackle… Added one special teams fumble recovery against the Bears…
Returned four kickoffs for 88 yards (22.0 avg.) against Kansas City (11/7)… Saw action at
nickelback against the Chiefs… Totaled four kickoff returns for 101 yards (25.3 avg.) at
Atlanta (11/14)… Saw action as the fifth defensive back against the Falcons, recording
one pass defensed… Recorded first career interception and touchdown vs. San Francisco
(11/21), picking off a QB Tim Rattay pass in the fourth quarter and returning it 55 yards for
a touchdown… Totaled two tackles, one interception, one pass defensed and one special
teams tackle vs. the 49ers… Was the team’s primary nickelback at Carolina (11/28), recording a career-high five tackles… Added two kickoff returns for 35 yards (17.5 avg.) against
the Panthers… Returned five kickoffs for 111 yards (22.2 avg.), with a long of 50 yards
against Carolina (12/26)… Added one special teams tackle against the Panthers… Had two
kickoff returns for 80 yards (40.0 avg.), with a long of 44 yards at Arizona (1/2)… Also saw
action on defense and recorded one special teams tackle against the Cardinals.
Veterans | 133
2003: Saw action on special teams and at cornerback during the preseason before sustaining a torn left ACL… Placed on injured reserve on August 22, 2003, ending his rookie
campaign.
College: Was considered one of the top hitters in the Big East... Earned unanimous firstteam All-Big East honors and All-Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) honors as
a senior… Played in the prestigious East-West Shrine Game following his senior season…
Earned Pittsburgh’s special teams MVP honor each of his last three years... A two-year
starter for the Panthers, he appeared in 42 career games with 24 starts... Finished his career
with 156 tackles (128 solos), 28 passes defensed, three interceptions and three fumble
recoveries... Returned 65 kickoffs for 1,570 yards (24.2 avg.) and one touchdown in his
career.... Majored in communication and rhetoric.
Personal: Has a son, Torrie Cox, Jr., and two daughters, Tywan and Tyra… Married
to Kawana... As part of Thanksgiving in 2004, stuffed and distributed food baskets at
Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Food Tent… As a senior at Miami (Florida) Northwestern
was named first-team All-State, first-team All-City and first-team All-Dade County... Rushed
for over 1,500 yards as a senior and led Dade County in touchdowns... Named a BlueChip
Illustrated Southeast Region “Prime Time Prospect”... Led Northwestern to the 6A state
championship (largest classification) with a 16-0 record... Team ranked fourth in the nation
by USA Today... Played in Dade-Broward County All-Star Game... Nominated to play in the
Georgia-Florida All-Star Game... Played for Coach William Rolle at Miami Northwestern...
Raised by his mother, Tousha Cox... Has two brothers and two sisters... Born Torrie Tywan
Cox on October 29, 1980 in Miami, Florida.
Cox’s Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2003
2004
2005
2006
Tampa Bay Tampa Bay 10
Tampa Bay 15
Tampa Bay 16
NFL Totals
41
0
0
3
8
2
25
7
2
19
1
0
6
Injured Reserve 0.0 0.0 1 55t 55t
0.0 0.0 0
0
0
0.0 0.0 0
0
0
1
0
0
2
0
2
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
6 5 1
19 13 6
20 15 5
3
35
28
7
0.0 0.0
1
4
1
1
0
45 33 12
1
55t 55t
KICKOFF RETURNS
Year
Team
GP
Avg
Lg
TD
2003
2004
2005
2006
10
15
16
Injured Reserve 0
33
866
0
24
464
3
18
387
26.2
19.3
21.5
59
30
44
0
0
0
41
3
22.9
59
0
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
NFL Totals GS
No
Yds
75
1,717
PLAYOFFS
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2005
Tampa Bay 1
0
0
0
0
0.0 0.0
ADDITIONAL STATS
Special Teams Forced Fumbles: 1 vs. Chicago, 11/27/05
Special Teams Fumble Recovery: 1 vs. Chicago, 10/24/04
Career Touchdowns: 1, 55-yard interception return vs.
San Francisco, 11/21/04
134 | Veterans
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 6 vs. New Orleans, 11/5/06
Interceptions: 1 vs. San Francisco, 11/21/04
Defensive TDs: 1 vs. San Francisco, 11/21/04
2 1 1
Pro: Young, tough offensive lineman who has established himself as starting left tackle…
Dependable lineman who has started every game for past two seasons… Versatile blocker
who can play both tackle positions and guard… One of five members of Tampa Bay’s offensive line who started all 16 games in 2005 for the first time in franchise history, making the
Buccaneers one of only three teams in the NFL to do so in 2005… Has played in 34 career
games with 32 starts and started in his only playoff appearance... Signed to active roster
on December 26, 2003… Signed to the practice squad on September 4, 2003... Released
on August 26, 2003... Originally joined the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent on April
28, 2003.
2006: Started all 16 games for Tampa Bay at left tackle… Started at Atlanta (9/17) and
helped contribute to a 311-yard passing day by QB Chris Simms… Started at New Orleans
(10/8), helping contribute to 187 rushing yards and 5.7 yards-per-carry average… Started
against Cincinnati (10/15) and helped Buccaneers gain 126 rushing yards… Started vs.
Washington (11/19) and helped Buccaneers rush for 181 yards, including 122 by RB
Cadillac Williams… Started at Cleveland (12/24) and helped pave way for 153 total rushing yards.
2005: Started all 16 regular season games and playoff contest at left tackle… One of five
members of the offensive line that started all 16 games on the season for the first time in
franchise history and one of only three in the NFL… Helped pave the way for RB Carnell
“Cadillac” Williams’ 1,178 rushing yards (a Buccaneers rookie record), including a teamrecord six 100-yard rushing games and recognition as the Associated Press’ Offensive
Rookie of the Year… At Minnesota (9/11), started his first career game at left tackle and
helped the Buccaneers achieve a balanced 345 yards of total offense (199 passing and
146 rushing) and three touchdowns (two passing and one rushing)… Started vs. Buffalo
(9/18) and helped lead an offensive line that paved the way for 191 rushing yards and two
rushing touchdowns and helped the Buccaneers control the clock for 38:50… Started at
Green Bay (9/25) and helped lead the way for Williams to rush for 158 yards… Started vs.
Miami (10/16) and helped lead the way for RB Michael Pittman to rush for 127 yards and
one touchdown… Started vs. Washington (11/13) and helped lead the way for FB Mike
Alstott to rush for two touchdowns and a two-point conversion… Started at Atlanta (11/20)
and helped lead the way for Williams to rush for 116 yards and one touchdown… Started
at Carolina (12/11) and helped lead the way for Williams to rush for 112 yards and two
touchdowns… Started vs. Atlanta (12/24) and helped lead the way for Williams to rush for
150 yards and one touchdown… Started vs. New Orleans (1/1) and helped the Buccaneers
rush for 149 yards… Started first career postseason game vs. Washington (1/7) in NFC
Wild Card game.
2004: Played in two games (at Washington and at Arizona)... Made NFL debut at
Washington (9/12), seeing action on special teams... Saw reserve action at Arizona (1/2) at
left tackle in place of injured T Derrick Deese.
2003: Signed as an undrafted free agent on April 28... Released on August 26 and signed
to the practice squad on September 4... Signed to the active roster on December 26...
Active but did not play at Tennessee (12/28).
College: All-Big East Conference second-team pick in 2002... Was also a member of the
Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award watch lists... Two-year starter at left tackle... Started
all 13 games at left offensive tackle in 2002... Rated as the No. 21 offensive tackle in The
Sporting News before his senior season... Registered 38 knockdowns... In 2001, led the
offensive line in total plays while playing in all 12 games... Saw action in all 12 games at
Veterans | 135
left tackle in 2000... Played in 10 of 11 regular season games in 1999... Majored in physical
education.
Personal: Attended Central-Lunenburg (Victoria, Virginia) High School... Voted the James
River District Defensive Player of the Year as a junior and a senior... All-Region selection by
PrepStar... Rated the No. 28 player in Virginia by The Roanoke Times-Dispatch... Lettered
three seasons as a center/forward in basketball and was also a shot putter on the track
team... Also attended Hargrave Military Academy in 1998... Born Anthony Sherrod Davis
on March 27, 1980 in Paterson, New Jersey.
davis’ career statistics
Games/Starts: TB: 2003: 0/0; 2004: 2/0; 2005: 16/16 (P: 1/1); 2006: 16/16
Career Totals: 34/32 (P: 1/1)
P = Playoffs
Pro: Experienced cornerback who has seen significant time as a starter in his career…
Speedy, athletic defensive back who displays outstanding technique and footwork… Will
look to make an impact in the Buccaneers’ secondary in 2007 after spending last year with
the San Francisco 49ers… Has played in 57 games with 31 starts, including starts in all 16
games as a rookie in 2003 with San Diego… Has three career interceptions and 31 passes
defensed… Also has tallied 152 tackles, one forced fumble and one sack… Signed by the
Buccaneers on March 13, 2007… Traded by San Diego to San Francisco for WR Rashuan
Woods on April 12, 2006… Originally entered the league as a first-round draft choice
(30th overall) by the Chargers in the 2003 NFL Draft.
2006: Played in 13 games (all but at Chicago, at Seattle, vs. Arizona and at Denver) with
one start (vs. San Diego) for San Francisco… Recorded 30 tackles, eight passes defensed
and one special teams tackle… Saw action in nickel and dime formations at Arizona (9/10),
recording three tackles and breaking up two passes… Saw action vs. St. Louis (9/17),
making two tackles… Recorded two tackles vs. Philadelphia (9/24)… Posted one tackle
vs. Oakland (10/8)… Made season-high six tackles and recorded two passes defensed in
start vs. San Diego (10/15)… Posted two tackles and one pass defensed vs. Minnesota
(11/5)… Also made one special teams tackle… Recorded three tackles at Detroit (11/12)…
Saw significant action vs. Seattle (11/19), replacing injured starter Shawntae Spencer and
finishing game with four tackles… Recorded one tackle and pass defensed at St. Louis
(11/26)… Saw action at New Orleans (12/3) and made four tackles while registering
one quarterback pressure… Posted two tackles and two passes defensed vs. Green Bay
(12/10) before leaving game in third quarter with a quadriceps injury… Placed on injured
reserve on December 12 after suffering quadriceps injury against Green Bay.
2005: Played in all 16 games with four starts (at Oakland, at Philadelphia, vs. Kansas
City and at N.Y. Jets) for San Diego… Finished the season with 26 tackles, three passes
defensed, one sack and one forced fumble… Also recorded two special teams tackles…
Recorded first career sack during fourth quarter of season opener vs. Dallas (9/11) when
136 | Veterans
he sacked quarterback Drew Bledsoe for a 15-yard loss, forcing a fumble… Also recorded
two tackles… Posted two tackles at Denver (9/18)… Posted one tackle and one pass
defensed vs. New York Giants (9/25)… Recorded three tackles vs. Pittsburgh (10/10)…
Started for injured cornerback Drayton Florence at Oakland (10/16) but left game early
with ankle injury… Started at Philadelphia (10/23) and recorded four tackles and one
pass defensed before leaving game in second quarter with rib injury... Started vs. Kansas
City (10/30) and tied for team lead with career-high 11 total tackles, including one for a
loss… His 11 tackles vs. Kansas City marked first career game with double-digit tackles…
Recorded three tackles and one pass defensed vs. N.Y. Jets (11/6).
2004: Played in 12 games (all but vs. Denver, vs. Tampa Bay, at Cleveland and at
Indianapolis) with 10 starts (all but at Carolina, vs. Denver, vs. Tampa Bay, at Cleveland, at
Indianapolis and vs. Kansas City) for San Diego… Finished the season with 38 tackles, 10
passes defensed and one interception… Recorded three tackles and one pass defensed
at Houston (9/12)… Recorded four tackles and one pass defensed vs. N.Y. Jets (9/19)…
Recorded five tackles and one pass defensed at Denver (9/26)… Posted five tackles and
two passes defensed vs. Tennessee (10/3)… Made three tackles vs. Jacksonville (10/10)…
Turned in two big passes defensed on third down plays and made two tackles at Carolina
(10/24)… Recorded season-high six tackles, two passes defensed and an interception of
quarterback QB Kerry Collins in end zone late in fourth quarter vs. Oakland (10/31)…
Recorded two tackles vs. New Orleans (11/7)… Posted four tackles at Oakland (11/21)…
Recorded one tackle and one pass defensed at Kansas City (11/28) before leaving game
with hairline fracture in left leg… Inactive for four weeks with leg injury… Returned to
action vs. Kansas City (1/2) and posted one tackle… Inactive in Wild Card Playoff game
vs. New York Jets (1/8).
2003: Started all 16 games for San Diego… Finished the season with 58 tackles, 10 passes
defensed and two interceptions… Recorded three tackles at Kansas City (9/7)… Tied for
team-high with eight tackles vs. Denver (9/14)… Posted two tackles vs. Baltimore (9/21)…
Recorded one tackle and one pass defensed at Oakland (9/28)… Recorded six stops
at Jacksonville (10/5)… Registered a season-high three passes defensed at Cleveland
(10/19)… Also posted four tackles… Made six tackles and recorded one pass defensed vs.
Miami (10/27)… Recorded first career interception for seven-yard return while collecting
seven tackles and two passes defensed at Chicago (11/2)... Tied for team-high with seven
tackles vs. Minnesota (11/9)… Returned interception 41 yards at Denver (11/16)… Also
made two tackles… Recorded four tackles and one pass defensed vs. Cincinnati (11/23)…
Posted three tackles vs. Kansas City (11/30)… Posted one tackle and one pass defensed
at Detroit (12/7)… Tallied three tackles, including one for loss, vs. Green Bay (12/14)…
Recorded two tackles at Pittsburgh (12/21).
College: Played at Texas A&M University from 1999-02 as integral part of Aggies’
“Wrecking Crew” defense… Finished collegiate career ranked sixth in school history with
11 interceptions… First-team All-Big 12 Conference during junior year... As a sophomore,
led team with four interceptions… Majored in agriculture and life sciences.
Personal: Married to Krystle and has two daughters, Taylor and Vaylah… In addition to
football, has also carved out a niche for himself as an inventor… Along with childhood
friend, Chris Spencer, has invented two products: a car jack called “The Safety Jack” and
a piece of equipment for football players called “The Hydration System”… Both products
are patented and in the marketplace… While at Humble High School in Texas, was a Super
Prep All-America selection... Born Sammy Davis on April 8, 1980 in Humble, Texas.
Veterans | 137
DAVIS’ CAREER STATISTICS
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2003
2004
2005
2006
San Diego
San Diego
San Diego
San Francisco
NFL Totals
16
12
16
13
16
10
4
1
58
38
26
30
45
32
23
25
13
6
3
5
0.0
0.0
1.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
15.0
0.0
2
1
0
0
48
4
0
0
41
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
10
3
8
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
1
57 31 152
125
27
1.0 15.0
3
52
41
0
31
1
0
0
3 2 1
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 11 vs. Kansas City, 10/30/05 (w/ San Diego)
Interceptions: 1, three times, last vs. Oakland, 10/31/04 (w/ San Diego)
Longest Interception Return: 41 yards at Denver, 11/16/03 (w/ San Diego)
Sacks: 1 vs. Dallas, 9/11/05 (w/ San Diego)
Passes Defensed: 3 at Cleveland, 10/19/03 (w/ San Diego)
Pro: Second-year long snapper who has played in three career games… Promoted to
Tampa Bay’s active roster on September 16, 2006… Placed on injured reserve on October
11, 2006… Signed to Tampa Bay’s practice squad on September 13, 2006… Signed with
Jacksonville on April 24, 2005 as an undrafted rookie free agent.
2006: Signed to Tampa Bay’s practice squad on September 13 before being promoted
to the active roster on September 16… Placed on injured reserve on October 11, 2006…
Played in three of four games that he was active for (all but vs. Baltimore)… Made NFL
debut as team’s long snapper at Atlanta (9/17)… Handled long snapping duties against
Carolina (9/24) and at New Orleans (10/8).
2005: Spent the entire year on the Jaguars practice squad after signing as an undrafted
rookie free agent on April 24.
College: Three-year letterman as Georgia Tech’s long snapper on punts and kicks… Twotime member of the Atlantic Coast Conference honor roll… Played in all 13 games as team’s
long snapper as a senior… Recorded nine special teams tackles… Played in all 13 games as
team’s long snapper as a junior… Tallied six special teams tackles… As a sophomore played
in all 13 games as team’s long snapper… Tallied four special teams tackles… Graduated with
a degree in business management.
Personal: Three-year letterman in football, basketball and baseball at Marist High School
in Atlanta… Played defensive end and linebacker… Member of the 2000 basketball state
champions… Participates in youth football clinics… Motivational speaker at local elementary
and middle schools… Born Andrew John Economos on June 24, 1982 in Atlanta, Georgia.
138 | Veterans
Pro: One of the NFL’s most formidable deep threats… Explosive performer who displays
exceptional speed and game-breaking ability to go the distance from any point on the
field... Established scoring threat who has averaged a touchdown every 8.6 receptions
throughout his 12-year career... In only 42 games with Buccaneers, has recorded 22 touchdown receptions, already good for sixth in team history… Coming off of back-to-back
1,000-yard seasons for the first time since he achieved that feat in 1997 and 1998… Named
to USA Today’s 2006 All-Joe Team… Recorded 600th career catch in 2006, his 12th season
in league… Compiled 11,456 all-purpose yards (9,558 receiving yards, 495 rushing yards,
1,335 punt return yards and 68 kickoff return yards) for an average of 71.2 all-purpose
yards per game… Has played in 161 career games with 151 starts… Also played in three
postseason games with two starts... Caught a pass in the first 74 games of his career and in
151 of 161 career games... Totaled 612 career receptions for 9,558 yards (15.6 avg.) and 71
touchdowns... Also rushed 62 times for 495 yards and one touchdown... Has compiled 138
career punt returns for 1,335 yards (9.7 avg.) and five touchdowns... Returned four career
kickoffs for 68 yards... Totaled 77 career touchdowns (71 receiving, five punt return and
one rushing)… Ranks 16th among active players with 612 career receptions… Ranked fifth
among active players with 71 receiving touchdowns… In his career, has averaged 30.6 yards
per touchdown reception, third-highest among active players with at least 25 touchdowns…
Ranks 12th among active players with 77 overall touchdowns… Totaled 100 or more receiving yards in a single game 26 times during his career… Acquired by the Buccaneers on
March 19, 2004 in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for WR Keyshawn Johnson...
Acquired by Dallas on February 12, 2000 in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks... Suffered
a torn ACL in his left knee in the fourth quarter of the Cowboys 2000 season opener with
Philadelphia (9/3/00)... The injury required season-ending surgery and a rehabilitation
program that concluded with his return to action in the second-to-last preseason game of
2001... Originally the eighth overall pick of the 1995 NFL Draft by Seattle, he went on to
start 67 of 71 games during his Seattle career... From 1995 to 1998 while with the Seahawks,
registered 36 touchdown receptions – a figure that was topped by only WR Cris Carter (52)
and WR Carl Pickens (39) over that same period of time... Named a Pro Bowl alternate in
1997, 1998 and 2005... Led the Seahawks in receiving yards and touchdowns in each of his
first four seasons and led the club in receptions from 1996-98 after finishing second on the
team as a rookie in 1995.
2006: Played in all 16 games with 14 starts (all but vs. New Orleans and at Carolina) for
Tampa Bay… Recorded second consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season, marking just the
second time in team history that a player had accomplished the feat in back-to-back seasons (also WR Keyshawn Johnson in 2001-02)… Caught a team-leading 62 passes for 1,057
yards, his fifth career 1,000-yard receiving season, and seven touchdowns… Led the team
with seven total touchdowns… Also rushed two times for nine yards… Totaled two punt
returns for three yards… Started at Atlanta (9/17) and tied career single-game high with nine
receptions… Also posted second-best career receiving yardage output, gaining 161 yards…
Started against Carolina (9/24) and caught first touchdown of season on an eight-yard pass
from QB Chris Simms… Started at New Orleans (10/8) and caught four passes for 110 yards
and one touchdown… Started against Cincinnati (10/15) and caught team-high seven passes for team-best 67 yards, moving into three-way tie for 18th place among Buccaneers alltime reception leaders… Also rushed once for two yards and returned two punts… Caught
four passes for 32 yards at N.Y. Giants (10/29)… Saw significant action vs. New Orleans
(11/5) despite not starting, as Buccaneers opened in two-tight end set… Caught four passes
for 97 yards, including two touchdowns… Saw significant action at Carolina (11/13) despite
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not starting, as Buccaneers opened in two-tight end set… Led team in receptions and
receiving yards, totaling five catches for 87 yards… Started vs. Washington (11/19) and led
team in receptions and receiving yards, catching four passes for 64 yards and one touchdown… Started at Dallas (11/23) and led team in receptions and receiving yards, catching
three passes for 71 yards… Started at Pittsburgh (12/3), catching three passes for 37 yards
and rushing once for seven yards… Started against Atlanta (12/10) and caught five passes
for 64 yards… Started at Chicago (12/17) and caught three passes for 107 yards and one
touchdown, including his 600th career reception… Started at Cleveland (12/24), catching
two passes for 34 yards… Surpassed 1,000 yards receiving for the season against Seattle
(12/31), catching eight passes for 118 yards and one touchdown.
2005: Started all 16 games at wide receiver for the Buccaneers… Also started playoff
game… Named an alternate for the Pro Bowl… Finished seventh in the NFC with a careerhigh 83 receptions… Ranked seventh in the NFL with a career-high 1,287 receiving yards,
the fourth 1,000-yard receiving season of his career and first since 1998 with Seattle…
Single-season total of 83 receptions ranked fifth in team history… Single-season total of
1,287 receiving yards ranked second in team history… Became the seventh player in team
history to reach 1,000 receiving yards in a single season… Reached 1,000 receiving yards
in 11 games, fastest in team history… Ranked tied for fifth in the NFL with 10 touchdown
receptions, tied for second-most in his career… Ranked third in the NFL with a 15.5 yards
per catch average among receivers with 70 or more catches… Ranked tied for eighth in
the NFL with 25 receptions on third down… Ranked second in the NFL with 476 receiving
yards on third down… Added two rushes for four yards on the season… Led all receivers
with five receptions for 97 yards, including receptions of 30 and 36 yards, respectively at
Minnesota (9/11)… Caught two touchdown passes from QB Brian Griese at Green Bay
(9/25)… Caught a five-yard scoring pass from Griese to give the Buccaneers an early 7-0
lead in the first quarter… Two drives later, caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Griese…
Finished the game tied for the team lead with five receptions for a team-high 53 yards…
Caught seven passes for a career-high 166 yards and one touchdown vs. Detroit (10/2)… His
80-yard touchdown reception from Griese was the second-longest reception of his career
and tied for the sixth-longest passing play in Buccaneer history… Caught five passes for 87
yards at the N.Y. Jets (10/9)… Tied a career-high with nine receptions for 96 yards and one
touchdown vs. Miami (10/16)… Seven-yard touchdown catch marked his 10th touchdown
in the last 11 games… Led the team with eight receptions for 149 yards and one touchdown at San Francisco (10/30)… Scored on a 78-yard catch-and-run play, marking his 11th
touchdown in the last 12 games… Second reception of the game – on a deflected pass
while falling out of bounds – was his 500th career reception… Averaged 18.6 yards per
reception in the game… Led the team with five receptions for 83 yards, including a 50-yard
touchdown reception vs. Carolina (11/6)… Led the team with seven receptions for 131 yards
and a touchdown vs. Washington (11/13)… Caught a 24-yard touchdown pass that marked
his 13th touchdown in the last 14 games… Also caught a 34-yard pass… Led the team with
seven receptions for 138 yards for a 19.7 average vs. Chicago (11/27)… Reached 1,000
receiving yards for the season on his last reception of the game, becoming the quickest
player to 1,000 receiving yards in team history… Led the team with five receptions for 75
yards, including a 30-yard touchdown reception at New Orleans (12/4)… Caught four passes
for 39 yards at Carolina (12/11) … Caught four passes for 38 yards at New England (12/17)…
Tied for the team lead with eight receptions for 97 yards, including a long of 30 yards vs.
Atlanta (12/24)… Led the team with four receptions for 38 yards and two touchdowns vs.
New Orleans (1/1)… Caught scoring passes of seven and four yards, respectively… Second
touchdown of the game gave him 10 touchdown receptions for the year, most in a single
season in team history… Led the team with seven receptions for 69 yards in NFC Wild Card
game vs. Washington (1/7).
2004: Played in 10 games (all but vs. Seattle, at Oakland, vs. Denver, at New Orleans, at St.
Louis and vs. Chicago) with seven starts (at Washington, vs. San Francisco, at Carolina, vs.
Atlanta, vs. New Orleans, vs. Carolina and at Arizona) in his first season with Tampa Bay...
Caught 33 passes for 416 yards and five touchdowns... Also returned 20 punts for 142 yards
and one touchdown, and carried two times for 19 yards... Scored six touchdowns over the
last five games (five receiving and one punt return) of the season... Started at wide receiver
at Washington (9/12) in his Buccaneer debut... Caught one pass before sustaining a groin
injury... Declared inactive for the next six games because of injury... Returned to action
vs. Kansas City (11/7) and caught two passes for 40 yards... Saw reserve action at Atlanta
(11/14)... Caught one pass for four yards and returned two punts for 24 yards... Started
vs. San Francisco (11/21) and caught three passes for 33 yards, including a 22-yard recep140 | Veterans
tion... Also returned three punts for 16 yards... Started at Carolina (11/28) and caught three
passes for 34 yards, including a long of 18 yards... Also returned two punts for 12 yards...
Started vs. Atlanta (12/5) and tied for a game-high with four receptions for 63 yards and
a touchdown... Caught his first touchdown as a Buccaneer, a 36-yard grab from QB Brian
Griese... Also returned two punts for 14 yards... Saw action at San Diego (12/12) and caught
five passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns... Caught scoring strikes of 36 and four yards...
Also returned three punts... Started vs. New Orleans (12/19) and scored two touchdowns
(one receiving and one on a punt return)... Caught two passes for 18 yards... Caught a threeyard touchdown pass... Also returned a punt 59 yards for a touchdown, the ninth-longest
punt return in team history and the ninth punt return for a touchdown in team history... It
was his fifth career punt return for a touchdown... Finished the game with two punt returns
for 59 yards... Started vs. Carolina (12/26) and led the team with a career-high-tying nine
receptions for 98 yards and touchdown, his sixth touchdown in four games... Caught a 14yard touchdown pass and also recorded a 20-yard reception... Started at Arizona (1/2) and
tied for the team lead with three receptions for 48 yards... Also returned five punts for 10
yards.
2003: Played in 15 regular season games (all but at New England) with 14 starts (all but
at Detroit and at New England) for Dallas… Also started postseason game… Led the NFL
with a 19.8 yards-per-catch average… Finished the season with 34 receptions, ranked 18th
in the NFC with 672 receiving yards and added two touchdowns… Also rushed four times
for 22 yards and returned 20 punts for 178 yards (8.9 avg.) and two kickoffs for 38 yards
(19.0 avg.)… Started vs. Atlanta (9/7) and recorded season-highs with seven catches for
139 yards and a touchdown… It marked his 17th career 100-yard game and tied for the
then fourth highest receiving yardage total of his career… Six of his seven catches went
for first downs… Started at the N.Y. Giants (9/15) and hauled in three catches for 43 yards,
including a 17-yard grab to convert a third down in overtime… Started at N.Y. Jets (9/28)
and led the team with five receptions and 100 receiving yards, his second 100-yard game
of the season… Included in that total was a 42-yard catch in the fourth quarter that set
Dallas up at the Jets’ seven-yard line for the game-clinching field goal… Also picked up
three rushing yards on an end around… Three of his catches picked up a first down and
came on Dallas scoring drives… Started vs. Arizona (10/5) and recorded two receptions for
46 yards (22- and 24-yard grabs)… Both of his catches came on Dallas’ field goal drive at
the end of the first half… Also recorded two kickoff returns for 38 yards following Arizona’s
two safeties… Started vs. Philadelphia (10/12) and had two key catches for 56 yards… His
first reception was a 37-yard grab of a halfback pass that set Dallas up at the three-yard line
for a touchdown… His second catch was a 19-yard grab to convert a third down and set
Dallas up at the Eagles’ 18-yard line for the game-winning field goal… Played as a reserve
at Detroit (10/19) and did not record a catch for the first time in 2003… Started at Tampa
Bay (10/26) and took over the punt return duties and recorded two returns for 19 yards…
Also added two receptions for 26 yards… Started vs. Washington (11/2) and had one catch
for 14 yards to convert a third down… Made his biggest impact with five punt returns for
77 yards (15.4 avg.) including a season-long 36-yarder… Started vs. Buffalo (11/9) and
recorded two catches for 30 yards and had a season-high six punt returns for 64 yards (10.7
avg.)… Declared inactive at New England (11/16) after injuring his left quad in practice,
his first missed action since the 2000 season when he tore his ACL… Started vs. Carolina
(11/23) and had three receptions for 50 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown catch in the
first quarter - his second touchdown of the season… Also logged four punt returns for 15
yards… Started vs. Miami (11/27) and had three catches for 33 yards, including two that
picked up first downs… Started at Philadelphia (12/7) and did not record a catch but had
one carry for two yards… Started vs. the N.Y. Giants (12/21) and recorded his first catch
since Thanksgiving when he hauled in a 64-yard bomb on the opening play of the game…
It was the longest play of the year for Dallas… Started at New Orleans (12/28) and recorded
three receptions for 71 yards (23.7 yard average) with grabs of 30, 19 and 22 yards… Also
picked up 10 yards on an end around… Took over punt return duties and logged three for
three yards… Started at Carolina (1/3) in the postseason and posted a team-high 59 receiving yards on four receptions… Averaged 5.5 yards on four punt returns.
2002: Started all 16 games with the Cowboys… Closed the year ranked 12th in the NFC
in receiving yardage with 908 while tying for 18th in the NFC in receptions (61)… Tied for
the team lead with WR Antonio Bryant in touchdown receptions with six… His six scoring
catches came from distances of 38, 80, 39, 43, 11 and 41 yards for an average of 42.0
yards-per-scoring catch… Led or tied for team lead in receptions 10 times… Opened the
year as the Cowboys’ leading receiver with six receptions for 69 yards at Houston (9/8)…
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Caught five passes for 88 yards, including a 38-yard scoring toss from QB Quincy Carter
that gave Dallas a 21-10 lead in the fourth quarter vs. Tennessee (9/15)… At Philadelphia
(9/22), totaled seven receptions for 70 yards… Suffered a sprained thumb but still managed
to catch four passes for 27 yards at St. Louis (9/29)… Enjoyed one of his finest outings of
the year in the loss to the N.Y. Giants (10/6)… Had a then career-high tying eight catches
for 109 yards against the Giants, marking his first 100-yard receiving game of the season…
Sparked the Cowboys’ fourth quarter comeback vs. Carolina (10/13)… Caught a tipped
pass and raced 80 yards to pull Dallas to within six points of the Panthers at 13-7… The
reception was the longest by a Dallas receiver in 2002 and tied for the second longest of
his career… Finished the game with three catches for 104 yards marking the second time
in his career he had back-to-back 100-yard receiving games… At Arizona (10/20), recorded
two catches for 39 yards and had an 11-yard run… The 50 yards in the game gave him 7,046
total yards in his career, moving him past the 7,000 yard mark… Caught four passes for 62
yards vs. Seattle (10/27)… At Detroit (11/3), led all receivers with six catches for 56 yards,
including a 30-yard strike that helped set up the Cowboys only touchdown of the game… At
Indianapolis (11/17), led the team with four catches for 49 yards… Caught seven passes for
144 yards and two touchdowns - a 43-yard catch and run and an 11-yarder that proved to
be the game winner vs. Jacksonville (11/24)… His 144 receiving yards were then the second
highest yardage total of his career (146 vs. San Francisco, 12/30/01)… Went over the 6,000yard mark for his career in receiving yardage against the Jaguars… Against Washington
(11/28), hauled in the game-winning touchdown on a 41-yard catch-and-run in the fourth
quarter… Finished the game with three catches for 54 yards… Caught one pass for seven
yards vs. San Francisco (12/8) while spraining his left thumb during the third quarter… Also
had a 30-yard punt return against the 49ers… Played with the sprained thumb at the N.Y.
Giants (12/15), and caught one pass for 30 yards, the 400th reception of his career… Held
without a catch for only the second time in his career, but turned in a 71-yard punt return
vs. Philadelphia (12/21)… Shut out again the following week at Washington (12/29), marking
just his third career game without a reception.
2001: Started all 16 games with the Cowboys… After fully recovering from major knee
surgery that forced him to miss 15 games in 2000, finished the year second on the team in
receptions (52) and receiving yards (699) while leading in receiving touchdowns (three)…
Led the team with six receptions for 18 yards in the opener against Tampa Bay (9/9), marking his return to action following his ACL injury in Week One of the 2000 season… Held
without a reception for the first time in his career at Philadelphia (9/30)… Picked up his first
touchdown reception of the year with a 40-yard reception at Oakland (10/7)… Finished with
two catches for 59 yards and one rushing attempt for 10 yards against the Raiders… On
pace to enjoy his finest game of the year against Washington (10/15) when a second quarter
foot sprain forced him to miss the second half… Prior to the injury, had four catches for 51
yards… Tied for the team lead in receptions (three for 28 yards) vs. Arizona (10/28)… Also
drew a pass interference penalty that picked up 47 yards and led to the Cowboys deciding
touchdown… At the N.Y. Giants (11/4), registered 73 yards and a touchdown on four receptions… Caught two passes for 20 yards and ran the ball twice for 22 yards vs. Philadelphia
(11/18)… Tied for the club lead in receptions vs. Denver (11/22) with six catches for 64
yards… At Washington (12/2), recorded a 13-yard reception and drew an 11-yard pass
interference penalty to convert a fourth-down attempt… In his return to Seattle (12/16),
caught a season-high seven passes for 82 yards… Biggest play of the game was a 40-yard
catch… Tied for the team lead with three receptions for 28 yards at Arizona (12/23)… With
that yardage, topped the 5,000-yard receiving mark for his career… Set a then career-high
with 146 receiving yards on six receptions (24.3 avg.) vs. San Francisco (12/30)… Caught a
47-yard touchdown along with receptions of 44 and 26 yards… Closed the year with three
catches for 58 yards at Detroit (1/6).
2000: Started one game with the Cowboys… In the season opener against Philadelphia
(9/3), led the team with four receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown… All four of his
receptions gave Dallas a first down, including two on third down… In the fourth quarter he
tore the ACL in his left knee… Placed on injured reserve on September 8 and underwent
reconstructive surgery on October 5.
1999: Played in eight games with four starts with the Seahawks… Activated to the 53-man
roster on November 13 after an eight-week contract dispute… For the season, had 22
receptions for 335 yards (15.2 avg.) and one touchdown… Although he didn’t start against
the Broncos (11/14) in his first game back, caught four passes for 88 yards, including a key
39-yard reception in the third quarter… Had his largest impact of the season at Oakland
(12/5) when he recorded four receptions for a team-high 68 yards and a touchdown… The
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score, his only touchdown of the season, was from 31 yards out… Led the team again the
following week with six receptions for 85 yards vs. the San Diego Chargers (12/12).
1998: Started all 16 games with the Seahawks… Led the team in receptions and touchdowns for the third consecutive season while being named first alternate for the AFC Pro
Bowl squad… Tied for the AFC lead with 10 receiving touchdowns and tied for third with
12 total touchdowns, tying his career-high set in 1997… Finished the season eighth in the
AFC with 1,047 receiving yards, the third 1,000-yard season of his career… His punt return
average of 10.0 was seventh in the AFC… Led the team with 65 receptions and four 100yard games during the year… In the season opener at Philadelphia (9/6), posted his ninth
career 100-yard game with a then career-high 142 yards on six receptions, including touchdown catches of 35 and 25 yards… Scored another touchdown among his two receptions
vs. Arizona (9/13)… Added his 10th career 100-yard game came at Pittsburgh (9/27) with
a 139-yard outburst on a season-high seven receptions… Caught a career-long 81-yard
touchdown pass at San Diego (10/25) and later connected on a 41-yard pass to the oneyard line to set up the game-winning touchdown… Finished the game with four catches
for 130 yards… Also returned a punt 74 yards for his third career punt return touchdown…
Returned a punt 56 yards for a touchdown vs. Oakland (11/15) and caught four passes for
71 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown pass… Against Tennessee (11/29), caught a sevenyard touchdown pass before posting his fourth 100-yard receiving day of the season with
127 yards and two touchdowns on two receptions at the N.Y. Jets (12/6)… The touchdowns
against the Jets were from 70 and 57 yards out and marked his seventh-career multi-touchdown game… Tied a season-high with seven receptions vs. San Diego (12/13), including a
touchdown, and then led the team in receptions vs. Indianapolis (12/20) with five, including
a three-yard touchdown pass… Presented the ball to a Make-A-Wish child, Sterling Grover,
following the touchdown.
1997: Started 15 games, missing only the Tennessee game (10/5) because of injury…
Suffered the injury the previous week at Kansas City (9/28), an injury suffered on a first
quarter touchdown reception which kept him out the remainder of that game… For the
season, led the team in receptions, yards and touchdowns for the second consecutive year
with 72 receptions, 1,049 receiving yards and a career-high 12 touchdowns – averaging 28.6
yards on each of his scores… His touchdown total was the most by a Seahawks player since
WR Steve Largent had 12 in 1985 and was one off the club record by WR Daryl Turner in
1984… His 12 touchdowns tied for the AFC lead and was the third-best total touchdown
figure in the NFL… Twice during the season, tied his single-game high with eight catches
at St. Louis (10/19) and again at Denver (11/2), in addition he had at least five receptions
in eight games… Against Oakland (10/26), had seven receptions for 117 yards and three
touchdowns… Scored all three touchdowns in the second half, including the game-clincher
with 2:24 left… One of three 100-yard efforts on the year… Caught five passes for 106
yards vs. San Diego (9/21) and six for 101 with two touchdowns vs. San Francisco (12/21)…
Totaled 98 yards receiving at Denver (11/2)… At San Diego (11/9), scored the game-winning touchdown on a 40-yard reception with 2:20 remaining… Named a first alternate to
the AFC Pro Bowl squad.
1996: Started all 16 games with the Seahawks… Finished the season leading the team in
receptions (57), yards (987) and touchdowns (seven)… Posted two 100-yard games during
the season… Opened the season with a 60-yard reception at San Diego (9/1) before tallying his second career punt return touchdown with an 88-yarder vs. Denver (9/8)… Turned
out a season-best 137 yards on five receptions, including touchdowns of 51 and 65 yards at
Miami (10/6)… Had a single-game high eight receptions in back-to-back midseason games
against Houston (11/3) and Minnesota (11/10)… In the Oilers’ contest, had 94 yards receiving and the game-tying touchdown reception with 3:30 left… Eight catches against the
Vikings were good for 91 yards and one score… In a late season AFC West showdown vs.
Oakland (11/24), had three receptions for 99 yards, with receptions of 40 and 42 yards to set
up touchdowns… Caught five balls for 108 yards, with a 43-yarder to set up a touchdown
at Denver (12/1)… Through the first seven games of the season, averaged 11.8 yards on
12 punt returns to rank fourth in the AFC before relinquishing those duties to concentrate
on offense.
1995: Started all 16 games for the Seahawks… Was the first rookie wide receiver to start
every game for Seattle and the first since 1976 to start the opener… Along the way, was
named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year by College and Pro Football News Weekly and was
a consensus All-Rookie choice… Caught 67 passes for 1,039 yards and seven touchdowns,
becoming the 10th rookie in NFL history to surpass 1,000 yards and the first since 1986…
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Combined with WR Brian Blades to form the first duo with 1,000 yards in the same season
in Seattle history… Also added 154 rushing yards and a touchdown while returning 36 punts
for a 10.0-yard average and one touchdown… Along the way, set franchise season records
for receptions, yards and 100-yard games (three) by a rookie, totals that also led all NFL
rookies – as did his seven touchdown receptions… The first record to fall was WR Daryl
Turner’s for yardage (715 in 1984) 11 games into the season… In Week 14, broke WR Steve
Largent’s record for rookie receptions (54 in 1976)… Prior to his arrival, the franchise had
seen only five 100-yard games by a rookie, but he almost matched that himself, posting a
franchise rookie-best three 100-yard games: five receptions for 102 yards and one touchdown at Buffalo (10/15); five receptions for 114 yards and two scores at Jacksonville (11/12);
and five catches for 108 yards against Oakland (10/08)… In the Jaguars game, established
a franchise record for the longest run from scrimmage with an 86-yard touchdown dash…
Accounted for 200 yards from scrimmage in the game and earned AFC Offensive Player of
the Week honors for his performance… A club-record 89-yard punt return for a touchdown
against the N.Y. Giants (11/5) started him on his way to AFC Special Teams Player of the
Month honors for November, a month in which he returned 13 punts for a 13.2 yard average
and one touchdown… Both the 89-yard punt return and the 86-yard run were the longest
such plays in the NFL in 1995… For the season, averaged 48.0 yards on each of his nine
touchdowns (seven receiving, one rushing, one punt return) and was one of two players in
the NFL (San Francisco’s WR Jerry Rice) to score three different ways.
College: Finished his college career second in Ohio State history in touchdown receptions
with 19 – trailing only WR Cris Carter’s 27 – and had two games with three touchdowns…
Finished fourth in both career receptions (108) and receiving yards (1,894)… Also added
20 kickoff returns for a 25.0-yard average and one score and 34 punt returns for a 7.8
average… Earned First-Team All-Big Ten Conference honors as a junior and Second-Team
accolades as a senior while leading the team in receiving both years… As a senior, recorded
44 receptions for 669 yards and seven touchdowns… Also returned 18 kickoffs for 462 yards
(25.7 avg.) and one touchdown… Also returned 16 punts for a 10.6 average… Finished his
senior season catching eight passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns in the Citrus Bowl
against Alabama, including a career-best 69-yard reception… As a junior, caught 47 passes
for 946 yards and a school-record equaling (Carter – 1986) 11 touchdowns… His yardage
total ranked third for a single-season in school history trailing Carter’s 1,127 in 1986 and
950 in 1985… Posted four 100-yard games, including 186 yards (third best single-game
total in school history) on nine receptions with three touchdowns against Michigan State…
Was a National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete and National Association of Collegiate
Directors of Athletics Scholarship recipient… Majored in business/marketing.
Personal: Part owner of the Columbus Destroyers of the Arena Football League... Flew in an
F/A – 18 Hornet fighter jet with the Blue Angels of the United States Navy in March 2007...
Celebrated the holidays with children from Hillsborough Kids Inc. and the Safe Children
Coalition during a party aboard the pirate ship at Raymond James Stadium in December
2006... Visited with patients at the James A. Haley VA Hospital in commemoration of Veterans
Day in 2006... Discussed the upcoming season with the Greater Tampa, St. Petersburg and
Clearwater Chamber of Commerce members at two football season kickoff events in June
2006... Has served as a studio analyst for NBC Sports coverage of the Arena Football
League... Landscaped front of Potter Elementary School, including laying new mulch and
planting flowers, as part of the 2005 NFL/United Way Hometown Huddle… In his second
year as a Buccaneer in 2005, invited children from the MacDill Air Force Base Boys and Girls
Club to attend every Tampa Bay home game… In 2003, started the Joey Galloway Family
Foundation to help provide opportunities for less fortunate families and children... Also
supported the NFL Hometown Anti-Drug Challenge campaign and helped kick off Dallas’
2002 Red Ribbon Week in the fall of 2002... His support included recording three versions
of an anti-drug awareness public service announcement geared toward youth, parents and
one for use in-stadium at Cowboys home games... Also made appearances at an elementary
school and a youth rehab center as a guest speaker to share his personal anti-drug message and the donation of autographed memorabilia for a Red Ribbon Week Rally for over
1,000 middle school students... In December 2002, hosted the second “Galloway Holiday,”
a party for the children at South Dallas’ St. Phillip’s School and Community Center... During
the 2002 offseason, organized a motivational and goal-setting discussion with the children
at Happy Hill Farm Academy and Home, accompanied by a donation of Reebok athletic
clothing for the residents... Also spent time as a celebrity football coach at the sixth annual
Dallas Cowboys Let Us Play! Sports Camp for Girls – a three-day sports camp for inner-city
girls and served as a celebrity escort in the annual Children’s Cancer Fund Fashion Show
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and Luncheon co-chaired by Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman... In 2001, served as a guest
speaker at Bryan Adams High School in Dallas, Texas, for the Teens Driving for Safety program, an assembly highlighting responsible driving practices for America’s teens... Despite
his injury in 2000, joined in with the rest of the Cowboys wide receiver corps in distributing
500 hams to needy families as part of the Dallas Cowboys/Hormel Hams for the Holidays
program hosted at The Salvation Army... Was a favorite with the preschoolers at the Gene
& Jerry Jones Family Center for Children during the visit... During his Seahawks career,
sponsored a group of students, the Galloway Express, at each Seattle home game... During
the 1996 season, appeared on Wheel of Fortune with proceeds from his spins benefiting
the Make-A-Wish Foundation... Earned his degree in business/marketing from Ohio State...
Caught 32 passes for 608 yards and eight touchdowns, averaged 26.9 yards on kickoff
returns and 15.2 on punt returns as a senior at Bellaire (Ohio) High School... Was also an
All-Ohio choice in basketball and lettered in track... Born Joey Galloway on November 20,
1971 in Bellaire, Ohio.
Galloway’s career statistics
Year
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Team
Seattle Seattle Seattle Seattle Seattle Dallas
Dallas
Dallas
Dallas
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
NFL totals
PLAYOFFS
Year
1999
2003
2005
Team
Seattle
Dallas Tampa Bay
RECEIVING
No Yds
Avg
67 1,039
15.5
57
987
17.3
72 1,049
14.6
65 1,047
16.1
22
335
15.2
4
62
15.5
52
699
13.4
61
908
14.9
34
672
19.8
33
416
12.6
83 1,287
15.5
62 1,057
17.0
Lg
59t
65t
53t
81t
48
22
47t
80t
64
36t
80t
64t
TD
7
7
12
10
1
1
3
6
2
5
10
7
Att
11
15
9
9
1
0
3
4
4
2
2
2
RUSHING
Yds Avg Lg TD
154 14.0 86t 1
127
8.5
51 0
72
8.0
44 0
26
2.9
14 0
-1
-1.0
-1 0
0
0.0
0 0
32 10.7
16 0
31
7.8
21 0
22
5.5
10 0
19
9.5
14 0
4
2.0
4 0
9
4.5
7 0
612
15.6
81t
71
62
495
RECEIVING
No Yds
Avg
1
22
22.0
4
59
14.8
7
69
9.9
Lg
22
28
24
TD
0
0
0
Att
0
0
0
RUSHING
Yds Avg
0
-
0
-
0
-
12
28
0
0
GP
16
16
15
16
8
1
16
16
15
10
16
16
GS
16
16
15
16
4
1
16
16
14
7
16
14
161
151
GP
1
1
1
GS
0
1
1
Postseason 3
2
Year
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2005
2006
Team
Seattle
Seattle
Seattle
Seattle
Seattle
Dallas
Dallas
Dallas
Dallas
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
No
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
KICKOFF RETURNS
Yds Avg Lg
TD
30
15.0 18
0
0
-
-
0
0
-
-
0
0
-
-
0
0
-
-
0
0
-
-
0
0
-
-
0
0
-
-
0
38
19.0 22
0
0
-
-
0
0
-
-
0
0
-
-
0
0
-
-
0
NFL totals
4
68
17.0
9,558
150
22
12.5
0
No
36
15
0
25
3
1
1
15
20
20
0
0
2
FC
12
5
0
5
1
0
0
8
8
8
0
0
0
138
47
0
8.0
-
86t
1
Lg TD
- 0
- 0
- 0
-
0
PUNT RETURNS
Yds Avg Lg TD
360
10.0 89t
1
158
10.5 88t
1
0
-
-
0
251
10.0 74t
2
54
18.0
21
0
2
2.0
2
0
6
6.0
6
0
181
12.1
71
0
178
8.9
36
0
142
7.1 59t
1
0
-
-
0
0
-
-
0
3
1.5
2
0
1,335
9.7
89t
5
ADDITIONAL STATS
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Completed one pass attempt for negative-one yard in
2001; Sacked for negative-15 yard loss in 1997
Fumbles-lost — 1-1 in 1995, 2-2 in 1996, 0-0 in 1997, 11 in 1998, 0-0 in 1999, 0-0 in ‘99 playoffs, 0-0 in 2000, 1-0
in 2001, 1-1 in 2002, 0-0 in 2003, 0-0 in ‘03 playoffs, 0-0
in 2004, 0-0 in 2005, 0-0 in ‘05 playoffs, 0-0 in 2006
Receptions: 9, three times, at Atlanta, 9/17/06, vs. Miami,
10/16/05 and vs. Carolina, 12/26/04
Receiving Yards: 166 vs. Detroit, 10/2/05 (w/ Tampa Bay)
Long Reception: 81t at San Diego, 10/25/98 (w/ Seattle)
Receiving Touchdowns: 3 vs. Oakland, 10/26/97 (w/
Seattle)
Veterans | 145
Pro: Extremely accurate quarterback with the athletic ability to make plays on the run…
Experienced signal caller in the West Coast Offense… Three-time Pro Bowl selection from
2000-2002 as a member of the San Francisco 49ers… Demonstrates poise and tremendous
leadership ability in the huddle… Rallied his team to victory on 11 occasions when his team
was tied or trailed at the end of the third quarter… Passed for 300 or more yards in 16 career
regular season games, including two 400 or more yard performances… Entering his first season with the Buccaneers after joining the team as a free agent on March 3, 2007… Entered
the league as a free agent with the 49ers in 1999… Played first five seasons (1999-03) with
the 49ers… Spent one season with the Cleveland Browns (2004), Detroit Lions (2005) and
Philadelphia Eagles (2006)… Played five seasons in the CFL, highlighted by a 1998 Grey Cup
Championship with the Calgary Stampeders… Helped lead the 49ers to a pair of playoff
berths (2001 and 2002), while also helping catalyst the Eagles to a playoff appearance in
place of an injured QB Donovan McNabb down the stretch in 2006… Played in 99 career
regular season games with 92 starts… Completed 1,811-of-2,973 pass attempts for 20,385
passing yards, 136 touchdowns and 73 interceptions for a passer rating of 86.4… Also rushed
395 times for 1,878 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns… In five postseason starts, completed
103-of-178 pass attempts for 1,150 passing yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions for
a passer rating of 76.8… Ranked fourth all-time, and third among active players, with a 2.46
interception percentage (min. 1,500 attempts)… Ranked sixth all-time with a 1.86 touchdown/interception ratio (min. 1,500 attempts).
2006: Played in eight games with six starts for Philadelphia… Completed 116-of-188 pass
attempts for 1,309 yards, 10 touchdowns and two interceptions for a passer rating of 95.8…
Took over quarterbacking duties in the second quarter after QB Donovan McNabb went
down with injury vs. Tennessee (11/19)… Completed 26-of-48 pass attempts for 189 yards
and one touchdown… Made first start as an Eagle and completed 19-of-23 passes for 140
yards and two touchdowns for a passer rating of 121.0 at Indianapolis (11/26)… 82.6%
completion rate was the best of career… Threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns on 21of-39 passing for a passer rating of 105.9 vs. Carolina (12/4)… Marked the first time he threw
for more than 300 yards since vs. Cincinnati (10/17/04)… Threw for 164 yards on 15-of-24
passing and two touchdown for a 115.1 passer rating at Washington (12/10)… It was his third
consecutive start with a 100-plus passer rating, which made him the first Eagles quarterback,
since records were kept in 1970, to do so in his first three starts with the team… Completed
19-of-28 pass attempts for 237 yards and one touchdown at N.Y. Giants (12/17)… Connected
on a 19-yard touchdown pass to WR Reggie Brown and followed it up with a two-point conversion pass to TE L.J. Smith to give the Eagles a 29-22 lead… Earned the FedEx Air Player of
the Week award for his performance at Dallas (12/25)… Completed 15-of-23 pass attempts
for 238 yards, one touchdown and one interception for a passer rating of 95.9… Also rushed
for a season-high 43 yards… As part of winning the award, $5,000 was donated to the
Children’s Crisis Treatment Center in Philadelphia… Led the team to a 23-20 win vs. N.Y.
Giants (1/7/07) in NFC Wild Card, completing 17-of-31 pass attempts for 153 yards and one
touchdown… Completed a 28-yard scoring pass to WR Donte Stallworth that provided a 1710 lead… Led the Eagles on a 10-play, 46-yard scoring drive that ended with a game-winning
38-yard field goal by K David Akers as time expired… Completed 15-of-30 pass attempts
for 240 yards and one touchdown in NFC Divisional Playoff game at New Orleans (1/13)…
Completed a 75-yard touchdown pass to WR Donté Stallworth in the second quarter, which
146 | Veterans
marked the longest pass play in Eagles playoff history… Became the second quarterback in
NFL history with postseason touchdown passes of 75 yards or more with two different teams
- also had a 76-yarder to WR Terrell Owens against the N.Y. Giants in the 2002 playoffs… QB
Daryl Lamonica had a 93-yarder to Elbert Dubenion with the Bills in 1963 and an 82-yarder to
Rod Sherman with the Raiders in 1970… Only two other quarterbacks – John Elway and Terry
Bradshaw – have thrown two career playoff touchdown passes of 75 yards or more.
2005: Played in six games with five starts for Detroit… Completed 102-of-173 pass attempts
for 937 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions for a passer rating of 65.1… Also
rushed 17 times for 51 yards and one touchdown… Suffered lower leg injury (fractured
fibula and sprained ankle) at Buffalo (9/2) in preseason finale… Missed the first portion
of the season… Returned from a broken fibula to start at Cleveland (10/23)… Scored first
touchdown as a Lion on a one-yard quarterback scramble and finished with 81.7 passer
rating… Passed for 210 yards on 34 attempts with 22 completions… Listed as the third
quarterback at Minnesota (11/6) because of pain from the lower leg injury he sustained in
the preseason…Started vs. Minnesota (12/4) after taking time away to continue rehab on his
leg… Manned the starting quarterback position for three games before being listed as the
third quarterback for the final two games of the season.
2004: Played in 11 games with 10 starts for Cleveland… Completed 144-of-252 pass
attempts for 1,731 yards, 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions for a passer rating of 76.7…
Led the Browns to an opening day win vs. Baltimore (9/12), passing for 180 yards, including
a 46-yard touchdown pass, and rushed for a three-yard touchdown… Completed 14-of-21
pass attempts for 195 yards and a touchdown for a 112.2 quarterback rating vs. Washington
(10/3)… Completed 4-for-5 pass attempts for 45 yards during the nine-play, 80-yard gamewinning touchdown drive in the fourth quarter… Enjoyed a career-day vs. Cincinnati (10/17),
throwing a career-long 99-yard touchdown pass to WR André Davis and matching a careerhigh with four touchdown passes… Finished with a season-high 115.5 quarterback rating…
Placed on the Injured Reserve list on December 13 with a left knee injury.
2003: Started 13 games for San Francisco, missing three contests (vs. St. Louis, vs. Pittsburgh,
and at Green Bay) because of injury… Completed 225-of-392 pass attempts for 2,704 yards,
18 touchdowns and 13 interceptions for a passer rating of 80.1… Rushed 56 times for 319
yards and a career-high seven touchdowns… Recorded eight multiple passing touchdown
performances in 13 games, including the final four games of the season… Threw for two
touchdowns and ran for another vs. Chicago (9/7)… Completed 15-of-27 pass attempts
for 192 yards and two touchdowns, adding 35 rushing yards and a score in a 24-17 win vs.
Detroit (10/5)… Passed for 253 yards and two touchdowns on 15-of-29 passing at Tampa Bay
(10/19), including a season-long 75-yard touchdown strike to WR Terrell Owens… Inactive vs.
St. Louis (11/2), vs. Pittsburgh (11/17), and did not play at Green Bay (11/23), due to an ankle
injury sustained at Arizona (10/26)… Named NFC Offensive Player-of-the-Week after he was
responsible for six touchdowns (four passing/two rushing – both tying career highs) and
added 252 passing yards and 32 rushing yards in a 50-14 win over Arizona (12/7)… Threw
for a season-high 344 yards and two touchdowns (58 and 41 yards) and ran for 51 yards and
a touchdown at Cincinnati (12/14).
2002: Started all 16 games for San Francisco… Also started two playoff games… Completed
328-of-528 pass attempts for 3,344 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for a
passer rating of 85.6… Exceeded the 3,000-yard passing mark (3,344) for the third consecutive season… Became first quarterback in 49ers history to complete 300 or more passes in
three consecutive seasons (328 in 2002, 316 in 2001 and 355 in 2000)… Rushed a career-high
73 times for 353 yards and three touchdowns… Selected to third consecutive Pro Bowl…
Totaled seven multiple touchdown games, including one in postseason… Registered five
fourth quarter comebacks in 2002 to share 49ers record with Y.A. Tittle… Passed for 202
yards on 16-of-29 passing and two touchdowns, including 37-yard game-winner to WR Terrell
Owens in fourth quarter, in come-from-behind win at Seattle (10/14)… Also rushed seven
times for 48 yards… Passed for 252 yards on 18-of-28 passing and matched career-high with
four touchdown passes vs. Arizona (10/27)… Led San Francisco to a dramatic 23-20 overtime
victory against Oakland (11/3), passing for 282 yards and two touchdowns while completing 25-of-36 passing attempts, including 17-of-19 in the second-half… Connected on 5-of-6
during the game-winning drive in overtime which culminated in a 23-yard K Jose Cortez field
goal… Matched career-high with 36 completions on a career-high 55 attempts for 276 yards
and three touchdowns at Dallas (12/8)… Recorded seventh career come-from-behind victory
as a starter, throwing three fourth quarter touchdowns, including game-winning eight-yard
strike to Owens with 12 seconds remaining… Also led 49ers with 50 yards rushing on eight
Veterans | 147
carries, including a 21-yard touchdown run in second quarter… Directed second-greatest
postseason comeback in NFL history (24 points) vs. N.Y. Giants (1/5) in NFC Wild Card Game
and set postseason career highs in all categories, completing 27-of-44 passes for 331 yards
and three touchdowns and rushing seven times for 60 yards (8.6 avg.), including a 14-yard
touchdown… First quarter 76-yard touchdown pass to Owens was the second-longest scoring play in San Francisco postseason history… Named NFL Offensive Player-of-the-Week
(1/8) for playoff performance vs. N.Y. Giants.
2001: Started all 16 games for San Francisco… Completed 316-of-504 pass attempts for
3,538 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and 12 interceptions for a passer rating of 94.8… Passed
for 32 touchdowns, becoming first quarterback in team history to throw 30-or-more touchdowns in back-to-back seasons… Rushed 72 times for 254 yards and a then career-high five
touchdowns… Registered four fourth quarter comebacks… Totaled three 300-yard games
and was selected to second consecutive Pro Bowl… Earned Victor Sport Player-of-the-Year
Award… Completed 26-of-40 passes for 335 yards and one touchdown in come-from-behind
win vs. Atlanta (9/9)… Led second come-from-behind victory of season over the Falcons
at Atlanta (10/14), completing 27-of-41 passes for 332 yards and three touchdowns, while
rushing for a career-high 14 carries and 70 yards, including a seven-yard touchdown on
third-and-goal in the second quarter… Completed 26-of-35 passes for 296 yards and three
touchdowns vs. Detroit (11/4)… Named NFC Offensive Player-of-the-Week after leading
49ers to third come-from-behind victory of the season in fourth quarter with a 10-yard touchdown pass to TE Eric Johnson vs. New Orleans (11/11)… Also tied a career-high with four
touchdown passes while completing 21-of-34 pass attempts for 252 yards… Threw for 305
yards on 34-of-54 passing in come-from-behind win at Carolina (11/18), marking 12th career
300-yard game… Passed for three touchdowns, including seven-yard fade pass to WR Terrell
Owens with one second remaining in regulation to help send game to overtime… Earned
NFC Offensive Player of the Month in November… Completed 14-of-21 passes for 263 yards
at New Orleans (1/6) and matched a career-high with second four-touchdown passing game
of the season… Threw first career postseason touchdown, a 14-yard strike to WR Tai Streets,
in NFC Wild Card Game at Green Bay (1/13).
2000: Started all 16 games for San Francisco… Completed 355-of-561 pass attempts for
4,278 passing yards, 31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for a passer rating of 97.6… Named
to first Pro Bowl after throwing for 49ers’ franchise record and career-high 4,278 yards and
finishing second in the NFL with 31 touchdown passes in first full season as a starter… Set
career-high with 414 rushing yards and four touchdowns… Recorded fifth 30-touchdown
season in 49ers history, joining quarterbacks John Brodie (30 in 1965), Joe Montana (31 in
1987) and Steve Young (35 in 1994 and 36 in 1998)… Recorded six 300-yard passing games,
second-most in a single season in team history (Young, seven in 1998)… Directed offense
that finished fourth in NFL with 6,040 total yards… Completed 16-of-26 passes for 178 yards
and a career-high four touchdowns at Dallas (9/24), and also gained 43 yards on six carries…
Matched a career high with four touchdown passes and passed for 336 yards in consecutive
weeks, vs. Oakland (10/8) and at Green Bay (10/15)… Completed 25-of-39 pass attempts
for 307 yards and two touchdowns at Carolina (10/22)… Streak of 150 passes without interception snapped in second quarter… Completed 20-of-25 pass attempts for 244 yards and
rushed eight times for 37 yards, including a career-high two rushing touchdowns vs. Kansas
City (11/12)… Threw for 305 yards on 25-of-38 passing and two touchdowns vs. New Orleans
(12/10), and also ran for two touchdowns, matching a career-high… Completed then careerhigh 36-of-44 pass attempts for 402 yards, including two touchdowns vs. Chicago (12/17)…
Surpassed the 4,000-yard passing mark, becoming only the second quarterback in 49ers
franchise history to break 4,000 yards (Steve Young, 1993 & 1998)… Completed 18-of-40
passes for 188 yards, including an eight-yard touchdown at Denver (12/23), and broke 49ers
team record for most passing yards in a season (4,278).
1999: Played in 13 games with 10 starts for San Francisco, replacing the injured QB Steve
Young (concussion), and completed 225-of-375 passes for 2,544 yards and 11 touchdowns
in his first season in the NFL… Sacked just 14 times in 13 games… Over final five games of
season, completed 121-of-182 passes (66.5%) for 1,441 yards, eight touchdowns and three
interceptions and posted a quarterback rating of 98.3… Saw first NFL action late in second
half at Jacksonville (9/12), and completed 5-of-9 passes for 45 yards and one interception…
Replaced Young in second half at Arizona (9/27), and completed 5-of-6 passes for 30 yards
and rushed three times for nine yards… Made first career start vs. Tennessee (10/3), in place
of injured Young and completed 21-of-33 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns…
Started at Cincinnati (12/5) and threw for a career-high 437 yards while completing 33-of-49
passes for three touchdowns.
148 | Veterans
CFL: Played five seasons (1994-1998) in the Canadian Football League with Calgary… Led
the Stampeders to the Grey Cup Championship in 1998 and was named the game’s MVP
after completing 22-of-32 passes for 250 yards and rushing 11 times for 47 yards and a
touchdown vs. Hamilton… Named West Division All-Star for four consecutive seasons (19951998)… In 1997, finished second to QB Doug Flutie as Canada’s Most Outstanding Player
while posting a quarterback rating of 97.0.
College: Three-year starter (1990-93) at San Jose State where he completed 504-of-887
(56.8-percent) passes for 6,545 yards and 48 touchdowns… Ranked first in school history
with 7,274 yards of total offense… Spartans’ third all-time passing leader in yards, completions and passer rating (129.4)… Earned UPI All-America honors as a junior after throwing
for 2,418 yards and 15 touchdowns… Finished third in the country in passing efficiency as a
sophomore, completing 61% of passes for 1,519 yards and 12 touchdowns… Before transferring to San Jose State, was the starting quarterback at Gavilan College (1989) in hometown
of Gilroy, California… Earned junior college honorable mention All-America honors after
throwing for 2,038 yards and 18 touchdowns as a freshman… Rushed for 584 yards and four
touchdowns at Gavilan… Majored in business/marketing.
Personal: Married to Carmella... Established the Garcia Pass It On Foudation with a mission
to share resources with people in less fortunate circumstances... Foundation’s Web Site is
www.GarciaPassItOn.com... Prepped at Gilroy (California) High School where he was a two
sport star in basketball and football… Father, Bob, was athletic director and football coach
at Gavilan College… Has made significant donations to Gilroy High School, Gavilan College
and San Jose State… The money contributed to Gilroy led to reconstruction of the athletic
fields which were named Garcia-Elder Field as a legacy to his family… Grandfather, Red Elder,
was a long-time head football coach at Gilroy… Captured the MVP honors of the East-West
Shrine Game in 1994, when his grandfather, a college football star at Kansas State, served as
an honorary captain for the game… Became the first grandfather/grandson combination to
have participated in that game… Serves as spokesman and leader for Hispanic Scholarship
Fund… Active participant with NFL International promoting the game of football in Mexico
and overseas… Voted Favorite Pro Athlete by the South Philly Review following the 2006
season… Born Jeff Garcia on February 24, 1970 in Gilroy, California.
LOWEST CAREER INT PERCENTAGE ALL-TIME
(MIN: 1500 ATT)
Name
Pct
Neil O’Donnell
Donovan McNabb
Mark Brunell
Jeff Garcia Steve Bono
2.11
2.21
2.31
2.46 2.47
Att 3229
3259
4594
2973 1701
Int
68
72
106
73
42
LOWEST CAREER INT PERCENTAGE AMONG ACTIVE PLAYERS
(MIN: 1500 ATT)
Name
Pct
Donovan McNabb Mark Brunell
Jeff Garcia Tom Brady
Steve McNair
2.21
2.31
2.46 2.54
2.65
Att 3259
4594
2973 3065
4339
Int
72
106
73
78
115
HIGHEST TD/INT RATIO AMONG QBs ALL-TIME
(MIN: 1500 ATT)
Name TD/INT TD Int
Steve Young
Donovan McNabb
Peyton Manning
Joe Montana
Tom Brady
Jeff Garcia
232
152
275
273
147
136
107
72
139
139
78
73
2.17
2.11
1.98
1.96
1.88
1.86
Veterans | 149
GarCia’s Career Statistics
PASSING
Yds
Year Team GP GS Att Cmp Pct Yds Yds/Att TD Int Lg Sk Lst Rating
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
San Francisco
San Francisco
San Francisco
San Francisco
San Francisco
Cleveland
Detroit Philadelphia
13
16
16
16
13
11
6
8
10
16
16
16
13
10
5
6
375
561
504
528
392
252
173
188
225
355
316
328
225
144
102
116
60.0
63.3
62.7
62.1
57.4
57.1
59.0
61.7
2,544
4,278
3,538
3,344
2,704
1,731
937
1,309
6.8
7.6
7.0
6.3
6.9
6.9
5.4
7.0
11
31
32
21
18
10
3
10
11
10
12
10
13
9
6
2
62
69t
61t
76t
75t
99t
49
65
15
24
26
17
21
24
6
6
104
155
114
93
104
99
34
40
77.9
97.6
94.8
85.6
80.1
76.7
65.1
95.8
NFL Totals
99 92 2,973 1,811 60.9 20,385
6.9
136 73 99t 139 743 86.4
Career record as starter: 44-48 (.478); 2-8 (.200) in 1999; 6-10 (.375) in 2000; 12-4 (.750) in 2001; 10-6 (.625) in 2002; 5-8 (.385)
in 2003; 3-7
(.300) in 2004; 1-4 (.200) in 2005; 5-1 (.833)
in 2006
PLAYOFFS
Year Team 2001
2002
2006
Yds
GP GS Att Cmp Pct Yds Yds/Att TD Int Lg Sk Lst Rating
San Francisco
San Francisco
Philadelphia
1
3
2
1
4
0
22
76t
75t
2
4
3
14
27
23
Postseason
5
5
178
102 57.3 1,150
6.5
6
Career postseason record as starter: 2-3 (.400); 0-1 in 2001; 1-1 in 2002; 1-1 in 2006 5
76t
9
64
RUSHING
Year Team 1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
1
2
2
32
85
61
22
49
32
Att Yds Avg
San Francisco
San Francisco
San Francisco
San Francisco
San Francisco
Cleveland
Detriot Philadelphia
NFL Totals
Postseason
1
2
2
45
72
72
73
56
35
17
25
231
414
254
353
319
169
51
87
395 1,878
17
86
68.8
57.6
52.5
233
524
393
Lg
TD
5.1
5.8
3.5
4.8
5.7
4.8
3.0
3.5
25
33
25
21t
21t
21
14
12
2
4
5
3
7
2
1
0
4.8
5.1
33
14
24
1
7.3
6.2
6.4
87.1
68.0
83.6
76.8
ADDITIONAL STATS
Fumbles-Lost — 5-2 in 1999, 7-1 in 2000, 9-3 in
2001, 2-2 in 2002, 9-3 in 2003, 9-6 in 2004, 1-0 in
2005, 6-2 in 2006
400-Yard Passing Games: (2) - 1999 (1), 2000 (1).
300-Yard Passing Games: (16) - 1999 (3), 2000 (6),
2001 (3), 2002 (1), 2003 (1), 2004 (1), 2006 (1)
Playoff 300-Yard Passing Games: (1) - 2002 (1).
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Pass Attempts: 55, at Dallas, 12/8/02
Pass Completions: 36 (twice), last at Dallas, 12/8/02
Passing Yards: 437, at Cincinnati, 12/5/1999
Touchdowns: 4 (eight times), last vs. Cincinnati (10/17/04)
Long Pass: 99t, vs. Cincinnati, 10/17/2004
garcia’s GAME-BY-GAME Statistics
1999
SAN FRANCISCO
Sept. 12
@Jacksonville
Sept. 19
New Orleans
Sept. 27
@Arizona
Oct. 3*
Tennessee
Oct. 10*
@Seattle
Oct. 17*
Carolina
Oct. 24*
@Minnesota
Nov. 7*
Pittsburgh
Nov. 14
@New Orleans
Nov. 21
St. Louis
Nov. 29
Green Bay
Dec. 5*
@Cincinnati
Dec. 12*
Atlanta
Dec. 18*
@Carolina
Dec. 26*
Washington
Jan.3*
@Atlanta
TOTALS
150 | Veterans
ATT
9
6
33
36
45
31
18
15
49
24
46
29
34
375
COMP
YDS
5
45
Did Not Play
5
30
21
243
22
233
22
236
14
188
7
39
Did Not Play
8
89
Did Not Play
33
437
16
160
29
303
17
168
26
373
225
2,544
TD
0
INT
1
LG
22
SACK
2-14
0
2
0
1
0
0
0
0
3
0
2
0
11
30
30
35
47
12
0-0
1-0
0-0
2-19
2-17
0-0
0
2
36
3-22
3
0
2
1
2
11
1
0
1
1
0
11
55t
22
48t
26
62
62
0-0
2-16
2-6
0-0
1-10
15-104
2000
SAN FRANCISCO
Sept. 3*
@Atlanta
Sept. 10*
Carolina
Sept. 17*
@St. Louis
Sept. 24*
@Dallas
Oct. 1*
Arizona
Oct. 8*
Oakland
Oct. 15*
@Green Bay
Oct. 22*
@Carolina
Oct. 29*
St. Louis
Nov. 5*
@New Orleans
Nov. 12*
Kansas City
Nov. 19*
Atlanta
Dec. 3*
@San Diego
Dec. 10*
New Orleans
Dec. 17*
Chicago
Dec. 23*
@Denver
TOTALS
2001
SAN FRANCISCO
Sept. 9*
Atlanta
Sept. 23*
St. Louis
Oct. 1*
@N.Y. Jets
Oct. 7*
Carolina Oct. 14*
@Atlanta
Oct. 28*
@Chicago
Nov. 4*
Detroit Nov. 11*
New Orleans
Nov. 18*
@Carolina
Nov. 25*
@Indianapolis
Dec. 2*
Buffalo
Dec. 9*
@St. Louis
Dec. 16
Miami
Dec. 22*
Philadelphia
Dec. 30*
@Dallas
Jan. 6*
@New Orleans
TOTALS
PLAYOFFS
Jan. 13*
@Green Bay
2002
SAN FRANCISCO
Sept. 5*
@N.Y. Giants
Sept. 15*
Denver
Sept. 22*
Washington
Oct. 6*
St. Louis
Oct. 14*
@Seattle
Oct. 20
@New Orleans
Oct. 27
Arizona
Nov. 3*
@Oakland
Nov. 10*
Kansas City
Nov. 17*
@San Diego
Nov. 25*
Philadelphia Dec. 1*
Seattle Dec. 8*
@Dallas
Dec. 15*
Green Bay
Dec. 21*
@Arizona
Dec. 30*
@St. Louis
TOTALS
PLAYOFFS
Jan. 5*
N.Y. Giants
Jan. 12*
@Tampa Bay ATT
36
20
34
24
33
41
42
39
44
36
25
31
32
38
44
40
561
COMP
23
12
21
16
22
28
27
25
26
22
20
16
18
25
36
18
355
YDS
253
181
290
178
220
336
336
307
243
262
244
210
323
305
402
188
4,278
TD
3
0
2
4
1
4
4
2
2
1
0
0
2
2
2
1
31
INT
1
1
3
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
0
0
2
0
1
10
LG
25
53
38
68t
22
36
39t
62
53t
47
47
37
53
69t
28
21
69t
SACK
1-6
0-0
0-0
0-0
1-5
0-0
2-17
3-24
2-10
0-0
1-4
0-0
2-7
2-17
4-23
6-42
24-155
ATT
40
34
20
31
41
29
35
34
54
22
27
36
20
24
36
21
504
COMP
26
19
16
17
27
21
26
21
34
14
19
13
14
14
21
14
316
YDS
335
121
141
212
332
269
296
252
305
179
189
146
133
136
229
263
3,538
TD
1
1
1
2
3
2
3
4
3
2
2
0
1
1
2
4
32
INT
1
1
0
1
0
2
2
0
2
1
0
2
0
0
0
0
12
LG
52
20
14
29t
52t
60t
41
61t
45
35t
23t
25
28
32t
37
60t
61t
SACK
2-11
1-5
2-15
1-9
1-2
3-2
2-14
1-1
3-9
3-10
2-10
1-2
0-0
2-9
0-0
2-15
26-114
32
22
233
1
1
22
2-14
ATT
26
36
19
26
29
39
28
36
35
43
51
29
55
34
39
3
528
COMP
16
27
10
18
16
23
18
25
25
25
29
16
36
19
23
2
328
YDS
166
205
84
214
202
275
252
282
175
337
284
164
276
156
256
16
3,344
TD
1
1
0
1
2
1
4
2
0
2
2
0
3
1
1
0
21
INT
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
1
1
0
2
0
1
1
0
10
LG
38
15
17
51
37t
31
61t
41
18
76t
32
22
23t
45t
33
10
76t
SACK
0-0
2-15
1-9
1-7
2-12
0-0
1-0
0-0
3-7
1-6
3-26
1-7
1-0
0-0
1-4
0-0
17-93
44
41
27
22
331
193
3
0
1
3
76t
30
0-0
4-27
Veterans | 151
2003
SAN FRANCISCO
Sept. 7*
Chicago
Sept. 14*
@St. Louis
Sept. 21*
Cleveland
Sept. 28*
@Minnesota
Oct. 5*
Detroit
Oct. 12*
@Seattle
Oct. 19*
Tampa Bay Oct. 26*
@Arizona
Nov. 2
St. Louis
Nov. 17
Pittsburgh
Nov. 23
@Green Bay
Nov. 30*
@Baltimore
Dec. 7*
Arizona
Dec. 14*
@Cincinnati
Dec. 21*
@Philadelphia
Dec. 27*
Seattle
TOTALS
2004
CLEVELAND Sept. 12*
Baltimore
Sept. 19*
@Dallas
Sept. 26*
@N.Y. Giants
Oct. 3*
Washington
Oct. 10*
@Pittsburgh
Oct. 17*
Cincinnati
Oct. 24*
Philadelphia
Nov. 7*
@Baltimore
Nov. 14*
Pittsburgh
Nov. 21*
N.Y. Jets
Nov. 28
@Cincinnati
Dec. 5
New England
Dec. 12
@Buffalo
Dec. 19
San Diego
Dec. 26
@Miami
Jan. 2
@Houston
TOTALS
2005
DETROIT
Sept. 11
Sept. 18
Oct. 2
Oct. 9
Oct. 16
Oct. 23*
Oct. 30*
Nov. 6
Nov. 13
Nov. 20
Nov. 24
Dec. 4*
Dec. 11*
Dec. 18*
Dec. 24
Jan. 1
TOTALS
ATT
35
35
35
23
27
27
29
24
29
28
33
29
38
392
COMP
YDS
19
229
19
222
21
198
11
108
15
192
16
168
15
253
13
153
Inactive
Inactive
Did Not Play
14
112
19
252
26
344
15
225
22
248
225
2,704
TD
2
2
0
0
2
0
2
0
INT
1
1
1
3
1
0
1
0
LG
26
29
27
23
30
29
75t
25
SACK
0-0
1-1
2-8
2-8
2-9
4-18
1-7
2-6
0
4
2
2
2
18
4
0
0
0
1
13
32
32
58t
33t
44
75t
0-0
1-3
1-13
2-14
3-17
21-104
ATT
24
27
31
21
34
23
32
26
16
17
1
252
COMP
YDS
15
180
8
71
21
180
14
195
16
210
16
310
21
236
15
146
7
110
10
88
Inactive
Did Not Play
1
5
Injured Reserve
Injured Reserve
Injured Reserve
144
1,731
TD
1
0
1
1
1
4
1
0
0
1
INT
0
3
1
0
0
2
1
1
1
0
LG
51
16
29
37
50
99t
42
15
58
27
SACK
2-15
1-5
4-19
3-11
2-3
1-0
3-7
3-20
4-14
0-0
0
0
5
10
9
99t
INT
LG
SACK
0
0
0
1
49
27
0-0
2-12
1
0
1
1
1
1
0
3
31t
19
40
26
2-10
1-8
0-0
1-4
3
6
49
6-34
ATT
COMP
Green Bay
@Chicago
@Tampa Bay
Baltimore
Carolina
@Cleveland
34
Chicago
35
@Minnesota
Arizona
@Dallas
Atlanta
24
Minnesota
35
@Green Bay
24
Cincinnati
21
@New Orleans
@Pittsburgh
173
152 | Veterans
YDS
22
23
14
17
13
13
102
TD
Inactive
Inactive
Inactive
Inactive
Inactive
210
197
Inactive
Inactive
Inactive
154
126
112
138
Inactive
Inactive
937
1-5
24-99
2006
PHILADELPHIA
ATT
Sept. 10
@Houston
Sept. 17
N.Y. Giants
Sept. 24
@San Francisco
Oct. 2
Green Bay
1
Oct. 8
Dallas
Oct. 15
@New Orleans
Oct. 22
@Tampa Bay Oct. 29
Jacksonville
Nov. 12
Washington
Nov. 19
Tennessee
48
Nov. 26*
@Indianapolis
23
Dec. 4*
Carolina
39
Dec. 10*
@Washington
23
Dec. 17*
@N.Y. Giants
28
Dec. 25*
@Dallas
23
Dec. 31
Atlanta
3
TOTALS
188
PLAYOFFS Jan. 7*
N.Y. Giants
31
Jan. 13*
@New Orleans
30
COMP
0
26
19
21
15
19
15
1
116
YDS
Did Not Play
Did Not Play
Did Not Play
0
Did Not Play
Did Not Play
Did Not Play
Did Not Play
Did Not Play
189
140
312
164
237
238
29
1,309
17
15
153
240
TD
INT
LG
SACK
0
0
0
0-0
1
2
3
2
1
1
0
10
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
2
23
19
51
60
28
65
29
65
0-0
1-0
1-8
0-0
2-16
2-16
0-0
6-40
1
1
0
0
28t
75t
2-15
1-8
* denotes games started
Pro: Third-year running back who joined the Buccaneers prior to the start of the 2006 regular
season after spending the 2005 season with the Buffalo Bills… Signed to the Buccaneers’
practice squad on September 4, 2006 and remained a member of the unit until December
29, 2006 when he was promoted to the active roster prior to the Buccaneers’ final contest
against Seattle… Originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round selection (236th overall) by
the Bills in the 2005 NFL Draft.
2006: Spent a majority of the season on the Buccaneers practice squad... Promoted to the
Buccaneers active roster on December 29.
2005: Inactive for the first 15 games of the season with Buffalo before being activated prior
to the season finale... Dressed but did not play at N.Y. Jets (1/1/06).
College: Played in 36 games with eight starts for the Louisville Cardinals while amassing
2,036 all-purpose yards… Finished his career at Louisville with 310 carries for 1,475 yards
(4.8 avg.) and 20 touchdowns… Also totaled 40 receptions for 469 yards (11.7 avg.) and two
touchdowns while returning six kickoffs for 92 yards during the span of his collegiate career…
Finished third on squad during senior year with 76 carries for 373 yards (4.9 avg.) and seven
touchdowns… Also caught 10 passes for 71 yards and two scores and returned six kickoffs
for 92 yards (15.3 avg.)... As a junior in 2003, led team with 141 carries for 817 yards (5.8
avg.) and 11 touchdowns while adding 25 catches for 368 yards (14.7 avg.)… Started first
two games of sophomore year and finished the season with 209 yards on 72 carries (2.9 avg.)
and one touchdown… Saw limited action during 2001 freshman year due to tonsillitis and a
shoulder injury… Majored in communications.
Personal: Has one son, Shamai Mareon... Attended Terry Parker High School in Jacksonville,
Florida… Gained 1,000 yards in each of his last three prep seasons, including 1,700 yards
and 17 touchdowns as a senior… Helped Parker High to an appearance in the Florida state
playoffs as a senior and was named to the Florida Times-Union Super 24 and All-First Coast
Teams… Also selected 2000 Jacksonville Quarterback Club Player of the Year… Born Lionel
Theron Gates on March 13, 1982 in Jacksonville, Florida.
Veterans | 153
Pro: Mobile and charismatic quarterback who saw significant action in his first season in
NFL, filling in for injured QB Chris Simms… Fiery competitor who keeps defenses honest with his ability to throw on the move… Has appeared in 13 games with 11 starts…
Statistically established himself among top rookie signal callers in team history… His
1,661 passing yards, nine touchdowns, 177 completions and 328 attempts in 2006 were
most by a rookie in franchise history… Set an NFL record for most pass attempts (202)
before throwing the second interception of his career… Also became only the third
quarterback in NFL history to throw only one interception in his first 150 pass attempts
(Tom Brady, New England; Tim Rattay, San Francisco)… Against Cincinnati, became the
first rookie quarterback selected in sixth round or later to start and lead team to a comefrom-behind win in fourth quarter since 1989 (Rodney Peete, Detroit)… Set single-game
franchise records for rookies with 25 completions (vs. Cincinnati, 10/15/06) and 48 pass
attempts (at N.Y. Giants, 10/29/06)… Entered league as a sixth-round (194th overall) pick
of the Buccaneers in the 2006 NFL Draft.
2006: Played in 13 games (all but at Atlanta, at Cleveland and vs. Seattle) with 11 starts
(all but vs. Baltimore, vs. Carolina)… Completed 177-of-328 pass attempts for 1,661
passing yards with nine touchdowns and nine interceptions while completing 54.0 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 65.9… Also rushed 41 times for 161
yards, fourth-best rushing yardage total on team… His 1,661 passing yards, nine touchdowns, 177 completions and 328 attempts in 2006 were most by a rookie in franchise
history… Set an NFL record for most pass attempts (202) before throwing the second
interception of his career… Also became only the third quarterback in NFL history to
throw only one interception in his first 150 pass attempts (Tom Brady, New England; Tim
Rattay, San Francisco)… Against Cincinnati, became the first rookie quarterback selected
in sixth round or later to start and lead team to a come-from-behind win in fourth quarter
since 1989 (Rodney Peete, Detroit)… Set single-game franchise records for rookies with
25 completions (vs. Cincinnati, 10/15/06) and 48 pass attempts (at New York Giants,
10/29/06)… Saw first regular-season action of his career against Baltimore after entering game in fourth quarter… Completed one pass for four yards (9/10)… Did not play
at Atlanta (9/17)… Saw limited action against Carolina (9/24) and completed one pass
for 16 yards… Made first start of career at New Orleans (10/8) and finished game with
107.6 QB rating, completing 20-of-31 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns… Also
rushed six times for 19 yards… In first two starts at home, led Tampa Bay to back-to-back
come-from-behind wins… Started against Cincinnati (10/15), completing 25-of-44 passes
for 184 yards and two touchdowns and one interception, earning first win of career…
Also rushed four times for 19 yards… Led team on game-winning fourth quarter drive,
throwing eight-yard touchdown pass to Michael Clayton on fourth down with 35 seconds
remaining in game to erase six-point deficit… Started against Philadelphia (10/22) and
completed 13-of-26 passes for 104 yards… Also rushed three times for 11 yards… Led
team on deciding drive with 27 seconds remaining in game to set up game-winning field
goal… Attempted career-high 48 passes at N.Y. Giants (10/29), completing 20 passes for
139 yards… Also rushed three times for 18 yards… Started vs. New Orleans (11/5) and
completed 18-of-31 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns… Also rushed twice for
12 yards… Started at Carolina (11/13) and completed 17-of-32 passes for 173 yards and
one touchdown while throwing two interceptions… Also rushed five times for 22 yards…
Started vs. Washington (11/19) and completed 14-of-21 passes for 178 yards and two
touchdowns while throwing one interception… Eclipsed club record for most touchdown
passes and most passing yards for a rookie in a single season… Also rushed six times for
154 | Veterans
nine yards… Completed 10-of-20 passes for 120 yards and two interceptions at Dallas
(11/23)… Also rushed four times for 17 yards… Completed 20-of-34 passes for 175
yards and three interceptions at Pittsburgh (12/3)… Also rushed six times for 26 yards…
Completed 13-of-24 passes for 121 yards against Atlanta (12/10)… Also rushed twice for
eight yards… Started at Chicago (12/17), completing 5-of-11 passes for 37 yards before
giving way to backup quarterback Tim Rattay late in second quarter… Did not play as
backup quarterback at Cleveland (12/24) and against Seattle (12/31).
College: Played in 49 games with 36 starts for Toledo… In his career, completed 766-of1,123 passes for 9,225 yards with 85 touchdowns and 27 interceptions while setting 19
school and three conference records, including Toledo marks for most pass completions,
yards passing and touchdowns thrown… Rushed for 1,018 yards with 14 touchdowns
on 248 rushing attempts (4.1 avg.)… Became the first quarterback in NCAA Division I-A
history to complete over 70 percent of his passes in consecutive seasons (71.2 percent
in 2003 and 70.2 percent in 2004)… His career pass completion percentage of 68.2 set
a Division I-A all-time record, breaking the previous mark of 67.1 percent (795-of-1,184)
by QB Tim Couch of Kentucky (1996-1998)… Earned All Mid-American Conference FirstTeam honors and was named the co-recipient of the Vern Smith Award, given to the
MAC’s MVP, as a senior in 2005… Set a Mid-American Conference single-season record
as a sophomore and ranked second in the nation with a 71.2 percent completion rate…
Ranked sixth in NCAA Division I-A ranks with a 161.5 passing efficiency rating… Named
honorable mention All-American in 2004 when he ranked second in the nation with a 70.2
percent pass completion percentage… Became the seventh player in MAC history to
gain over 10,000 yards in total offense during a career, coming up with 10,243 yards and
99 scores on 1,371 plays… Finished his career as UT’s career leader in touchdown passes
(85), completions (766) and passing yardage (9,225)… Also holds the Toledo all-time
records for passing efficiency (156.61), passing yards per attempt (8.21 avg.), touchdown
pass percentage (7.57 percent) and 300-yard passing games (nine)… Ranked seventh on
the all-time MAC list in passing yardage and fourth in touchdown passes - behind QB
Tim Lester of Western Michigan (87, 1996-1999), Byron Leftwich of Marshall (89, 19992003) and Chad Pennington of Marshall (100, 1997-1999)… Played in the same prep
conference as such great quarterbacks as Johnny Lujack, George Blanda, Joe Namath,
Terry Hanratty, Joe Montana and Dan Marino, surpassing all of their statistics… Majored
in business marketing… Was an intern in the UT Athletic Marketing Department in the
summer of 2005... His assignments included selling football season tickets.
Personal: Son of Bruce and Debbie Gradkowski… Also has two sisters, Brittany and
Deanna, and one brother, Gino… Attended Seton-La Salle (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
High School, playing football for coach Lou Reed… Earned All-State and “Fab 22 Team”
honors from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in his junior and senior seasons… Completed
188-of-327 (.575) passes for 2,978 yards and 30 touchdowns as a senior... Passing yardage total was the most in conference’s 87-year history, passing such greats as Johnny
Lujack, George Blanda, Joe Namath, Terry Hanratty, Joe Montana and Dan Marino…
Also threw for 1,630 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior and was named First-Team
all-conference… Excelled in basketball, starting at point guard and was the team’s
leading scorer… Born Bruce Raymond Gradkowski on January 27, 1983 in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania.
GRADKOWSKI’s Career Statistics
PASSING
Year Team
GP
GS Att Cmp Pct
Yds Yds/Att
2006 Tampa Bay 13 11 328 177 54.0 1,661
Career record as starter: 3-8 (.375)
TD
Int
Lg
Yds
Sk Lst Rating
9
9
53
25
5.1
146
65.9
RUSHING
Year
Team
Att
Yds
Avg
Lg
TD
2006
Tampa Bay
41
161
3.9
14
0
Veterans | 155
Pro: Hard-nosed running back who excels in kickoff and punt coverage… Also has seen
action as a kickoff returner… Tied for team lead with 20 special teams tackles in 2006…
Has played in 41 career games, as well as one playoff contest... Totaled 52 career carries
for 215 yards (4.1 avg.) and also has returned eight career kickoffs for 139 yards (17.4
avg.)... Recorded one career reception for four yards… Has tallied 38 career special teams
tackles… Re-joined the Buccaneers on January 14, 2004… Released by the Buccaneers
on December 9, 2003… Signed to Tampa Bay’s practice squad on December 3, 2003...
Released (injury settlement) on August 22, 2003... Entered the league as an undrafted free
agent with the Buccaneers on April 28, 2003.
2006: Played in all 16 games as a reserve running back and special teams performer…
Tied for the team lead with 20 special teams tackles… Rushed 11 times for 59 yards… Also
caught one pass for four yards… Saw action against Baltimore (9/10), making two special
teams tackles… Saw action at New Orleans (10/8) and made three special teams tackles…
Saw action against Cincinnati (10/15), making one special teams tackle… Saw action
against Philadelphia (10/22), making one special teams tackle… Saw action at N.Y. Giants
(10/29) and made three special teams tackles… Saw action vs. New Orleans (11/5), making
one special teams tackle and rushing twice for 12 yards… Saw action at Carolina (11/13)
and totaled three special teams tackles… Saw action at Dallas (11/23) and made first career
reception, catching a four-yard pass from QB Bruce Gradkowski… Also made one special
teams tackle… Saw action at Pittsburgh (12/3), rushing four times for 35 yards, including a
career-long 17-yard run in the fourth quarter… Also made one special teams tackle… Saw
action against Atlanta (12/10), notching one special teams tackle… Saw action at Chicago
(12/17) and made two special teams tackles… Saw action at Cleveland (12/24), rushing five
times for 12 yards and adding one special teams stop.
2005: Played in every game after gaining experience as a member of the practice squad
during parts of the 2003-2004 seasons... Saw action primarily on special teams… Also saw
action in playoff game… Rushed 28 times for 83 yards (3.0 avg.) and also returned four
kickoffs for 74 yards (18.5 avg.)… Added 18 special teams tackles, tied for fourth-best on
the team… Saw reserve action vs. Detroit (10/2) and carried four times for 15 yards… Saw
his most extensive action of the season at the N.Y. Jets (10/9) and carried seven times for
18 yards… Also returned one kickoff for 22 yards and notched two special teams stops…
Saw extensive playing time vs. Miami (10/16) and carried a career-high 17 times for careerbest 50 yards… Totaled two special teams tackles vs. Washington (11/13)… Career-high
three special teams tackles at Atlanta (11/20)… Recorded two special teams stops vs.
Atlanta (12/24)… Saw action in first career postseason game, playing on special teams vs.
Washington (1/7) in NFC Wild Card game.
2004: Played in nine games (all but at Washington, vs. Seattle, at Oakland, vs. Denver, at
New Orleans, at St. Louis and vs. Chicago)... Began the season as a member of the practice
squad before joining the active roster on October 27... Totaled 13 carries for 73 yards...
Also returned three kickoffs for 52 yards... Saw first career action vs. Kansas City (11/7)...
Had first career carry for one yard... Saw reserve action at Atlanta (11/14) and carried one
time for two yards... Also returned one kickoff for 17 yards... Saw reserve action vs. San
Francisco (11/21), carrying four times for 27 yards, including a long of 13 yards... Also
returned one kickoff for 18 yards... Saw reserve action at Carolina (11/28), carrying two
times for nine yards... Saw reserve action at San Diego (12/12) and carried one time for six
yards... Saw reserve action vs. New Orleans (12/19) and had three rushes for 16 yards...
156 | Veterans
Also returned one kickoff for 17 yards... Saw reserve action at Arizona (1/2) and carried
one time for 12 yards.
2003: Signed as an undrafted free agent on April 28... Released (injury settlement)
on August 22... Signed to Tampa Bay’s practice squad on December 3... Released on
December 9... Re-joined team on January 14, 2004.
College: Played in 44 regular season games with 31 starts for Florida and also started the
2001 Sugar Bowl and 2002 Orange Bowl... 33 rushing touchdowns ranked third in school
history... Ranked fifth with both 3,065 career rushing yards and 603 carries... Ninth in school
history with 3,468 all-purpose yards... Nine career 100-yard rushing games tied for fifth in
Florida history... Led the 1999 squad in rushing with 654 yards, the 2001 team with 650
yards, the 2002 team with 1,085 yards and ranked second in 2000 with 683 yards... Had 59
career catches for 403 yards (6.8 avg.) while also completing 1-of-5 passes for three yards
and one touchdown... Second-team All-SEC in 2001... SEC All-Freshman Team selection
by Coaches and Knoxville News-Sentinel in 1999... Three-time recipient of UF’s “Most
Outstanding Running Back” award... As a senior, started all 13 games and rushed for 1,085
yards... Ranked fourth in the SEC with a team-best 83.5 rushing yards per game... In 2001,
started nine of 11 regular season games and also started the Orange Bowl... Rushed for
a team-high 650 yards on 125 carries (5.2 avg.) with nine touchdowns while also catching
12 passes for 129 yards... Played in all 12 regular season games in 2000 with three starts...
Also started the Sugar Bowl... Totaled 121 rushes for 676 yards (5.6 average) with eight
touchdowns and 19 catches for 144 yards that season... Played in nine of 12 games with
seven starts in 1999, totaling 117 carries for 654 yards (5.60 avg.) and five touchdowns...
In 1998, played in first two games before suffering foot injury... Majored in leisure service
management.
Personal: One of five Buccaneers players who visited USS Bainbridge, a United States
Navy ship at the Port of Tampa, to meet military personnel on board in January 2007…
In 1997, garnered extensive All-America honors as a prep running back... Florida’s “Mr.
Football” for class 6A schools in 1997... Named to prestigious Parade All-America Team...
USA Today second-team All-America selection... Rushed for 5,710 yards over course of
outstanding prep career, the fifth-top total in state history, including more than 4,000 total
yards in his final two seasons... As a senior, rushed for 1,858 yards on 229 carries with 29
touchdowns despite missing two games and rushed for 2,159 yards and 33 touchdowns
as a junior... Wears a t-shirt with a poem he penned under his game jersey in tribute to his
friend Corey Jordan, who died of an accidental gun shot wound on August 27, 1997... Born
Earnest Graham Jr. on January 15, 1980 in Naples, Florida.
Graham’s Career Statistics
Year
Team
GP
GS
Att
2004
2005
2006
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Tampa Bay
9
16
16
0
0
0
13
28
11
73
83
59
NFL totals
41
0
52
215
PLAYOFFS
Year
Team
GP
GS
Att
2005
Tampa Bay
Postseason RUSHING
Yds
Avg
RECEIVING
No Yds Avg Lg
Lg
TD
5.6
3.0
5.4
13
16
17
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
4
-
-
4.0
-
-
4
TD
0
0
0
4.1
17
0
1
4
4.0
4
0
RUSHING
Yds
Avg
Lg
TD
RECEIVING
No Yds Avg Lg TD
1
0
0
0
-
-
0
0
0
-
-
0
1
0
0
0
-
-
0
0
0
-
-
0
ADDITIONAL STATS
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Three kickoff returns for 52 yards in 2004; Four
kickoff returns for 74 yards in 2005; One kickoff
return for 13 yards in 2006; 18 special teams tackles in 2005; 20 special teams tackles in 2006
Fumbles-lost — 0-0 in 2003, 0-0 in 2004, 1-1 in 2005,
0-0 in ‘05 playoffs, 0-0 in 2006
Rushes: 17 vs. Miami, 10/16/05
Rushing Yards: 50 vs. Miami, 10/15/05
Long Kickoff Return: 22, twice, last at New England,
12/17/05
Special Teams Tackles: 3 at Atlanta, 11/20/05
Veterans | 157
Pro: High-effort defensive tackle who joined Tampa Bay last season and worked his way into
defensive line rotation… Has played in 11 career games and totaled 25 tackles… Signed by
the Buccaneers on October 25, 2006… Signed to Cleveland’s practice squad on September
14, 2006… Signed by the Browns to the active roster (9/3/06) before being released on
September 12… Released by the Carolina Panthers on September 2, 2006… Entered the
league as a sixth-round pick (189th overall) in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Panthers.
2006: Played in nine games (vs. New Orleans, at Carolina, vs. Washington, at Dallas, at
Pittsburgh, vs. Atlanta, at Chicago, at Cleveland and vs. Seattle) and totaled 25 tackles on the
season with Tampa Bay... Released by Carolina on September 2 before being signed to the
Browns’ active roster on September 3… Inactive for Cleveland against New Orleans (9/10)…
Released by Cleveland on September 12 before being signed to the Browns’ practice
squad on September 14... Signed by Tampa Bay on October 25 from Cleveland’s practice
squad… Dressed but did not play at N.Y. Giants (10/29)… Made Buccaneer debut against
New Orleans (11/5)… Made first two career tackles vs. Washington (11/19)… Saw action
on defensive line at Dallas (11/23), notching one assisted tackle… Played along defensive
line at Pittsburgh (12/3), totaling a then career-high five tackles… Saw significant action on
defense against Atlanta (12/10), setting a career-high with six tackles… Came off the bench
at Chicago (12/17) and posted one tackle… Contributed four tackles at Cleveland (12/24)…
Tied his career-high with six tackles vs. Seattle (12/31).
2005: Played in two games and inactive for 13 contests with Carolina… Made NFL debut
against Green Bay (10/3)… Also saw action against Tampa Bay (12/11)… Inactive for all three
playoff games.
College: Entered NFL Draft following junior season… Started 34 of 35 games at Vanderbilt
and recorded 149 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss and one interception… Started all
11 games at defensive end as a junior in 2004… Totaled 48 tackles and one sack… Part of
squad that ranked third in the SEC with a plus-four turnover margin… Named second-team
All-SEC as a sophomore in 2003… Elected team defensive captain… Started all 12 games at
defensive end… Conference co-leader with 8.5 sacks, the most by a Vanderbilt player since
1994… Tied for seventh in the conference with 12.5 tackles for loss… Led defensive line
with 76 tackles, three forced fumbles, 10 quarterback hurries and three passes defensed…
Recorded two or more sacks in three games… Amassed three sacks, two forced fumbles
and one interception at TCU… Started 11 of 12 games at defensive end as a freshman in
2002… Contest at Georgia represented the only missed start of his college career, but he
played against the Bulldogs with an injured ankle… Contributed 25 tackles, one sack, three
quarterback pressures and one forced fumble… Limited for much of the second half of the
season with an injured foot… Redshirted as a true freshman in 2001… Majored in human and
organizational development.
Personal: A native of Jamaica… Moved to the United States when he was six years old
and did not start playing football until his junior year in high school… Was a teammate
of NFL players Chris Gamble and Stanley McClover at Dillard High School (Sunrise, FL)…
Participated in Read Across America Day, where he made students laugh by reading tongue
twisting Dr. Seuss books… Guest speaker at Harris Teeter/Kraft Kids Camp, where he spoke
on the importance of education and team work, ran skill stations and signed autographs…
Earned first-team All-State honors at offensive guard as a junior and senior at Dillard… Also
was a letterwinner in basketball, and threw shot put and discus… Graduated from high
school with a 4.5 GPA… Member of National Honor Society… Born Jovan Haye on June 21,
1982 in Mandeville, Jamaica.
158 | Veterans
haye’s Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2005
2006
Carolina
2
Tampa Bay 9
NFL Totals
11
0
0
0
25
0
13
0
12
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0 0 0
0
25
13
12
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 6 (twice), vs. Atlanta, 12/10/06 and vs. Seattle, 12/31/066
Pro: Athletic tight end who can be utilized in both the running and passing game… Played
in 18 career games with three starts… Has recorded nine career receptions for 65 yards
and two touchdowns… Also recorded one kickoff return for three yards… Signed as a
free agent by Tampa Bay on January 17, 2007… Signed to the Buccaneers practice squad
on September 13, 2006… Released by Tampa Bay on October 2, 2006… Signed to the
Buccaneers practice squad on October 11, 2006 and spent the remainder of the season
with Tampa Bay… Signed a one-year contract as an unrestricted free agent with the Miami
Dolphins from the Cleveland Browns on May 12, 2006… Claimed by the Browns after being
released by the Carolina Panthers on August 27, 2003… Waived by the Browns on August
31, 2003… Signed to the Browns practice squad on September 1, 2003… Activated to
Cleveland’s 53-man roster on November 13, 2003… Originally entered the league as a
sixth-round (174th overall) draft pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2002 NFL Draft.
2006: Signed by the Miami Dolphins on May 15… Waived by the Dolphins on September
2… Signed to the Buccaneers practice squad on September 13… Released on October
2… Signed to the Buccaneers practice squad on October 11 and spent the final 12 weeks
of the season with Tampa Bay on the practice squad.
2005: Spent the entire season on the Cleveland Browns’ injured reserve list.
2004: Played in seven games with Cleveland… Caught one pass for one yards.
2003: Played in seven games, including three starts with the Browns after being activated
off the team’s practice squad on November 13… Hauled in eight passes for 64 yards and
two touchdowns… In his Browns debut against Arizona (11/16), totaled career-high figures
of five receptions for 45 yards, including of long of 17… First career NFL touchdown came
vs. St. Louis (12/8)… Caught his second touchdown the following week at Denver (12/14),
on a one-yard grab… Made his first NFL start vs. Baltimore (12/21).
2002: Appeared in the first four games with Carolina, primarily on special teams… Placed
on injured reserve on October 17.
College: A four-year letterman at Sam Houston State… Career totals include 89 receptions for 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns… His total yardage stands as a school record
among tight ends… Was a first-team Division I-AA All-American selection as a senior when
he caught 45 passes for 595 yard and seven touchdowns and helped the team to the I-AA
quarterfinals… Majored in kiniseology.
Veterans | 159
Personal: Married to Sarah… Was an all-district basketball and baseball player at Tomball
(Texas) High School… Did not play football until his senior year when he threw for 1,492
yards as a quarterback… Also played basketball for four years at Sam Houston and helped
the team to the conference title in 2000… Born Keith Charles Heinrich on March 19, 1979
in Houston, Texas.
Heinrich’s Career Statistics
Year
Team
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Carolina
Cleveland
Cleveland
Cleveland
MIA/T.B.
NFL totals
GP
RECEIVING GS
No Yds
Avg
Lg
RUSHING
TD
Att Yds Avg Lg
TD
4
7
7
0
3
0
0
8
1
0
0.0
0
64
8.0
17
1
1.0
1
Injured Reserve
Practice Squad 0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
18
3
9
65
2
0
0
0.0
0
0
7.2
17
ADDITIONAL STATS
Kickoff Returns: 1 for 3 yards in 2002
Pro: Savvy receiver who uses combination of athleticism and intelligence to consistently get
open when it matters most… A clutch receiver, particularly on third down… Has proven to
be a critical component of offense, extending drives by consistently delivering first downs…
Since joining the Buccaneers, 62.3 percent of his catches (43 of 69) have resulted in first
downs… In addition to finding soft spots in zone coverage, also possesses the speed to
stretch the field… Career totals include 437 receptions for 5,251 yards and 30 touchdowns...
Has caught 63 career passes of 20 yards or more, including a long of 59 yards... Also totaled
14 career rushing attempts for 120 yards and 28 punt returns for 189 yards … Has played
in 130 career games with 94 starts... Also played in four playoff games with three starts...
Totaled eight career 100-yard receiving games, and also one 100-yard performance in the
2000 NFC Championship Game, in his career... Has caught at least one pass in all but seven
games during his career... Finished his career with the Giants ranked fourth in career receptions (368) and seventh in career receiving yards (4,630)... Signed with the Buccaneers as
a free agent on May 6, 2005 after spending first eight seasons with the N.Y. Giants (19972004) and helping the team to Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa following the 2000 season...
Earned a starting position at wide receiver coming out of his first NFL camp in 1997...
Entered the league as a first-round pick (7th overall) by the Giants in the 1997 NFL Draft.
2006: Played in all 16 games for Tampa Bay… Totaled 34 receptions, which ranked fourth
on the team, for 339 yards and two touchdowns… Ranked first on the team with 24 punt
returns for 163 yards… 19 of his 34 receptions produced first downs… Caught six passes for
53 yards, including five for first downs, at Atlanta (9/17)… Saw action at New Orleans (10/8),
catching four passes for 34 yards… Saw action against Cincinnati (10/15) and returned five
punts for 37 yards… Saw action at N.Y. Giants (10/29) in his return to Giants Stadium and
caught one pass for three yards… Also returned six punts for 39 yards, including a careerlong 16-yard return… Saw action vs. New Orleans (11/5), catching one pass for 10 yards…
160 | Veterans
Also returned three punts for 12 yards… Caught four passes for 30 yards and a touchdown
at Carolina (11/13)… Also returned one punt for 12 yards… Caught one pass for 12 yards
vs. Washington (11/19)… Also returned two punts for 13 yards… Caught four passes for 32
yards against Atlanta (12/10)… Also returned two punts for 22 yards… Saw significant action
at Chicago (12/17), catching three passes for 55 yards, including a season-long 44-yard
touchdown in the fourth quarter that helped erase a 21-point deficit… Saw significant action
at Cleveland (12/24) and led all Buccaneers receivers with 67 yards on four catches.
2005: Saw action in all 16 games at wide receiver with two starts (vs. Washington and vs.
New Orleans) with Tampa Bay… Also saw action in playoff game… Ranked fourth on the
team with 35 receptions, for 282 yards (8.1 avg.) and one touchdown… 24 of his 35 catches
resulted in first downs… Caught the 400th pass of his career at New England (12/17)…
Made his Buccaneer debut at Minnesota (9/11) as a reserve receiver and caught one pass
for four yards… Saw reserve action at wide receiver and also on special teams vs. Buffalo
(9/18) and caught two passes for 15 yards… The game marked his 100th career game… Saw
reserve action at wide receiver at Green Bay (9/25) and caught two passes for 14 yards…
Saw reserve action at the N.Y. Jets (10/9) and caught five passes for 27 yards… Saw reserve
action vs. Miami (10/16) and caught two passes for 19 yards… Saw action vs. Carolina (11/6)
and caught four passes for 28 yards… Started first game as a Buccaneer vs. Washington
(11/13) and caught three passes for 37 yards and one touchdown… Caught a four-yard
touchdown pass that tied the game at 28-28 in the third quarter… Started at New Orleans
(12/4) and caught two passes for 23 yards – both for first downs… Saw action at Carolina
(12/11) and led the team with five receptions for 32 yards… Three of his five receptions went
for first downs… Saw action at New England (12/17) and led the team with five receptions
for 50 yards… Marked the second consecutive game he led the team in receptions… Four
of his five receptions went for first downs… Started vs. New Orleans (1/1) and caught two
passes for 20 yards… Both receptions came on third down and resulted in a first down for
the Buccaneers… Both receptions also came on Tampa Bay’s first touchdown drive of the
game… Caught four passes for 38 yards in NFC Wild Card game vs. Washington (1/7)…
Three of his four receptions came on third down and three catches resulted in first downs,
including a 19-yard reception.
2004: Played in 16 games with 15 starts for the Giants... Totaled 49 receptions for 437
yards... Also carried three times for 34 yards... Returned four punts for 26 yards... Did not
start at Philadelphia (9/12) as the Giants opened the game in a double tight end formation...
Finished with three receptions for 59 yards... Game-long reception of 43 yards helped set
up K Steve Christie’s 53-yard field goal... Started vs. Washington (9/19) and caught four
passes for 37 yards... Started vs. Cleveland (9/26) and finished with three receptions for 26
yards... Totaled a season-high five receptions for 36 yards at Green Bay (10/3)... Started at
Dallas (10/10) and finished with two receptions for 31 yards... Totaled two receptions for
eight yards and one rush for five yards at Minnesota (10/31)... Started vs. Detroit (10/24)
and finished with five receptions for 42 yards... Started vs. Chicago (11/7) and finished
with six receptions for 38 yards... At Arizona (11/14), finished with one reception for eight
yards... Also had one rush for 12 yards... Started vs. Atlanta (11/21) and finished with four
receptions for 28 yards... Started vs. Philadelphia (11/28) and for just the second time in
his career did not record a reception in a game in which he played... Carried one time for
17 yards... At Washington (12/5), finished with three receptions for 13 yards... Started vs.
Pittsburgh (12/18) and finished with three receptions for 34 yards... At Cincinnati (12/26),
started and finished with four receptions for 46 yards... Hauled in a 20-yard reception that
came on fourth-and-two that helped set up RB Tiki Barber’s one-yard touchdown run...
Started vs. Dallas (1/2) and finished with three receptions for 22 yards... Also returned two
punts for 23 yards.
2003: Played in 13 games with 12 starts with the Giants, after fully recovering from a dislocated shoulder that ended his 2002 season after seven games... Inactive for the last three
games of the season with a knee injury... Led the team with six receiving touchdowns while
finishing third with 60 receptions for 608 yards... Rushed twice for 19 yards... Opened the
season vs. St. Louis (9/7) with a team-high four receptions for 32 yards... Totaled six receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown vs. Dallas (9/15)... Also had one rush for 13 yards... Fiveyard touchdown reception was his first of the season... Recorded a season-long reception of
38 yards in the fourth quarter... Finished with a team-high seven receptions for 58 yards and
two touchdowns at Washington (9/21)... 19-yard reception in the first quarter helped set up
his five-yard touchdown reception three plays later... Caught another five-yard touchdown
late in the second quarter to give the Giants a 21-3 halftime lead... Totaled eight receptions
for 73 yards vs. Miami (10/5)... Finished with five receptions for 58 yards at New England
Veterans | 161
(10/12)... Had his best game of the season at Minnesota (10/26), when he caught a regular
season career-high nine passes for 100 yards and a career-high tying two touchdowns, a
19-yarder and a 14-yarder... Caught five passes for 55 yards and a touchdown at N.Y. Jets
(11/2)... Six-yard touchdown reception was his sixth of the season... Did not start because of
ankle and knee injuries at Philadelphia (11/16) and finished with two receptions for 18 yards
in limited action... Finished with four receptions for 43 yards at Tampa Bay (11/24)... Had a
team-high five receptions for 42 yards vs. Buffalo (11/30)... Started vs. Washington (12/7)
and finished with two receptions for 15 yards before being forced to leave the game in the
fourth quarter after re-aggravating a knee injury.
2002: Started all seven games in which he played with the Giants... Placed on the Injured
Reserve list on October 31... Caught 27 passes for 386 yards and two touchdowns...
Opened season with five catches for 65 yards vs. San Francisco (9/5)... Contributed four
receptions for a game-high 97 yards at St. Louis (9/15)... Finished with three receptions for
38 yards and a 12-yard touchdown reception at Dallas (10/6)... Totaled a team-high seven
receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown vs. Atlanta (10/13)... Scored the Giants only touchdown when he caught an 18-yard pass from QB Kerry Collins... Suffered a season-ending
dislocated shoulder at Philadelphia (10/28)... Placed on injured reserve three days later... Did
not catch a pass in the game in which he was injured, ending his then-Giants record streak
with at least one reception in 68 consecutive games.
2001: Played in 14 games with 10 starts with the Giants... Caught 52 passes for 659 yards...
Caught at least two passes in every game in which he played... Led the Giants with six
receiving touchdowns... Had two 100-yard games... Accounted for 36 first downs, tying him
with WR Joe Jurevicius for second on the team... Also had a 21-yard run... Did not play in
season’s first two games while recuperating from offseason foot surgery... Declared inactive
at Denver (9/10) and at Kansas City (9/23) while recovering from offseason foot surgery...
Made his season debut vs. New Orleans (9/30) and was used as the third receiver... Finished
with two receptions for 32 yards... Finished with three receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown at St. Louis (10/14)... Scored his first touchdown of the season when he caught a
25-yard pass from QB Kerry Collins... Started vs. Philadelphia (10/22) and led the team with
six receptions for 80 yards, including a season-long 38-yarder... Started and set season-high
(later tied on December 23) with seven receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown vs. Dallas
(11/4)... Scored on a nine-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter to tie the game
at 24 and force overtime... Started and finished with a team-high six receptions for a teamhigh and season-high 106 yards at Minnesota (11/19)... Started and tied season-high with
seven receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown vs. Seattle (12/23), when he caught the
game-winning seven-yard touchdown.
2000: Started 14 regular season games and three postseason games with the Giants...
Missed games at Arizona (11/26) and Washington (12/3) after suffering bruised lungs and a
bruised sternum vs. Detroit (11/19)... Led the Giants with a 14.3-yard average per catch, a
career-high eight receiving touchdowns and had the team’s season-long catch of 59 yards...
His 55 receptions were third on the team... Had team-high eight catches for 84 yards and
a touchdown at Philadelphia (9/10)... Led Giants with eight receptions for 85 yards and a
touchdown vs. Washington (9/24)... Finished with five receptions for a season-high 110
yards and two touchdowns (tied career-high) vs. St. Louis (11/12)... Caught one pass for 19
yards vs. Detroit (11/19) before leaving game because of injury... Returned to starting lineup
vs. Pittsburgh (12/10) after missing two games because of injury... Totaled five receptions for
90 yards and a nine-yard touchdown... Also had a career-long 59-yard catch... Finished with
four receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown vs. Jacksonville (12/23)... Recorded his careerbest eighth touchdown reception of the season when he caught a five-yard pass in the end
zone... Caught three passes for 35 yards in NFC Divisional Playoff game vs. Philadelphia
(1/7)... His game-long 23-yard reception converted a third down in the second quarter...
Recovered a fourth quarter onside kick attempt to help preserve Giants victory... Played
brilliantly in NFC Championship Game vs. Minnesota (1/14), establishing career-highs
with 10 catches for 155 yards... Also scored two touchdowns... The 10 receptions broke
the team postseason record... The 155 yards were the second-most in team postseason
history... Caught a 46-yard touchdown pass on the fourth play of the game... Also scored
on a seven-yarder in the second period... Finished the first half with eight receptions for
146 yards... Caught three passes for 30 yards in Super Bowl XXXV vs. Baltimore (1/28) at
Raymond James Stadium.
1999: Started all 16 games with the Giants and finished second on the team in receptions
with a career-high 72 and in receiving yards with 996... Also had three touchdowns... 72
162 | Veterans
receptions were then the fourth-highest total in Giants history... Had more than 100 receiving yards in both games against Washington, finishing with a game-high eight catches for
114 yards and one touchdown at home (9/19), and four receptions for 101 yards, including
a season-long 46-yarder, on the road (11/21)... Finished with six receptions for a season-high
121 yards vs. the N.Y. Jets (12/5).
1998: Started all 16 games with the Giants... Returned to the starting lineup at wide
receiver after a full recovery from a season-ending neck injury his rookie season... Finished
with 51 receptions for 715 yards and two touchdowns... Scored his first NFL touchdown on
a 10-yard pass from QB Danny Kanell at Oakland (9/13)... Led the team with eight receptions for 78 yards... Also had one rushing attempt that gained four yards on a reverse vs.
Philadelphia (11/22)... Was the only Giants receiver all season to reach 100 yards receiving,
finishing with six receptions for career-high 141 yards at San Francisco (11/30), his first NFL
100-yard receiving game.
1997: Started two games with the Giants before being placed on injured reserve on
September 30... Finished with two receptions for 42 yards... One of five rookies (also RB
Tiki Barber, C Derek Engler, S Sam Garnes and P Brad Maynard) in the starting lineup on
opening day vs. Philadelphia (8/31)... It was the first time a first-round draft choice was in the
starting lineup for his first Giants game since 1982... Made a terrific 19-yard catch on thirdand-17 to give the Giants a first down... Made a 23-yard sliding reception at Jacksonville
(9/7) to give the Giants a first down at the four-yard line and set up a Barber four-yard
touchdown run in the first quarter... Was forced to leave the game after a hit by Jaguars
safety S Chris Hudson on the reception... Diagnosed with a sprained interspinous ligament
between the sixth and seventh vertebrae.
College: Finished career at Florida with 126 catches for 2,214 yards... Only WR Carlos
Alvarez (2,563, 1969-71), WR Jack Jackson (2,266, 1992-1994) and WR Reidel Anthony
(2,274) gained more yards receiving in Gator history... His 29 touchdown grabs tied Jackson
for second on Florida’s all-time record chart behind WR Chris Doering (31, 1992-1995)...
First-team All-SEC choice as a junior in 1996 after finishing second on the team with 47
receptions for 900 yards (19.1 avg.) and 10 touchdowns... Torched the Florida State secondary as he hauled in seven passes for 150 yards with touchdowns of nine, 31 and eight
yards in a 52-20 thrashing of FSU as the Gators won the 1996 national championship... AllAmerica second-team choice by The Poor Man’s Guide to the NFL Draft as a sophomore in
1995... Shared team Outstanding Wide Receiver Award honors with Doering after finishing
second on the team with 57 receptions for 1,008 yards (17.7 avg.) and 15 touchdowns... His
57 grabs ranked eighth on the team’s season-record list and joined Doering (1,045 in 1995),
Alvarez (1,329 in 1969) and Anthony (1,293 in 1996) as the only Gators to ever gain over
1,000 yards receiving in a season... Only Doering (17 in 1995) and Anthony (18 in 1996) had
more touchdown catches in school annals... SEC All-Freshman Team choice by the Knoxville
News-Sentinel in 1994... Appeared in 11 games, catching 22 passes for 306 yards (13.9 avg.)
and four touchdowns... Majored in sociology.
Personal: Wife, Lourdes... Has a son, Kye and two daughters, Kalyn and Leila Marie... During
the 2006 season, honored as a member of the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame… Played in
the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Charity Golf Tournament to raise money for All Children’s
Hospital in 2007 and the Children’s Cancer Center in 2006... Attended a September 11th
Commemoration barbecue to honor members of FDNY in 2006... Landscaped front of
Pottery Elementary School, including laying new mulch and planting flowers, as part of the
2005 NFL/United Way Hometown Huddle… While with the Giants, attended the Annual
“Meet the Giants” event to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of New York City... Read
“The Cat in the Hat” for a PSA on behalf of the National Education Association’s “Read
Across America” program... In 2002, assisted the Dover Township Police Department with
fund-raising efforts for their Vest-A-Cop program... Blue Chip Illustrated All-America second-team selection, adding All-District and Most Valuable Player honors during his senior
year at Patterson (Louisiana) High School... Rated the Southeast’s top free safety prospect
by Blue Chip... Also lettered as a wingback, quarterback and split end... Rushed for 737
yards with 12 touchdowns on 101 carries (7.1 avg.), caught 20 passes for 310 yards and a
pair of scores and recorded 43 tackles with five interceptions as a senior... Gained 1,300
all-purpose yards as a junior... Holds the school’s career record with 16 pass thefts... Uncle,
Dalton Hilliard, was a standout tailback at Louisiana State in the 1980s before playing for
the New Orleans Saints (1986-1993)... Brother, Ivory, Jr., was a defensive back at Louisiana
State... Born Isaac Jason Hilliard on April 4, 1976 in Patterson, Louisiana.
Veterans | 163
Hilliard’s Career Statistics
Year
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Team
N.Y. Giants
N.Y. Giants
N.Y. Giants
N.Y. Giants
N.Y. Giants
N.Y. Giants
N.Y. Giants
N.Y. Giants
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
NFL Totals
PLAYOFFS
Year
2000
2005
Team
N.Y. Giants
Tampa Bay
Postseason GP
2
16
16
14
14
7
13
16
16
16
GS
2
16
16
14
10
7
12
15
2
0
RECEIVING
No Yds
Avg
2
42
21.0
51
715
14.0
72
996
13.8
55
787
14.3
52
659
12.7
27
386
14.3
60
608
10.1
49
437
8.9
35
282
8.1
34
339
10.0
Lg
23
50
46
59
38
38
38
43
22
44
TD
0
2
3
8
6
2
6
0
1
2
Att
0
1
3
3
1
1
2
3
0
0
RUSHING
Yds Avg
0
-
4
4.0
16
5.3
19
6.3
21 21.0
7
7.0
19
9.5
34 11.3
0
-
0
-
Lg TD
- 0
4 0
24 0
17 0
21 0
7 0
13 0
17 0
- 0
- 0
130
94
437
12.0
59
30
14
120
24
GP
3
1
GS
3
0
RECEIVING
No Yds
Avg
16
220
13.8
4
38
9.5
Lg
46t
19
TD
2
0
Att
1
0
RUSHING
Yds Avg Lg TD
-1
-1.0 -1
0
0
-
-
0
4
3
20
46t
2
1
ADDITIONAL STATS
24 punt returns for 163 yards in 2006
Four punt returns for 26 yards in 2004
Fumbles-lost — 0-0 in 1997, 2-2 in 1998, 0-0 in
1999, 0-0 in 2000, 0-0 in ‘00 playoffs, 0-0 in 2001, 0-0
in 2002, 0-0 in ‘02 playoffs, 2-2 in 2003, 3-1 in 2004,
0-0 in 2005, 0-0 in ‘05 playoffs, 3-0 in 2006
5,251
258
12.9
-1
8.6
-1.0
-1
0
0
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Receptions: 9 at Minnesota, 10/26/03 (with N.Y. Giants)
Receiving Yards: 141 at San Francisco, 11/30/98 (with N.Y. Giants)
Receiving TDs: 2,three times, last at Minnesota,
10/26/03 (with N.Y. Giants)
Pro: Powerful defensive anchor who possesses tremendous work ethic and a non-stop
motor… Excels at plugging gaps and disrupting opponents’ running games… Well-conditioned athlete who has started every game for the Buccaneers since joining the team
in 2005… Led all Buccaneers defensive lineman in tackles in 2005 and 2006… Named
to Sports Illustrated All-Pro Team by Dr. Z and an Associated Press Second-Team All-Pro
honoree in 2002… Named to Howie Long’s Tough Guys team in 2002… A consensus AllRookie pick in 2000… Has played in 109 regular season games with 102 starts… Started
69 consecutive games for the Vikings, a streak that was snapped vs. Detroit (11/21/04)…
Has also made three playoff appearances with three starts, and has totaled nine tackles…
Has totaled 385 career tackles, 19 sacks, 25 tackles for loss, 11 passes defensed, six fumble
recoveries and three forced fumbles… Signed as a free agent with the Buccaneers on April
1, 2005… Originally entered the league as a first-round draft choice (25th overall) of the
Minnesota Vikings in the 2000 NFL Draft.
2006: Started in all 16 contests on the season for Tampa Bay… Led the defensive line
in tackles for the second consecutive season with a career-high 78 tackles… Also added
two sacks and one forced fumble… Notched four tackles in season opener vs. Baltimore
164 | Veterans
(9/10)… Had six tackles, including two TFLs, at Atlanta (9/17)… Posted three tackles vs.
Carolina (9/24)… Registered four tackles at New Orleans (10/8)… Finished with four tackles
vs. Cincinnati (10/15)… Had one stop and one forced fumble vs. Philadelphia (10/22)…
Posted eight tackles, including two TFLs, at N.Y. Giants (10/29)… Totaled six tackles vs.
New Orleans (11/5)… Also had six stops at Carolina (11/13)… Recorded five tackles vs.
Washington (11/19)… Had eight tackles, including one sack of QB Tony Romo, at Dallas
(11/23)… Had five tackles vs. Atlanta (12/10)… Made his 100th career start and totaled
two tackles at Chicago (12/17)… Led the team with eight tackles, including one TFL, at
Cleveland (12/24)… Added one sack of QB Derek Anderson in the fourth quarter against
the Browns… Tallied seven tackles in season finale vs. Seattle (12/31).
2005: Started all 16 regular season games and one playoff contest at nose tackle with
Tampa Bay… Key component in improvement of Buccaneers’ run defense from 19th (123.3
ypg) in 2004 to being ranked sixth (94.7 ypg) in 2005… Led the defensive line with 64 tackles, and added two fumble recoveries and one pass defensed on the season… Helped the
Buccaneers finish first in overall defense (277.8 ypg), sixth in run defense (94.7 ypg), sixth
in pass defense (183.1 ypg) and eighth in points allowed (15.4 ppg)… Started in season
opener at Minnesota (9/11)… Totaled three tackles, including one TFL, and one fumble
recovery against the Vikings… Helped hold the Vikings without an offensive touchdown
while also limiting Minnesota to just 33 rushing yards… Registered three stops vs. Buffalo
(9/18)… Part of a defensive effort that limited the Bills offense to 147 total yards, eight
first downs and one field goal… Totaled two tackles at Green Bay (9/25)… Recorded five
tackles vs. Detroit (10/2)… Posted three tackles at N.Y. Jets (10/9)… Notched four tackles
vs. Miami (10/16)… Finished contest at San Francisco (10/30) with three tackles… Part
of a defense that limited the 49ers to 50 passing yards… Recorded four tackles and one
pass defensed vs. Carolina (11/6)… Notched three tackles vs. Washington (11/13)… Had
five tackles at Atlanta (11/20)… Registered a season-high six tackles vs. Chicago (11/27)…
Posted four tackles at New Orleans (12/4)… Matched his season high with six tackles at
Carolina (12/11)… Matched his season high for the second week in a row with six tackles
at New England (12/17)… Had four tackles and one fumble recovery vs. Atlanta (12/24)…
Totaled three tackles in season finale vs. New Orleans (1/1)… Notched two tackles in NFC
Wild Card game vs. Washington (1/7).
2004: Played 13 games with nine starts with Minnesota… Inactive for both playoff games…
Notched 23 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one pass defensed and one fumble recovery… Notched two
tackles against Dallas (9/12) and Chicago (9/26)… Had one tackle and one sack at Houston
(10/10)… Tallied four tackles and 0.5 sacks against Tennessee (10/24)… Had three tackles
at N.Y. Giants (10/31)… Had a season-high five tackles at Green Bay (11/14).
2003: Started all 16 games at under tackle for Minnesota… Finished the season with 38
tackles, two sacks, and four passes defensed… Tied career-best with four passes defensed
on the season… Keyed defensive effort against AFC West champions Kansas City (12/20)
and held Pro Bowl and 1,400-yard RB Priest Holmes to 55 yards on 18 carries… Notched a
season-high five tackles at Oakland (11/16)… Had solo sack on Cardinals QB Josh McCown
at Arizona (12/28)… Shared sacks of 49ers QB Jeff Garcia vs. San Francisco (9/28) and QB
Doug Flutie at San Diego (11/9).
2002: Was named All-Pro by Sports Illustrated’s Dr. Z… Named to the Associated Press AllPro Second Team… Started all 16 games on the season for the Vikings… Ranked second
on the team with 5.5 sacks and was sixth with a then career-high 73 tackles… Also added
four passes defensed and two fumble recoveries… Notched a pair of sacks at New England
(11/24) on QB Tom Brady… Career-high nine tackles came at New England (11/24)…
Recovered fumbles in consecutive games, vs. Atlanta (12/1) and at Green Bay (12/8)…
Posted six tackles, one sack and two QB hurries at New Orleans (12/15) while holding NFC
leading rusher Deuce McAllister to 69 yards on 18 carries… Notched career-high five QB
hurries vs. Buffalo (9/15).
2001: Started all 16 games of the season, 15 at under tackle and one at nose tackle for
Minnesota … Led team with six sacks and added 55 tackles, one fumble recovery and two
forced fumbles… Set career-high with 2.5 sacks vs. Detroit (10/14)… Recovered first career
fumble vs. Detroit (10/14)… Had five solo tackles at New Orleans (10/7) and at Detroit
(12/16)… Had first career forced fumbles in back-to-back games vs. Chicago (11/25) and
at Pittsburgh (12/2)… Had season-high seven tackles at New Orleans (10/7) and at Detroit
(12/16).
Veterans | 165
2000: Saw action in all 16 games with 13 starts and started both playoff games for
Minnestoa… Named to the Pro Football Weekly and Football News All-Rookie teams…
Named on Football Digest Top 16 Rookies list… Led the Vikings defensive line with 54
tackles, and added two sacks and one pass defensed… Had a season-high eight tackles and first career sack at New England (9/10)… Had four tackles vs. Buffalo (10/22)…
Notched three tackles vs. Detroit (11/30)… Notched six tackles at Green Bay (11/6)… Was
second among Vikings defensive linemen with six tackles and had two passes defensed in
NFC Championship Game at N.Y. Giants (1/14/01).
College: Named All-American by the American Football Coaches Association following
senior season… Semi-finalist for the Lombardi Award honoring the nation’s top lineman…
First player in Boston College history to be named All-Big East three times… Started 43
of the 45 games he played in college, including the final 33 over his last three seasons…
Finished college career with 20.5 sacks and 43 tackles for loss.
Personal: Married to Jaimi, and the couple has one son, Christopher James… During
the 2007 offseason, participated in the NFL Business Management and Entrepreneurial
Program at the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern… During 2006 training camp,
fulfilled the dream of a six-year-old boy, Navaree Wheeler, by having Wheeler as his special guest for the day and proving Wheeler and his mother tickets to a Buccaneers game
through the help of Dreams Come True. Wheeler underwent a liver transplant when he was
11-months old… Sponsors a ticket program at all home games named, Hovan’s Heroes,
in support of the Florida Hemophilia Association… Honorable Mention All-American by
USA Today at St. Ignatius (Cleveland, Ohio) High School… Named All-City and All-State
by Cleveland Plain Dealer… Posted school-record 28 sacks during his career… Led team
to fifth straight Ohio state title as a senior and a No. 2 ranking in the 1995 USA Today High
School Poll… Played in both the Ohio North-South All-Star Game and the PennsylvaniaOhio Big 33 All-Star Game… Earned All-State recognition in lacrosse… Born Chris Hovan
on May 12, 1978 in Cleveland, Ohio.
HOvan’s Career Statistics
Year Team
TACKLES
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
16
16
16
16
13
16
16
54
55
73
38
23
64
78
28
31
41
27
14
28
40
26
24
32
11
9
36
38
2.0
6.0
5.5
2.0
1.5
0.0
2.0
15.0
40.5
54.0
10.5
7.0
0.0
20.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
4
4
1
1
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
2
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
NFL Totals
109 102 385
209
176
19.0 147.0
0
0
0
0
11
3
6
0
PLAYOFFS
Year Team
TACKLES
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds
2000
2005
Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Minnesota 2
Tampa Bay 1
Postsesason
3
13
16
16
16
9
16
16
INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES
No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds
INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES
No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds
2
1
7
2
3
0
4
2
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
9
3
6
0.0
0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 9, at New England, 11/2/02
Sacks: 2.5, vs. Detroit, 10/14/01
Passes Defensed: 2, three times, most recently vs. Miami, 12/21/02
166 | Veterans
Pro: Athletic defensive lineman with the versatility to contribute at defensive tackle and
defensive end… Played in 12 games his rookie season, providing depth on Buccaneers
defensive line… Made professional debut at Atlanta (9/17/06)… Career totals include nine
tackles and one special teams tackle… Originally entered league as a fifth-round selection
(156th overall) by Tampa Bay in the 2006 NFL Draft.
2006: Appeared in 12 contests (all but vs. Baltimore, at N.Y. Giants, vs. New Orleans and
vs. Seattle)… Placed on injured reserve on December 29… Totaled nine tackles and one
special teams tackle in rookie campaign… Made professional debut on special teams at
Atlanta (9/17)… Recorded first career tackle on special teams vs. Carolina (9/24)… Notched
four tackles at Carolina (11/13)… Saw action on the defensive line vs. Washington (11/19)…
Had two tackles at Dallas (11/23)… Saw action along the defensive line at Pittsburgh
(12/3)… Totaled two tackles vs. Atlanta (12/10)… Notched one tackle at Chicago (12/17)…
Placed on injured reserve on December 29 prior to the season finale vs. Seattle (12/31).
College: Earned All-Pac-10 honorable mention recognition as a senior at Stanford… In his
last two seasons as a starter, accounted for 12.5 sacks and 17 tackles behind the line of
scrimmage… Played in 42 career games with 23 starts at Stanford… Recorded 130 tackles
for 16.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss… Caused three fumbles and recovered four others… Started all 11 games as senior… Totaled 50 tackles, nine sacks and nine tackles for
loss… As a junior, started all 11 games at defensive tackle and earned honorable mention
All-Pac-10 honors... Put together an outstanding season by accounting for 47 tackles, eight
tackles for loss, 5.5 quarterback sacks and two fumble recoveries, which were all tops on
the team among defensive linemen... Played in all 11 games as a sophomore and recorded
16 total tackles, three tackles for loss, 2.5 quarterback sacks and one forced fumble... One
of only two true freshmen to earn a letter... Played in nine games with one start... Winner
of the Menlo-Atherton Trophy as the team’s Most Outstanding Freshman... Named to The
Sporting News’ Freshman All-Pac-10 team… Majored in English.
Personal: Father, Eddie Jenkins, played for the undefeated Miami Dolphins in 1972…
As a member of the Buccaneers Rookie Club, visited patients at All Children’s Hospital,
as well as residents at Westminister Palms Retirement Home during the 2006 holidays
to take photos and sign autographs as well as sing holiday songs… Also with the rookie
club, helped stuff and distribute food baskets at the Metropolitan Ministries holiday tent
in 2006… In October, 2006, helped kick off the Buccaneers Rookie Club season of community events with a bowling party benefiting Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Hillsborough
County… A consensus Prep All-American from Woodward Academy... Ranked by several
publications as one of the top recruits in the nation following the 2001 season... SuperPrep
ranked him No. 21 on its list of the nation’s Elite 50 high school recruits... Student Sports
listed him as the No. 34 overall recruit in the country while Tom Lemming’s Report had
him No. 42 in the nation... Rated among the top four defensive linemen in the country by
USA Today, SuperPrep and PrepStar... The top defensive line prospect in the Southeast by
PrepStar and a member of PrepStar’s “Dream Team”... SuperPrep named him the Dixie
Defensive Player of the Year... Listed among the top 100 players in the nation by CNN/SI
and ESPN.com... Emfinger ranked him the No. 10 defensive end in the nation and the No.
12 defensive tackle... As a senior, accounted for 86 tackles, eight sacks, three pass deflections, two caused fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two tackles for loss... Chosen the
Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year... Named First-Team All-City, Metro Super 11, Super
Southern 100 and South Fulton County Super 11... Participated in basketball and track in
high school… Born Julian Jenkins on October 25, 1983 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Veterans | 167
Jenkins’ Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2006
Tampa Bay 12
0
9
3
6
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1 1 0
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 4 at Carolina, 11/13/06
Special Teams Tackles: 1 vs. Carolina, 9/24/06
Pro: Quick, sure-handed return specialist who has played in 37 career regular season
games and one playoff contest… Has returned 105 punts for 874 yards (8.3 avg.) and
added eight kickoff returns for 161 yards in his career… Re-signed by the Buccaneers on
December 5, 2006… Released by the Buccaneers on November 13, 2006… Signed with
Tampa Bay on September 7, 2005 after being released by the N.Y. Giants on September
3, 2005… Awarded off waivers to the Giants on September 6, 2004… Waived by the
Buccaneers on September 5, 2004… Originally entered the league as a seventh-round
draft pick (206th overall) by Tampa Bay in 2004.
2006: Played in seven games (vs. Baltimore, at Atlanta, vs. Carolina, at New Orleans,
at Chicago, at Cleveland and vs. Seattle), primarily on special teams… Totaled 20 punt
returns for 155 yards… Saw action vs. Baltimore (9/10), returning five punts for 47 yards…
Returned one punt for 10 yards at Atlanta (9/17)… Saw action vs. Carolina (9/24), returning one punt for one yard… Returned six punts for 57 yards at New Orleans (10/8)…
Released on November 13 before being re-signed On December 5… Declared inactive
vs. Atlanta (12/10)… Saw action at Chicago (12/17), totaling a career-high seven punt
returns for 46 yards… Saw action at Cleveland (12/24)… Returned one kickoff for 29
yards against Seattle (12/31).
2005: Signed with Tampa Bay on September 7 after being released by the Giants on
September 3… Played in all 16 regular season games and playoff contest… Was the
Buccaneers’ primary punt returner in 2005… Led team with NFL-best 51 punt returns for
492 yards (9.6 avg.), with a long of 31 yards (at Carolina)… Punt return average of 9.6
yards per return ranked fourth in the NFC and seventh in the NFL… Also returned five
kickoffs for 95 yards (19.0 avg.), with a long of 24 yards… Saw action as punt returner
at Minnesota (9/11), returning three punts for 27 yards in his Buccaneer debut… Three
punt returns for 50 yards and three kickoff returns for 49 yards against Buffalo (9/18)…
Totaled two punt returns for 23 yards at Green Bay (9/25) and three punt returns for 15
yards vs. Detroit (10/2)… Returned four punts for 18 yards at N.Y. Jets (10/9)… Three
punt returns for 20 yards vs. Miami (10/16)… Returned five punts for 29 yards and two
kickoffs for 46 yards at San Francisco (10/30)… Three punt returns for 45 yards (15.0
avg.) vs. Carolina (11/6)… One punt return for four yards vs. Washington (11/13) and one
punt return for two yards at Atlanta (11/20)… Set career-highs for punt return yardage
(67) and punt returns (6) vs. Chicago (11/27)… Posted average of 11.2 yards per return
against the Bears… Three punt returns for 36 yards at New Orleans (12/4)… 16.3 yards
168 | Veterans
per return on three punt returns for 49 yards at Carolina (12/11)... Career-long 31-yard
return in the second quarter helped lead Bucs to a field goal on the final play of the first
half… Returned three punts for 28 yards at New England (12/17)… Six punt returns for
55 yards (9.2 avg.) vs. Atlanta (12/24), including a long of 28 yards in overtime that set
up K Matt Bryant’s game-winning 41-yard field goal… Totaled two punt returns for 24
yards vs. New Orleans (1/1)… Returned four punts for 37 yards in NFC Wild Card game
vs. Washington (1/7).
2004: Waived by the Buccaneers on September 5… Awarded off waivers to the Giants
on September 6… Saw action in 14 games as the Giants primary punt returner... Finished
the season with 227 yards on 34 returns for a 6.7 average and a long return of 29 yards…
Also returned two kickoffs for 37 yards, with a long return of 20 yards… Also occasionally
lined up at wide receiver and defensive back… Made his NFL debut with an eight-yard
punt return at Philadelphia (9/12)… Returned three punts for 28 yards with a long return
of 21 yards vs. Cleveland (9/26)… Had a season-long 29-yard return to the Bears 11-yard
line vs. Chicago (11/7), helping to set up a QB Kurt Warner-to-TE Jeremy Shockey oneyard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter… Returned a season-high four punts for 17
yards with a long return of 11 yards at Arizona (11/14)… Returned three punts for 16
yards and one kickoff for 17 yards vs. Philadelphia (11/18)... Returned two punts for 24
yards, with a long return of 21 yards at Washington (12/5)... Saw action at wide receiver
and did not field a punt for the only time during the season vs. Pittsburgh (12/18)…
Missed the last two games of the season because of injury.
College: Versatile performer who saw action at wide receiver, safety and as a kickoff and
punt returner at the University of Tennessee... Played in 49 career games with 17 starts...
Caught 36 career passes for 556 yards and five touchdowns... His 90-yard reception in
2003 was the longest in school history... Also totaled 116 career tackles, four interceptions, 10 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one tackle for
loss... Returned 46 punts for 543 yards and one touchdown and returned four kickoffs
for 138 yards and one touchdown... Had 82-yard kickoff return for a touchdown as a
junior in 2002... As a senior, started all 13 games... Ranked second in the SEC and third
nationally with an average of 15.7 yards per punt return during the regular season...
Played 384 offensive snaps, 208 defensive snaps and 70 special teams plays (662 total
plays)... Led the team with 904 all-purpose yards during the regular season... As a junior,
played in all 13 games with four starts, seeing action at both safety positions and also
returned punts... Started three games at free safety and two at strong safety... Recorded
55 tackles, one sack, one interception, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble...
Was third on team with nine special teams tackles... Led the team with 26 punt returns
for 240 yards... Returned four kickoffs for 138 yards, including an 82-yard touchdown
return against Alabama… As a sophomore, played in 13 games... Led the team in special
teams tackles with 14... Totaled 37 tackles, one interception and one forced fumble… As
a freshman, played in 10 games at defensive back and wide receiver... Also saw action
on special teams coverage units… Majored in psychology.
Personal: Married to Kati... One of five Buccaneers players who visited USS Bainbridge,
a United States Navy ship at the Port of Tampa, to meet military personnel on board
in January 2007…Served as a professor at the Giants “Football 101” program at
Giants Stadium in 2004… Also in 2004, Participated in the Giants Player Development
Program’s “Giant Steps to Success” program, speaking to kids at Paterson P.S. 13 and
East Side High School in Newark about making smart choices in life and striving for
success… Four-year starter at defensive back and wide receiver at Strath Haven High
School... Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Player of the Year and USA Today Player of the Year in
Pennsylvania in 1999... Named Class 3A All-State as a senior, when he led team to a 15-0
record... Also participated in track... Born Mark Christopher Jones on November 3, 1980
in Wallingford, Pennsylvania.
Veterans | 169
jones’ Career Statistics
Year
Team
GP
GS
RECEIVING
No Yds
Avg
2004
2005
2006
N.Y. Giants
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
14
16
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
-
-
-
0
0
-
Lg
RUSHING
Yds Avg Lg TD
TD
Att
-
-
-
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
0
0
-
0
0
0
-
-
0
TD
Att
NFL totals
37
0
PLAYOFFS
Year
Team
GP
GS
2005
Tampa Bay
1
0
0
0
-
-
0
0
0
-
-
0
1
0
0
0
-
-
0
0
0
-
-
0
KICKOFF RETURNS
Yds
Avg Lg
37
18.5
20
95
19.0
24
29
29.0
29
161
20.1
29
0
-
-
TD
0
0
0
0
0
Postseason Year
Team
2004
N.Y. Giants
2005
Tampa Bay
2006
Tampa Bay
NFL totals Postseason
No
2
5
1
8
0
RECEIVING
No Yds
Avg
ADDITIONAL STATS
Fumbles-lost — 0-0 in 2003, 0-0 in 2004, 1-1 in 2005,
0-0 in ‘05 playoffs, 0-0 in 2006
Lg
No
34
51
20
105
4
FC
11
18
4
22
1
RUSHING
Yds Avg Lg
PUNT RETURNS
Yds Avg
227
6.7
492
9.6
155
7.8
874
8.3
37
9.3
TD
Lg TD
29
0
31
0
18
0
31
0
24
0
career HIGHS
Punt Returns: 6, twice, last vs. Atlanta, 12/24/05
Punt Return Yards: 67 vs. Chicago, 11/27/05
Long Punt Return: 31 yards at Carolina, 12/11/05
Pro: Mountainous lineman with exceptional athleticism… Powerful blocker who explodes
at the point of attack… Aggressive demeanor allows him to excel in the running game…
Made a relatively smooth and rapid transition from college level to professional ranks,
winning starting right guard job during preseason of rookie year… Has played in 13
games with 12 starts after missing first three games of 2006 season with knee injury suffered the week prior to start of regular season… Originally entered the league as a firstround selection (23rd overall) of the Buccaneers in the 2006 NFL Draft.
2006: Played in 13 games (all but vs. Baltimore, at Atlanta and vs. Carolina) with 12 starts
(all but vs. Baltimore, at Atlanta, vs. Carolina and at New Orleans)… Along with T Jeremy
Trueblood, ranked tied for third among most games started by rookie offensive line tandems in the NFL in 2006… Declared inactive for first three games because of knee injury…
Made professional debut in limited action at New Orleans (10/8)… Made first start of
career against Cincinnati (10/15) at right guard and helped Buccaneers gain 126 rushing
yards in win… Started at right guard vs. Washington (11/19) and helped Buccaneers rush
for 181 yards, including 122 by RB Cadillac Williams… Started at Cleveland (12/24) and
helped team rush for 153 yards.
170 | Veterans
College: Versatile performer who saw action at guard and tackle at Oklahoma… Followed
former Sooner DE Lee Roy Selmon in 1976 as the second player from Oklahoma University
to be selected in the first round by the Buccaneers… Played in 50 games with 40 starts
at both guard and tackle… Started 40 career games, with 29 starts at guard and 11 starts
at left tackle… Has enormous 11¼-inch hands, along with 35-inch arms… Started all 12
games, 11 at left tackle and one at left guard as a senior... Consensus First-Team All-Big 12
as a senior... Started all 13 games at right guard as a junior... Tied with Vince Carter for the
fewest missed assignments on the line with three... Started and played in 13 of 14 games
in 2003 with all of his starts coming at right guard… Named Second-Team Academic AllBig 12… Played in 12 of 14 games with two starts at left guard as a freshman… Named
Freshman All-Big 12 by The Sporting News... Majored in sociology.
Personal: Attended Hallandale High School (Hallandale, Florida)… Ranked as the 19thbest offensive guard in the nation by Rivals.com... Ranked as the 10th-best player in
Florida by SuperPrep... Four-year starter... Named All-State... Broward County Defensive
Player of the Year as a senior... Recorded 24 sacks and 100 tackles as a senior defensive
lineman... Recruited to play defense at Oklahoma, but also played offense in high school
and had 31 pancake blocks as a senior... Played a school-record 532 plays... Ranked
eighth among the nation’s high school heavyweight wrestlers... Improved his body control
as a former high school wrestling champion in Florida… 2A state wrestling champion in
Florida... Won one of the nation’s major wrestling tournaments during summer of 2001…
Born on November 22, 1983 in Hallandale, Florida.
joseph’s Career Statistics
Games/Starts: TB: 2006: 13/12
Career Totals: 13/12
Pro: A versatile linebacker with the ability to drop back in coverage or crowd the line
against the run… Spent four seasons with Indianapolis (2003-2006) before signing with the
Buccaneers as a free agent on March 19, 2007… Selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2005…
Also named Associated Press NFL All-Pro (second team), Pro Football Writers All-AFC Team
and All-NFL Team in 2005… Has played in 56 career games with 45 starts, and has appeared
in 18 playoff contests with seven starts… Career totals include 399 tackles, 10 interceptions,
returning two for touchdowns, eight passes defensed, two forced fumbles, three fumble
recoveries, one sack and 18 special teams tackles… Playoff totals include 50 tackles, one
interception, one special teams tackle and one pass defensed… Originally entered the NFL
as a sixth-round selection (198th overall) of the Indianapolis Colts in the 2003 NFL Draft.
2006: Stared all 16 regular season games and all four playoff contests, including Super
Bowl XLI, at weakside linebacker for Indianapolis… Led the Colts with a career-high 162
Veterans | 171
tackles and tied for the team lead with three interceptions… Also recorded one sack, five
passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery during the regular season…
Led the team with 26 postseason tackles… Recorded seven tackles in the season-opener at
N.Y. Giants (9/10)… Had six tackles vs. Houston (9/17)… Totaled 10 tackles vs. Jacksonville
(9/24)… Tallied two consecutive 14-tackle games at N.Y. Jets (10/1) and vs. Tennessee
(10/8)… Recorded 16 tackles vs. Washington (10/22)… Had nine tackles, 0.5 sacks and
one forced fumble at Denver (10/29)… Tallied 10 tackles and two interceptions at New
England (11/5)… Had 13 tackles vs. Buffalo (11/12)… Recorded 10 tackles and recovered
one fumble at Dallas (11/19)… Had nine tackles vs. Philadelphia (11/26)… Recorded eight
tackles at Tennessee (12/3)… Tallied seven tackles at Jacksonville (12/10)… Had 12 tackles
vs. Cincinnati (12/18)… Recorded six tackles at Houston (12/24)… Totaled 11 tackles, 0.5
sacks, one pass defensed, one forced fumble and one interception in the regular season
finale vs. Miami (12/31)… Had seven tackles in AFC Wild Card Game vs. Kansas City (1/6)…
Had eight tackles in AFC Divisional Game at Baltimore (1/13)… Recorded four tackles in
AFC Championship Game vs. New England (1/21)… Had seven tackles in Super Bowl XLI
vs. Chicago.
2005: Started all 13 regular season games he appeared in and started Indianapolis’ lone
playoff contest… Named to his first Pro Bowl with Indianapolis… Also named Associated
Press NFL All-Pro (second team) and Pro Football Writers All-AFC Team and All-NFL Team…
Ranked third on the team with 109 tackles and added a team leading and career-high five
interceptions, returning two for touchdowns… Also added six passes defensed… Recorded
seven post-season tackles and one interception… Had 13 tackles and one interception,
which was returned 30 yards for a touchdown, at Baltimore (9/11)… Tallied seven tackles
and two interceptions, returning one 24 yards for a touchdown, at San Francisco (10/9)…
Recorded seven tackles and two interceptions the following week vs. St. Louis (10/17)…
Had a season-high 14 tackles vs. Houston (11/13)… Started vs. Pittsburgh in AFC Divisional
Game and recorded seven tackles and one interception.
2004: Started all 16 regular season games and both playoff contests for Indianapolis…
Recorded a team-high 128 tackles and added two interceptions, seven passes defensed and
two fumble recoveries… Finished with eight special teams tackles on the season...Recorded
16 tackles in two playoff games… Had 13 tackles and one fumble recovery at Jacksonville
(10/3)… Totaled nine tackles and one interception vs. Oakland (10/10)… Tallied 15 tackles
vs. Jacksonville (10/24)… Had 12 tackles at Kansas City (10/31)… Totaled 11 tackles and
two passes defensed vs. Houston (11/14)… Had six tackles and one fumble recovery at
Chicago (11/21)… Recorded eight tackles, one pass defened and one interception, which
was returned 71 yards, vs. Baltimore (12/19)… Had eight tackles in the AFC Wild Card Game
vs. Denver (1/9) and in AFC Divisional Game at New England (1/16).
2003: Played primarily on special teams in 11 regular season games and one postseason
contest with Indianapolis… Recorded nine special teams tackles and one tackle in the playoffs… Also had one special teams tackle in the playoffs... Had two special teams tackles vs.
New England (11/30) and vs. Atlanta (12/14)… Saw action on special teams in AFC Wild
Card Game vs. Denver (1/4/04) and recorded one tackle and one special teams tackle.
College: Played three years at the University of Michigan… Named All-Big 10 honorable
mention as a senior… Started 26 of the 36 career games played and ended his college
career with 138 tackles, six sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and three
interceptions… As a senior, started 11 games and recorded 53 tackles, two sacks, three
passes defensed and one forced fumble… As a junior, started 11 games and had 58 tackles, three sacks, six passes defensed, two forced fumble, two interceptions and one fumble
recovery… Did not play his sophomore season… Started four games as a freshman and
tallied 27 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one interceptions… Majored in general
studies.
Personal: Single… Participated in Vectren Volunteer Days and dedicated one of three
“Colts RAC Rooms,” furnished rooms inside area Boys and Girls Clubs… Attended
Anacostia (Washington, D.C.) High School… Three-year starter who totaled 354 tackles and
22 interceptions… Also played running back and totaled 234 carries for 2,033 yards and 26
touchdowns… As a senior, had 12 rushing touchdowns, three kickoff return touchdowns,
89 tackles and five interceptions… Earned USA Today All-American (second team), Parade
All-American and District of Columbia Player-of-the-Year honors… Lettered three times in
track and was the class’ salutatorian… Born Cato June on November 18, 1979 in Riverside,
California.
172 | Veterans
june’s Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2003
2004
2005
2006
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
NFL Totals
11 0
0
16 16 128
13 13 109
16 16 162
0
69
65
85
0
59
44
77
0.0
0.0
0.0
1.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
3.0
56 45 399
219
180 1.0 3.0
0
2
5
3
0
71
115
14
0
71
36
8
0
0
2
0
0
7
6
5
0
0
0
2
0
2
0
1
0
-1
0
0
9
8
1
0
7
8
1
0
2
0
0
0
10 200
71
2
18
2
3
-1
18 16 2
PLAYOFFS
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2003
2004
2005
2006
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Postseason
1
2
1
4
0
2
1
4
1
16
7
26
0
8
4
12
1
8
3
14
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0
0
1
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
8
7
50
24
26
0.0 0.0
1
5
5
0
1
0
0
0
1 1 0
ADDITIONAL STATS
Career Touchdowns: 2, 30-yd interception return at Baltimore, 9/11/05
24-yd interception return, at San Francisco, 10/9/05
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 16 vs. Washington, 10/22/06
Interceptions: 2, twice, last vs. at San Francisco,
10/9/05
Passes Defensed: 2 vs. Houston, 12/12/04
Pro: Playmaking cornerback with exceptional coverage skills… Physical performer who
excels at bump-and-run coverage and is a fundamentally sound open-field tackler...
Ball-hawking cornerback who is capable of shutting down the opponent’s top receiver…
Buccaneers defense has finished in the top five in pass defense, including two No. 1 rankings, in four of six seasons since he became a full-time starter in 2001... Additionally, the
Buccaneers defense has finished as the top overall defense in the NFL on two occasions
while he manned the left cornerback spot and finished in the Top 10 in total defense in
all but one season since he became a starter… His 20 career interceptions rank seventh in
team history... Has totaled 17 interceptions since 2002 to lead the Buccaneers… Ranked
tied for second in the NFL with a team-best 22 passes defensed in 2004... Enjoyed a
breakthrough campaign in 2002 as he tied for the NFL lead in interceptions on the league’s
top-ranked defense... Established career-highs in interceptions (eight), passes defensed
(23) and tackles (78) in his first full season as a starting cornerback for the Super Bowl champion Buccaneers in 2002... Has played in 119 career games with 75 starts... Also has seen
action in eight postseason games with five starts, totaling 25 tackles, two interceptions and
seven passes defensed... Career numbers include 404 tackles, 20 interceptions, two forced
fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 3.5 sacks and 109 passes defensed... Has added 26 career
special teams stops and one career touchdown on an interception return... Originally
entered the NFL as a second-round draft pick (45th overall) by the Buccaneers in 1998.
2006: Started two contests (vs. Baltimore and at New Orleans) and inactive for four others
(at Atlanta, vs. Carolina, vs. Cincinnati and vs. Philadelphia) because of injury before being
Veterans | 173
placed on injured reserve on October 25 with a foot injury… Totaled 15 tackles on the season… Totaled five tackles in season opener vs. Baltimore (9/10)… Inactive at Atlanta (9/17)
and vs. Carolina (9/24) because of foot injury… Returned to action at New Orleans (10/8),
leading the team with 10 tackles… Inactive vs. Cincinnati (10/15) and vs. Philadelphia
(10/22) because of foot injury… Placed on injured reserve (10/25) because of foot injury.
2005: Started all 16 games at left cornerback on the season, as well as playoff game vs.
Washington… Part of a defense that finished the season as the top-ranked unit in the NFL,
marking the fourth consecutive season the unit has ranked in the top five and seventh
time in the last nine years… It marked the defense’s third No. 1 ranking in team history
and second in the last four years… Additionally, it was the ninth consecutive season the
defense has finished in the NFL’s Top 10, tied for the second-longest streak in the NFL
since 1970… Ranked second on the team and tied for ninth in the NFC with four interceptions… Ranked second on the team with 16 passes defensed… Recorded his 20th career
interception vs. Chicago (11/27), becoming the seventh player in team history to reach the
milestone… Tied his career-high with two interceptions in season opener at Minnesota
(9/11)… Recorded first sack since 2002 at New Orleans (12/4)… Finished season with 60
tackles, four interceptions, one forced fumble, one sack and 16 passes defensed… Tied his
career-high with two interceptions at Minnesota (9/11)…Also added two tackles and two
passes defensed against the Vikings… Part of a defensive effort that held the Vikings without an offensive touchdown… Totaled three tackles and two passes defensed vs. Buffalo
(9/18)… Part of a defensive effort that limited the Bills offense to 147 total yards, eight first
downs and one field goal… Intercepted QB Brett Favre in the second quarter in contest
at Green Bay (9/25)… Finished game against the Packers with three tackles and one pass
defensed… Totaled two tackles and one forced fumble against Detroit (10/2)… Had two
tackles and two passes defensed vs. Miami (10/16)… Registered three tackles and one pass
defensed at San Francisco (10/30)… Part of a defense that limited the 49ers to 50 passing yards… Posted three tackles and two passes defensed vs. Carolina (11/6)… Had two
tackles vs. Washington (11/13)… Recorded a then season-high five tackles and one pass
defensed at Atlanta (11/20)… Recorded his 20th career interception vs. Chicago (11/27),
becoming the seventh player in team history to reach the milestone… Notched a then season-high six tackles and one pass defensed against the Bears… For the second consecutive
week, posted a then season high in tackles, finishing the contest at New Orleans (12/4)
with seven tackles… Also registered his first sack of the season and two passes defensed
against the Saints… Totaled six tackles and one pass defensed at Carolina (12/11)… Had
three tackles at New England (12/17)… Notched a season-high eight tackles and one pass
defensed vs. Atlanta (12/24)… Had four tackles in regular season finale vs. New Orleans
(1/1)… Posted a fourth quarter interception of QB Mark Brunell in NFC Wild Card game vs.
Washington (1/7)… Finished game against the Redskins with one tackle, one interception
and one pass defensed.
2004: Started at left cornerback in all 16 contests... Part of a defense that finished the
season ranked fifth in the NFL in total defense, marking the third consecutive season the
unit has ranked in the top five and sixth time in the last eight years... Helped the defense
finish the season ranked No. 1 in the league in pass defense for the second time in three
seasons... Ranked tied for second in the NFL with team-best 22 passes defensed on the
season... Ranked first on the team and tied for 10th in the NFC with four interceptions
on the season... Finished campaign with 62 tackles, four interceptions, one fumble recovery and 22 passes defensed... Posted four tackles at Washington (9/12)... Recorded five
tackles and two passes defensed against Seattle (9/19) while helping limit the Seahawks
to 182 total yards... Notched first interception of the season at Oakland (9/26)... Finished
with four tackles and a team-leading five passes defensed at the Raiders... Registered one
tackle and a team-leading three passes defensed against Denver (10/3)... Intercepted his
second pass of the season at New Orleans (10/10), picking off a QB Aaron Brooks pass in
the fourth quarter... Helped limit the Saints to 106 passing yards... Finished contest with
three tackles and two passes defensed... Registered seven tackles at St. Louis (10/18)...
Notched four tackles and one pass defensed against Chicago (10/24)... Totaled five tackles
and one fumble recovery against Kansas City (11/7)... Part of a defensive effort that limited
the 49ers offense to 26 total yards and two first downs in the first half against San Francisco
(11/21)... Intercepted QB Jake Delhomme in the second quarter at Carolina (11/28)...
Led the secondary with eight tackles and one pass defensed against the Panthers...
Intercepted a fourth quarter QB Michael Vick pass in the end zone and returned it 75 yards
to help secure shutout against Atlanta (12/5)... Finished with three tackles and two passes
defensed against the Falcons... Helped defense post ninth shutout in franchise history and
174 | Veterans
first of the season against the Falcons... Notched six tackles at San Diego (12/12)... Had
three tackles and one pass defensed against New Orleans (12/19)... Posted two tackles
and one pass defensed against Carolina (12/26)... Recorded six tackles, two TFLs and four
passes defensed at Arizona (1/2).
2003: Started five games and was inactive for one other (at Washington) at cornerback
before being placed on injured reserve on October 21… Totaled 17 tackles, one interception and five passes defensed on the season… Notched four tackles and tied for a teamhigh two passes defensed at Philadelphia (9/8)… Helped defense post third shutout in
last 16 regular season games… Recorded his first interception of the season off QB Jake
Delhomme in the third quarter against Carolina (9/14), setting up the Bucs first score of
the game… Added seven tackles and a team-leading three passes defensed against the
Panthers… Posted four tackles at Atlanta (9/21)… Helped defense limit QB Doug Johnson
to a 40.4 quarterback rating… Recorded two tackles against Indianapolis (10/6) before
sustaining a left pectoral strain that caused him to miss the remainder of the game…
Was inactive at Washington (10/12) because of injury… Made start at cornerback at San
Francisco (10/19) before being forced from action in first half after re-aggravating his left
pectoral strain… Placed on injured reserve on October 21 because of a left pectoral strain
suffered against Indianapolis (10/6).
2002: Starting left cornerback for the Super Bowl XXXVII champion Buccaneers… Named
second team All-Pro by Football Digest... Selected to the USA Today All-Joe Team...
Ranked tied for first in the NFL with a career-high eight interceptions... Started all 16
regular season games at cornerback... Started all three playoff games... Totaled 78 tackles,
eight interceptions, one sack and one forced fumble on the year... Also led the team with a
career-high 23 passes defensed... Posted first career two-interception game against Green
Bay (11/24)... Part of a defense that ranked first in the NFL, marking the sixth straight year
the defense finished among the NFL’s Top 10... At the time, also marked the second time
in franchise history that the defense finished the year ranked No. 1 overall (also 1979)…
Also helped lead defense to a No. 1 overall ranking in pass defense… Tied for a teamhigh 12 tackles against New Orleans (9/8)... Made three stops and recorded two passes
defensed at Baltimore (9/15)... Posted his first interception of the season in the fourth
quarter against St. Louis (9/23)... Finished contest with seven tackles, one forced fumble
and one pass defensed... Led team with three passes defensed at Cincinnati (9/29)...
Added three tackles and helped hold the Bengals without an offensive score... Recorded
first sack of the season at Atlanta (10/6)... Tied for lead among defensive backs with seven
tackles against the Falcons, surpassing 200 career tackles... Added one pass defensed,
the 50th of his career... Led all defensive backs with seven tackles vs. Cleveland (10/13)...
Added two passes defensed against the Browns... Recorded second interception and led
the defense with four passes defensed at Philadelphia (10/20)... Added six tackles against
the Eagles... Posted third interception of the season and helped to limit QB Randy Fasani
to five completions in 18 attempts at Carolina (10/27)... Added three tackles and a pass
defensed against the Panthers... Tallied five stops against Minnesota (11/3)... Led all defensive backs with six tackles and four passes defensed vs. Carolina (11/17)... Added to his
already career-high by intercepting his fourth pass of the season off QB Rodney Peete in
the second quarter... Posted first two-interception game of his career against Green Bay
(11/24)... Interceptions came in the third and fourth quarter off QB Brett Favre, the first
setting up the Bucs go-ahead touchdown... Finished game with four tackles... Notched
three tackles at New Orleans (12/1)... Made one tackle vs. Atlanta (12/8), helping to limit
the Falcons to 113 net passing yards... Posted five tackles and one pass defensed at Detroit
(12/15)... Recorded four tackles vs. Pittsburgh (12/23)... Recorded second two-interception game of the season at Chicago (12/29), picking off two QB Henry Burris passes in
the fourth quarter... Added two tackles against the Bears... Notched one tackle and one
pass defensed against San Francisco (1/12) in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game... Finished
with seven tackles and one pass defensed at Philadelphia (1/19) in the NFC Championship
Game... Led team with eight tackles in Super Bowl XXXVII against Oakland (1/26)... Added
one pass defensed against the Raiders... Totaled three passes defensed and finished third
on the team with 16 tackles in the postseason.
2001: Played in all 16 games with 11 starts (all but first five contests)... Also started playoff
game... Racked up 54 tackles, 1.5 sacks, eight passes defensed and nine special teams
tackles... Helped defense finish among the NFL’s Top 10 (sixth) for the fifth straight year,
the only team in the league to do so... Also played pivotal role on unit which ranked fifth
in the NFL in passing defense... Was inserted into the starting lineup in the club’s sixth
game... Had the play of the game at Dallas (9/9), stopping RB Emmitt Smith with a solo
Veterans | 175
tackle on the Buccaneer one-yard line... Finished the game with four tackles on defense
and one special teams stop... Started first game of the season against Minnesota (10/28),
responding with five tackles and one sack... Totaled four tackles, two passes defensed
and one special teams stop at Green Bay (11/4)... Notched four tackles and one pass
defensed at Detroit (11/11)... Posted five tackles at St. Louis (11/26)... Added six tackles
and two passes defensed at Cincinnati (12/2)... Had two tackles before being slowed by
a left ankle sprain at Chicago (12/16)... Made four tackles and one special teams stop
against New Orleans (12/23)... Totaled five tackles, half a sack and one pass defensed
against Philadelphia (1/6)... Had two tackles and one pass defensed in playoff game at
Philadelphia (1/12).
2000: Played in all 16 games with three starts (at Minnesota, vs. Detroit and vs. Buffalo)...
Also played in playoff game... Posted a then career-high 47 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one interception and 14 passes defensed (fourth-best on the team)... Added three
special teams tackles... Had a key pass defensed on second to last play of the game at
New England (9/3) and also contributed five tackles... Broke up two passes and made one
tackle against Chicago (9/10)... Collected a season-high eight tackles at Detroit (9/17)...
Contributed one tackle and one pass defensed vs. N.Y. Jets (9/24)... Had two tackles at
Washington (10/1)... Started first game of the season when the Bucs opened up in the
nickel package at Minnesota (10/9), collecting one tackle and one special teams stop...
Started second game of the season vs. Detroit (10/19), picking up two tackles and one
pass defensed... Notched five tackles and two passes defensed vs. Minnesota (10/29)...
Had excellent game at Atlanta (11/5) with seven tackles and one pass defensed... Racked
up four tackles against Green Bay (11/12)... Broke up one pass and had two tackles at
Chicago (11/19)... Started third game of the season and recorded six tackles, one pass
defensed and one fumble recovery vs. Buffalo (11/26)... Had one interception, one tackle,
two passes defensed and one fumble recovery vs. Dallas (12/3)... Returned the interception for a nine-yard touchdown for his first career NFL score... Made one tackle and had
one pass defensed at Green Bay (12/24)... Registered three tackles in Wild Card game at
Philadelphia (12/31).
1999: Played in all 16 games with three starts (vs. Kansas City, at Seattle and vs.
Minnesota)... Collected a then career-high 42 tackles, 14 passes defensed, one interception and eight special teams tackles... Posted one tackle and one pass defensed in season
opener vs. Giants (9/12)... Recorded three stops and one pass break-up at Philadelphia
(9/19)... Collected two tackles and one pass defensed at Green Bay (10/10)... Had three
tackles and a pass break-up in win over Chicago (10/24)... Made three tackles and broke
up two passes at New Orleans (11/7)... Started in place of CB Ronde Barber (shoulder,
ankle) at right cornerback in 17-10 win over Kansas City (11/14)... Posted three tackles and
one pass defensed... Notched four stops and one pass break-up against Atlanta (11/21)...
Broke up a then career-best three passes, including one interception, in 16-3 win at Seattle
(11/28)... Picked off Jon Kitna in the fourth quarter, one of five Buccaneer interceptions on
the day... Racked up nine tackles in Monday Night win over Minnesota (12/6)... Collected
three stops at Oakland (12/19)... Broke up two passes in victory over Packers (12/26)...
Recorded four tackles in division-clinching win over Bears (1/2)... Had two tackles in divisional playoff win over Washington (1/15)... Picked off NFL MVP QB Kurt Warner in NFC
Championship Game at St. Louis (1/23), returning the theft 15 yards into Rams territory.
1998: Appeared in all 16 games and started three at right cornerback... Also served as
nickelback in several contests and was a consistent contributor on special teams, with six
kick-coverage stops... Finished with 29 tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery and
seven passes defensed, helping Bucs post league’s second-rated pass defense... In professional debut at Minnesota (9/6), played in dime packages and made one stop... Saw first
significant action at cornerback at New Orleans (10/25) after injury to right cornerback
Anthony Parker and contributed three tackles, one pass defensed and an additional stop
on special teams... Moved into starting lineup in place of Parker the following week vs.
Minnesota (11/1) and responded with six tackles... Also opened following two games,
notching four tackles, two passes defensed and a fumble recovery against Tennessee (11/8)
and a season-best nine stops at Jacksonville (11/15)... Against Pittsburgh (12/13), set up
21-yard FG in the fourth quarter with first career interception (off QB Kordell Stewart) and
helped Tampa Bay down punt at one-yard line by batting ball backwards out of end zone...
Drafted by the Buccaneers in the second round in 1998 (45th overall).
College: Started at weakside cornerback, strongside cornerback and free safety at USC,
opening 36 of 40 games and snaring seven interceptions... Also tallied 123 tackles, 44
176 | Veterans
passes defensed and three forced fumbles... Added 12 tackles and a pair of pass break-ups
in two bowl games... Moved back to cornerback position for senior campaign, starting all
11 games at strongside cornerback... Pitched in with 23 tackles, broke up 19 passes, and
added two picks... In addition to five solo tackles, was able to break up four passes against
Florida State... Snared both 1997 interceptions against Washington State, returning the
two picks for 32 yards... Moved to free safety for junior season... Started nine contests at
that spot and one at weakside cornerback (vs. Notre Dame)... Posted a career-best 43 tackles and added one interception, 11 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble
recovery... In season opener vs. Penn State, turned in two big plays early with one interception (and 22-yard return) on Lions’ first possession and a fumble recovery in the second
quarter... Played in and started nine games (including bowl) at strongside cornerback as a
sophomore, helping lead USC to Rose Bowl victory... Snared a career-best three interceptions and added 24 tackles and nine passes defensed... Picked off one pass and deflected
two other vs. San Jose State... Tallied one interception vs. Washington State, returning
the pick 23 yards... A starter at weakside cornerback by fifth game of freshman season...
Started last eight contests (including bowl) and finished with 33 tackles, one interception,
two forced fumbles and five passes broken up... Majored in history.
Personal: Married with three children (Brilan, Kiaran and Kyu Blu)... Father was in the
Air Force as Brian moved frequently as a child, living in Germany, Nevada, Texas and
Colorado… Attended the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards in Miami, his fourth awards
show of the year... One of a group of Buccaneers to represent the team at the 2003 ESPY
Awards... Attended the Sundance Film Festival with teammate Simeon Rice in January of
2004... Was a correspondent for the NFL Network at the Soul Train Music Awards during
the 2004 offseason... Chosen Colorado’s 6A Player of the Year as a prep senior at Overland
(Aurora, Colorado) High School... Earned honorable mention All-America honors from USA
Today... Helped Overland team to state championship with four sacks, six interceptions,
78 tackles and four touchdowns... Also earned all-league honors as a junior after posting
two 80-yard INT returns... Ran track at Overland as well, finishing second in state in the
800 meters and running on school’s state championship 800-meter relay team... Born Brian
Kelly on January 14, 1976 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
kelly’s Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
NFL Totals
16
16
16
16
16
5
16
16
2
3
3
3
11
16
5
16
16
2
29
42
47
54
78
17
62
60
15
18
24
32
43
61
16
50
50
12
11
18
15
11
17
1
12
10
3
0.0
0.0
0.0
1.5
1.0
0.0
0.0
1.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
19.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
1.0
0.0
1
1
1
0
8
1
4
4
0
4
26
9
0
68
0
101
19
0
4
26
9t
0
31
0
75
14
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
14
14
8
23
5
22
16
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
15
0
0
0
0
0
32
0
0
6
8
3
9
0
0
0
0
0
6
7
2
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
119 75 404
306
98
3.5 20.5 20 227
75
1 109 2
4
47 26 22 4
PLAYOFFS
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
1999
2000
2001
2002
2005
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Postseason
2
1
1
3
1
0
0
1
3
1
3
3
2
16
1
2
3
2
13
1
1
0
0
3
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
1
0
0
0
1
15
0
0
0
3
15
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
3
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
8
5
25
21
4
0.0 0.0
2
18
15
0
7
0
0
0
0 0 0
ADDITIONAL STATS
Career Touchdowns: 1, 9-yd interception return vs.
Dallas, 12/3/00
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 12 vs. New Orleans, 9/8/02
Interceptions: 2, three times, last at Minnesota, 9/11/05
Passes Defensed: 5 at Oakland, 9/26/04
Veterans | 177
Pro: Versatile offensive lineman expected to compete at guard and center… Experienced
blocker who has played in 69 games with 48 starts… Also started one playoff game...
Signed by the Buccaneers on April 3, 2007… Originally entered the league as a fifth-round
pick (137th overall) by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2001 NFL Draft… Waived by the Cowboys
on December 28, 2004… Claimed off waivers by the St. Louis Rams on December 29…
Signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an unrestricted free agent on March 14, 2005… Released
by Atlanta on March 5, 2007.
2006: Played in and started 11 games with Atlanta… Helped the Falcons lead the NFL in
rushing for the third consecutive season and set a new franchise record with 2,939 rushing
yards… Helped the Falcons rush for 252 yards at Carolina (9/10)… Started for a rushing
attack that tallied 306 yards vs. Tampa Bay (9/17)… Created rushing lanes for a ground
game that amassed 117 yards at New Orleans (9/25)… Helped QB Michael Vick rush for
more than 100 yards and the team amass 262 total rushing yards vs. Arizona (10/1)… Part
of an offensive line that created running lanes for a ground attack that rushed for 223 yards
vs. N.Y. Giants (10/15)… Started for an offensive line unit that paved the way for a ground
attack that totaled 256 rushing yards at Washington (12/3)… Started at left guard and
helped the offensive line open lanes for a ground attack that totaled 139 yards at Tampa Bay
(12/10)… Member of an offensive unit that produced 127 rushing yards vs. Dallas (12/16).
2005: Started all 15 games played for Atlanta and was part of an offensive unit which paved
the way for the NFL’s top rushing attack (159.1 yards per game)… Helped the team rush
for more than 200 yards on five occasions… Served as a key contributor to an offensive line
effort that opened holes for a rushing attack that gained 200 rushing yards and two touchdowns vs. Philadelphia (9/12)… Helped hold the Bills without a sack as the team rushed for
236 yards at Buffalo (9/25)… Part of an offensive line effort that helped the team rush for
285 yards, which stands as the second-highest rushing performance in Falcons history, vs.
Minnesota (10/2)… Helped QB Michael Vick pass for 306 yards and the team rush for 150
yards vs. Tampa Bay (11/20)… Played a key role in helping RB Warrick Dunn rush for 155
yards in a team performance that racked up 205 rushing yards vs. N.Y. Jets (10/16)… Helped
team rush for more than 200 yards for the fifth time as the Falcons accumulated 256 rushing
yards at Detroit (11/24).
2004: Played in seven games with two starts for Dallas before being released on December
28… Claimed by St. Louis on December 29 but did not see action… Started for Dallas at
right guard against Cleveland (9/19) and helped the offense gain 441 total yards.
2003: Started all 16 games and one playoff game at center for Dallas… Opened holes for
the Cowboys to rush 149 yards vs. Atlanta (9/7) and 202 yards at N.Y. Jets (9/28)… Helped
offense gain 400 total yards, including 208 on the ground, vs. Washington (11/2)… Blocked
for RB Troy Hambrick’s 189-yard rushing day vs. Washington (12/14).
2002: Played in 12 games with four starts for Dallas, seeing action at both guard and center… Made the first start of his career at left guard vs. Tennessee (9/15)… Started at center
and helped the offense gain 340 yards vs. N.Y. Giants (10/6)… Started second consecutive
game at center, moving to right guard in the second half in place of an injured G Solomon
Page vs. Carolina (10/13)… Started at left guard and suffered a strained PCL in his left knee
at Arizona (10/20) and was forced to miss the next two games.
2001: Played in eight games, mostly on special teams for Dallas… Saw first NFL action in
a fourth quarter stint at left guard at Philadelphia (9/30)… Part of an offensive line that did
not allow a sack in the season finale at Detroit (1/6).
178 | Veterans
College: Three-year starter at guard for Virginia Tech… Earned Second-Team All-Big East
honors and was selected to play in the Hula Bowl after only allowing a half-sack, while leading the Hokies with 57 knockdown blocks as a senior… Started all 12 games at left guard as
the Hokies appeared in the BCS National Championship Game vs. Florida State in the Sugar
Bowl as a junior… Injured his ankle during a preseason practice as a sophomore, missing the
first two games and moving into the starting lineup midway through season… Played in four
games as a freshman… Majored in finance.
Personal: Played guard and defensive end at Woodbridge (VA) High School, earning all-district honors three times as an offensive lineman… Posted 40 tackles and six sacks on defense
to garner All-America honors as a senior… Earned All-State honors as a shot putter on the
track team… Born Matthew Steven Lehr on April 25, 1979 in Woodbridge, Virginia.
lehr’s Career Statistics
Games/Starts: DAL: 2001: 8/0; 2002: 12/4; 2003 (P: 1/1); 16/16; 2004: 7/2; ATL: 2005: 15/15; 2006: 11/11
Career Totals: 69/48 (P: 1/1)
Pro: Tall, athletic and rifled-armed passer… Enters his third season with the Buccaneers…
Has played in five career games with four starts, all as a member of the Cleveland Browns
in 2004… Completed 48-of-98 passes for 608 yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions… Also has six rushes for 25 yards… Traded to the Buccaneers from the Browns on
April 24, 2005… Originally entered the league as a fourth-round selection (106th overall) of
the Browns in the 2004 NFL Draft.
2006: Injured during the offseason and spent the preseason and first seven weeks of the
season on the Physically-Unable-To-Perform list… Declared inactive as the third quarterback
for the remainder of the season after being elevated to the active roster on November 3.
2005: Declared inactive as the third quarterback for the first 10 games of the season…
Spent the last six games and one postseason game as the backup quarterback… Declared
the team’s third quarterback at Minnesota (9/11), vs. Buffalo (9/18), at Green Bay (9/25), vs.
Detroit (10/2), at the N.Y. Jets (10/9) and vs. Miami (10/16)… Did not see action as backup
quarterback at San Francisco (10/30), vs. Carolina (11/6), vs. Washington (11/13), at Atlanta
(11/20), vs. Chicago (11/27), at New Orleans (12/4), at Carolina (12/11), at New England
(12/17), vs. Atlanta (12/24) and vs. New Orleans (1/1)… Served as backup quarterback vs.
Washington (1/7) in NFC Wild Card game.
2004: Played in five games with four starts for Cleveland… Finished the season 48-of-98
passes for 608 yards and four touchdowns… Declared inactive against Baltimore (9/12)…
Made his NFL debut, at Dallas (9/19), coming into the game to attempt a ‘Hail Mary’ pass on
the final play of the contest that fell incomplete… Declared inactive at the N.Y. Giants (9/26),
vs. Washington (10/3), at Pittsburgh (10/10), vs. Cincinnati (10/17), vs. Philadelphia (10/24),
at Baltimore (11/7), vs. Pittsburgh (11/14) and vs. the N.Y. Jets (11/21)… Was the backup
quarterback at Cincinnati (11/28)… Made his first NFL start and was 20-of-34 passing for
277 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions vs. New England (12/5)… Finished
8-of-20 passing for 62 yards, one touchdown and one interception at Buffalo (12/12)…
Veterans | 179
Completed 11-of-27 passes for 108 yards with one interception vs. San Diego (12/19)…
Finished 9-of-16 passing for 161 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions at Miami
(12/26)… Served as the backup quarterback at Houston (1/2/05).
College: Played in 44 games with 43 starts… Set Louisiana Tech records for completions
(1,088), attempts (1,827) and yards (12,994)… Added 88 touchdown passes, eighth in
NCAA Division I-A history… Also had 11 rushing touchdowns… As a senior, completed 246of-432 passes for 3,246 yards, 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions… As a junior, completed
296-of-505 passes for 3,539 yards, 19 touchdowns and 19 interceptions… Completed 302of-521 passes for 3,655, 29 touchdowns and 17 interceptions as a sophomore… Finished
his freshman year completing 244-of-369 passes for 2,544 yards, 21 touchdowns and 15
interceptions.
Personal: Married to Katy… Couple has two sons, Jonah Thomas (2) and Elijah Luke (6
months)… Brothers Randy and Josh have both played quarterback: Randy was the starting
quarterback at Texas A&M (1997-1999), and Josh currently plays for the Oakland Raiders…
Active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes… Attended Jacksonville (Texas) High
School… District Offensive MVP, two-time honorable mention All-East Texas and two-time
first-team All-District choice… All-District and All-East Texas pick in basketball… Threw a
school-record five touchdowns and 363 yards in one game… Born Luke McCown on July
12, 1981 in Jacksonville, Texas.
McCown’s Career Statistics
Year Team
PASSING
GP GS Att Cmp Pct
Yds
Yds/Att
TD
Int
Yds
Lg Sk Lst Rating
2004 Cleveland 5
2005 Tampa Bay 0
2006 Tampa Bay 0
4
0
0
98
0
0
48
0
0
48.9
-
-
608
0
0
6.2
-
-
4
0
0
7
0
0
58t 12
-
0
-
0
122
0
0
NFL totals
4
98
48
48.9
608
6.2
4
7
58t 12
122 52.6
Yds
Yds/Att
TD
Int
0
-
0
0
5
52.6
-
Career record as starter: 0-4 (.000); 0-0 in 2005; 0-4 in 2004
PLAYOFFS
Year Team
2005
GP GS Att Cmp Pct
Tampa Bay 0
0
0
0
-
Career postseason record as starter: 0-0 (.000)
RUSHING
Year
Team
Att
Yds
Avg
Lg
TD
2004
2005
2006
Cleveland
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
6
0
0
25
0
0
4.2
-
-
11
-
-
0
0
0
6
0
25
0
4.2
-
11
-
0
0
NFL totals Postseason 180 | Veterans
Yds
Lg Sk Lst Rating
-
0
0
-
Pro: Intelligent and savvy linebacker who has ability to deliver the big hit… Tremendous
work ethic and solid play has helped him work his way from undrafted free agent to starting
strongside linebacker for the Buccaneers… Outstanding teammate and community leader
who provides strong leadership in the linebacker corps… Appeared in 70 career games with
35 starts… Posted 271 career tackles, two interceptions, six passes defensed, 3.5 sacks, 57
special teams stops and one special teams fumble recovery… Originally entered the NFL as
an undrafted free agent with the Buccaneers on April 22, 2002.
2006: Appeared in 15 contests (all but vs. Carolina) with 11 starts (all but vs. Carolina,
vs. New Orleans, at Carolina, at Dallas and vs. Seattle)… Served as the squad’s special
teams captain… Ranked fifth on the team with 93 tackles… Totaled 93 tackles, two passes
defensed and six special teams tackles… Also posted 1.5 sacks… Had six tackles and one
special teams stop in season opener vs. Baltimore (9/10)… Recorded first sack of the season at Atlanta (9/17), dropping QB Michael Vick for a six-yard loss… Added two tackles
and one TFL against the Falcons… Inactive at Carolina (9/24) because of knee injury… Had
five tackles, including one TFL, at New Orleans (10/8)… Led team with a season-high nine
tackles vs. Cincinnati (10/15)… Matched his season high with nine tackles vs. Philadelphia
(10/22)… Finished contest at N.Y. Giants (10/29) with a season-high tying nine tackles…
Did not start vs. New Orleans (11/5) as defense opened up with five defensive backs, but
finished with eight tackles and one pass defensed… Also had two special teams tackles
against the Saints… Did not start for the second consecutive week as defense opened with
five defensive backs at Carolina (11/13)… Totaled six tackles, including one TFL, against the
Panthers… Had two tackles and one pass defensed vs. Washington (11/19)… Finished contest at Dallas (11/23) with nine tackles, including one TFL… Posted six tackles, including one
TFL, at Pittsburgh (12/3)… Recorded seven tackles and 0.5 sack of Vick vs. Atlanta (12/10)…
Added one special teams tackle against the Falcons… Posted seven tackles, including one
TFL, at Chicago (12/17)… Posted eight tackles and one special teams tackle in season finale
vs. Seattle (12/31).
2005: Played in all 16 games with 14 starts (all but vs. Buffalo and at New England)… Also
started in playoff game vs. Washington… Ranked fourth on the team with a career-high 104
tackles, and ranked seventh on the team with 15 special teams tackles… Added two sacks
and one pass defensed on the year… Totaled three tackles and three special teams stops at
Minnesota (9/11)… Part of a defense that did not surrender an offensive touchdown against
Minnesota and limited the Vikings to just 33 rushing yards… Totaled four tackles vs. Buffalo
(9/18)… Added one special teams tackle against the Bills… Part of a defensive effort that limited the Bills offense to 147 total yards, eight first downs and one field goal… Recorded first
career sack at Green Bay (9/25)… Recorded seven tackles and two special teams stops against
the Packers… Notched six tackles and three special teams stops against Detroit (10/2)… Led
the team with a career-high 11 tackles at N.Y. Jets (10/9)… Added one pass defensed and a
fourth quarter sack of Jets’ QB Vinny Testaverde… Totaled seven tackles vs. Miami (10/16)…
Added one special teams stop against the Dolphins… Recorded six tackles and one special
teams stop at San Francisco (10/30)… Part of a defense that limited the 49ers to 50 passing
yards… Finished contest vs. Carolina (11/6) with six tackles… Had six tackles vs. Washington
(11/13)… Added one special teams tackle against the Redskins… Totaled seven tackles and
two special teams stops at Atlanta (11/20)… Had nine tackles vs. Chicago (11/27)… Posted
four tackles at New Orleans (12/4)… Totaled six tackles at Carolina (12/11)… Recorded five
tackles and one special teams stop at New England (12/17)… Notched eight tackles vs.
Atlanta (12/24)… Finished regular season with nine tackles vs. New Orleans (1/1)… Totaled
Veterans | 181
six tackles, including one TFL, in NFC Wild Card game vs. Washington (1/7)… Also had one
special teams tackle against the Redskins.
2004: Appeared in all 16 contests… Ranked fourth on the team with 16 special teams tackles… Recorded second career interception against Atlanta (12/5)… Finished season with
two tackles, one interception, one pass defensed and one special teams fumble recovery…
Recorded two special teams tackles and one special teams fumble recovery at Oakland
(9/26)… Tied for the team lead with three special teams tackles at St. Louis (10/18)…
Finished contest against San Francisco (11/21) with two tackles and one special teams
tackle… Posted two special teams tackles at Carolina (11/28)… Recorded a fourth quarter
interception of QB Michael Vick against Atlanta (12/5)… Finished contest against the Falcons
with one pass defensed and one special teams tackle… Tied for the team lead with two
special teams tackles at Arizona (1/2).
2003: Played in 15 games (all but vs. Green Bay) with 10 starts at SLB (all but at Washington,
at San Francisco, vs. Dallas, at Carolina, vs. Green Bay and vs. Houston)… Ranked sixth on the
team with 70 tackles in his first year as a starter… Finished the season with one interception,
two passes defensed and nine special teams tackles… Posted six tackles in first career start
at SLB at Philadelphia (9/8)… Helped defense post third shutout in last 16 regular season
games… Added two special teams tackles… Notched six tackles in start at SLB vs. Carolina
(9/14)… Notched first career interception against QB Doug Johnson at Atlanta (9/21)…
Finished game with nine tackles and one pass defensed… Helped defense limit the Falcons
to 136 total yards, the seventh best defensive effort in club history… Posted five tackles in
start at SLB against Indianapolis (10/6)… Had nine stops at San Francisco (10/19) and led
team with two special teams stops… Did not start against Dallas (10/26) as team opened up
with five defensive backs… Totaled three tackles and a pass defensed vs. the Cowboys…
Helped the defense post its second shutout of the season… Started at SLB against New
Orleans (11/2), recording five tackles before leaving the game with a sprained right ankle…
Did not start at Carolina (11/9) because of ankle injury… Was inactive against Green Bay
because of ankle injury (11/16)… Totaled three tackles and two special teams stops in start
at SLB against the N.Y. Giants (11/24)… Part of a defensive effort that held the Giants offense
to 212 total yards… Recorded seven tackles in start at SLB at Jacksonville (11/30)… Totaled
seven tackles at New Orleans (12/7)… Helped limit Saints RB Deuce McAllister to 69 rushing
yards on 22 carries (3.1 avg.)… Also added one special teams tackle against the Saints…
Posted three tackles against Houston (12/14)… Part of a defensive effort that surrendered
just 107 total yards to the Texans, tying for the second lowest total in team history… Notched
four tackles in start against Atlanta (12/20).
2002: Played in the first eight games as a reserve linebacker and on special teams in his rookie campaign before tearing his left ACL at Carolina (10/27)... Was placed on injured reserve
on October 29, ending his season... Totaled two tackles and 11 special teams stops on the
year... Appeared on special teams in first NFL game, leading the team with two special teams
stops against New Orleans (9/8)... Recorded first defensive tackle of the season against St.
Louis (9/23)... Finished game with two tackles and added two special teams stops... Saw
majority of action on special teams at Cincinnati (9/29) recording one stop... Played extensively on special teams at Atlanta (10/6), tying for a team-high three special teams tackles...
Posted one special teams tackle vs. Cleveland (10/13)... Registered one special teams stop at
Carolina (10/27) before sustaining a season-ending left ACL tear in the fourth quarter.
College: Honorable mention All-Pac-10 selection and Butkus Award semifinalist as a senior
at UCLA... 281 career tackles (173 solo), with 22 tackles for loss and 10 sacks... Started all
11 games his senior season, pushing his streak of consecutive starts to 32... In 2001, ranked
third on the team in tackles with 53 (31 solo), with six for loss... Scored two defensive touchdowns... 13 tackles vs. Alabama, including one for loss... At Stanford, recorded nine tackles
and returned a fumbled punt 39 yards for a touchdown... Broke his left fibula on the first play
of the game vs. Arizona State, made two tackles and recovered one fumble before finally
leaving the game in the third quarter... Started all 12 games as a junior in 2000... Led Bruins
in tackles against Washington with 14 tackles... In 1999, started all nine games he appeared
in, finishing his sophomore year third on the squad in tackles with 65... Earned freshman AllAmerica honors and All-Pac-10 honorable mention in 1998... Second on the Bruins in tackles
(85), sacks (six) and tackles for loss (10)... Redshirted his first year and saw action at safety
on the practice squad... Earned spot on Director’s Honor Roll five times while at UCLA...
Majored in business economics.
Personal: Has a strong football background; his father is Pro Football Hall of Fame safety
Ronnie Lott... Formalized his charitable efforts in the form of The Ryan Nece Foundation
182 | Veterans
during the Fall of 2006... At the heart of his Foundation lies the Good Samaritan Program,
designed to provide goods and services to those who are financially, physically and spiritually in need… Additionally, the program encourages people to “pass it on” by in turn helping
others around them… The Foundation plans to launch the Good Samaritan Awards Program
in the Fall of 2007 to recognize exceptional Hillsborough and Pinellas County high school
students in the areas of academics and community service... The Program will also award two
college scholarships annually… In May, 2007 presented Bay Pines VA Healthcare System with
a total of 17 computers and 44 Web cams with headsets for use in connecting patients with
family members located around the country… The donation served as the first Good
Samaritan Project of 2007… As part of the annual NFL Player Foundation Grants Program,
NFL Charities awarded one of just 64 grants to The Ryan Nece Fund in February, 2007… Was
listed in the “2005 Big Hearts” section of The Sporting News “The Good Guys” issue for
traveling to a children’s hospital in December 2004, then returning later that day with teammate Jermaine Phillips to visit kids on one floor who had been missed because of time limitations… Was named as one of The Sporting News “Good Guys in Sports” in 2003… Sponsors
his own ticket program, “Nece’s Pieces,” at all Buccaneer home games in support of civil
servants from Bay area police and fire stations and other Bay area children’s charities… In
conjunction with James Brown, host of CBS Sports’ “THE NFL TODAY,” and the NFLPA, was
honored with a JB Award in April, 2007 which recognizes NFL players for their commitment
to achieve excellence off the field through building better communities and stronger families… Along with LB Shelton Quarles, helped organize the “Top 50 Moms in the Bay Area”
contest during the past four Mother’s Days (2004-2007), as well as the “Top 50 Dads in the
Bay Area” contest during the past four Father’s Days (2004-2007)… Along with Phillips,
hosted two Good Samaritan Holiday Celebrations in 2006, where they handed out gifts to
50 children affiliated with the Children’s Dream Fund and provided gifts for approximately
120 children affiliated with the University Area Community Center… In addition to handing
out gifts, the two teammates announced the first beneficiary of the Good Samaritan Program
at the UACC holiday event… The Good Samaritan Program was developed by Nece and
Phillips, who have made community giving a daily part of their lives since joining the team
together in 2002… As good samaritans, Nece and Phillips have created a program that
strives to provide physical, financial and spiritual assistance for those less fortunate around
the Bay Area… Along with several teammates, visited patients at All Children’s Hospital, as
well as residents at Westminister Palms Retirement Home during the week of Christmas 2006
to take photos and sign autographs with each child at the hospital… After the hospital, they
then traveled to Westminister Palms where they sung holiday songs for the residents and
passed out Buccaneers pennants… Hosted Metropolitan Ministries’ Sneaker Feat event to
coach approximately 60 children through the Gatorade Junior Training Camp in October
2006… In June 2006, along with Quarles, hosted a youth football camp at Warner Southern
College in Lake Wales, Florida… In 2006, Nece led an effort to provide almost $100,000 of
Nike and Reebok merchandise to benefit Hurricane Katrina victims....Nece created the “Step
Up” Program in the weeks after the Gulf Coast tragedy by rallying friends and fellow NFL
players to supply goods to those affected by the catastrophe through their merchandise
allotments… Visited the youth at Falkenburg Academy during the last three seasons (20042006) to deliver Thanksgiving meals and spoke to the cadets about getting their lives back
on track… Helped Camp4Champs, a football and lifeskills camp for kids ages 8-18 in 2005…
Signed autographs at the 2003, 2005 and 2006 Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent in
exchange for new unwrapped toys that were distributed to families in need… Teamed up
with Tampa Bay Devil Rays players to collect toys for Metropolitan Ministries’ 2004 annual
toy drive… Signed autographs and took pictures with patients as part of the Kids Wish
Networks’ Holiday of Hope party at Shriners Hospital for Children… For three seasons (20032005), joined several teammates at the North Shore Retirement Home to sing holiday tunes
and pass out Buccaneer pennants… During the 2005 and 2006 offseasons, was one of several NFL players who took part in the NFL’s Business Management and Entrepreneurial
Program… In 2005, he enrolled at the Harvard Business School which emphasized entrepreneurial opportunities and business management… In 2006, he enrolled at the Stanford
Graduate School of Business which seeks to broaden a player’s understanding of how to
evaluate business opportunities in general and in the sports industry specifically… Was recognized as the newcomer of the year by the Buccaneers’ Community Relations Department
in 2002 for his work in the community… Joined several teammates during the 2005 offseason
to serve as celebrity waiters at the Royal Palace Thai restaurant in South Tampa to aid in
fundraising efforts for victims of the tsunami in Southeast Asia… Along with the 2004
Buccaneers Rookie Club, helped run the Gatorade Youth Football Clinic… Appeared on the
Buccaneers float during the 2004 and 2005 Gasparilla Day parades… As part of Thanksgiving
Veterans | 183
in 2004, stuffed and distributed food baskets at Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Food Tent…
In 2004, headed to downtown Tampa to distribute information about how to get involved in
Hands On Tampa, the local United Way volunteer program… Along with several teammates,
visited MacDill Air Force Base in honor of Veteran’s Day 2004… During the 2004 season,
attended the Shelton Quarles IMPACT Foundation Extra Effort Awards Luncheon where he
served as a table host for other attendees… In 2003 and 2004, helped United States Postal
Workers at the St. Petersburg Main Postal Facility collect tax forms from the many last minute
filers on Tax Night... Was the guest speaker at the 2004 Hillsborough County Middle School
Scholar Athlete Awards program… Served as a greeter at the finish line and award presenter
at the Buccaneers and TECO Energy’s 4th Annual Draft Day Dash during the 2004 offseason… Participated with students from Clearwater Central Catholic High School in their
annual “Here Comes Santa Claus” celebration in 2003… In honor of Veteran’s Day 2003,
helped cook and serve food to the veterans at James A. Haley VA Hospital… Along with the
Buccaneers’ Student Advisory Board, participated in Halloween activities at the Children’s
Home of Tampa Bay in 2003… Visited the inmates at Polk Correctional Institution to address
the importance of making informed decisions and speak about his faith in 2003… Participated
in Metropolitan Ministries’ 2002 SneakerFeat event by reading stories and playing games
with children at the temporary care facility for the homeless… Was part of a group of players
who visited MacDill Air Force Base on Sept. 10, 2002 to meet and honor the men and women
of the United States Armed Forces for their efforts in defending our nation and protecting
our freedom… Was named October’s NFL “Extra Effort” Award winner for his commitment
and dedication to his community in 2002... In October 2002, took part in a 16th birthday
celebration for Metropolitan Ministries, a temporary care facility for the homeless and those
at risk of becoming homeless in the Tampa Bay community... Despite suffering a season-ending knee injury in the previous week’s game, he attended the Children’s Home Halloween
Party in 2002 to help the children choose and carve pumpkins and decorate trick-or-treat
bags... Took part in the second annual “Bucs Easter Egg Hunt” in 2002, visiting and taking
pictures with many of the nearly 4,000 child participants... Member of the 2002 Buccaneers’
rookie club that spent considerable time working in the community... Earned All-League
honors at both safety and quarterback at Pacific (San Bernardino, California) High School...
PrepStar All-American and All-West selection... Team captain his junior and senior years... As
a senior, recorded 77 tackles, five sacks and five interceptions... Added 747 rushing yards,
eight rushing touchdowns, 957 passing yards and 17 touchdown passes... Earned All-League
honors in basketball and track... Born Ryan Clint Nece on February 24, 1979 in San
Bernardino, California.
nece’s Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
NFL Totals
8 0
2
15 10 70
16 0
2
16 14 104
15 11 93
1
37
0
48
52
1
33
2
56
41
0.0
0.0
0.0
2.0
1.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
13.0
9.5
0
1
1
0
0
0
2
2
0
0
0
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
11 9
9 6
16 13
15 8
6 3
2
3
3
7
3
70 35 271
138
133 3.5 22.5
2
4
2
0
6
0
0
0
57 39 18
ST
PLAYOFFS
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2005
Tampa Bay 1
Postseason
1
1
6
4
2
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1 0 1
1
6
4
2
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1 0 1
ADDITIONAL STATS
Special Teams Fumble Recovery: 1 at Oakland,
9/26/04
184 | Veterans
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 11 at N.Y. Jets, 10/9/05
Interceptions: 1, twice, last vs. Atlanta, 12/5/04
Sacks: 1, three times, last at Atlanta, 9/17/06
Special Teams Tackles: 3, four times, last at Detroit,
10/2/05
Pro: Third-year safety prospect with good size who provides depth to Buccaneers secondary… Saw majority of action on special teams in rookie campaign, ranking 10th on the
team with nine special teams tackles… Has appeared in 10 contests, totaling one pass
defensed and nine special teams tackles… Also appeared in NFC Wild Card game vs.
Washington (1/7/06)… Signed to Buccaneers’ active roster November 27, 2006… Released
by Buccaneers on September 2, 2006… Originally entered the league as a fifth-round draft
choice (141st overall) by Tampa Bay in the 2005 NFL Draft.
2006: Signed to the Buccaneer active roster on September 2, 2006… Inactive at Pittsburgh
(12/3), vs. Atlanta (12/10), at Chicago (12/17)… Saw action on special teams at Cleveland
(12/24)… Inactive vs. Seattle (12/31).
2005: Appeared in nine games (at San Francisco, vs. Carolina, at Atlanta, vs. Chicago, at
New Orleans, at Carolina, at New England, vs. Atlanta and vs. New Orleans) as well as playoff
game vs. Washington… Ranked 10th on the team with nine special teams tackles… Saw first
defensive action at Atlanta (11/20)… Made NFL debut on special teams at San Francisco
(10/30)… Totaled one pass defensed and nine special teams tackles on the season… Made
first career appearance on defense at Atlanta (11/20), recording a pass defensed as he broke
up a potential touchdown reception in the end zone… Also notched his first career special
teams tackle against the Falcons… Appeared on special teams vs. Chicago (11/27)… Had
two special teams tackles at New Orleans (12/4)… Recorded a career-high three special
teams tackles at Carolina (12/11)… Posted two special teams stops vs. Atlanta (12/24)… Had
one special teams stop vs. New Orleans (1/1)… Appeared on special teams in NFC Wild Card
game vs. Washington (1/7).
College: Awards included 2004 first-team All-Big 12 Conference (Coaches), 2003 Big 12
Newcomer of the Year (Austin American-Statesman), 2003 Defensive Newcomer of the
Year (Fort Worth Star-Telegram), 2003 second-team All-Big 12 (AP) and 2002 second-team
All-American at Mount San Antonio… Started all 27 games he played in at Oklahoma, and
registered 162 tackles, eight sacks, three interceptions, 10 passes defensed, two fumbles
and one fumble recovery… Started all 13 games at strong safety for Oklahoma… Finished
the season with 72 tackles, two sacks, one interception and six passes defensed… Had 11
tackles and one sack against Oregon… Registered eight tackles, one pass defensed and one
interception with a 32-yard return against Texas A&M… Started every game at strong safety
for the Sooners… Finished second on the team with 90 tackles and added six sacks, two
interceptions, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery… Rated as
the 12th best junior college player and fourth-best defensive back by Rivals.com following his
sophomore campaign at Mount San Antonio Junior College… Named Conference Defensive
MVP honors both years and was selected to the J.C. Gridwire All-America second-team in
2002... Led the team in tackles as both a freshman and sophomore... Logged 85 tackles, four
interceptions and recovered three fumbles as a freshman… Majored in communications.
Personal: Attended Diamond Bar (California) High School… Earned Division II Defensive
Player of the Year and All-San Gabriel Valley and All-Inland Valley honors from his rover position as a senior…. Parents are Clarence and Lela Reed and Donald Nicholson… Born Donte
Lamar Nicholson on December 18, 1981 in Los Angeles, California.
Veterans | 185
nicholson’s Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2005
2006
Tampa Bay 9
Tampa Bay 1
NFL Totals
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
9 5 4
0 0 0
0
0
0
0
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
9 5 4
PLAYOFFS
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2005
Tampa Bay 1
0
0
0
0
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Special Teams Tackles: 3, at Carolina, 12/11/05
Pro: Hard-nosed safety with very good speed… A special teams standout for the
Buccaneers… Has appeared in 35 career regular season games with one start… Has also
appeared in one playoff contest… Career numbers include 56 tackles, two passes defensed,
40 special teams tackles and one fumble recovery on special teams... Signed by Tampa Bay
on January 14, 2005 and was allocated to NFL Europe on February 1, 2005… Released by the
Buccaneers on September 5, 2004… Signed to the Buccaneers practice squad on December
8, 2004… Released from the Buccaneers practice squad on December 15, 2004… Signed
to the Buccaneers practice squad on December 22, 2004… Released from the Buccaneers
practice squad on December, 30, 2004... Did not play in 2003 after being released by the
Cleveland Browns on August 31, 2003… Spent the final 11 weeks of the 2002 regular season
on the Browns practice squad… Originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with
Cleveland on April 26, 2002.
2006: Appeared in all 16 contests… Tallied a career-high 30 tackles and added one pass
defensed… Also ranked seventh on the team with 13 special teams tackles and added one
special teams forced fumble… Had one special teams tackle in season opener vs. Baltimore
(9/10)… Totaled one special teams tackle at Atlanta (9/17)… Had one special teams stop
vs. Carolina (9/24)… Saw action at safety and on special teams at New Orleans (10/8)…
Finished contest against the Saints with three tackles… Totaled one tackle and one pass
defensed vs. Cincinnati (10/15)… Notched three tackles, including one TFL, at N.Y. Giants
(10/29)… Had two tackles, including one TFL, vs. New Orleans (11/5)… Notched one tackle
and one special teams stop at Carolina (11/13)… Tied for team lead with two special teams
tackles vs. Washington (11/19)… Saw late action in the secondary, recording four tackles at
Dallas (11/23)… Added one special teams tackle vs. the Cowboys… Totaled a season-high
five tackles on defense and one special teams stop at Pittsburgh (12/3)… Had four tackles
and one special teams tackle vs. Atlanta (12/10)… Finished contest at Chicago (12/17) with
three tackles, one special teams tackle and one special teams forced fumble… Recorded one
tackle and one special teams stop at Cleveland (12/24)… Saw action at safety recording three
tackles, including one TFL, vs. Seattle (12/31)… Also led the team with two special teams
tackles against the Seahawks.
186 | Veterans
2005: Played in 14 games (all but at Minnesota and at Green Bay) with one start (at
Atlanta)… Also played in one playoff game (vs. Washington)… Led the team with 25 special
teams tackles… Also added one fumble recovery on special teams, 19 tackles on defense
and one pass defensed… Played on special teams against Buffalo (9/18), recording one
special teams stop… Had two special teams stops vs. Detroit (10/2)… Posted one fumble
recovery on special teams and two special teams tackles at N.Y. Jets (10/9)… Saw significant
action at free safety against Miami (10/16) because of injury to S Dexter Jackson… Finished
game with one tackle and a season-high four special teams tackles… Totaled two special
teams stops vs. Carolina (11/6)… Saw significant action at free safety vs. Washington (11/13)
because of injury to starter S Will Allen… Finished with six tackles and two special teams
stops against the Redskins… Made first career start at Atlanta (11/20) at free saftey, replacing the injured Allen… Totaled a career-high 12 tackles to lead the secondary and one pass
defensed against the Falcons… Also posted one special teams tackle against the Falcons…
Notched three special teams tackles vs. Chicago (11/27)… Had one special teams tackle at
New Orleans (12/4)… Had two special teams tackles at Carolina (12/11)… Totaled two special tackles at New England (12/17)… Tied for the team lead with two special teams tackles
vs. New Orleans (1/1)… Appeared on special teams in NFC Wild Card game vs. Washington
(1/7).
2004: Signed with the Buccaneers on January 14, 2003… Released by the Buccaneers on
September 5, 2004… Signed to the Buccaneers practice squad on December 8, 2004…
Released from the Buccaneers practice squad on December 15, 2004… Signed to the
Buccaneers practice squad on December 22, 2004… Released from the Buccaneers practice
squad on December, 30, 2004... Signed contract with the Buccaneers on January 14, 2005,
and was allocated to NFL Europe on February 1, 2005.
2003: Did not play after being released by the Browns on August 31, 2003.
2002: Played in five games with the Browns and totaled seven tackles and two special teams
stops… Spent the final 11 weeks of the 2002 regular season on the Browns practice squad.
College: Was named Southwestern Athletic Conference Player of the Week after recording
18 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and one pass defensed against Jackson State during
the 2001 season… Had 74 tackles, 48 solos, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception
and three forced fumbles during his senior season… Recorded nine career interceptions…
Transferred to Grambling after the 1997 season from Morehouse College.
Personal: Attended Hazelwood (Town Creek, Alabama) High School… The cousin of former
Browns cornerback Antonio Langham… Born Kalvin Pearson on October 22, 1978 in Town
Creek, Alabama.
pearson’s Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2002
2003
2004 2005
2006
Cleveland 5
Tampa Bay 14
Tampa Bay 16
NFL Totals
35
0
1
0
7
19
30
6
1 0.0 0.0 0
0
Did Not Play
On Tampa Bay’s Practice Squad
12
7 0.0 0.0 0
0
24
6 0.0 0.0 0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2 1 1
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
25 18 7
13 12 1
1
56
42
0
0
2
0
0
0
40 31 9
14
0.0 0.0
0
0
ST
PLAYOFFS
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2005
Tampa Bay 1
Postseason
1
0
0
0
0
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
0
0
0
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
ADDITIONAL STATS
1 special teams forced fumble at Chicago, 12/17/06
1 special teams fumble recovery at N.Y. Jets, 10/9/05
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 12, at Atlanta, 11/20/05
Veterans | 187
Pro: Signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 4, 2006… Signed to the Minnesota
Vikings practice squad on September 3, 2006… Released by the Vikings on September 2,
2006… Entered the league with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2006.
2006: Inactive for final 13 games of season after being signed by the Buccaneers on
October 4… Signed to the Vikings practice squad on September 3… Released by the
Vikings on September 2, 2006.
College: Started 44 games at both tackle positions during his career at Utah State…
Started 44 consecutive games, which tied for the most at Utah State since 1991… Started
at right tackle in the third game of his freshman year to begin his streak… Started at left
tackle as a sophomore, junior and senior… Selected by his teammates as a team captain as
a senior… Named second-team All-WAC in 2005… Selected to play in the Hula Bowl, the
first Utah State player in the Hula Bowl since Ben Holbrook, another Aggie lineman, who
played in 2000, and the 11th overall… Majored in sociology.
Personal: Named first-team All-CIF as a prep senior at St. Bernard High School in Playa Del
Rey, California… Was a first-team all-league selection… Earned Lineman of the Year honors
as a senior… Named second-team all-league as a junior… Also was an all-state selection in
basketball… Born Donald Penn on April 27, 1983 in Los Angeles, California.
Pro: Durable and consistent player who has the strength to clear holes in the running
game… Has quickness and flexibility to seal off defensive ends as a pass blocker… Has
played in 113 career games with 106 starts… Also has played in four postseason games
with four starts… Named First-Team All-Pro by Sports Illustrated in 2001… Started at
three positions in eight seasons with the New York Giants (1999-2006): left guard as a
rookie, right tackle in 2000 and 2001, and left tackle from 2002-2006)… Appeared in
Super Bowl XXXV as a member of the Giants... Signed with the Buccaneers on March 6,
2007… Released by the Giants on February 12, 2007… Originally entered the league as
a first-round selection (19th overall) by the Giants in 1999.
2006: Started the first nine games of the season at left tackle for the Giants, before missing remainder of the season because of injury… Placed on injured reserve (12/26) with a
fractured fibula… Started vs. Indianapolis (9/10) and was a part of an offensive line that
did not allow a sack… Started at Philadelphia (9/17) and provided pass protection for
QB Eli Manning to throw for 371 yards… Started and helped pave the way for the Giants
188 | Veterans
to gain 155 yards on the ground vs. Washington (10/8)… Started and helped the Giants
rush for 259 yards, the 10th-highest total in franchise history, at Atlanta (10/15)… Started
at left tackle at Dallas (10/23), vs. Tampa Bay (10/29), and vs. Houston (11/5)… Started
at left tackle vs. Chicago (11/12) but was forced to leave the game in the first half with
a fractured left fibula… Inactive at Jacksonville (11/20), at Tennessee (11/26), vs. Dallas
(12/3), at Carolina (12/10), vs. Philadelphia (12/17) and vs. New Orleans (12/24)… Missed
the final two regular season games and one playoff contest after being placed on injured
reserve on December 26.
2005: Started 15 regular season games (all but vs. Kansas City) and the NFC Wild Card
Playoff Game at left tackle for the Giants… Started vs. St. Louis (10/2) as the Giants scored
44 points and gained 456 yards of total offense… Started vs. Washington (10/30) helped
the Giants rush for 262 yards, the eighth-highest total in team history and their highest
total since 1985… Helped the offensive line hold the 49ers without a sack at San Francisco
(11/6)… Started at Seattle (11/27), where the Giants gained a season-high 490 yards of
total offense… Started at Philadelphia (12/11) but suffered a back injury in the first quarter and did not return… Active but did not play because of back spasms vs. Kansas City
(12/17)… Started at Oakland (12/31) as offensive line helped RB Tiki Barber rush for 203
yards… Started in the NFC Wild Card Game vs. Carolina (1/8/06).
2004: Started all 16 games at left tackle for the Giants and helped anchor a line that
led the way for Barber to rush for a franchise-record 1,518 yards... The line allowed two
sacks and provided enough protection for QB Kurt Warner to complete 22 passes on 33
attempts for 232 yards and a touchdown vs. Washington (9/19)… Part of an offensive
line that enabled the Giants to rush for 245 yards at Green Bay (10/3), their highest total
since they had 260 rushing yards against Phoenix on October 11, 1992… The line paved
the way for the Giants to rush for 168 yards and four touchdowns at Minnesota (10/31)…
The offensive line did not allow a sack vs. Pittsburgh (12/18) for the first time since 2002...
Offensive line allowed only one sack and provided enough run blocking for Barber to gain
95 yards on 24 carries and score the winning touchdown vs. Dallas (1/2).
2003: Started 10 games at left tackle for the Giants… Missed six games with a back
injury that forced him to be placed on injured reserve on December 17… Injured his back
in the second quarter of season opener vs. St. Louis (9/7) and did not return to game…
Inactive vs. Dallas (9/15), ending a streak of 49 consecutive starts dating back to the
beginning of the 2000 season… Returned to the starting line-up at Washington (9/21),
and the line’s run blocking and pass protection enabled the Giants to gain 399 yards of
total offense and allow just one sack... Started nine consecutive games, anchoring young
line that twice helped the offense gain more than 400 yards - 450 at Minnesota (10/26)
and 413 at Jets (11/2)… With airtight protection, QB Kerry Collins threw for 375 yards vs.
Vikings… Played at Tampa Bay (11/24), despite painful back… Placed on injured reserve
on December 17.
2002: Started all 16 regular season games for the Giants at left tackle, and the NFC Wild
Card Game at San Francisco (1/5)… A key player as the Giants finished sixth in the NFL in
total offense (364.1 ypg) and sixth in passing offense (246.9 ypg)… Giants quarterbacks
completed a team-record 61.6 percent of their passes… Helped Collins, Barber and WR
Amani Toomer have career years… Line did not allow a sack vs. Washington (11/17) for
the first time since December 3, 2000, a 9-7 victory at Washington… Line did not allow a
sack for second consecutive week at Indianapolis (12/22) and helped Collins complete 23of-29 passes for 366 yards and four touchdowns, a perfect 158.3 rating… Offensive line
allowed one sack and provided enough pass protection and run blocking for the Giants
to gain 461 yards vs. Philadelphia (12/28)… Play of line enabled the Giants to post 446
yards of total offense in NFC Wild Card Game at San Francisco (1/5).
2001: For the second consecutive year, started all 16 games at right tackle for the
Giants… Was named a First-Team All-Pro by Sports Illustrated… A key blocker for an
offense that was ninth in the NFL in total offense (333.4 ypg) and 15th in rushing offense
(111.1 ypg)… Play at right tackle helped the Giants rush for 142 yards while allowing
only one sack vs. Washington (10/7)… Protection helped Collins pass for 346 yards at
Washington (10/28)... The line provided enough pass protection and run blocking for the
Giants to gain 408 yards of total offense at Philadelphia (12/30)… Offensive line allowed
one sack and provided enough protection for Collins to throw for a career-high 386 yards
vs. Green Bay (1/6) when the Giants gained a season-high 524 yards of total offense.
Veterans | 189
2000: Started all 16 regular season and three postseason games at right tackle for the
Giants… Play of line vs. Philadelphia (10/29) enabled the offense to hold the ball for
43:41, the team’s highest time of possession total since 1983… Started at Arizona (11/26),
and moved to left tackle in the first quarter when starter T Lomas Brown left the game
with a lower leg contusion… Despite change, line allowed just one sack and provided
enough protection for Collins to connect on 20 of his 30 pass attempts for 232 yards…
Helped offensive line to its best game of the season in the NFC Championship Game vs.
Minnesota (1/14) when the offensive line allowed just one sack and provided enough solid
blocking and pass protection for the Giants to own the ball for 42:22… Started Super
Bowl XXXV vs. Baltimore (1/28).
1999: Played in 15 games with eight starts for the Giants... Became first Giants rookie
offensive lineman to start opening game since C Derek Engler started the 1997 opener…
Started at left gaurd and recorded one miscellaneous tackle vs. Washington (9/19)…
Injured left leg and ankle just prior to halftime vs. Dallas (10/18)… Sunday de-activation due to high ankle sprain vs. New Orleans (10/24)... Returned to starting lineup at
Philadelphia (10/31).
College: Football News All-Independent First-Team selection as a senior at Notre Dame in
1998… Started all year at “quick” tackle and also made 45 appearances on the field goal/
conversion unit… Graded 83% as he collected 74 knockdowns for an offense that ranked
16th in the nation with an average of 212.5 yards per game rushing… Earned his first
career start vs. Michigan State, taking down DE Demetrius Underwood on a 7-yard scoring pass from Ron Powlus to Bobby Brown… As a sophomore in 1996, saw action with the
second unit at left tackle vs. Purdue, Texas, Navy, Boston College, Washington, Pittsburgh
and Rutgers... Saw limited action at guard vs. Southern California, Air Force and Navy as a
redshirt freshman... Redshirted his freshman year in 1994… Majored in sociology.
Personal: Married to Jennifer and the couple has two daughters, Isabella and Caroline…
In 2005, attended the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund’s “Pigskin Ball” fundraiser… Attended
the Giants’ Ronald McDonald House fundraiser dinner… Made a financial contribution
to Habitat for Humanity International’s Katrina Relief Fund… Has formed O-LINE, LLC a
company that helps bring recognition to hard-working men and women in America (OLine.com)… Owns the Bela Vista Farm, 20 minutes north of Reading, PA… Bela Vista Farm
operates a shade tree nursery, high quality hay production and management of a Black
Angus cattle herd in addition to housing corporate retreats round out the activities at Bela
Vista Farm (Belavistafarm.com)… All-America selection at both tight end and defensive
end by Prep Football Report, SuperPrep and Reebok at Sussex Central (Georgetown,
Del.) High… Earned three letters in football as an offensive tackle, tight end and defensive end… Picked up all-conference honors at defensive end as a junior and as both tight
end and defensive end as a senior… Selected for the Blue-Gold all-state football game…
Father, George, played defensive end for Penn State... Born Lucas George Petitgout (PETa-gew) in Milford, Delaware.
PETItGOUT’s Career Statistics
Games/Starts: NYG: 1999: 15/8; 2000: 16/16 (P: 3/3); 2001: 16/16; 2002: 16/16 (P: 1/1); 2003: 10/10; 2004: 16/16; 2005: 15/15 (P: 1/1); 2006: 9/9
Career Totals: 113/106 (P: 4/4)
190 | Veterans
Pro: Brutal hitter who displays great strength and strong run support skills... Equally adept
at playing close to the line or in coverage… Has also been a valuable member of the special
teams coverage units… Has played in 68 career games with 46 starts, including a career-high
16 in 2006… Has seen action in four playoff contests with one start, recording five tackles
and two special teams stops… Totaled 329 tackles, four interceptions, two sacks, six forced
fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 20 passes defensed in his career… Owns 42 career special teams tackles and one special teams fumble recovery… As a rookie in 2002, played in all
16 games and three postseason contests for the Super Bowl XXXVII champion Buccaneers...
Originally entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick (157th) of the Buccaneers in the 2002 draft.
2006: Started a career-high 16 contests… Ranked third on the team with a career-high 124
tackles and nine passes defensed… Also ranked tied for third on the team with two interceptions, added one sack, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, nine special teams tackles
and one special teams forced fumble… Finished season opener vs. Baltimore (9/10) with six
tackles, one pass defensed and one special teams tackle… Led the team with a season-high
13 tackles at Atlanta (9/17)… Added one forced fumble and one fumble recovery against
the Falcons… Finished game against Carolina (9/24) with seven tackles, one pass defensed
and two special teams tackles… Had six tackles, including one TFL, and one special teams
tackle at New Orleans (10/8)… Totaled five tackles vs. Cincinnati (10/15)… Had five stops
vs. Philadelphia (10/22)… Finished with six tackles and one special teams stop at N.Y. Giants
(10/29)… Posted 12 tackles, including one TFL, vs. New Orleans (11/5)… Registered six
tackles at Carolina (11/13)… Had five tackles and a career-high three passes defensed vs.
Washington (11/19)… Also added one forced fumble and one TFL against the Redskins…
Totaled nine tackles at Dallas (11/23)… Posted nine tackles and one special teams stop at
Pittsburgh (12/3)… Had five tackles and one special teams tackle vs. Atlanta (12/10)… Led
the secondary and tied a season high with 13 tackles at Chicago (12/17)… Also posted his
first sack of the season and second of his career against the Bears… Added two passes
defensed, one special teams tackle and one forced fumble on special teams… Posted first
career two-interception game at Cleveland (12/24)… Finished contest against the Browns
with seven tackles, two interceptions and two passes defensed… Totaled 10 tackles in season
finale vs. Seattle (12/31).
2005: Started 13 contests (all but at N.Y. Jets, vs. Miami and vs. New Orleans) as well as
playoff game… Ranked fifth on the team with a then career-high 85 tackles in 2005 despite
missing three games because of injury… Season totals included 85 tackles, four TFLs, one
forced fumble and three passes defensed… Added three special teams tackles… Part of a
defense that finished the season as the top-ranked unit in the NFL in total defense, marking
the fourth consecutive season the unit has ranked in the top five and seventh time in the
last nine years… The 2005 season was also the second time in the past four years and third
time in team history that the defense finished No. 1 overall… It also marked the ninth consecutive season that the defense has finished among the NFL’s Top 10 in total defense, tied
for the second-longest streak in the NFL since 1970… Ranked tied for second on defense
with seven tackles at Minnesota (9/11)… Added one forced fumble and one special teams
tackle against the Vikings… Part of a defense that did not surrender an offensive touchdown
against Minnesota and limited the Vikings to just 33 rushing yards… Recorded five tackles
vs. Buffalo (9/18)… Part of a defensive effort that limited the Bills offense to 147 total yards,
eight first downs and one field goal… Posted four tackles and two special teams stops at
Green Bay (9/25)… Totaled seven tackles vs. Detroit (10/2)… Returned from injury at San
Francisco (10/30), registering seven tackles… Part of a defense that limited the 49ers to
Veterans | 191
50 passing yards… Posted a season-high 12 tackles to lead the secondary against Carolina
(11/6)… Added one pass defensed against the Panthers… Totaled 10 tackles and a seasonhigh two passes defensed vs. Washington (11/13)… Had six tackles at Atlanta (11/20)…
Notched five tackles vs. Chicago (11/27)… Finished with four tackles at New Orleans (12/4)…
Posted eight tackles at Carolina (12/11) in 50th career game… Notched four tackles at New
England (12/17)… Had six tackles vs. Atlanta (12/24)… Posted four tackles in NFC Wild Card
game vs. Washington (1/7).
2004: Started nine contests on the season at free safety and inactive for five others because
of injury (vs. San Francisco, at Carolina, vs. Atlanta, at San Diego and vs. New Orleans)…
Placed on injured reserve on December 22 with a fractured right forearm, ending his season… Ranked seventh on the team and third among defensive backs with 71 tackles despite
missing seven games… Finished season with one interception, five passes defensed, one sack
and four special teams stops… Part of a defense that finished the season ranked fifth in the
NFL in total defense, marking the third consecutive season the unit has ranked in the top five
and sixth time in the last eight years… Started at free safety in season opener at Washington
(9/12)… Finished contest against the Redskins with three tackles… Led the secondary with
eight tackles vs. Seattle (9/19)… Posted first career sack vs. the Seahawks, dropping QB Matt
Hasselbeck for a two-yard loss in the fourth quarter… Added one pass defensed and one
special teams tackle against the Seahawks… Recorded a career-high and team-leading 14
tackles at Oakland (9/26)… Added one pass defensed against the Raiders… Posted seven
tackles and two passes defensed against Denver (10/3)… Tallied seven stops at New Orleans
(10/10)… Part of a defensive effort that limited the Saints to 106 passing yards… Added one
special teams tackle against the Saints… Notched five tackles at St. Louis (10/18)… Led team
with 12 tackles against Chicago (10/24)… Part of a defense that limited the Bears offense to
167 total yards… Added one special teams tackle vs. the Bears… Finished with five tackles,
one pass defensed and one special teams tackle against Kansas City (11/7)… Recorded first
interception of the season against the Chiefs, picking off a QB Trent Green pass late in the
fourth quarter… Despite playing with a fractured forearm at Atlanta (11/14), led the secondary with 10 tackles… Placed on injured reserve on December 22.
2003: Played in 14 games (all but at Carolina and vs. Green Bay) with a then career-high eight
starts: seven at free safety (at Washington, at San Francisco, vs. Dallas, at New Orleans, vs.
Houston, vs. Atlanta and at Tennessee) and one at strong safety (vs. New Orleans)… Totaled
49 tackles, one interception, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and three passes
defensed on the season… Ranked tied for third on the team with 12 special teams tackles…
Part of a defense that ranked fifth in the NFL, marking the seventh consecutive year the
defense has finished among the NFL’s Top 10… Defensive unit also finished third in passing
defense, marking the seventh time in the last eight seasons, including three straight, that the
defense has finished in the Top 10 in pass defense… Appeared in a reserve role at free safety
and on special teams at Philadelphia (9/8)… Posted one special teams tackle and tipped an
Eagles punt in the first quarter that resulted in a seven-yard punt… Appeared in a reserve
role and on special teams at Atlanta (9/21), posting one special teams stop… Recorded
first career tackle against Indianapolis (10/6)… Finished contest with three tackles and led
the team with three special teams stops against the Colts… Made first career start at free
safety at Washington (10/12)… Notched five tackles and two passes defensed against the
Redskins… Started at free safety at San Francisco (10/19) posting three tackles… Added one
special teams stop vs. the 49ers… Started at free safety vs. Dallas (10/26), posting his first
career interception off QB Quincy Carter and returning it 41 yards in the second quarter to
set up the Bucs first points of the game… Finished game with five tackles, one pass defensed
and one forced fumble… Helped the defense post its second shutout of the season… Made
first career start at strong safety against New Orleans (11/2), posting five tackles… Added
one special teams stop vs. the Saints before sustaining a fractured right forearm… Returned
to action from injury against the N.Y. Giants (11/24), posting one tackle and two special
teams stop… Substituted at free safety at Jacksonville (11/30), recording four tackles…
Started at free safety at New Orleans (12/7), totaling three tackles and one fumble recovery… Also added one special teams tackle against the Saints… Made start at free safety
against Houston (12/14) and notched three tackles and two special teams stops… Part of
a defensive effort that surrendered just 107 total yards to the Texans, tying for the second
lowest total in team history… Recorded eight tackles and one forced fumble against Atlanta
(12/20)… Led the secondary with a then career-high nine tackles at Tennessee (12/28)…
Added one forced fumble against the Titans.
192 | Veterans
2002: Played in all 16 regular season games, primarily on special teams, for the Super Bowl
XXXVII champion Buccaneers... Also played in all three playoff games... Only rookie on
roster to see action in every game... Totaled 14 special teams tackles in his rookie campaign
to rank sixth on the team... Made NFL debut on special teams against New Orleans (9/8)...
Made first career tackle on special teams at Baltimore (9/15), finishing with two special teams
stops... Appeared on special teams and saw limited action late in the game at free safety in
Cincinnati (9/29)... Made one special teams stop vs. Cleveland (10/13)... Appeared on special
teams at Carolina (10/27), recording one tackle... Recovered Vikings’ fumble on opening
kickoff vs. Minnesota (11/3)... Tied for team-high with two special teams tackles against the
Vikings... Made one special teams stop against Carolina (11/17)... Led the team with two special teams tackles at New Orleans (12/1)... Tied for team lead with two special teams stops
vs. Atlanta (12/8)... Saw action as a reserve at free safety and on special teams at Detroit
(12/15)... Posted one special teams tackle against the Lions... Appeared on special teams
vs. Pittsburgh (12/23)... Posted two special teams tackles at Chicago (12/29)... Notched first
career tackle in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game against San Francisco (1/12)... Made one
special teams tackle at Philadelphia (1/19) in the NFC Championship Game... Recorded one
special teams tackle in Super Bowl XXXVII against Oakland (1/26)... Finished the postseason
with one tackle and two special teams stops.
College: As defensive captain in 2001 was All-SEC first-team selection by The National
Sports Bureau, adding All-SEC honorable mention from the Associated Press at Georgia...
Recipient of the Coaches Leadership Award and the Vince Dooley Most Valuable Player of
the Year Award... Named to All-American Dream Team (best prospect at each position)...
Began his collegiate career as a wide receiver before shifting to the defensive backfield as
a junior... Totaled 181 tackles (113 solos) with five interceptions, 14 pass deflections and
six forced fumbles while starting 19 games for the Bulldogs’ defensive unit... Started every
game at strong safety, finishing second on the team with 80 tackles (46 solos), including three
stops for losses of eight yards... Led the team with four forced fumbles... Team leader with
three interceptions for 89 return yards and a touchdown... Closed out his career with a teamhigh 12 tackles vs. Boston College in the Music City Bowl... Played in every game in 2000
with seven starts at free safety and one at strong safety... Finished third on the team with a
career-high 85 tackles (56 solos)... Added 12 special teams tackles (nine solos)... Appeared
in 11 games as a sophomore in 1999, with three starts at split end... Caught 18 passes for
235 yards (13.1 avg.) and a touchdown... Led the team with 11 special team tackles (seven
solos)... Listed third on depth chart at split end as a redshirt freshman in 1998... Recorded
five tackles (four solos)... Was redshirted in 1997... Majored in sports studies/health and
physical education.
Personal: Has a son, Jordan... Engaged to Adrianne Sherman... In the 2006 offseason,
hosted the Jermaine Phillips Youth Football Camp in his hometown of Roswell, Georgia…
Along with teammate LB Ryan Nece, formed the Good Samaritan Program, to discover a way
to help those who need assistance achieving their dreams… Along with Nece, hosted two
Good Samaritan Holiday Celebrations in 2006, where they handed out gifts to 50 children
affiliated with the Children’s Dream Fund and provided gifts for approximately 120 children
affiliated with the University Area Community Center… Was listed in the “2005 Big Hearts”
section of The Sporting News “The Good Guys” issue for traveling to a children’s hospital
in December 2004, then returning later that day with teammate Nece to visit kids on one
floor who had been missed because of time limitations… Sponsors a ticket program at all
home games named, Flip’s Squad, in support of Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Falkenburg
Academy… Visited children in the University Community Hospital Pediatric Care Center
to sign Buccaneers pennants for them during the 2005 holiday season… Spoke to the
Robinson High School football team in 2005 about the importance of balancing academics with athletics… Visited patients at All Children’s Hospital during the holiday season in
2004… Addressed students about his high school experiences at Hillsborough High School
as part of NFL High School Tuesday in 2004… Over the past three seasons, visited the youth
at Falkenburg Academy to deliver turkeys and traditional Thanksgiving fare, and talk to the
students about the importance of making informed decisions… Visited the patients at the
Laurels Nursing & Rehabilitation Center during the 2003 and 2004 seasons to play and sing
holiday tunes with the Buccaneers Rookie Club... Along with several teammates, signed
autographs at the Metropolitan Ministries 2003 Holiday Tent in exchange for new unwrapped
toys that were distributed to families in need… Participated with students from Clearwater
Central Catholic High School in their 2003 “Here Comes Santa Claus” celebration… Was
the guest speaker at the 2003 Hillsborough County Middle School Scholar Athlete Awards
Veterans | 193
program where he addressed his personal experiences and challenges to encourage the
students to stay focused on their education... Spoke with a youth football team from Roswell,
Georgia about hard work, dedication and the importance of education... Stuffed and distributed food baskets at the Metropolitan Ministries holiday food tent prior to Thanksgiving
in 2002... Was part of a group of players that visited MacDill Air Force Base on September
10, 2002 to meet and honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces for
their efforts in defending our nation and protecting our freedom... Member of the 2002
Buccaneers’ Rookie Club that spent considerable time working in the community... Two-year
starter on both sides of the ball at Roswell (Georgia) High School... Class AAAA All-State firstteam and Georgia Top 50 pick by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution... Georgia Sports Writers
Association All-State honorable mention choice... 1996 first-team All Area and Area Player
of the Year... As a quarterback, threw 31 passes for 600 yards and five touchdowns and also
rushed 11 times for an average of 10 yards per carry and two touchdowns... Also amassed
121 tackles, recovered three fumbles and had four interceptions, two of which were returned
for touchdowns... Named to the 1996 Fox Sports South All-South second-team... Invited to
play in the 1997 Georgia-Florida All-Star Game... Born Jermaine Phillips on March 27, 1979
in Roswell, Georgia.
phillips’ Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2002 Tampa Bay 16 0
0
0
0 0.0 0.0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
0 14 13 1
2003 Tampa Bay 14 8 49
34
15 0.0 0.0 1 41 41 0 3 3 1 20 12 9 3
2004 Tampa Bay 9 9 71
45
26 1.0 2.0 1
0
0 0 5 0 0
0 4 2 2
2005 Tampa Bay 13 13 85
60
25 0.0 0.0 0
0
0 0 3 1 0
0 3 3 0
2006 Tampa Bay 16 16 124
87
37 1.0 9.0 2 45 29 0 9 2 1 17 9 5 4
NFL Totals
68 46 329
226
103 2.0 11.0
4
86
41
0
20
6
2
37 42 32 10
ST
PLAYOFFS
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2002 Tampa Bay 3 0
1
1
0 0.0 0.0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
0 2 2 0
2005 Tampa Bay 1 1
4
3
1 0.0 0.0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
Postseason
4
1
5
4
1
0.0 0.0
ADDITIONAL STATS
Special Teams Fumble Recovery: 1 vs. Minnesota,
11/3/02
Special Teams Forced Fumble Recovery: 1 at
Chicago, 12/17/06
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Team
Dallas Tampa Bay L.A. Rams Pittsburgh Miami 194 | Veterans
10 9
9
8
7
2 2 0
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 14 at Oakland, 9/26/04
Pass Defensed: 3 vs. Washington, 11/19/06
Interceptions: 2 at Cleveland, 12/24/06
Sacks: 1, twice, last at Chicago, 12/17/06
Forced Fumble, 1, several times, last vs. Washington, 11/19/06
Special Teams Tackles: 3 vs. Indianapolis, 10/6/03
CONSECUTIVE TOP 10
TOTAL DEFENSE FINISHES
SINCE AFL-NFL MERGER IN 1970
Top 10 Finishes
0
Years
1970-1979
1997-2005
1973-1981
1972-1979
1998-2004
Pro: Multi-dimensional, powerful back with skills to contribute as a runner and receiver out
of the backfield… Impressive physical package of strength, speed and size... Consistent
presence in the backfield since joining the Buccaneers in 2002... Also a legitimate receiving threat out of backfield... Productive offensive contributor who led the Buccaneers in
rushing attempts, rushing yards and total yards during his first three seasons with Tampa
Bay (2002-2004)... Averaged 1,287 yards of total offense per season from 2002-2004...
Has also ranked in the top three on the squad in receptions in each of the last five seasons (2002-2006)... Eclipsed 1,000 yards of total offense for five consecutive seasons
(2000-04) with the Cardinals (2000-2001) and Buccaneers (2002-2004)... Rushed for 100
or more yards in 10 career games (including playoffs), with eight of those performances
coming as a Buccaneer... Eclipsed 100 yards of total offense in a game 25 times during his
career... Explosive runner who owns four of the 16 longest rushing plays in franchise history (78t, 64, 58 and 57t), including a franchise-record 78-yard touchdown run vs. Kansas
City (11/11/04)… Also owns three of the 37 longest receiving plays in team history (68,
68t and 64)… Has not missed a game because of injury since joining the team in 2002...
Ranks fourth all-time in Tampa Bay history with 3,076 rushing yards as a Buccaneer... Ranks
eighth all-time in team history with 258 receptions, fourth-most among running backs
(behind RB James Wilder, RB Warrick Dunn and FB Mike Alstott)... 258 receptions since
2002 rank third in the NFL among running backs behind LaDainian Tomlinson and Tiki
Barber … Career-high 75 receptions in 2003 ranked as the eighth-most in a single-season
in Tampa Bay history and second-most among running backs... Totaled a career-high and
team-best 1,348 yards from scrimmage (751 rushing and 597 receiving) in 2003... Played
an integral role in Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl XXXVII win, rushing for a season-high 124
yards on 29 carries (4.3 avg.) in his hometown of San Diego, California... Has played in
133 career games with 76 starts... Has also played in six postseason contests with three
starts... In his career, has totaled 1,248 carries for 5,021 yards and 21 touchdowns... Also
has 389 career catches for 3,209 yards and eight touchdowns... Returned 54 career kickoffs for 1,228 yards… Totaled four punt returns for 16 yards... Signed as an unrestricted
free agent with Tampa Bay on March 26, 2002 after spending his first four seasons with
Arizona (1998-2001)... Originally selected in the fourth round (95th overall) of the 1998
NFL Draft by the Cardinals.
2006: Played in all 16 games with three starts (at Pittsburgh, at Cleveland and vs. Seattle)
for Tampa Bay… Carried 50 times for 245 yards, second-best on the team, and one touchdown… Ranked second on the team and first among running backs with 47 receptions
for 405 yards, marking the fifth consecutive season he has ranked among the top three
on the team in receptions… Led the team with 39 kickoff returns for 867 yards… Carried
the ball three times and caught one pass for seven yards against Baltimore (9/10)… Saw
action against Philadelphia (10/22), carrying three times for 14 yards and catching two
passes for 23 yards… Also returned three kickoffs for 89 yards, including a 37-yard return
to set up K Matt Bryant’s game-winning 62-yard FG… Saw action at N.Y. Giants (10/29),
rushing twice for two yards and catching five passes, tied for team lead, for 38 yards…
Saw action vs. New Orleans (11/5), leading team with six receptions for 27 yards… Also
rushed once for three yards and returned three kickoffs for 72 yards… Saw action at
Carolina (11/13), catching one pass and returning four kickoffs for 95 yards… Saw significant action vs. Atlanta (12/10), rushing three times for four yards and leading the team in
receptions and receiving yards with seven catches for 73 yards… Also returned one kickoff
for 17 yards… Carried the ball twice for five yards at Chicago (12/17)… Also caught four
passes for 30 yards and returned two kickoffs for 43 yards… Started in place of injured RB
Veterans | 195
Cadillac Williams at Cleveland (12/24) and rushed 16 times for season-high 86 yards and
one touchdown… Also caught four passes for 21 yards… Started vs. Seattle (12/31) and
rushed 12 times for 73 yards, moving into fourth place all-time among Bucs rushers with
3,076 career rushing yards and surpassing 5,000 total career rushing yards… Also caught
three passes for 36 yards.
2005: Played in all 16 games with four starts (at Minnesota, at N.Y. Jets, vs. Miami and
at San Francisco)… Also saw action in playoff game… Ranked second on the team with
70 rushing attempts for 436 yards and one touchdown… Totaled the highest yards per
attempt average of his career with 6.2 per rush… Also caught 36 passes for 300 yards and
one touchdown… Ranked third on the team with 36 receptions, marking the fourth consecutive season he has ranked among the top three on the team in receptions… Returned
three kickoffs for 85 yards, including a 37-yard return vs. New Orleans (1/1) that was the
longest of the season for the Buccaneers… Started alongside rookie RB Carnell “Cadillac”
Williams at running back at Minnesota (9/11)… Saw reserve action vs. Buffalo (9/18) and
carried seven times for 46 yards… Also caught three passes for 20 yards… Saw significant
action vs. Detroit (10/2) and caught six passes for 96 yards and one touchdown… Also
rushed five times for 30 yards… Caught a 41-yard touchdown pass that capped off a 90yard drive… Started at the N.Y. Jets (10/9) and led the team with 13 carries for 46 yards…
Also caught a team-high seven passes for 41 yards… Started vs. Miami (10/16) and rushed
for 127 yards and one touchdown on 15 carries… Averaged 8.5 yards per carry… 57-yard
touchdown was the 16th-longest running play in team history and the ninth-longest rushing touchdown… Also caught one pass for 11 yards… Started at San Francisco (10/30) and
carried four times for five yards and also caught one pass for three yards… Saw reserve
action vs. Carolina (11/6) and caught four passes for 29 yards, including a long of 26
yards… Also carried five times for 14 yards… Saw reserve action vs. Washington (11/13)
and rushed five times for 15 yards… Rushed one time for 16 yards and caught one pass for
six yards vs. Chicago (11/27)… Saw reserve action at running back at New Orleans (12/4)
and rushed four times for 40 yards and also caught two passes for 19 yards… Saw reserve
action at Carolina (12/11)… Rushed two times and also totaled three receptions for 20
yards… Saw action at New England (12/17) and carried two times for six yards and also
caught one pass for three yards…. Saw action vs. Atlanta (12/24) and rushed four times for
17 yards… Also caught four passes for 17 yards… Had a standout game vs. New Orleans
(1/1), totaling 184 all-purpose yards… Accounted for 91 all-purpose yards on Tampa Bay’s
second touchdown drive of the game… Returned his first kickoff since 2001 for 27 yards,
before racing 64 yards to the Saints’ one-yard line on the first play from scrimmage…
Following a five-yard penalty, the Buccaneers scored on a four-yard reception by WR Joey
Galloway… Tied for the seventh-longest running play in franchise history with his 64-yard
run… Also had a 37-yard kickoff return that was the longest for the Buccaneers… Totaled
three kickoff returns for 85 yards… Also caught three passes for 35 yards to pass TE Ron
Hall for ninth place in team history with 211 receptions with the Buccaneers… Caught
three passes for 30 yards in NFC Wild Card game vs. Washington (1/7).
2004: Played in 13 games with 13 starts (all but at Washington, vs. Seattle and at
Oakland)... Totaled 219 rushing attempts for 926 yards and seven touchdowns... Also
caught 41 passes for 391 yards and three touchdowns... Established new single-season
career-highs with 926 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns and 10 overall touchdowns... Ranked tied for ninth in the NFC, among non-kickers, with 60 points scored... 10
touchdowns marked the sixth time in team history a Buccaneer has recorded double-digit
touchdowns scored in a single season... Led the team, and ranked 10th in the NFC, with
926 rushing yards, the most for a Buccaneer running back since former RB Warrick Dunn
rushed for 1,133 yards in 2000... Recorded 100 yards rushing in four games (vs. Chicago,
vs. Kansas City, vs. San Francisco and vs. New Orleans)... Scored at least one touchdown
in four of his seven home games (seven overall during that span)... Totaled 100 or more
rushing yards in four of his seven home games (655 rushing yards in those seven games)...
Eclipsed 100 yards of total offense five times... Ranked second on the team with 41 receptions, the third consecutive season he has ranked among the top three on the team in
receptions... Started vs. Denver (10/3) in his first game of the year and carried the ball a
team-high 15 times for a team-best 72 yards, helping the Buccaneers rush for more than
100 yards for the first time in 2004... Led the team with 15 rushes for 51 yards at New
Orleans (10/10)... Also led the team with five receptions for 29 yards... Rushed 13 times
for 37 yards at St. Louis (10/18) and caught four passes for 16 yards, including one touchdown... Five-yard touchdown reception was his first scoring play of the season... Carried
23 times for 109 yards and one touchdown vs. Chicago (10/24), his second rushing touch196 | Veterans
down with the Buccaneers... 109-yard performance was his third regular season 100-yard
game as a Buccaneer... Tied a team-record vs. Kansas City (11/7) with three rushing touchdowns... Also established a new team record with his 78-yard scoring run, the longest run
from scrimmage in the history of the franchise... Finished the game with 15 carries for 128
yards (8.5 avg.) and three touchdowns... Also caught two passes for 30 yards... Marked
the first back-to-back 100-yard rushing games in his career... Carried a team-high 20 times
for 62 yards at Atlanta (11/14)... Also caught four passes for 16 yards... Started vs. San
Francisco (11/21) and registered his third 100-yard rushing performance in the last three
games... Rushed 21 times for 106 yards and two touchdowns... Recorded scoring runs of
14 and six yards, respectively... Tied for the team lead with eight receptions for a gamehigh 134 yards and two touchdowns at Carolina (11/28), marking his first career 100-yard
receiving performance... Also rushed 18 times for 29 yards... Tied his career-long with a
68-yard catch and run... Caught touchdowns of six and eight yards, respectively... Carried
17 times for a team-best 68 yards and one touchdown vs. Atlanta (12/5)... Ran for a fouryard touchdown to give the Buccaneers a 7-0 first quarter lead... Became the sixth player
in team history to record double digit touchdowns in a single season... Also caught two
passes for 12 yards... Carried 12 times for 42 yards at San Diego (12/12)... Also caught six
passes for 46 yards, including a long of 23 yards... Totaled 131 rushing yards, the secondhighest single-game total in his career, vs. New Orleans (12/19)... Carried 24 times for 131
yards, including a 58-yard run... Also caught two passes for 10 yards, including his 300th
career reception... Carried 10 times for 41 yards vs. Carolina (12/26)... Also caught three
passes for 13 yards... Rushed 16 times for 50 yards at Arizona (1/2) in his first meeting
against his former team... Also tied for the team lead with three receptions for 30 yards.
2003: Played in all 16 games with 13 starts (all but at New Orleans, vs. Houston and
vs. Atlanta) at running back… Totaled 187 rushing attempts for 751 yards and caught
a career-high 75 passes for 597 yards and two touchdowns on the season… Totaled a
career-high 1,348 yards of total offense… Eclipsed 100 yards of total offense on five
occasions… Led the team in rushes (187), rushing yards (751) and total offense (1,348)…
Finished first in the NFC in receptions by a running back with 75… Also ranked ninth
overall in the NFC and second on the team with 75 receptions… Ranked second in the
NFC in receiving yards by a running back with 597… Finished 13th in the NFC in rushing
yards with 751… Ranked 10th in the NFC in total offense with a career-best 1,348 yards…
1,348 yards ranked as the eighth-most in a single season in team history… Ranked tied for
12th in the NFC in first downs with 58 (37 rushing and 21 receiving)… Part of an offense
that reached all-time franchise season-highs in both total offense (340.8 ypg) and passing
offense (237.8 ypg), while ranking in the league’s Top 10 in both categories in the same
year for just the second time in team history (also 1984)… Ranked 10th in total offense
and sixth in passing offense, tying for the best final rankings in club history… Rushed
eight times for a team-leading 35 yards at Philadelphia (9/8)… Also caught four passes
for six yards… Started at running back vs. Carolina (9/14) and rushed a team-leading 10
times for 38 yards, including a long of 16… Also caught six passes for 43 yards, including
a long of 18 yards… Against the Panthers, recorded his 200th career reception… Started
at Atlanta (9/21) and totaled 164 yards of total offense, the highest combined yardage
total by a Buccaneers running back since former Buc RB Warrick Dunn totaled 198 yards
against St. Louis during the 2000 season (12/18/00)… Caught a 68-yard touchdown pass
from QB Brad Johnson, the longest scoring reception for a running back in team history…
Finished with a team-high 82 rushing yards on 20 attempts, with a long of 16… Caught
a team-high seven passes for 82 yards… Started at running back vs. Indianapolis (10/6)
and recorded his third career regular season 100-yard rushing performance… Finished
with 16 rushing attempts for 106 yards (6.6 avg.)… Also caught four passes for 35 yards…
Started at Washington (10/12) and finished with 95 yards of total offense… Rushed 17
times for 62 yards and caught three passes for 33 yards… Totaled 89 yards of total offense
at San Francisco (10/19)… Rushed six times for 29 yards and caught a team-leading 10
receptions for 60 yards… Eclipsed 3,000 career rushing yards in the game… Became the
first Buccaneers running back to total 10 or more receptions in a game since RB Warrick
Dunn recorded 12 vs. Chicago in 2001… In his 50th career start, rushed for 113 yards
on a career-high 30 attempts vs. Dallas (10/26)… Also caught one pass for four yards…
Performance was his second 100-yard rushing performance as a Buccaneer and fourth
of his career during the regular season… Started vs. New Orleans (11/2) and finished
with 103 yards of total offense and one touchdown reception… Caught six passes for
55 yards and one touchdown… Also rushed 16 times for 48 yards… Hauled in a 26-yard
touchdown in the fourth quarter… Started at running back at Carolina (11/9) and finished
Veterans | 197
with 97 yards of total offense… Carried 12 times for 50 yards and also caught five passes
for 47 yards… Started at running back vs. Green Bay (11/16) and carried eight times for
18 yards and totaled four receptions for 22 yards… Started at running back vs. the New
York Giants (11/24) and rushed 19 times for 55 yards… Also caught two passes for 22
yards… Started at Jacksonville (11/30) and led the team with 10 rushes for 60 yards… Also
caught two passes for six yards… Saw action as a reserve running back at New Orleans
(12/7)… Rushed six times for 13 yards and caught three passes for 29 yards… Saw action
as a reserve running back vs. Houston (12/14) and rushed once for three yards and tied
for the team lead with five receptions for 33 yards… Saw action vs. Atlanta (12/20) and
caught nine passes for 85 yards, including a 19-yard reception… Eclipsed 2,000 career
receiving yards with his first reception of the game (10 yards)… Also rushed four times for
20 yards… Started at Tennessee (12/28) and rushed four times for 19 yards… Tied for the
team lead with four receptions for 35 yards.
2002: Started at running back in 15 of 16 regular season games (all but vs. Minnesota) in
first season with Tampa Bay... Started all three playoff games... Led the Buccaneers in rushing with 718 yards on 204 carries while scoring one touchdown... Also led the team in total
yards with 1,195 (718 rushing and 477 receiving) while finishing third with 59 receptions...
Finished fifth all-time among running backs in club single-season history with 59 receptions... Made his debut as a Buccaneer and started at running back against New Orleans
(9/8)... Rushed 12 times for 50 yards (4.2 avg.) with a season-long run of 21 yards... Also
caught five passes for 31 yards (6.2 avg.) with a long of 13... With his 50 rushing yards and
31 yards receiving, he has now eclipsed 3,000 yards of total offense (3,065) in his career...
Started and led the team in rushing (37 yards) and receiving (58 yards) on the way to
amassing 95 total yards at Baltimore (9/15)... Also led Buccaneers in carries (13) and receptions (six)... Eight-yard rush during the first series pushed him over the 2,000-yard plateau
for rushing yards in his career... Left the game with cramps in the third quarter and did
not return... Started at running back against St. Louis (9/23)... Finished with a team-high
six catches for 28 yards, marking the second game in a row he has led the team in rushing attempts, yards and receptions... Rushed 11 times for 53 yards (4.8 avg.)... Carried 19
times for 54 yards at Cincinnati (9/29), while also catching five passes for 27 yards... Had
both a 17-yard reception and a 17-yard rush in the game... For the third straight week,
led the team in rushing attempts, rushing yards and receptions... Rushed 19 times for 62
yards while catching two passes for nine yards at Atlanta (10/6)... Totaled 148 yards of
total offense vs. Cleveland (10/13) as he caught five passes for a season-high 95 yards
while rushing 16 times for 53 yards... Recorded the third-longest reception by a running
back in team history on a 64-yard reception from QB Brad Johnson... Started and rushed
12 times for a team-high 49 yards at Philadelphia (10/20)... Also caught four passes for
15 yards... Started and rushed 12 times for 36 yards, while catching one pass at Carolina
(10/27)... Rushed three times for 19 yards vs. Minnesota (11/3) and added one reception
for 18 yards... Started at running back vs. Carolina (11/17) and tied his season-high with 21
rushing attempts for 57 yards, while catching four passes for 21 yards... Started at running
back vs. Green Bay (11/24) and carried the ball 13 times for 50 yards while also catching
two passes for 23 yards... Started at running back at New Orleans (12/1) and rushed eight
times for 17 yards along with catching six passes for 27 yards... Started vs. Atlanta (12/8)
and rushed nine times for 25 yards... Also caught a 42-yard reception that set up WR
Keenan McCardell’s first touchdown grab... Finished the game with four catches for 50
yards... Scored first touchdown of the season at Detroit (12/15) on a four-yard sprint up
the middle... Totaled nearly 100 yards of total offense with 46 yards rushing (on 11 carries)
and 47 yards receiving (on five receptions) in the contest... Started vs. Pittsburgh (12/23)
and rushed four times for 20 yards along with catching one pass for four yards... Had best
performance on the ground all season at Chicago (12/29), rushing for a season-high 90
yards on 21 attempts... Also caught two passes for 28 yards... Started at running back
in the NFC Divisional game vs. San Francisco (1/12) and rushed 17 times for 41 yards...
Started at running back in the NFC Championship Game at Philadelphia (1/19)... Tied for
the team-high with five receptions, for 53 yards... Also rushed eight times for 17 yards...
Returned to hometown of San Diego and had first 100-yard rushing game of the season
vs. Oakland (1/26) in Super Bowl XXXVII... Finished contest with 124 yards rushing on 29
carries, with a long of 24 yards... Finished postseason with a team-leading 182 yards rushing and a team-high 54 rushing attempts... Also caught six passes for 63 yards.
2001: Played in 15 games with 14 starts for Arizona and rushed for career-high 846 yards
on 241 attempts (3.5 avg.) with five touchdowns and caught 42 passes for 264 yards (6.3
avg.)... Also had six kickoff returns for 161 yards... Came off the bench to provide notice198 | Veterans
able spark to the offense with seven rushing attempts for 53 yards, including a 24-yard
scoring run, and caught team-best six passes for 31 yards vs. Atlanta (9/30)... Churned out
83 yards on 22 carries in starting role at Philadelphia (10/7)... Two pass receptions for 16
yards combined for 99 yards from scrimmage vs. Eagles in 21-20 victory... Posted 48 yards
rushing on 10 carries in the first half, including bursts of nine and 11 yards on Cards’ first
two plays from scrimmage... Also skirted the left side on fourth-and-one in first quarter for
first-down yardage in 14-play, 70-yard drive that put Cards up 14-0... Rushed for 50 tough
yards on 16 carries at Chicago (10/14) despite playing with a concussion suffered on first
play of game... Opened the contest with six-yard run around left end, then went to the
bench with mild concussion... Finished the game with five pass receptions in second half
for 25 yards... Accounted for 137 yards offense with 95 rushing yards on 26 carries and
42 yards on four pass receptions to fuel a 24-16 win over Kansas City (10/21)... Gained 29
yards on 16 rushing tries and caught two passes for 16 yards before leaving game late in
fourth quarter with concussion at Dallas (10/28)... Had 43 rushing yards on 18 carries and
28 yards on five pass receptions vs. Philadelphia (11/4)... Gained 81 yards on 23 carries
and caught one pass for three yards in 45-38 win over Detroit (11/18)… Had 44 yards on
18 attempts at San Diego (11/25), including a one-yard plunge for a fourth quarter score in
20-17 win... Combined for 95 yards from scrimmage at Oakland (12/2) with 78 yards on 18
carries and four pass receptions for another 17 yards in 34-31 overtime thriller... His 4.3yard rushing average was best since his first action of season vs. Atlanta (9/30)... Carried
the ball 14 times for 58 yards and a one-yard leap over the pile for a second quarter score
to give Cards 14-10 lead in eventual 17-10 victory vs. Dallas (12/23)... Amassed 161 total
yards at Carolina (12/30) with 12 carries for 89 yards, two receptions for 28 yards, and two
kickoff returns for 44 yards in 30-7 win... Exploded in second half for 60 yards on just five
carries, highlighted by 39-yard run from own 10-yard line in third quarter, then a 24-yarder
from own 16-yard line midway through final period... Finished season at Washington (1/6)
with two kickoff returns for 21 and 44 yards.
2000: Saw action in all 16 games with 12 starts... First Cardinal to lead club in receptions
(73) and rushing yardage (719) since RB Terry Metcalf in 1975... Tallied 10 pass receptions
vs. N.Y. Giants (11/26), most by Cardinal running back in 64 games (Larry Centers, 1996)...
Finished season with 73 pass receptions for 579 yards (7.9 avg.) and two touchdowns and
rushed 184 times for 719 yards (3.9 avg.) and four scores... Finished second in the NFC
among running backs with 80 receptions (to Redskins Larry Centers)... Rushed four times
for nine yards but collected 71 yards on six pass receptions at N.Y. Giants (9/3)... Five
catches for 53 yards in second half included a 21-yard gain to convert a third-and-five situation in a third quarter scoring drive... Added another 21-yard run-and-catch in the fourth
quarter... Gained 28 yards on nine carries and vaulted over from one yard out in second
quarter to give Cards 10-7 lead in eventual 32-31 win over Dallas (9/10)... Supplied spark
at San Francisco (10/1) with 144 yards of total offense... Finished game with team-best 11
carries for 72 yards and impressive 6.5-yard average... Also led Cardinals in receiving with
six receptions for 72 yards... Started vs. Cleveland (10/8) and responded with 16 carries for
107 yards and two pass receptions for 10 yards... Finished second quarter with 33 yards on
six carries, added 36 more rushing yards in third quarter alone with a 21-yard run in scoring drive... Had 21 yards rushing on nine carries at Dallas (10/22) and scored on one-yard
plunge in fourth quarter… Added team-best seven pass receptions for 24 yards... 126
yards from scrimmage vs. New Orleans (10/29) with 20 carries for 86 yards and 4.3-yard
average and three receptions for 40 yards against talented Saints’ defense... Gained 30
yards on 15 carries vs. Washington (11/5), including a seven-yard burst for a touchdown
in a 16-15 win... Added three pass receptions for 28 yards... Led Cardinals with 50 rushing yards on 12 attempts and eight pass receptions for 63 yards at Minnesota (11/12)...
Scored only Cardinals points on offense with one-yard vault... Six of his receptions came
on third down... 113 combined yards from scrimmage accounted for 45 percent of team
total of 249 yards... Though slowed by tender ribs and shoulder, rushed for 49 yards on
13 carries and caught six passes for 29 yards at Philadelphia (11/19)... Accounted for 173
yards from scrimmage, 65 percent of Cardinals total offense, with 13 carries for 77 yards
and career-best 10 pass receptions for 96 more yards vs. N.Y. Giants (11/26)... Scored
Arizona’s only touchdown with 36-yard rumble on textbook screen pass in third quarter...
Added season-best 29-yard run earlier in the period... Left game at Baltimore (12/17) after
suffering a concussion... Another ironman effort at Cincinnati (12/3) as only Cardinal to
carry the ball from scrimmage with 19 attempts for 72 yards and added six pass receptions for 31 yards... Rebounded for season finale at Washington (12/24) to collect 72 yards
rushing on 16 attempts and catch three passes for 13 yards.
Veterans | 199
1999: In 10 games (two starts), rushed for 289 yards on 64 carries for team-best 4.5-yard
average per attempt with two touchdowns... Also caught 16 passes for 196 yards and
returned four punts (16 yards) and two kickoffs (31 yards)... Flashed glimpses of talent and
productivity in frustratingly-short sophomore season marred by turf-toe injury... In first pro
starting role vs. Detroit (11/14), amassed 177 yards total offense with 133 rushing yards
on 23 carries and two receptions for 44 yards in 23-19 win... Featured plays were 58-yard
scoring run and 46-yard pass reception... The 58-yard run was the longest by a Cardinal
in 52 games and the longest scoring jaunt in 53 contests (LeShon Johnson, 70 yards at
New Orleans, 9/22/96)... The 133 rushing yards rank 10th among NFL players in their first
starts in the 1990s... The effort also was Arizona’s only 100-yard rusher during the 1999
season... Extensive action both from scrimmage and on special teams in season opener at
Philadelphia (9/12)... Caught two passes for 26 yards, and returned four punts for 16 yards
and one kickoff 22 yards in 25-24 win... Converted key third-and-eight play with 13-yard
grab from QB Jake Plummer in third quarter scoring drive, then made diving catch for 13yard gain to open game-winning march with less than two minutes left to place the ball at
the Eagle 30-yard line with 1:43 to play... Also posted two assisted tackles on kick-coverage units... Completed a 26-yard pass to WR Frank Sanders at Miami (9/19)... Rushed six
times for 35 yards vs. San Francisco (9/27)... Caught season-best four passes for 42 yards,
including third-down catches of 18 and 15 yards in the fourth quarter, at Dallas (10/3)...
Left outing early vs. Washington (10/17) with concussion after two carries for 15 yards and
a pair of pass receptions for another 33 yards... Four carries for 29 yards vs. New England
(10/31), including a 21-yarder up the middle near the end of the first half... Scored first
NFL touchdown on four-yard burst up the middle to give Cardinals 7-3 lead at N.Y. Jets
(11/7)... Finished game with nine rushing attempts for 41 yards and 4.6-yard average per
carry... Earned first NFL start the following week vs. Detroit (11/14)... Enjoyed outstanding success with 133 yards rushing and 44 yards receiving for 177 yards of offense... Later
bolted 58 yards to the end zone on third quarter draw play as he took the ball inside,
bounced outside and streaked down the left sideline and outraced the Detroit secondary
to the end zone to give the Cardinals a 23-7 lead with 11 minutes remaining in the period... Inactive next three games... Returned to starting lineup at Washington (12/12) but
lasted for just three carries for eight yards and a pair of pass receptions as he left game in
second quarter after aggravating the toe... Declared inactive for final three games.
1998: Played in 15 of 16 games for the Cardinals, primarily on special teams... Also played
in both playoff games… 91 rushing yards on 29 carries (3.1 avg.), four kickoffs returns for
84 yards (21.0 avg.) and 17 tackles on special teams... Played almost exclusively on special teams in season opener at Dallas (9/6) where he teamed with DB J.J. McCleskey to
put fierce stop on CB Deion Sanders in first quarter for three-yard loss on punt return...
First action from scrimmage with two carries for two and five yards in second quarter
at Seattle (9/13)... Finished with 17 carries for 56 yards vs. Chicago (10/11)... Returned
two kickoffs, 22 and 18 yards, and made a solo tackle and assist on coverage units at
N.Y. Giants (10/28)... Contributed mightily on special teams in 45-42 win at Washington
(11/22)... Recovered a muffed punt by Redskins RB Brian Mitchell in first quarter at the
Washington 29-yard line as Cardinals scored six plays later to take 3-0 lead... In fourth
quarter, returned a Washington squib kick 20 yards to the Card 45-yard line, setting stage
for 10-play, 55-yard drive to take 45-35 lead with 3:49 left in game... Also sparkled with
four tackles on coverage units... Sustained broken bone in right hand on opening kickoff
vs. N.Y. Giants (12/6) and did not play remainder of game... Inactive the next week for the
Cardinals assignment at Philadelphia (12/13)... Casted hand limited him to special-teams
play vs. New Orleans (12/20), but still managed three solo stops on coverage units...
Tallied four special teams tackles in two playoff games.
College: Regarded as one of the best pass-catching running backs in college football in
1997... Third player in Fresno State history to better 3,000-yard career rushing plateau
(3,017)... Second on Fresno State’s all-time rushing list behind RB Ron Rivers (3,473
yards)... Tied school record with four consecutive 100-yard rushing performances vs. Air
Force, Boise State, Colorado State, and Nevada-Las Vegas... Set Bulldogs single-game
record with 39 rushing attempts for 151 yards and a pair of touchdowns vs. Oregon... Set
Fresno State weightlifting record for a running back with bench press of 435 pounds...
Two-time All-WAC first team and All-America third-team pick as a senior all-purpose
back... Played in the final 11 games as a senior, leading the team with 1,057 yards rushing
and eight touchdowns on 238 carries (4.4 avg.)... Also caught 32 passes for 255 yards and
two scores... Majored in corrections.
200 | Veterans
Personal: Married to Melissa... Has four children: daughter Jordanne, son Michael, Jr., son
Mycah, and daughter Mykava Kaelyn... Has his own Web site, Pittman32.com... Brother,
Wayne, played football at San Diego State... Son of Mae and Henry Pittman... Also has
a sister, Lashonza Alexis... Dedicated weightlifter with biceps that measure 19½ inches...
Has a collection of more than 100 authentic game jerseys, including Walter Payton’s No.
34, Ozzie Smith’s No. 1 and Johnny Unitas’ No. 19... Signed autographs at Metropolitan
Ministries in exchange for toy donations as part of a holiday toy drive for needy families in
2004... All-Eastern League first-team pick as a senior at Mira Mesa (San Diego, California)
High School... Also played defensive back... Tattoo on right bicep reads “The Real Black
Superman”... Born Michael Pittman on August 14, 1975 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
pittman’s career statistics
Year
Team
GP
GS
Att
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Arizona
Arizona
Arizona
Arizona
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
15
10
16
15
16
16
13
16
16
0
2
12
14
15
13
13
4
3
29
64
184
241
204
187
219
70
50
91
289
719
846
718
751
926
436
245
NFL totals
133
76
1,248
5,021
PLAYOFFS
Year
Team
GP
GS
Att
1998
2002
2005
Arizona
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
2
3
1
0
3
0
0
54
0
0
182
0
6
3
54
182
FC
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
PUNT RETURNS
Yds Avg Lg
0
-
-
16
4.0
7
0
-
-
0
-
-
0
-
-
0
-
-
0
-
-
0
-
-
0
-
-
16
4.0
7
0
-
-
Postseason Year
Team
1998
Arizona
1999
Arizona
2000
Arizona
2001
Arizona
2002
Tampa Bay
2003
Tampa Bay
2004
Tampa Bay
2005
Tampa Bay
2006
Tampa Bay
NFL totals Postseason No
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
RUSHING
Yds
Avg
Lg
TD
No
RECEIVING
Yds Avg Lg TD
3.1
4.5
3.9
3.5
3.5
4.0
4.2
6.2
4.9
11
58t
29
42
21
17
78t
64
32
0
2
4
5
1
0
7
1
1
0
16
73
42
59
75
41
36
47
0
196
579
264
477
597
391
300
405
-
12.3
7.9
6.3
8.1
8.0
9.5
8.3
8.6
-
46
36t
27
64
68t
68
41t
25
0
0
2
0
0
2
3
1
0
4.0
78t
21
389
3,209
8.2
68t
8
RUSHING
Yds
Avg
Lg
TD
No
-
3.4
-
-
24
-
0
0
0
0
6
3
0
63
30
-
10.5
10.0
-
31
22
0
0
0
3.4
24
0
9
93
10.3
31
0
ADDITIONAL STATS
Fumbles-lost — 1-1 in 1998, 0-0 in ‘98 playoffs, 2-1
in 1999, 5-3 in 2000, 5-2 in 2001, 3-2 in 2002, 1-1 in ‘02
playoffs, 4-1 in 2003, 6-6 in 2004, 1-0 in 2005, 1-0 in ‘05
playoffs, 2-1 in 2006
17 special teams tackles in 1998
TD
-
0
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
-
No
4
2
0
6
0
0
0
3
39
54
4
RECEIVING
Yds Avg Lg TD
KICKOFF RETURNS
Yds
Avg
Lg TD
84
21.0
22
0
31
15.5
22
0
0
-
-
161
26.8
44
0
0
-
-
0
-
-
0
-
-
85
28.3
37
0
867
22.2
37
0
1,228
22.7
44
0
96
24.0
27
0
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Rushes: 30 vs. Dallas, 10/26/03
Rushing Yards: 133 vs. Detroit, 11/14/99
Rushing Touchdowns: 3 vs. Kansas City, 11/7/04
Longest Running Play: 78t vs. Kansas City, 11/7/04
Receptions: 10, twice, last at San Francisco, 10/19/03
Receiving Yards: 134 at Carolina, 11/28/04
Receiving Touchdowns: 2 at Carolina, 11/28/04
Veterans | 201
Pro: Bold signal caller recognized for his deft passing ability and poised demeanor in the
huddle… Possesses the athletic ability to scramble and make plays out of the pocket…
Clutch performer who displays toughness and unique leadership qualities… 11th-year
quarterback, entering his first season with the Buccaneers… Acquired by the Buccaneers
from the Denver Broncos in exchange for an undisclosed draft pick in the 2008 NFL Draft
on March 3, 2007… Spent four seasons with the Broncos (2003-06)… Joined the Broncos
as an unrestricted free agent March 7, 2003… Selected by Arizona in the second round
(42nd overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft… Spent six seasons (1997-02) with the Cardinals…
Has appeared in 143 career games with 136 starts… Completed 2,484-of-4,350 (57.1%)
passes in his career for 29,253 yards with 161 touchdowns and 161 interceptions…
Totaled 428 rushing attempts for 1,853 yards and 17 touchdowns in his career… Has
also made six career playoff starts, completing 122-of-197 (61.9%) pass attempts for
1,340 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions... Since 2003, compiled a 72.2
winning percentage (39-15), fourth-best among NFL passers… Completed his stint with
the Broncos as the team’s all-time highest-rated passer (84.3)… Owns 31 career gamewinning or game-tying scoring drives in the fourth quarter or overtime, 23 of which
are “pure” comeback victories that comprise the second-highest total of any QB since
1995… Surrendered the second-fewest sacks (69) in the last four seasons of any NFL
quarterback who has played in at least 55 games, trailing only the QB Peyton Manning…
Named co-captain of the Arizona Cardinals in 1998 despite being just 23 years old and
led the franchise that season to its first playoff appearance since 1982 and first playoff
victory since 1947.
2006: Played in all 16 games with 11 starts with Denver… Saw action in 12 games as
the team’s quarterback… Completed 175-of-317 passes for 1,994 yards and 11 touchdowns… Rushed 36 times for 112 yards and one touchdown… In the opener, completed
13-of-26 passes for 138 yards at St. Louis (9/10)… Completed 16-of-30 pass attempts for
173 yards vs. Kansas City (9/17)… Engineered the game-winning drive in overtime, completing both of his two attempts for 38 yards to move the team into position for K Jason
Elam’s 39-yard field goal… The overtime drive was the 29th game-winning or gamesaving drive and 22nd fourth-quarter comeback win of his career… Posted season-high
256 passing yards at New England (9/24), completing 15-of-30 pass attempts and two
touchdowns… In 46th game as a Bronco, reached the 10,000-yard plateau faster than
any Broncos quarterback… Completed three passes for 39 yards, including a four-yard
scoring strike to open a 13-3 lead over the Ravens… The game was the 29th game-winning or game-saving drive in the fourth quarter and the 22nd fourth-quarter comeback
of his career… Rushed five times for 22 yards and a touchdown vs. Indianapolis (10/29)…
Scored the team’s first touchdown with a one-yard sneak… Engineered three 80-yard
scoring drives and a 91-yard scoring drive against the Colts… Completed 16-of-27 pass
attempts for 227 yards and a season-high three touchdowns for a season-high 123.5
passer rating at Pittsburgh (11/5)… Connected on 20-of-31 pass attempts for 210 yards
and two touchdowns at Oakland (11/12)… Enjoyed 30th career game-winning or gametying fourth-quarter and 23rd game-winning comeback drives in the fourth quarter…
Completed 25-of-39 pass attempts for 216 yards and one touchdown on Thanksgiving at
Kansas City (11/23)… Replaced as the starting quarterback following the game in Kansas
City… Served as the team’s holder vs. Seattle (12/3)… On a fake field goal attempt,
202 | Veterans
flipped the ball to Elam who scampered for two yards and the first down… Remained as
the team’s holder at San Diego (12/10), at Arizona (12/17) and vs. Cincinnati (12/24)…
Plummer replaced QB Jay Cutler when the rookie left the game with an injury vs. San
Francisco (12/31).
2005: Started all 16 games with Denver… Guided the Broncos to its first AFC West title
and playoff victory since 1998… Selected to the Pro Bowl as an alternate… Completed
277-of-456 pass attempts for 3,366 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions…
Added 151 rushing yards on 46 carries with two touchdowns… Ranked second in the
NFL and led the AFC with his interception avoidance rate (1.5 percent)… Set a Broncos
franchise record with 229 consecutive passes (eight complete games) without an interception, a streak that was the fourth-longest in the NFL since 1996… Helped the club
set a team record and lead the NFL in fewest giveaways (16)… In the regular-season
opener at Miami (9/11), attempted a season-high 48 passes, completing 22 of those
for 251 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions… In home opener vs. San
Diego (9/18), completed 23-of-37 pass attempts for 248 yards with one interception in
a comeback win… After his third-quarter interception, started Broncos franchise-record
streak of 229 pass attempts without an interception… On Monday Night Football vs.
Kansas City (9/26), recorded first rushing touchdown of the season on one-yard scamper
and threw for 152 yards on 13-of-18 passing with one touchdown pass… Against New
England (10/16), increased Denver’s turnover-less streak to three games by not throwing
an interception and connecting on 17-of-24 passes with two touchdowns… Surpassed
the 25,000 passing yards plateau for career… Passed for 50th touchdown as a Bronco
at N.Y. Giants (10/23), making him the fastest player in Denver history to 50 touchdown
passes (34 games)… Directed the Broncos’ offensive explosion the following week vs.
Philadelphia (10/30) as it accounted for 564 yards and 49 points, totals that were the
second-highest for a game in club annals… Earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week
and FedEx Air Player of the Week against the Eagles, completing 22-of-35 passes for
309 yards with four touchdowns… 300-yard passer, combined with RB Mike Anderson
(126) and RB Tatum Bell (107) both surpassing 100 rushing yards, to give the Broncos the
first such combination in the same game in NFL history… On Thanksgiving Day at Dallas
(11/24), threw for 162 yards with one touchdown on 15-of-24 passing and guided Denver
to an overtime victory on the holiday… However, saw his streak without an interception
end at 229 attempts against the Cowboys with CB Terence Newman’s second-quarter
interception… Secured AFC West title as well as the No. 2 seed in the conference’s
playoffs with a 19-of-29, 268-yard performance vs. Oakland (12/24)… Started but saw
limited action in their regular-season finale at San Diego (12/31) and was replaced by
QB Bradlee Van Pelt to begin the second half… In two playoff games, completed 33-of56 pass attempts for 420 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions… In AFC
Divisional Playoff Game vs. New England (1/14), passed for 197 yards on 15-of-26 passing with one touchdown and one interception… Instrumental in snapping New England’s
NFL-record 10-game postseason unbeaten streak… Against Pittsburgh (1/22) in the AFC
Championship Game, connected on 18-of-30 passes for 223 yards with one touchdown
and two interceptions.
2004: Started all 16 games with Denver… Completed 303-of-521 passes for 4,089 yards
with 27 touchdowns and 20 interceptions… Added 202 rushing yards with one touchdown… Set a Broncos single-season record in passing yards (4,089) and tied the franchise’s
single-year touchdown pass mark (27)… Sacked only 15 times to set a franchise record
for fewest quarterback takedowns in a season… Ranked third in the AFC (fourth in NFL)
in passing yards and ranked third in the AFC (eighth in NFL) in completions… Directed
the Broncos to four fourth quarter or overtime game-winning or game-tying drives on
the year… Directed the Broncos to a win in their season opener vs. Kansas City (9/12),
completing 18-of-29 passes for 230 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions…
Passed for 294 yards and two touchdowns on 25-of-36 attempts vs. San Diego (9/26)…
Guided Denver to a win at Tampa Bay (10/3) with 138 yards on 13-of-30 passing with
one touchdown… Directed the Broncos to his 19th career comeback victory vs. Carolina
(10/10)… Passed for 226 yards and one touchdown on 17-of-29 passing… Posted the
ninth-highest single-game yardage mark in NFL history and set a franchise record with
499 passing yards on 31-of-55 passing with four touchdowns and three interceptions vs.
Atlanta (10/31)… Threw four touchdowns and 234 yards in a 16-of-24 performance vs.
Houston (11/7)… Set a single-game career best with a 137.8 passer rating… Completed
first eight passes at Tennessee (12/25) and ended the first quarter with a perfect 158.3
Veterans | 203
passer rating on the way to completing 21-of-26 passes for 303 yards, two touchdowns
and one interception for a final 124.8 rating… Led the Broncos to a win vs. Indianapolis
(1/2), securing the team’s second consecutive playoff berth in a game in which he broke
QB John Elway’s single-season franchise record for passing yards (4,030 in 1993) and
tied Elway’s franchise-best single-season touchdown mark (27 in 1997)… Completed 17of-30 passes against the Colts for 246 yards with two touchdowns, while recording his
first rushing touchdown of the season on the way to earning AFC Offensive Player of the
Week honors… Completed 24-of-34 passes for 284 yards with two touchdowns and one
interception in the Broncos’ AFC Wild Card Game at Indianapolis (1/9).
2003: Played in 11 games with 11 starts in first year with Denver, missing four games
because of injury and one game to prepare and rest for the playoffs… Completed 189-of302 passes for 2,182 yards with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions for a career-best
passer rating of 91.2 that ranked fourth in the AFC (fifth in NFL)… Rushed 37 times for
205 yards and three touchdowns… Compiled a streak of 139 passes without an interception over a period of four-plus games early in the season, while totaling 10 scoring
passes… Started and made Broncos debut in the season opener at Cincinnati (9/7) and
completed 12-of-25 pass attempts for 115 yards with three interceptions… At San Diego
(9/14), completed 9-of-13 passes for 94 yards and three touchdowns in less than a half
of football… Suffered a first-degree separation of his right shoulder with 8:11 remaining
in the second quarter while rushing the ball for a two-yard… Two plays later, threw his
third touchdown of the day to T Cooper Carlisle before leaving the game for good…
On Monday Night Football vs. Oakland (9/22), completed 14-of-21 passes for 197 yards
and two touchdowns while adding five rushes for 48 yards with one touchdown… Earned
AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors, the MNF Horse Trailer Player of the Game
award and the Snickers Hungriest Player Award for his performance… 40-yard run in the
second quarter was the longest of his career and the longest rush ever by a Broncos
quarterback… Against Detroit (9/28), completed 25-of-34 passes for 277 yards and two
touchdowns… Led the team in rushing with 40 yards on six carries… Returned to the
lineup vs. San Diego (11/16) after missing four games because of injury… Showed no ill
effects of the layoff by completing 23-of-34 passes for 253 yards with three touchdowns
for a passer rating of 106.6… Against Kansas City (12/7), completed 20-of-29 passes for
238 yards with a touchdown for a passer rating of 105.2… Inactive at Green Bay (12/28)
with a playoff spot secured… In AFC Wild Card Game at Indianapolis (1/4), started and
completed 23-of-30 passes for 181 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions for
a passer rating of 74.4.
2002: Started all 16 games with Arizona… Completed 284-of-530 passes for 2,972 yards,
18 touchdowns and 20 interceptions… Rushed 46 times for 283 yards and two touchdowns… Reached a career milestone, eclipsing the 15,000-yard passing mark in the first
quarter vs. San Diego (9/22) with a 65-yard scoring strike… Finished the contest completing 16-of-36 passes for 229 yards… Against N.Y. Giants (9/29), completed 23-of-32 pass
attempts for 168 yards… At Carolina (10/6), completed 18-of-40 pass attempts for 221…
Authored career comeback victory No. 20 in a 9-6 overtime win vs. Dallas (10/20), connecting on 23-of-46 passes for 232 yards and adding another 46 yards on four carries…
Completed 24-of-43 passes for 228 yards with two touchdowns and just one interception
vs. Detroit (12/8)… Completed 17-of-27 pass attempts for 258 yards with two touchdown
passes at St. Louis (12/15).
2001: Started all 16 games with Arizona… Completed 304-of-525 pass attempts for
3,653 yards with 18 touchdowns and 14 interceptions… Rushed 35 times for 163 yards…
Finished as the NFL’s leader with 1,277 fourth-quarter passing yards and threw 10 touchdown passes in the final period to tie with then-San Francisco QB Jeff Garcia for tops
in the NFC… In the season opener vs. Denver (9/23), completed a 26-yard strike to WR
David Boston on the first play of game to surpass the 11,000-yard career passing mark…
Finished the game completing 16-of-28 passes for 242 yards with one touchdown and
one interception… Spun fourth-quarter comeback magic for the 13th time and fifth
against the Eagles with a 21-20 win at Philadelphia (10/7), completing 18-of-32 passes
for 238 yards with two touchdowns and one interception… Guided the team on a 74yard, eight play game-winning drive against Philadelphia that took just 64 seconds and
culminated with a 35-yard scoring pass… Demonstrated impressive game management
in a win vs. Detroit (11/18), compiling his 14th career comeback victory after bringing
Arizona back from a 31-21 fourth-quarter deficit and finishing the game 21-of-33 for 334
yards and four touchdowns… Authored 15th career comeback win at San Diego (11/25),
204 | Veterans
completing 19-of-31 attempts for 241 yards against the Chargers… Etched career comeback No. 16 in the books with a 34-31 overtime victory at Oakland (12/2)… Completed
22-of-38 pass attempts for 249 yards.
2000: Started 14 games with Arizona… Completed 270-of-475 pass attempts for 2,946
yards, 13 touchdowns and 21 interceptions… Added 183 rushing yards on 37 carries...
Named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after the Cardinals’ 32-31 win vs. Dallas
(9/10)… In the game, posted a career-best 75 percent completion figure (18-of-24) in
bringing the Cardinals back from an 11-point deficit with two fourth-quarter touchdown
passes for his 12th career comeback victory… Became the fastest Cardinal to reach
10,000 career passing yards in only his 47th appearance against Washington (11/5)…
Connected on 22-of-44 attempts for 278 yards with a pair of scoring strikes, hooking up
with WR David Boston for 38 and 15-yard touchdowns… Inactive at Jacksonville (12/10)
while recovering from rib/sternum injuries… Returned to the lineup vs. Baltimore (12/17),
throwing for 266 yards on 23-of-43 passing with one touchdown and two interceptions.
1999: Played in 12 games with 11 starts with Arizona… Hampered by injuries throughout
most of the season after suffering a sprained thumb in Arizona’s second preseason game,
a broken finger midway through the year and nagging hip and groin injuries… Completed
201-of-381 passes for 2,111 yards with nine touchdowns and 24 interceptions… Added
121 rushing yards on 39 carries with two touchdowns... A broken finger vs. Washington
(10/17) forced him to miss the next five starts - did not play for four consecutive games
and played but did not start at N.Y. Giants 11/28… Returned as starter vs. Philadelphia
(12/5) and completed 12-of-19 pass attempts for 126 yards and one touchdown… Also
ran for one score… Faced a 17-7 deficit entering the final period and rallied the Cardinals
in the fourth quarter with two touchdowns in the final five minutes for come-from-behind
victory… Concluded the year with a career-high 35 completions on 57 attempts for 396
yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions at Green Bay (1/2).
1998: Started all 16 games with Arizona… Selected to the Pro Bowl… Second to Green
Bay’s QB Brett Favre in the NFC with 547 pass attempts and 324 completions… Passed
for 3,737 yards with 17 touchdowns and 20 interceptions, compiling a 75.0 passer rating… Guided Arizona to its first postseason victory in 51 seasons and first postseason
berth since 1982… Added 217 rushing yards on 51 carries with four touchdowns...
Directed the Cardinals to an NFL single-season record seven wins in eight games decided
by three points or less… Completed a franchise-record 15 consecutive completions vs.
Washington (11/8) to open the second half of the game and completed 22-of-30 attempts
for 186 yards with one touchdown on the day for a 73.3 completion percentage… At
the end of the Redskins game, took the Cardinals 50 yards in five plays on a drive that
covered just 22 seconds to set up the game-winning field goal with two seconds left…
Playing before a national television audience vs. Dallas (11/15), authored one of the most
improbable comeback efforts in recent NFL history… Rallied the Cardinals from a 28-0
deficit… Compiled 465 passing yards (314 in the second half) in a furious comeback to
bring Arizona to within a 35-28 score and holding the football on the Cowboys’ five-yard
line… In the second half alone, completed 18-of-33 attempts for 314 yards and two
touchdowns while totaling three touchdowns and one interception for the contest… At
Washington (11/22), led the Cardinals to a 31-0 lead in first half on his way to completing
17-of-28 passes for 251 yards with two touchdowns and one interception… Additionally,
ran for three scores to match the highest total by an NFL quarterback since 1977…
Authored seventh fourth-quarter comeback victory at Philadelphia (12/13) in an overtime victory after throwing for 234 yards on 18-of-26 passing with one touchdown and
one interception… Celebrated 24th birthday with another impressive comeback effort
vs. New Orleans (12/20), completing 32-of-44 passes for 394 yards with no touchdowns
and one interception to earn the NFL’s Player of the Week award… Took the Cardinals
73 yards on six plays with just 1:21 left against the Saints to allow K Chris Jacke to hit
a game-winning 36-yard field goal as time expired… Against San Diego (12/27) in the
regular-season finale, delivered the Cardinals their first postseason berth since 1982
by engineering a drive that ended with a 52-yard game-winning field goal by Jacke in
the 16-13 victory… Guided Arizona to a 20-7 upset victory in NFC Wild Card Game at
Dallas (1/2), completing on 19-of-36 passes for 213 yards with two touchdowns and two
interceptions… Played a key role in the win against Dallas, which marked the franchise’s
first postseason win since 1947… In NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Minnesota (1/10),
recorded 242 passing yards on 23-of-41 attempts with two interceptions.
Veterans | 205
1997: Played in 10 games with nine starts with Arizona… Opened the campaign as the
third quarterback behind starter QB Kent Graham and back-up QB Stoney Case and
was elevated on the depth chart after Graham suffered a knee injury in the Cardinals’
sixth game… Inactive for the first six games… Set a Cardinals rookie passing record
by completing 157-of-296 passes for 2,203 yards with 15 touchdowns and 15 interceptions… Added 216 rushing yards on 39 carries with two touchdowns... Set an NFL
rookie single-game passing record with 388 passing yards in a game… Saw his first NFL
action at Philadelphia (10/19) and completed 5-of-9 pass attempts for 98 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown to WR Kevin Williams that marked the first scoring pass of his
career… Entered the game against the Eagles at 10:26 of the fourth quarter with the
ball on the Cardinals’ two-yard line and marched the club 98 yards for a touchdown in
14 plays, the longest touchdown drive in the NFL in 1997… Became the first NFL quarterback to take his team more than 66 yards for a score in first career possession… Four
touchdown passes vs. Washington (12/7) were the most by an NFL rookie since 1993…
Named NFC Offensive Rookie of the Month for November… Established an NFL rookie
passing mark at N.Y. Giants (11/16) in fourth career start with 388 yards on 22-of-33 pass
attempts, including scrambling away from pressure for a 70-yard scoring toss to WR
Frank Sanders… At Baltimore (11/23), totaled 218 passing yards on 19-of-34 passing…
Took the Cardinals 55 yards in six plays, using only 34 seconds, with four completions in
five attempts to set up a game-winning 43-yard field goal… Passed for 337 yards and
four touchdowns on 19-of-38 passing vs. Washington (12/7)… In season finale vs. Atlanta
(12/21), completed 19-of-39 passes for 237 yards and three touchdowns and two interceptions, while adding one rushing score in comeback win.
College: Captured the hearts and imagination of college football fans with exciting,
improvisational style that carried Arizona State University to an undefeated 1996 regular season and a trip to the Rose Bowl… Finished third in the Heisman Trophy balloting… Four-year starter who started 40 consecutive games… Set ASU career records for
completions (632), pass attempts (1,142), passing touchdowns (65) and passing yards
(8,827)… A consensus All-America selection, became the first Arizona State player to be
voted Pac-10 Offensive Player-of-the-Year… As a senior, completed 198-of-348 passes
for 2,776 yards and 24 touchdowns… Scored four touchdowns on 95 rushing attempts…
Additionally, led ASU to a stunning 19-0 shutout of defending national champion
Nebraska at Sun Devil Stadium, completing 20-of-36 passes for 292 yards… Marked the
Cornhuskers’ first loss since the 1993 Orange Bowl and their first regular-season setback
since 1992… Earned First-Team All-Pac-10 Conference honors as a junior, finishing with
173 completions on 301 attempts for 2,222 yards and 17 touchdowns… In 1993, became
the first true freshman quarterback to start at Arizona State since 1984 and led the team
to a 4-2 record as a starter, including wins in four of the last five outings.
Personal: Named an All-American at Capital High School in Boise, Idaho, after passing
for 6,097 yards and 68 touchdowns in final two years… Completed 205-of-297 passes
and rushed for 645 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior… Two-time All-Idaho selection as quarterback and punter, captained the football and baseball teams as a senior…
Created the Jake Plummer Foundation in 1999, which was founded to provide opportunities for children’s causes as well as raise funds and generate awareness for Alzheimer’s
disease organizations… Foundation holds a bowl-o-rama each spring, and the first five
events in the Phoenix area raised approximately $450,000 for Children’s Hospital, the
Alzheimer’s Association and Homeward Bound… Held first event in Denver in 2004, and
the proceeds benefited the Alzheimer’s Association and Family Tree… Filmed a public
service announcement in 2004 honoring Pat Tillman, a teammate and friend at Arizona
State, as well as all service men and women in the U.S. Military… Won the nationally-televised Quarterback Shootout in 1999 and 2000… Brother, Brett, holds Brown University’s
800-meter dash record… Named the Denver Athletic Club’s Professional Athlete of the
Year for performance with the Broncos in 2005… An avid golfer and owns a Shepherd/
Heeler dog named Ray-Rae… Born Jason Steven Plummer on December 19, 1974, in
Boise, Idaho.
206 | Veterans
PASSING
Year Team
1997 Arizona
1998 Arizona
1999 Arizona
2000 Arizona
2001 Arizona
2002 Arizona
2003 Denver
2004 Denver
2005 Denver
2006 Denver
GP
10
16
12
14
16
16
11
16
16
16
PLUMmER’s Career Statistics
GS Att Cmp
9
296
157
16 547
324
11 381
201
14 475
270
16 525
304
16 530
284
11 302
189
16 521
303
16 456
277
11 317
175
Pct
53.0
59.2
52.8
56.8
57.9
53.6
62.6
58.2
60.7
55.2
Yds Yds/Att TD
2,203
7.44
15
3,737
6.83
17
2,111
5.54
9
2,946
6.20
13
3,653
6.96
18
2,972
5.61
18
2,182
7.23
15
4,089
7.85
27
3,366
7.38
18
1,994
6.29
11
Int
15
20
24
21
14
20
7
20
7
13
Lg
70t
57
63
70t
68t
80t
60
85t
72
83t
Sk
52
49
27
22
29
36
14
15
22
18
Yds
Lst Rating
291
73.1
280
75.0
152
50.8
151
66.0
204
79.6
248
65.7
73
91.2
90
84.5
135
90.2
111
68.8
NFL Totals
143 136 4,350 2,484 57.1 29,253
6.72
161 161 85t 284 1,735 74.6
Career record as starter: 69-67 (50.7); 3-6 (.333) in 1997; 9-7 (.563) in 1998; 3-8 (.273) in 1999; 3-11 (.214) in 2000; 7-9 (.438) in
2001; 5-11 (.313) in 2002; 9-2 (.818) in 2003; 10-6 (.625) in 2004; 13-3 (.813) in 2005; 7-4 (.636) in 2006
PLAYOFFS
Year Team
1998 Arizona
2003 Denver
2004 Denver
2005 Denver
GP GS Att Cmp
2
2
77
42
1
1
30
23
1
1
34
24
2
2
56
33
Pct
54.5
76.7
70.6
58.9
Yds
Yds Yds/Att TD Int Lg Sk Lst Rating
455
5.91
2
4 59 0
0
59.2
181
6.03
1
2 34 2
5
74.4
284
8.35
2
1 35t 3 24
103.1
420
7.50
2
3 42 5 19
72.0
Postseason
6
6
197
122
61.9 1,340
6.80
7 10 59 10 48
72.7
Career postseason record as starter: 2-4 (.333); 1-1 in 1998; 0-1 in 2003; 0-1 in 2004; 1-1 in 2005
RUSHING
Year
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Team
Arizona
Arizona
Arizona
Arizona
Arizona
Arizona
Denver
Denver
Denver
Denver
NFL Totals
AttYds Avg Lg
39 216
5.5 31
51 217
4.3 27
39 121
3.1 17
37 183
4.9 24
35 163
4.7 21
46 283
6.2 34t
37 205
5.5 40
62 202
3.3 22
46 151
3.3 22
36 112
3.1 19
TD
2
4
2
0
0
2
3
1
2
1
428 1,853
17
4.3
40
ADDITIONAL STATS
Fumbles-Lost — 6-5 in 1997; 12-5 in 1998; 7-1 in
1999; 8-4 in 2000; 8-3 in 2001; 13-6 in 2002; 4-2 in
2003; 6-1 in 2004; 4-2 in 2005; 7-2 in 2006
Pro: Unquestionably one of the league’s most dominant and feared pass rushers...
Tenacious speed rusher who employs a variety of devastating techniques and can run
down any quarterback... Must be accounted for on every snap... Physical specimen with
incredible wingspan and strength... Renowned for offseason and post-practice workout
regimen... Loquacious personality with a penchant for making splash plays... Has totaled
121 sacks, 584 tackles, 37 forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries, five interceptions and
58 passes defensed in his career... Has started in 160 of the 166 games played during
his career... Also has started in seven playoff contests, totaling seven sacks, 26 tackles,
Veterans | 207
three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and two passes defensed… In 2004, became
just the 22nd player in NFL history to record 100 career sacks... His 121 career sacks rank
second in the NFL among active players while his average of 11.0 sacks per year ranks
second among active players that have played at least three seasons... Ranks 13th on the
NFL’s all-time sack list... His eight seasons with 10 or more sacks are tied for fifth all-time
in NFL history and lead all active players… Additionally, his five consecutive seasons with
10 or more sacks rank tied for fifth all-time… His five 10-sack seasons as a member of
the Buccaneers are a team record… His 56.5 sacks from 2002-2005 were the most by any
defender in the NFL for that period... Has recorded 33 career multi-sack games to lead
all active NFL players, with 20 coming as a member of the Buccaneers since 2001... His
20 multi-sack games as a member of the Buccaneers is tops in team history… Named
first-team All-Pro in 2002 and second-team All-Pro in 2003 by the Associated Press and
was honored as the 2002 NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year... Established NFL
record with at least two sacks in five consecutive games in 2002... Wreaked havoc with
two sacks and another takedown on a two-point conversion in Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl
XXXVII victory over the Oakland Raiders... Posted a career-high four sacks at Washington
(10/12/03)... Set a personal-best by registering at least half-a-sack in six consecutive
games in 2002... Owns the second, third, fourth and seventh highest single-season sack
totals in club history (15.5 in 2002, 15 in 2003, 14 in 2005 and 12 in 2004)... In just six
seasons with Tampa Bay (2001-2006), already ranks third on the club’s all-time sacks list
with 69.5... Spent his first five NFL seasons (1996-2000) with the Arizona Cardinals and
led Arizona in sacks in four of five seasons... Established Arizona club mark with 16.5
sacks in 1999 to earn first Pro Bowl berth... Was a first round draft pick (third overall) by
the Cardinals in 1996, posting one of the finest rookie seasons by a defensive end in NFL
history... Equaled NFL rookie sack record of 12.5 set by San Diego’s Leslie O’Neal in 1985
and then broken in 1999 by Tennessee’s Jevon Kearse (14.5)... Consensus NFL defensive
rookie-of-the-year in 1996... Signed with the Buccaneers in 2001 as an unrestricted free
agent… Originally entered the NFL as a first-round selection (third overall) by the Arizona
Cardinals in the 1996 NFL Draft.
2006: Started in eight contests on the season and inactive for two others (at Carolina and
vs. Washington)… Placed on injured reserve (11/22) because of a shoulder injury… Led
the team with four forced fumbles despite playing in only eight contests… Recorded 21
tackles, two sacks and one pass defensed… Totaled four tackles, including one TFL, and
one forced fumble in season opener vs. Baltimore (9/10)… Posted one tackle at Atlanta
(9/17)… Had four tackles and two forced fumbles vs. Carolina (9/24)… Also recorded
one sack of QB Jake Delhomme against the Panthers… His two forced fumbles led to
Buccaneers touchdowns in the second half of the contest against the Panthers… Had
two tackles at New Orleans (10/8)… Posted four tackles vs. Cincinnati (10/15)… Had one
tackle vs. Philadelphia (10/22)… Finished contest at N.Y. Giants (10/29) with one sack and
one forced fumble of QB Eli Manning, three tackles and one pass defensed… Had two
tackles, including one TFL, vs. New Orleans (11/5)… Inactive at Carolina (11/13), marking
the first time in his career he missed a contest because of injury… Inactive vs. Washington
(11/19) because of injury… Placed on injured reserve (11/22) with a shoulder injury.
2005: Started 15 contests (all but at San Francisco) as well as playoff game vs.
Washington… Led team for the fifth consecutive season with 14 sacks… His 14 sacks
ranked third in the NFL and second in the NFC… His 14 sacks were also the fourth highest total of his career and fourth highest total in Buccaneers history… Was a consistent
presence in the opposition’s backfield throughout the season, recording at least one sack
in 12 of his 16 games, including the playoffs… Posted double-digit sack totals for the
eighth time in his career to lead all active NFL players and rank tied for fifth all-time…
It also marked his fifth consecutive season with 10 or more sacks, ranking him tied for
fifth all-time and first among active players… Had six forced fumbles, one forced fumble
short of tying the Buccaneers single-season record (seven) and his career single-season
high (seven in 1999 with Arizona)… Finished season with 47 tackles, 14 sacks, six forced
fumbles, five passes defensed and one interception… Part of a defense that finished the
season as the top-ranked unit in the NFL in total defense, marking the fourth consecutive
season the unit has ranked in the top five and seventh time in the last nine years… The
2005 season was also the second time in the past four years and third time in team history
that the defense finished No. 1 overall… It also marked the ninth consecutive season that
the defense has finished among the NFL’s Top 10 in total defense, tied for the secondlongest streak in the NFL since 1970… Finished season opener at Minnesota (9/11) with
one sack of QB Daunte Culpepper, one forced fumble and three tackles, including one
208 | Veterans
TFL… Part of a defense that did not surrender an offensive touchdown against Minnesota
and limited the Vikings to just 33 rushing yards… Recorded two tackles and one sack of
QB J.P. Losman vs. Buffalo (9/18)… Added one pass defensed against the Bills… Part of
a defensive effort that limited the Bills offense to 147 total yards, eight first downs and
one field goal… Totaled two tackles at Green Bay (9/25)… Led defensive linemen with a
season-high six tackles vs. Detroit (10/2)… Added one pass defensed and one sack of QB
Joey Harrington against the Lions… Posted one sack of QB Vinny Testaverde at N.Y. Jets
(10/9)… Added five tackles, including one TFL against the Jets… Registered a sack and a
forced fumble of QB Gus Frerotte in the fourth quarter against Miami (10/16)… Finished
game against the Dolphins with four tackles… Inactive at San Francisco (10/30)… Had
one tackle against Carolina (11/6)… Recorded two sacks and two forced fumbles of QB
Mark Brunell vs. Washington (11/13)… His second forced fumble was recovered by the
Buccaneers and set up Tampa Bay’s second touchdown of the day… Also notched first
interception of the season off a Juran Bolden pass defensed in the second quarter…
Added five tackles and one pass defensed against the Redskins… Forced a QB Matt
Schaub fumble in the end zone that was recovered for a touchdown in the first quarter
at Atlanta (11/20)… Totaled two tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one pass
defensed against the Falcons… Recorded two tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and
one pass defensed vs. Chicago (11/27)… Sack of QB Kyle Orton came in the second
quarter against the Bears… Posted three tackles at New Orleans (12/4)… Matched
his season high with six tackles at New England (12/17)… Also posted one sack of QB
Tom Brady against the Patriots… Recorded the 32nd multi-sack game of his career vs.
Atlanta (12/24), dropping QB Michael Vick for two sacks… Added four tackles against
the Falcons (12/24)… Recorded the 33rd multi-sack game of his career vs. New Orleans
(1/1), dropping QB Todd Bouman for two sacks… Finished game against the Saints
with two tackles… Registered one sack of QB Mark Brunell in NFC Wild Card game vs.
Washington (1/7)… Finished contest against the Redskins with seven tackles and one
pass defensed to go along with the sack.
2004: Started all 16 games on the season at defensive end... Recorded the 100th and
101st sacks of his career vs. Atlanta (12/5) to become just the 22nd player in NFL history with 100 career sacks... Reached double-digit sack totals for the fourth consecutive
season and seventh time in his career... Totaled 12 sacks to lead the team and rank tied
for fifth in the NFL... Part of a defense that finished the season ranked fifth in the NFL in
total defense, marking the third consecutive season the unit has ranked in the top five
and sixth time in the last eight years... It also marked the eighth consecutive season that
the defense has ranked in the top 10, the longest current streak in the NFL... Finished
season with 51 tackles, 12 sacks, one forced fumble and five passes defensed... Recorded
three tackles at Washington (9/12)... Posted one tackle against Seattle (9/19)... Part of
a defense that limited the Seahawks to 182 total yards... Posted first sack of the season
against QB Kerry Collins at Oakland (9/26)... Totaled two tackles and one pass defensed
against the Raiders... Recorded three tackles and one sack for six yards at St. Louis
(10/18)... Finished contest against Chicago (10/24) with two sacks for 13 yards... Added
three tackles and one pass defensed against the Bears... Helped limit the Bears offense
to 167 total yards... Posted three tackles and one sack of QB Michael Vick at Atlanta
(11/14)... Recorded five tackles against San Francisco (11/21)... Part of a defensive effort
that limited the 49ers offense to 26 total yards and two first downs in the first half...
Recorded five tackles and one sack, the 99th of his career, at Carolina (11/28)... Dropped
Vick for two sacks and one forced fumble vs. Atlanta (12/5)... Finished contest against the
Falcons with four tackles and two passes defensed... Helped defense post ninth shutout
in franchise history and first of the season against the Falcons... Posted four tackles, one
TFL and one sack of QB Drew Brees at San Diego (12/12)... Recorded third multi-sack
performance on the season and 30th of his career against New Orleans (12/19), totaling
three sacks of QB Aaron Brooks... Finished contest against the Saints with eight tackles
and one TFL... Had three tackles against Carolina (12/26)... Recorded two tackles and one
pass defensed in season finale at Arizona (1/2).
2003: Elected to his third Pro Bowl and second consecutive as a Buccaneer… Named
second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press… Ranked second in the NFL with 15
sacks… Was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his effort at Washington
(10/12) after he tied a club record and set a career-high with four sacks… Started all 16
games at defensive end… Led the team in sacks (15) and forced fumbles (six) and ranked
second in passes defensed (10)… Along with CB Ronde Barber, recorded a statistic in
every defensive category compiled by the team… His two interceptions were a careerVeterans | 209
high… Added 62 tackles and one fumble recovery on the season… Part of a defense that
ranked fifth in the NFL, marking the seventh straight year the defense has finished among
the NFL’s Top 10… Notched two sacks for 14 yards, one pass defensed and one forced
fumble at Philadelphia (9/8)… Added five tackles against the Eagles… Helped defense
post third shutout in last 16 regular season games… Recorded one sack for nine yards,
one forced fumble and one pass defensed against Carolina (9/14)… Also posted the third
interception of his career… Finished contest at Atlanta (9/21) with four tackles and one
sack for 11 yards… Helped defense limit the Falcons to 136 total yards, the seventh best
defensive effort in club history… Recorded three tackles against Indianapolis (10/6)…
Was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his effort at Washington (10/12) after
he tied a club record and set a career-high with four sacks… Added seven tackles, one
forced fumble and one fumble recovery against the Redskins… Set a new career-high by
posting his second interception of the season at San Francisco (10/19)… Finished game
with three tackles and two passes defensed vs. the 49ers… Finished contest against the
Cowboys (10/26) with one tackle and two passes defensed… Helped the defense post
its second shutout of the season… Recorded a second quarter sack against New Orleans
(11/2), dropping QB Aaron Brooks for a nine-yard loss… Finished game with six tackles
and two passes defensed to lead the team… Recorded sacks of QB Jake Delhomme on
successive plays in the fourth quarter at Carolina (11/9)… Finished game with two sacks,
five tackles and one forced fumble… Posted one tackle against Green Bay (11/16)…
Notched a second quarter sack and forced fumble of QB Kerry Collins against the New
York Giants (11/24)… Finished contest with three tackles… Part of a defensive effort
that held the Giants offense to 212 total yards… Totaled three tackles and two passes
defensed at Jacksonville (11/30)… Posted three sacks of Brooks at New Orleans (12/7)…
Finished with six tackles and one forced fumble against the Saints… Helped limit Saints
RB Deuce McAllister to 69 rushing yards on 22 carries (3.1 avg.)… Posted three tackles
against Houston (12/14)… Part of a defensive effort that surrendered just 107 total yards
to the Texans, tying for the second lowest total in team history… Posted three tackles
against Atlanta (12/20)… Totaled four tackles at Tennessee (12/28).
2002: Helped lead the Buccaneers to their first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XXXVII…
Selected to his second career Pro Bowl and first as a Buccaneer... Named All-Pro first
team by the Associated Press and second team by Football Digest... Selected as the
NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year... Received All-Pro honors from College and
Pro Football Newsweekly, Sports Illustrated and The Sporting News... Named to the Pro
Football Weekly/PFWA All-NFL and All-NFC teams... Garnered NFC Defensive Player of
the Month honors in November... Ranked first in the NFC and second in the NFL with
15.5 sacks... Set an NFL single-season record at New Orleans (12/1) by posting two or
more sacks in five consecutive games... His three-sack performance at New Orleans was
the 23rd multi-sack game of his career... Established a new career high by posting at
least half-a-sack in six straight games... Ranked second among defensive linemen with
a career-high 75 tackles... Led team with six forced fumbles... Made 100th career start
against Green Bay (11/24)... Started all 16 regular season games at defensive end...
Started all three playoff games... Part of a defense that ranked first in the NFL, marking the sixth straight year the defense finished among the NFL’s Top 10... At the time,
also marked the second time in franchise history that the defense finished the year
ranked No. 1 overall (also 1979)… Totaled 75 tackles, 15.5 sacks, one interception, six
forced fumbles and 11 passes defensed on the season... Tallied three tackles and two
passes defensed vs. New Orleans in season opener (9/8)... Recorded two tackles and a
pass defensed before sustaining a left shoulder strain in the fourth quarter at Baltimore
(9/15)... Intercepted second pass of his career and recorded his first sack of the season against St. Louis (9/23)... Also added three tackles, a forced fumble and tied for a
team-high with three passes defensed... Led defensive linemen with seven tackles and
a pass defensed at Cincinnati (9/29)... Helped to limit Bengals All-Pro RB Corey Dillon
to 59 yards rushing and a 2.8 average... Recorded 1.5 sacks at Atlanta (10/6)... Finished
contest with six tackles and knocked QB Michael Vick out of the game with a sack in the
third quarter... Registered two tackles and helped to keep the Cleveland offense out of
the end zone (10/13)... Sacked Philadelphia QB Donovan McNabb in the first quarter,
forcing a fumble that was returned 11 yards by LB Derrick Brooks for a touchdown at
Philadelphia (10/20)... Led all defensive linemen with eight tackles and added a pass
defensed against the Eagles... Posted first two-sack effort of the season and 19th multisack game of his career at Carolina (10/27)... Led defensive linemen for the second week
in a row with seven tackles and added a forced fumble against the Panthers... Notched
210 | Veterans
second consecutive two-sack game against Minnesota (11/3)... Finished contest against
the Vikings with four tackles and recorded a forced fumble for the third week in a row...
Posted third consecutive multi-sack game against Carolina (11/17), pulling QB Rodney
Peete down for two sacks... Forced a fumble for the fourth consecutive game and added
seven tackles to lead all defensive linemen... Recorded fourth consecutive multi-sack
game of the season against Green Bay (11/24), bringing down QB Brett Favre twice in
the fourth quarter, including the final play of regulation... Added six tackles and a pass
defensed against the Packers... Set an NFL record by posting his fifth consecutive (23rd
career) multi-sack game at New Orleans (12/1), recording three sacks and five tackles
from his defensive end position... All three sacks of QB Aaron Brooks came in the first
quarter, the last of which resulted in a fumble out of the end zone for a safety... Finished
contest vs. Atlanta (12/8) with three tackles and a pass defensed, while limiting Vick to 15
rushing yards... Recorded three tackles at Detroit (12/15)... Notched a first quarter sack
of QB Tommy Maddox against Pittsburgh (12/23)... Finished contest with seven tackles
and a pass defensed... Posted two tackles in return to Champaign against the Bears
(12/29)... Helped to pressure QB Henry Burris into throwing four interceptions... Notched
a third quarter sack, forcing a QB Jeff Garcia fumble, against San Francisco (1/12) in the
NFC Divisional Playoff game... Added four tackles against the 49ers... Recorded one sack
for six yards and a forced fumble at Philadelphia (1/19) in the NFC Championship Game...
Finished with one tackle and a fumble recovery against the Eagles... Finished Super Bowl
XXXVII against Oakland (1/26) with a game-high two sacks for seven yards... Added five
tackles and thwarted a Raiders two-point conversion attempt in the third quarter, dropping QB Rich Gannon behind the line of scrimmage... Registered a team-high four sacks
in the postseason... Added 10 tackles, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in
the playoffs.
2001: Started all 16 games, as well as playoff game, in first season as a Buccaneer...
Totaled 64 tackles, team-high 11 sacks, two forced fumbles and eight passes defensed...
11 sacks ranked tied for sixth in the NFC... 64 tackles (then the second-highest total of
career) ranked first along the defensive front and seventh on the defense... Named NFC
Defensive Player of the Month for December, collecting 21 tackles, one forced fumble,
two passes defensed and a whopping eight sacks in five games... Helped defense finish
among the NFL’s Top 10 (sixth) for the fifth straight year, the only team in the league to
do so... Made Buccaneer debut at Dallas (9/9) and finished with three tackles... Helped
hold Dallas to 127 total yards, the third-best single-game total in franchise history... Had
first sack as a Buccaneer, bringing down QB Daunte Culpepper at Minnesota (9/30) for a
10-yard loss... Also performed well against the run with six stops... Had five tackles on the
afternoon against Green Bay (10/7), including a tackle for loss on WR Antonio Freeman
on a reverse play, knocking the Packers out of field goal range... Finished with nine
tackles and one pass defensed at Tennessee (10/14)... Totaled two tackles, one sack and
two passes defensed at Detroit (11/11)... Had outstanding effort against Chicago (11/18)
with five tackles, one sack, two passes defensed and one forced fumble... Notched two
sacks, four tackles and one forced fumble at Cincinnati (12/2)... Posted three tackles, one
sack and two passes defensed against Detroit (12/9)... Made four tackles and grabbed
two sacks at Chicago (12/16)... Continued his torrid stretch with two sacks and five
tackles against New Orleans (12/23)... Posted his team-leading 11th sack of the year
in the second quarter against Baltimore (12/29) with a 14-yard takedown of Ravens QB
Elvis Grbac... Added five tackles... Played excellent playoff game at Philadelphia (1/12),
leading the charge with seven tackles, two sacks for seven yards on Eagles QB Donovan
McNabb and one forced fumble.
2000: Played in 15 games with 11 starts for Arizona and recorded 46 tackles, a teambest 7.5 quarterback sacks, eight TFLs, one pass defensed, one forced fumble and one
fumble recovery... Did not play in season opener at N.Y. Giants (9/3) while on reserve-did
not report list... Received first action of season midway through first quarter of home
opener vs. Dallas (9/10)... Finished game with two tackles, including a sack and tackle for
loss... Posted four tackles, one assist, a pair of hurries and two tackles for loss vs. Green
Bay (9/24)... Had three hurries of 49er QB Jeff Garcia at San Francisco (10/1) rushing
from numerous positions along the defensive line... Provided two tackles vs. Cleveland
(10/8)... Did not start due to shoulder ailment vs. Washington (11/5) but provided one
solo tackle and half-a-sack in reserve role... Shoulder prevented him from starting at
Minnesota (11/12) but made potential key play in third period with Minnesota nursing 177 lead... On second-and-seven at Arizona’s eight-yard line, slapped ball away from Viking
QB Daunte Culpepper on hard outside rush and recovered the ball at the 12 yard-line…
Veterans | 211
Finished game with three tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery... Impressive first half at Philadelphia (11/19) with a then single-game career-best
three sacks of QB Donovan McNabb — most by Cardinal since Ken Harvey’s three vs.
Washington in 1993... Added two more tackles for loss as all five of his stops resulted in
lost yardage... Active day vs. Baltimore (12/17) with five tackles... Achieved season-best
eight tackles, one sack and one TFL in season finale at Washington (12/24).
1999: Started all 16 games... Set franchise mark with 16.5 quarterback sacks and finished
second in NFL to St. Louis Rams Kevin Carter (17)... First Pro Bowl appearance as “need
player” named by NFC Head Coach Tony Dungy... In addition to sack total, posted 54
tackles, seven forced fumbles, two tackles for loss, three passes defensed, and one
fumble recovery... Opened season with monster game at Philadelphia (9/12) with nine
tackles that included two quarterback sacks and three forced fumbles... Versatile effort
vs. San Francisco (9/27) and finished with five solo tackles, one sack of QB Steve Young
on first play of second quarter to force a punt, and three hurries... Nailed Giant QB Kerry
Collins for six-yard sack on Giants’ first play of second half at Meadowlands (10/10),
then added another drop late in the game near midfield along with three tackles and a
hurry... Three hurries vs. Washington (10/17)... Supplied constant pressure with two sacks
and five tackles vs. New England (10/31)... Second consecutive two-sack game with five
tackles and a pair of drops of Jets QB Rick Mirer in second quarter at N.Y. Jets (11/7)...
Outstanding effort at N.Y. Giants (11/28) with three tackles, forced fumbles on both sacks
of Collins, recovering one of the loose footballs... Key effort vs. Philadelphia (12/5) with
three tackles, three hurries, and one timely sack after Eagles marched inside the 20-yard
line with a resulting forced fumble that LB Rob Fredrickson recovered at the Cards’ 19yard line to end scoring threat... Had one sack of QB Doug Flutie vs. Buffalo (12/19)...
Three stops at Atlanta (12/26)... Finished season at Green Bay (1/2) by sacking Packer
QB Brett Favre twice, once on a third-quarter scramble, and again in the fourth quarter
when he slapped the ball out of Favre’s hand.
1998: Returned to rookie-season form to lead club in sacks (10) and recovered fumbles
(four)... Also deflected five passes and forced one fumble... Finished season with 41 tackles as 16-game starter... Four two-sack games... After just five tackles in first two games,
splashed vs. Philadelphia (9/20) with four tackles, two sacks, one fumble recovery and
10-yard return... The recovery and return set up the go-ahead touchdown late in 17-3
victory in home opener vs. Eagles... Four tackles and a third quarter sack in win at St.
Louis (9/27)... Another active game vs. Oakland (10/4) as a down lineman and upright end
with four tackles and two deflected passes... Three tackles in win over Chicago (10/11)...
Monster game at Detroit (11/1) with two sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble
recovery... Another productive game vs. Washington (11/8) with six tackles, including
his second consecutive game with two sacks... In rematch with Redskins at Washington
(11/22), peppered ‘Skins with two sacks... Two tackles vs. N.Y. Giants (12/6) but missed
majority of defensive snaps in second half after rib injury... Pushed season sack total to
10 vs. New Orleans (12/20) with drop of Saints QB Kerry Collins... One solo tackle vs. San
Diego (12/27) and had one fumble recovery... One tackle, in playoff win at Dallas (1/2)...
One stop in divisional playoff game at Minnesota (1/10).
1997: Played in 16 games with 15 starts (all but the season finale)... Battled through
effects of training-camp virus when he lost 15 pounds and missed the entire preseason...
Finished sophomore season with 58 tackles, five quarterback sacks, four TFLs, one
interception, and one forced fumble... Also knocked down six passes at the line of scrimmage... Three sacks in first two games pushed his 20-game total to 15.5 sacks, just one
sack short of O’Neal’s league best of 16.5 sacks in his first 20 NFL games (1985-86)...
Hospitalized in Phoenix with virus two days into training camp... Though stamina was
a concern due to the virus, still managed three tackles and a sack in season opener at
Cincinnati (8/31)... Eight tackles in victory vs. Dallas (9/7), highlighted by two sacks...
Four stops at Tampa Bay (9/28)... Notched fourth sack of the season and added two
tackles vs. Minnesota (10/5)... Seven tackles and a diving interception in the first quarter
at Philadelphia (10/19)... Active day vs. Tennessee (10/26) with seven tackles and one
deflected pass... Contributed to victory over Philadelphia (11/2) with seven tackles, one
sack, two TFLs, one deflected pass and one forced fumble... Posted five overall tackles
and logged five hurries at Baltimore (11/23)... Three tackles vs. Pittsburgh (11/30)...
Finished season with no tackles in final three games vs. Washington (12/7), at New
Orleans (12/14), and vs. Atlanta (12/21), the first times in his career he had been shut out
of the tackle column.
212 | Veterans
1996: Played in 16 games with 15 starts... Season statistics included 65 tackles, 12.5
sacks, six TFLs, one fumble recovery, two forced fumbles and three passes defensed...
Named NFL defensive rookie-of-the month for September, collecting 18 tackles, five
sacks, six hurries, two tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery...
Opened NFL career at Indianapolis (9/1) in grand fashion, nailing Colt RB Marshall Faulk
for a two-yard loss on the first play of the game... Followed with five tackles and his first
NFL sack vs. Miami (9/8)... Another sack at New England (9/15)... Third sack and a fumble
recovery at New Orleans (9/22)... Ran streak of consecutive games with sacks to four
against St. Louis (9/29), finishing with two tackles, two assists, two sacks and two forced
fumbles... Four tackles, including one for loss, at Dallas (10/13)... Six stops against Tampa
Bay (10/20)... Four tackles and a first-quarter sack at N.Y. Giants (11/3)... Followed with
two more sacks in return match vs. N.Y. Giants (11/17)... Key sack at Cards’ 39-yard line
vs. Philadelphia (11/24) that forced Eagles to punt from midfield in 36-30 Arizona win...
One sack at Minnesota (12/1)... Three tackles and a sack, plus one tackle for loss, vs.
Dallas (12/8)... In addition to four tackles and two passes defensed against Washington
(12/15), collected two sacks... Managed two tackles in season finale at Philadelphia
(12/22), marking the first time in six games he did not register a sack... Selected by
Arizona in the first round (third overall) of the 1996 NFL Draft.
College: Two-time All-America selection at Illinois with 45 career quarterback sacks,
shattering the previous Illini record of 23 by Scott Davis (1983-87)... Also broke Big Ten
Conference sack record of 36 by Michigan’s Mark Messner (1985-88)... Consensus junior
All-American who opted to return to school for his senior year rather than turn professional... School-record 16 sacks as a junior and 12 as a senior... Recorded five sacks
against Washington State as a junior... Majored in speech communications at Illinois and
earned his degree in May of 1996.
Personal: Single... During the 2007 offseason, was named an honorary coach during the
University of Illinois’ annual Orange and Blue Spring Game… During the 2004 offseason,
launched a performance apparel company called T3K-Thermal 3000 – which is a clothing
line of insulating garments to keep athletes warm in cold weather... During the 2006 offseason, was an award presenter at Spike TV’s second annual AutoRox, the only nationally
televised awards show honoring and celebrating America’s passion for the automobile…
Along with FHM Magazine, hosted a party prior to Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville,
Florida... Was a media day correspondent for the NFL Network at the 2005 Super Bowl...
Named to the 2003 All-Interview team by NFL.com... Was named to The Sporting
News 2003 and 2005 NFL’s 100 Best Players Lists... Would like to pursue a career in
film as a writer and producer when his playing days conclude... Has his own website,
simeonrice97.com... Provided Thanksgiving dinners to 50 families of the University
Area Community Center Complex in 2004... Along with The FairPlay Foundation, The
University Area Community Development Corporation, Inc. and Buchanan Middle
School, hosted The Simeon Rice Back-2-School Workout program for 50 at-risk youth at
the University Center Complex in Tampa in 2004... Featured on the cover of The Sporting
News in June, 2003 for his offseason conditioning regimen... Distributes turkeys each
Thanksgiving to Bay Area families at the Children’s Cancer Center... Holds an annual toy
drive at the Rainbow Center, a center for abused children, during the Christmas Season...
Attended the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah in January, 2004... In his first visit
back to his hometown of Chicago, organized a charitable event prior to the Buccaneers’
game against the Bears in 2001 to benefit Chicago Fire Fighters Union 911 Fund and the
police department’s “Widows and Orphans Fund” of New York... All-Illinois selection at
Mt. Carmel (Chicago, Illinois) High School... Led squad to 26-2 mark and pair of Illinois
5-A titles... Prep track teammate of former Syracuse quarterback and 1999 Philadelphia
first-round (second overall) draft pick Donovan McNabb at Mt. Carmel... University of
Illinois teammate Kevin Hardy was selected by Jacksonville with the second overall pick,
one slot ahead of Rice, in the 1996 NFL Draft... Born Simeon Rice on February 24, 1974
in Chicago, Illinois.
Veterans | 213
Rice’s Career Statistics
YearTeam
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
TACKLES
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds
37
32
29
46
30
43
45
45
33
39
15
28
26
12
8
16
21
30
17
18
8
6
12.5 74.5
5.0 33.0
10.0 43.0
16.5 105.5
7.5
32
11.0 80.0
15.5 111.0
15.0 117.0
12.0 71.0
14.0 89.0
2.0 15.0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
30
12
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
30
12
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
6
5
3
1
8
11
10
5
5
1
2
1
1
7
1
2
6
6
1
6
4
1
0
4
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
39
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
NFL Totals
166 160 584
394
190 121.0 771.0
5
48
30
0
58
37
8
39
PLAYOFFS
YearTeam
TACKLES
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds
Arizona
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Postseason
15
15
16
16
11
16
16
16
16
15
8
FUMBLES
PD FF FR Yds
65
58
41
54
46
64
75
62
51
47
21
1998
2001
2002
2005
Arizona
16
Arizona
16
Arizona
16
Arizona
16
Arizona
15
Tampa Bay 16
Tampa Bay 16
Tampa Bay 16
Tampa Bay 16
Tampa Bay 15
Tampa Bay 8
INTERCEPTIONS
No Yds Lg TD
INTERCEPTIONS
No Yds Lg TD
FUMBLES
PD FF FR Yds
2
1
3
1
2
1
3
1
2
7
10
7
1
4
8
5
1
3
2
2
0.0
2.0
4.0
1.0
0.0
7.0
21.0
11.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
6
0
7
7
26
18
8
7.0
39.0
0
0
0
0
2
3
1
6
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
ADDITIONAL STATS
Special Teams Fumble Recovery: 1 at Oakland,
9/26/04
Tackles: 9, twice, at Tennessee, 10/14/01 and at
Philadelphia, 9/12/99 (with Arizona)
Sacks: 4 at Washington, 10/12/03
Forced Fumbles: 3 at Philadelphia, 9/12/99 (with
Arizona)
33 multi-sack games
RICE’S GAME-BY-GAME Statistics
1996
Arizona
date
Sept. 1
Sept. 8
Sept.15
Sept.22
Sept.29
Oct. 13
Oct. 20
Oct. 27
Nov. 3
Nov.10
Nov.17
Nov.24
Dec. 1
Dec. 8
Dec.15
Dec.22
TOTALS
OPPONENT
@Indianapolis
Miami
@New England
@New Orleans
St. Louis
@Dallas
Tampa Bay
N.Y. Jets
@N.Y. Giants
@Washington
N.Y. Giants
Philadelphia
@Minnesota
Dallas
Washington
@Philadelphia
214 | Veterans
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
2
0
2
1
4
5
1
4
5
2
0
2
2
2
4
2
2
4
4
2
6
1
1
2
4
0
4
2
1
3
4
3
7
1
2
3
4
4
8
3
1
4
3
1
4
1
1
2
37
28
65
FF
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1 0
0
PD
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
3
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
1.0
7
1.0
5
1.0
11
2.0
14
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
6
0
0
2.0
10
0.5 5.5
1.0
6
1.0
1
2.0
9
0
0
12.5 74.5
1997
Arizona
date
Aug. 31
Sept. 7
Sept. 14
Sept. 28
Oct. 5
Oct. 12
Oct. 19
Oct. 26
Nov. 2
Nov. 9
Nov. 16
Nov. 23
Nov. 30
Dec. 7
Dec. 14
Dec. 21
TOTALS
OPPONENT
@Cincinnati
Dallas
@Washington
@Tampa Bay
Minnesota
N.Y. Giants
@Philadelphia
Tennessee
Philadelphia
@Dallas
@N.Y. Giants
@Baltimore
Pittsburgh
Washington
@New Orleans
Atlanta
1998
Arizona
date
OPPONENT
Sept. 6
@Dallas
Sept. 13 @Seattle
Sept. 20 Philadelphia
Sept. 27 @St. Louis
Oct. 4
Oakland
Oct. 11
Chicago
Oct. 18
@N.Y. Giants
Nov. 1
@Detroit
Nov. 8
Washington
Nov. 15
Dallas
Nov. 22
@Washington
Nov. 29
@Kansas City
Dec. 6
N.Y. Giants
Dec. 13
@Philadelphia
Dec. 20
New Orleans
Dec. 27
San Diego
TOTALS PLAYOFFS
Jan. 2
@Dallas
Jan. 10
@Minnesota
1999
Arizona
date
Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 27 Oct. 3
Oct. 10
Oct. 17
Oct. 31
Nov. 7
Nov. 14
Nov. 21
Nov. 28
Dec. 5
Dec. 12
Dec. 19
Dec. 26
Jan. 2
TOTALS
OPPONENT
@Philadelphia
@Miami
San Francisco
@Dallas
N.Y. Giants
Washington
New England
@N.Y. Jets
Detroit
Dallas
@N.Y. Giants
Philadelphia
@Washington
Buffalo
at Atlanta
@Green Bay
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
3
0
3
4
4
8
2
2
4
1
1
2
1
1
2
3
2
5
4
3
7
5
2
7
5
2
7
1
2
3
1
1
2
2
3
5
0
3
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
32
26
58
FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 1
0
PD
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
6
SACKS
NO. YDS
1.0
1
2.0
16
0
0
0
0
1.0
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
9
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5.0 33
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
3
1
4
0
1
1
4
0
4
3
1
4
1
3
4
3
0
3
0
2
2
2
0
2
4
2
6
1
0
1
3
0
3
1
0
1
2
0
2
0
1
1
1
1
2
1
0
1
29
12
41
FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
4 0
0
PD
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
5
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
2.0
12
1.0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
2.0
6
2.0
7
0
0
2.0
12
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
4
0
0
10.0 43
0
1
1
0
1
1
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
9
0
9
3
1
4
5
0
5
1
1
2
3
1
4
0
1
1
5
0
5
4
1
5
1
0
1
0
1
1
3
0
3
2
1
3
3
0
3
1
1
2
3
0
3
3
0
3
46
8
54
0
0
FF
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
0
1
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1 0
0
1
0
PD
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
SACKS
NO. YDS
2.0
11
0
0
1.0
10
0
0
2.0
14
0
0
2.0
9
2.0
5
1.0
9
0
0
2.0
16
1.0
9
0.5 5.5
1.0
5
0
0
2.0
12
16.5 105.5
Veterans | 215
2000
Arizona
date
Sept. 10 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Nov. 26 Dec. 3 Dec. 10 Dec. 17 Dec. 24 TOTALS OPPONENT
Dallas Green Bay @San Francisco Cleveland Philadelphia @Dallas New Orleans Washington @Minnesota @Philadelphia N.Y. Giants @Cincinnati @Jacksonville Baltimore @Washington 2001
Tampa Bay
date
OPPONENT
Sept. 9
@Dallas
Sept. 30 @Minnesota
Oct. 7
Green Bay
Oct. 14
@Tennessee
Oct. 21
Pittsburgh
Oct. 28
Minnesota
Nov. 4
@Green Bay
Nov. 11
@Detroit
Nov. 18
Chicago
Nov. 26
@St. Louis
Dec. 2
@Cincinnati
Dec. 9
Detroit
Dec. 16
@Chicago
Dec. 23
New Orleans
Dec. 29
Baltimore
Jan. 6
Philadelphia
TOTALS PLAYOFFS
Jan. 12
@Philadelphia
2002
Tampa Bay
date
OPPONENT
Sept. 8
New Orleans
Sept. 15 @Baltimore
Sept. 23 St. Louis
Sept. 29 @Cincinnati
Oct. 6
@Atlanta
Oct. 13
Cleveland
Oct. 20
@Philadelphia
Oct. 27
@Carolina
Nov. 3
Minnesota
Nov. 17
Carolina
Nov. 24
Green Bay
Dec. 1
@New Orleans
Dec. 8
Atlanta
Dec. 15
@Detroit
Dec. 23
Pittsburgh
Dec. 29
@Chicago
TOTALS PLAYOFFS
Jan. 12
San Francisco
Jan. 19
@Philadelphia
Jan. 26
vs. Oakland**
**Super Bowl XXXVII
216 | Veterans
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
2
0
2
4
1
5
0
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
3
0
4
4
0
1
1
1
0
1
1
2
3
5
1
6
1
0
1
0
2
2
1
1
2
4
1
5
8
0
8
30 16 46 FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0 0
0
0 0
0
0 0
0
0 0
0
0 0
0
0 0
0
0 0
0
0 0
0
1 0
0
0 0
0
0 0
0
0 0
0
0 0
0
0 0
0
0 0
0
1 0
0
PD
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
SACKS
NO. YDS
1.0 3
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0 6
0
0
0
0
0.5 0
1.0 4
3.0 13
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0 6
7.5 32
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
3
0
3
4
2
6
2
3
5
5
4
9
0
2
2
1
2
3
2
1
3
1
1
2
5
0
5
2
0
2
4
0
4
2
1
3
3
1
4
3
2
5
4
1
5
2
1
3
43
21
64
FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
2
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
PD
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
2
2
1
0
2
0
0
0
0
8
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
1.0
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
2
1.0
8
0
0
2.0
19
1.0
5
2.0
15
2.0
7
1.0
14
0
0
11.0 80
4
3
7
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
0
3
3
1
1
2
2
1
3
4
3
7
3
3
6
1
1
2
4
4
8
6
1
7
3
1
4
4
3
7
3
3
6
4
1
5
1
2
3
2
1
3
5
2
7
2
0
2
45
30
75
2
1
5
2
0
0
4
1
5
1
FF
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
6
1
1
0
0
0
0
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
30
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 1 30
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
PD
2
1
3
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
11
0
0
0
2.0
7
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
1.0
7
0
0
1.5
7
0
0
1.0
8
2.0
15
2.0
10
2.0
20
2.0
17
3.0
25
0
0
0
0
1.0
2
0
0
15.5 111
1.0
1.0
2.0
8
6
7
2003
Tampa Bay
date
Sept. 8
Sept. 14
Sept. 21
Oct. 6
Oct. 12
Oct. 19
Oct. 26
Nov. 2
Nov. 9
Nov.16
Nov. 24
Nov. 30
Dec. 7
Dec. 14
Dec. 20
Dec. 28
TOTALS
OPPONENT
@Philadelphia
Carolina
@Atlanta
Indianapolis
@Washington
@San Francisco
Dallas
New Orleans
@Carolina
Green Bay
N.Y. Giants
@Jacksonville
@New Orleans
Houston
Atlanta
@Tennessee
2004
Tampa Bay
date
Sept. 12
Sept. 19
Sept. 26
Oct. 3
Oct. 10
Oct. 18
Oct. 24
Nov. 7
Nov. 14
Nov. 21
Nov. 28
Dec. 5
Dec. 12
Dec. 19
Dec. 26
Jan. 2
TOTALS
OPPONENT
@Washington
Seattle
@Oakland
Denver
@New Orleans
@St. Louis
Chicago
Kansas City
@Atlanta
San Francisco
@Carolina
Atlanta
@San Diego
New Orleans
Carolina
@Arizona
2005
Tampa Bay
date
OPPONENT
Sept. 11 @Minnesota
Sept. 18 Buffalo
Sept. 25 @Green Bay
Oct. 2
Detroit
Oct. 9
@NY Jets Oct. 16
Miami
Nov. 6
Carolina
Nov. 13
Washington
Nov. 20
@Atlanta
Nov. 27
Chicago
Dec. 4
@New Orleans
Dec. 11
@Carolina
Dec. 17
@New England
Dec. 24
Atlanta
Jan. 1
New Orleans
TOTALS PLAYOFFS
Jan. 7
Washington
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
3
2
5
4
1
5
2
2
4
3
0
3
6
1
7
3
0
3
1
0
1
4
2
6
4
1
5
0
1
1
2
1
3
1
2
3
5
1
6
2
1
3
3
0
3
2
2
4
45
17
62
FF
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
6
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
12
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1 2 12
PD
1
1
0
0
0
2
2
2
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
10
SACKS
NO. YDS
2.0
14
1.0
9
1.0
11
0
0
4.0
34
0
0
0
0
1.0
9
2.0
14
0
0
1.0
12
0
0
3.0
14
0
0
0
0 0
0
15.0 117
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
2
1
3
0
1
1
1
1
2
1
0
1
1
1
2
2
1
3
2
1
3
2
0
2
2
1
3
3
2
5
2
3
5
4
0
4
3
1
4
6
2
8
1
2
3
1
1
2
33
18
51
FF
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
PD
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
5
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
1.0
12
0
0
0
0
1.0
6
2.0
13
0
0
1.0
7
0
0
1.0
2
2.0
9
1.0
9
3.0
13
0
0
0
0
12.0 71
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
2
1
3
2
0
2
2
0
2
5
1
6
4
1
5
4
0
4
1
0
1
4
1
5
1
1
2
2
0
2
2
1
3
0
0
0
5
1
6
3
1
4
2
0
2
39
8
47
FF
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
6
TURNOVERS
FR INT. YDS.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 1
6
PD
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
5
SACKS
NO. YDS
1.0
3
1.0
8
0
0
1.0
2
1.0
7
1.0
8
0
0
2.0
22
1.0
1
1.0
3
0
0
0
0
1.0
5
2.0
17
2.0
13
14.0 89
5
2
7
0
0
0
0
1
1.0
11
Veterans | 217
2006
Tampa Bay
date
Sept. 10
Sept. 17
Sept. 24
Oct. 8
Oct. 15
Oct. 22
Oct. 29
Nov. 5
Nov. 13
Nov. 19
Nov. 23
Dec. 3
Dec. 10
Dec. 17
Dec. 24
Dec. 31
TOTALS
OPPONENT
Baltimore
@Atlanta
Carolina
@New Orleans
Cincinnati
Philadelphia
@N.Y. Giants
New Orleans
@Carolina
Washington
@Dallas
@Pittsburgh
Atlanta
@Chicago
@Cleveland
Seattle
TACKLES
SOLO AST. TOT.
3
1
4
1
0
1
4
0
4
1
1
2
2
2
4
0
1
1
3
0
3
1
1
2
15
6
21
TURNOVERS
FF FR INT. YDS.
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Inactive
Inactive
Injured Reserve
Injured Reserve
Injured Reserve
Injured Reserve
Injured Reserve
Injured Reserve 4
0 0
0
PD
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
SACKS
NO. YDS
0
0
0
0
1.0
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
5
0
0
2.0
15
Pro: Aggressive and intense competitor with excellent range… A sideline-to-sideline player
who is a sound tackler… Possesses athletic ability to run with running backs and cover tight
ends… Saw increased playing time last season and should again challenge for playing time at
linebacker position in 2007… Has seen action in 32 regular season games with five starts and
one playoff contest… Career totals include 66 tackles on defense, 30 special teams tackles
and one special teams fumble recovery… Had one special teams tackle in his only playoff
appearance… Originally entered the league as a second-round draft pick (36th overall) of the
Buccaneers in the 2005 NFL Draft.
2006: Played in all 16 games with five starts (vs. Baltimore, vs. Carolina, at Carolina, vs.
Washington and at Dallas)… Ranked 10th on the team with a career-high 59 tackles on
the season… Added 12 special teams stops… Made first career start in season opener vs.
Baltimore (9/10), replacing the injured Shelton Quarles at MLB… Finished contest against
the Ravens with nine tackles… Made second start of the season at MLB vs. Carolina (9/24) as
Quarles started at OLB in place of the injured Ryan Nece… Finished with 10 tackles against
the Panthers… Totaled two tackles at New Orleans (10/8)… Notched two tackles and one
special teams stop vs. Philadelphia (10/22)… Saw action at MLB and on special teams at
N.Y. Giants (10/29), totaling one special teams tackle… Totaled six tackles and two special
teams tackles vs. New Orleans (11/5)… Started at MLB at Carolina (11/13) because of injury
to Quarles… Had 10 tackles, including one TFL, and one special teams tackle at Carolina
(11/13)… Notched six tackles vs. Washington (11/19)… Led the team with a career-high
11 tackles at Dallas (11/23)… Totaled one tackle and one special teams stop vs. Atlanta
(12/10)… Posted two special teams tackles at Cleveland (12/24)… Tallied two tackles and
one special teams stop vs. Seattle (12/31).
2005: One of three Buccaneer rookies (along with G Dan Buenning and TE Alex Smith) to
play in all 16 regular season games and playoff contest… Ranked tied for fourth on the team
with 18 special teams tackles… Added seven tackles on defense and one fumble recovery
on special teams… Saw action in first career game on special teams at Minnesota (9/11)…
Totaled one special teams tackle against the Vikings… Led team with two special teams
218 | Veterans
tackles against Buffalo (9/18)… Led team with three special teams tackles at Green Bay
(9/25)… Posted two special teams tackles and one special teams fumble recovery at N.Y.
Jets (10/9)… Saw first career action on defense against Miami (10/16), recording four tackles
at middle linebacker while substituting for the injured Shelton Quarles… Added two special
teams tackles against the Dolphins… Had two special teams tackles vs. Washington (11/13)…
Substituted at middle linebacker at New Orleans (12/4), posting one tackle… Notched two
stops on special teams at Carolina (12/11)… Saw late action at middle linebacker at New
England (12/17), recording two tackles… Tied for the team lead with two special teams
tackles vs. New Orleans (1/1)… Posted one special teams tackle in NFC Wild Card contest
vs. Washington (1/7).
College: Honors at Nebraska included: 2004 First-Team All-American selection (The NFL
Draft Report), 2004 Third-Team All American (AP), 2004 First-Team All-Big 12, 2002-2004
Academic All-Big 12, 2003 Second-Team All-Big 12 (AP), 2003 Third-Team All-Big 12
(Coaches), 2002-2003 Member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll, 2002 AllBig 12 honorable mention (Coaches)… Started 37 of 50 games during his career... Finished
his career as the Huskers’ all-time leading tackler with 432 tackles… Also added three forced
fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, one interception and 13 passes defensed… Graduated
with a degree in business management.
Personal: Active supporter of the American Heart Association... Participated in Q&A with
fans at the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Chamber of Commerce annual breakfast and the
Tampa Chamber of Commerce luncheon in 2005… Helped kids at the North Tampa Bay Boys
& Girls Club with homework and ran the children through the Gatorade Jr. Training Camp
in 2005… Helped kids carve pumpkins at The Children’s Home Halloween party in 2005
and 2006… Stuffed and distributed food baskets for families who qualified for assistance
through the Metropolitan Ministries holiday program in 2005… Attended Lincoln (Nebraska)
Southeast High School… Competed as an I-back and linebacker… A four-year letterman who
helped the team compile a 48-2 record, and four state playoff appearances… The Knights
won Class A state titles in 1997, 1998 and 2000… Two-time All-Nebraska honoree by the
Omaha World-Herald and a two-time super-state pick by the Lincoln Journal Star… The
World-Herald named him honorary captain of the offense, while the Journal Star named him
the offensive player of the year, defensive player of the year and prep athlete of the year…
Earned All-American honors as a linebacker from Prep Star and Student Sports… Son of Tom
and the late Jamie Ruud… Father, Tom (1972-1974), two uncles, Bob Martin (1973-1975),
and John Ruud (1978-1979), and his great-grandfather, Clarence Swanson (1918-1921) all
played football for Nebraska… Father played for Bucs’ defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin at
Nebraska… Cousin of former Buccaneer safety John Howell… Possesses an eclectic music
taste, including the Grateful Dead… An avid golfer… Assisted with the FFA Youth Leadership
Conference in 2001 and has been a volunteer speaker during American Education Week…
Born Barrett James Ruud on May 20, 1983 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
RUUD’s Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2005
2006
Tampa Bay 16
Tampa Bay 16
NFL Totals
32
0
5
7
59
2
32
5
27
0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
18 12 6
12 9 3
5
66
34
32
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
30 21 9
PLAYOFFS
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2005
Tampa Bay 1
0
0
0
0
ADDITIONAL STATS
Special Teams Fumble Recovery: 1 at N.Y. Jets,
10/9/05
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1 0 1
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 11 at Dallas, 11/23/06
Special Teams Tackles: 3 at Green Bay, 9/25/05
Veterans | 219
Pro: Tough, young quarterback who helped guide Tampa Bay to the NFC South championship in 2005… Gifted and bright southpaw quarterback who is an effective pocket passer...
Combines a powerful and accurate arm with good awareness… Possesses ability to make
any throw... Looking to continue to develop as a signal caller in his fifth year in the league
after having his 2006 season prematurely ended when he suffered a ruptured spleen
against Carolina (9/24/06)… Underwent a subsequent splenectomy before being placed
on injured reserve (11/3/06)… Has completed 291-of-492 pass attempts for 3,087 yards
with 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions for a passer rating of 71.2... Also rushed 30 times
for 52 yards and one touchdown... One career reception for minus-three yards…Played in
19 career games with 15 starts… Also started one postseason game… In the postseason,
completed 25-of-38 pass attempts for 198 yards and two interceptions… Also rushed three
times for 11 yards, including a two-yard touchdown run… Owns a 7-8 career regular season
record as a starter… Drafted in the third round (97th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft by the
Buccaneers.
2006: Started first three games before suffering a spleen injury in Week 3 vs. Carolina
(9/24)… Completed 58-of-106 pass attempts for 585 yards with one touchdown and seven
interceptions… Started three contests (vs. Baltimore, at Atlanta and vs. Carolina) and inactive for four others (at New Orleans, vs. Cincinnati, vs. Philadelphia and at N.Y. Giants)…
Placed on injured reserve (11/3) because of splenectomy… Completed 17-of-29 passes
for 133 yards with three interceptions against Baltimore (9/10)… Passed for career-high
313 yards on 28-of-53 attempts (career-high) with three interceptions at Atlanta (9/17)…
Completed 13-of-24 passes for 139 yards with one touchdown along with one interception
against Carolina (9/24)… Suffered a ruptured spleen during the game, but completed the
contest… Underwent emergency splenectomy immediately following the game… Declared
inactive at New Orleans (10/8), against Cincinnati (10/15), against Philadelphia (10/22) and
at N.Y. Giants (10/29) because of splenectomy.
2005: Played in 11 games (all but at Minnesota, vs. Buffalo, at Green Bay, vs. Detroit and at
N.Y. Jets) with 10 starts (all but at Minnesota, vs. Buffalo, at Green Bay, vs. Detroit, at N.Y.
Jets and vs. Miami)… Also started playoff game… Completed 191-of-313 pass attempts for
2,035 yards with 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions for a passer rating of 81.4… Led
the Buccaneers to back-to-back last-minute wins (vs. Washington and at Atlanta), along with
an overtime win vs. Atlanta… Set new team postseason record with 25 completions and 38
pass attempts in NFC Wild Card game vs. Washington (1/7)… Did not throw an interception
over a stretch of 127 pass attempts - from midway through the fourth quarter at Atlanta
(11/20) to midway through the second quarter vs. Atlanta (12/24)… Did not see action as
the backup quarterback at Minnesota (9/11), vs. Buffalo (9/18), at Green Bay (9/25), vs.
Detroit (10/2) and at the N.Y. Jets (10/9)… Saw action for the first time of season vs. Miami
(10/16) after relieving QB Brian Griese late in the first half because of injury… Completed
6-of-10 pass attempts for 69 yards… Led the offense on a 14-play, 66-yard drive, connecting
on 6-of-8 pass attempts that resulted in a 32-yard K Matt Bryant field goal… Started his first
game of the year at San Francisco (10/30)… Completed 21-of-34 pass attempts for 264 yards,
with one touchdown and two interceptions… Completed a career-long 78-yard touchdown
to WR Joey Galloway… Started first career game at home vs. Carolina (11/6) and completed 25-of-42 pass attempts for 259 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions…
Completed a 50-yard touchdown pass to Galloway… Named the FedEx Air NFL Player of
the Week vs. Washington (11/13)… Started against the Redskins and completed 15-of-29
pass attempts for career-high 279 yards and career-best three touchdowns for a passer rating of 119.8… Led the Buccaneers on a crucial five-play, 54-yard scoring drive in the last two
220 | Veterans
minutes of the game that ended with a 30-yard touchdown pass to WR Edell Shepherd…
Scoring pass to Shepherd led to FB Mike Alstott’s game-winning two-point conversion…
Three scoring passes to Galloway (24 yards), WR Ike Hilliard (four yards) and Shepherd (30
yards), marked the first multi-touchdown performance of his career… Averaged 18.6 yards
per completion… At Atlanta (11/20), led the team to its second consecutive win in the last
minute of regulation... Completed 11-of-19 pass attempts for 118 yards and one interception… Also rushed three times for 10 yards… Started vs. Chicago (11/27) and completed 19of-30 pass attempts for 202 yards for a passer rating of 82.9… Started at New Orleans (12/4)
and completed 12-of-21 pass attempts for 123 yards and one touchdown for a passer rating
of 90.0… Completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to Galloway… Started at Carolina (12/11)
and completed 20-of-27 pass attempts for 138 yards for a passer rating of 85.1… Started
at New England (12/17) and completed 21-of-34 pass attempts for 155 yards… Started
vs. Atlanta (12/24) and led the team to a come-from-behind overtime win… Completed a
career-high 29-of-42 pass attempts for a career-high 285 yards, two touchdowns and two
interceptions for a passer rating of 83.9… Threw a nine-yard touchdown pass to FB Jameel
Cook for the 900th touchdown in franchise history… Also threw a 13-yard touchdown to
Alstott… Completed six-of-eight pass attempts (both incompletions were spikes) for 71
yards in overtime… Started vs. New Orleans (1/1) and completed 12-of-25 pass attempts
for 143 yards and two touchdowns for a passer rating of 96.2… Threw touchdown passes of
seven and four yards, respectively, to Galloway… Started first career playoff game in NFC
Wild Card contest vs. Washington (1/7)… Completed 25-of-38 pass attempts for 198 yards
and two interceptions… Set a new franchise postseason record with 25 completions and 38
pass attempts… Also rushed for first career touchdown on a two-yard run.
2004: Played in five games (vs. Seattle, vs. Denver, at New Orleans, vs. San Francisco and
at Arizona) with two starts (at New Orleans and at Arizona)... Completed 42-of-73 pass
attempts (57.5%) for 467 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions on the season…
Inactive as the third quarterback at Washington (9/12)... Made NFL regular season debut
vs. Seattle (9/19)... Relieved QB Brad Johnson with 10:32 remaining in the second quarter...
Completed 21-of-32 pass attempts for 175 yards with one interception in the game... Led
the Buccaneers on two 71-yard scoring drives that resulted in field goals... Did not see
action as the backup quarterback at Oakland (9/26)... As the third string quarterback vs.
Denver (10/3), entered on the last play of the game and attempted one incomplete pass...
Made his first career start at New Orleans (10/10) and completed 5-of-8 pass attempts for
68 yards before leaving the game with a shoulder injury... Saw limited duty in the closing
minutes vs. San Francisco (11/21)... Did not see action as the backup quarterback at Carolina
(11/28), vs. Atlanta (12/5), at San Diego (12/12), vs. New Orleans (12/19) and vs. Carolina
(12/26)... Started at Arizona (1/2) and completed 16-of-32 pass attempts for 224 yards with
one touchdown and two interceptions.
2003: Declared inactive in all 16 games… Played in all five preseason games, leading the
team in touchdown passes with four… Finished the preseason completing 27-of-42 pass
attempts for 239 yards and four touchdowns for a passer rating of 101.2.
College: Established himself as one of the most successful signal callers in Longhorns history… Played in 43 games and started 32 during his career… Completed 535-of-911 pass
attempts (58.7%) for 7,097 yards, 58 touchdowns and 31 interceptions… Texas’ record
holder for career completion percentage (58.7%) and pass efficiency rating (138.36)… Ranks
second on the school’s career touchdown passes chart (58) and fourth on the school’s career
passing yards (7,097), total offense (6,960) and completions (535) lists… Directed Texas to
scores on 148 (112 TDs/36 FGs) of his 360 career drives (41.1%)… Led Texas to scores on
108-of-120 “Red Zone” drives (90.0%) and committed just three turnovers (two interceptions/one fumble)… Completed 449-of-758 passes (59.2%) for 5,810 yards (25 games/232.4
ypg) and 48 touchdowns over his last two seasons as the Longhorns’ starter… Averaged
28.1 yards per touchdown pass his last three seasons, registered 18 career multiple touchdown games, recorded at least 200 yards passing 18 times in his career and completed 21
passes of 40 or more yards as a Longhorn… Tied for second on UT’s all-time quarterback
victories list with a 26-6 mark as a starter… His 15-0 career record as a starter at home ranks
second among Longhorns quarterbacks with perfect home records… Was the first starting
quarterback in school history to lead the team to back-to-back 10 (or more) win seasons…
Named a Davey O’Brien Award semifinalist for the second consecutive year in 2002… A
third-team All-Big XII selection by the league’s coaches… Also earned second-team allconference honors from the Austin American-Statesman, The Dallas Morning News and
Houston Chronicle… Named Texas’ Most Valuable Player, Darrell K Royal Most Valuable
Offensive Player, Outstanding Quarterback and a permanent team captain… Started
Veterans | 221
all 13 games as a senior… Completed 235-of-396 passes (59.3%) for 3,207 yards and a
school-record 26 touchdowns… Also rushed for four scores and set a school single-season
record with 30 touchdowns accounted for… Ranked second on the school’s single-season
pass attempts, completions, passing yards and total offense (3,083) charts… Led the Big
XII and ranked 11th nationally in pass efficiency (142.98 rating), second in the league in
pass completions per game (18.1 pg.) and fourth in the conference and 14th in the NCAA
in points responsible for per game (13.9 ppg.)… Tabbed UT’s Darrell K Royal Offensive
Player of the Game seven times… Closed out his home career with a perfect 15-0 record
by completing 16-of-24 passes for 278 yards and three touchdowns against Texas A&M…
Passed for a school-record 419 yards and two touchdowns on a career-high 29-of-47 passing at Nebraska, as the Longhorns snapped the Huskers’ national-leading 26-game home
winning streak… Also reached the 2,000 passing yards barrier during that contest, which
tied him for the third-best start in UT history (nine games)… Completed 15-of-28 passes
for 269 yards and two touchdowns in leading Texas to a 35-20 victory in the Cotton Bowl...
Connected with Roy Williams on a 75-yard pass and a 51-yard touchdown strike in that
game… A second-team All-Big XII selection by the Austin American-Statesman and The
Dallas Morning News in 2001… Also a third-team all-conference choice by the league’s
coaches… Started 12 games… Completed 214-of-362 passes for 2,603 yards (No. 2 on
UT’s single-season list) and a school-record 22 touchdowns… Also rushed for six scores…
Accounted for a Big XII-best 28 touchdowns (22 pass/6 rush), which tied Ricky Williams’
single-season record set during Williams’ 1998 Heisman Trophy-winning season… Placed
second in the Big XII in points responsible for per game (14.0/16th NCAA) and third in pass
efficiency (133.5 rating)… Averaged 26.0 yards per touchdown pass… Starting quarterback
for a passing offense that led the league in pass efficiency (136.1 rating) and ranked second
in passing yards per game (250.3 ypg)… Tossed a career-high and school record-tying five
touchdown passes on 18-of-30 passing for 235 yards at Oklahoma State… Connected with
sophomore WR B.J. Johnson on a career-best 92-yard scoring strike in the first quarter of
that game, which was the fourth-longest pass in school history and the sixth-longest scoring
play in UT and Big XII history… Played in 11 games in 2000, including the Holiday Bowl,
and started six contests… Completed 67-of-117 passes (57.3 percent) for 1,064 yards and
eight touchdowns… Posted a Big XII-leading 144.25 pass efficiency rating… Helped lead a
passing attack that set a UT single-season record and ranked 14th nationally (293.5 ypg)…
Primarily served as the backup quarterback in 1999… Played in seven games, including the
Cotton Bowl… Majored in history.
Personal: Married Danielle just prior to training camp in 2004... Couple had their first child
in 2006, Charlotte Elizabeth… Joined Florida Blood Services to sponsor a blood drive at
the Buccaneers “FanFest” in June 2007... Served as a celebrity model in the fourth annual
Fashion Funds the Cure show to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation in 2007... In
2006 and 2007, explored Busch Gardens, Big Cat Rescue, the Florida Aquarium and Lowry
Park Zoo with kids from The Children’s Home through the “Wild Adventures Program,”
which he created in 2006 out of his love for children and animals... Played in the Tampa
Bay Buccaneers Charity Golf Tournament to raise money for the Children’s Cancer Center
in Tampa in 2006... Played in the Michael Clayton Celebrity Hoop Jam to raise funds for
the Michael Clayton Generation Next Foundation in July 2006... Discussed the upcoming
season with the Greater Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater Chamber of Commerce
members at two football season kickoff events in June 2006... Joined teammates in signing autographs to raise money for the Admiral Farragut Academy in 2005... Participated in
Halloween activities at the Children’s Home of Tampa Bay in 2005 and 2006… Sang and
visited patients at the North Shore Retirement Home during the holidays in 2005… Helped
stuff and distribute holiday food baskets at Metropolitan Ministries in 2005… Signed
autographs at Metropolitan Ministries in exchange for toy donations as part of a holiday
toy drive for needy families in 2004 and 2006... Attended the Shelton Quarles IMPACT
Foundation Extra Effort Awards Luncheon in 2004, where he served as a table host for other
attendees... Participated in the NFL/United Way Hometown Huddle, where he distributed
information in downtown Tampa about how to get involved in the United Way’s local volunteer program... Visited Robinson High School as a part of the Play It Smart communitybased program... Participated in local “Taste of the NFL” event, which benefited America’s
Second Harvest Food Bank... Celebrated Halloween at the Children’s Home, where he,
along with his wife, helped the kids carve pumpkins and decorate trick-or-treat bags...
Participated in the Play It Smart Football Clinic at Princeton University during the offseason
in 2004, which was hosted by then-teammate Jason Garrett... Sang and visited with patients
at the North Shore Retirement Home over the 2003 holidays... Helped stuff and distribute
222 | Veterans
holiday food baskets at Metropolitan Ministries... In October 2003, participated in the
NFL/United Way Hometown Huddle... Participant in Halloween activities at the Children’s
Home... Named the 1998 USA Today National Offensive Player of the Year and a First-Team
All-USA selection... Rated as the top quarterback on the 1998 Parade All-American team...
USA Today’s New Jersey Player of the Year (1998)... One of only three players to be named
to the prestigious Heisman High School (Tri-State) All-Star team twice (1997-1998)... A twotime first-team All-State performer... Listed among Gatorade Circle of Champions as the
1998 New Jersey Player of the Year... Also rated as the New Jersey Player of the Year by
USA Today and The Associated Press... Completed 381-of-640 passes for 7,055 yards and
63 touchdowns (13 interceptions) in 39 career games... Also was a starter on the basketball
team... Son of former New York Giants star and 1987 Super Bowl MVP Phil Simms, who is
CBS’ lead commentator for NFL games... Other NFL father/son quarterback combos: Griese
- Bob (father) and Brian (son), Kemp - Jack (father) and Jeff (son), Manning - Archie (father)
and Eli (son) and Peyton (son), Nix - Emery (father) and Kent (son)... Brother, Matthew, is
a freshman quarterback at the University of Louisville… Born Christopher David Simms on
August 29, 1980 in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
simMs’ Career Statistics
PASSING
Year Team
GP GS Att Cmp
Pct
2003 Tampa Bay
2004 Tampa Bay
2005 Tampa Bay
2006 Tampa Bay
NFL Totals
0 0
5 2
11 10
3 3
19 15
0
0
57.5
467
61.0 2,035
54.7
585
59.1 3,087
0
73
313
106
492
0
42
191
58
291
Yds
Yds/Att
0.0
6.4
6.5
5.5
6.3
TD
Yds
Int Lg Sk Lst Rating
0
1
10
1
12
0
3
7
7
17
0
75t
78t
55
78t
0
10
29
4
43
0
75
205
32
312
0.0
64.1
81.4
46.3
71.2
Career record as starter: 7-8 (.467); 0-3 (.000) in 2006; 6-4 (.600) in 2005; 1-1 (.500) in 2004
PLAYOFFS
Year Team
GP GS Att Cmp
2005 Tampa Bay
1
1
38
25
Pct
Yds
Yds/Att
65.8
198
5.2
TD
0
Yds
Int Lg Sk Lst Rating
2
24
3
30
56.7
Career postseason record as starter: 0-1 (.000)
RUSHING
Year
Team
Att
Yds
Avg
Lg
TD
2003
2004
2005
2006
NFL totals
Postseason
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
0
7
19
4
30
3
0
14
31
7
52
11
0.0
2.0
1.6
1.8
1.7
3.7
0
12
10
3t
12
6
0
0
0
1
1
1
ADDITIONAL STATS
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Caught a -3-yard pass in 2005
Fumbles Lost — 0-0 in 2003, 3-2 in 2004, 6-4 in 2005, 0-0 in ‘05 playoffs, 0-0 in 2006
Pass Attempts: 53 at Atlanta, 9/17/06 Pass Completions: 29 vs. Atlanta, 12/24/05
Passing Yards: 313 at Atlanta, 9/17/06
Touchdowns: 3 vs. Washington, 11/13/05
Interceptions: 3 at Atlanta, 1/7/06
Long Pass: 78t at San Francisco, 9/17/06
simms’ GAME-BY-GAME Statistics
2004
TAMPA BAY
Sept. 19
Oct. 3
Oct. 10*
Nov. 21
Jan.2*
TOTALS
Seattle Denver
@New Orleans
San Francisco
@Arizona
ATT
32
1
8
0
32
73
COMP
21
0
5
0
16
42
YDS
175
0
68
0
224
467
TD
0
0
0
0
1
1
INT
1
0
0
0
2
3
LG
35
0
22
0
75t
SACK
4-20
0-0
1-8
1-10
4-37
10-75
Veterans | 223
2005
TAMPA BAY
Oct. 16
Oct. 30*
Nov. 6*
Nov. 13*
Nov. 20*
Nov. 27*
Dec. 4*
Dec. 11*
Dec. 17*
Dec. 24
Jan. 1
TOTALS
PLAYOFFS
Jan. 7*
2006
TAMPA BAY
Sept. 10*
Sept. 17*
Sept. 24*
TOTALS
Miami @San Francisco
Carolina
Washington
@Atlanta
Chicago
@New Orleans
@Carolina
@New England
Atlanta
New Orleans
Washington
Baltimore
@Atlanta
Carolina
ATT
10
34
42
29
19
30
21
27
34
42
25
313
38
ATT
29
53
24
106
COMP
6
21
25
15
11
19
12
20
21
29
12
191
YDS
69
264
259
279
118
202
123
138
155
285
143
2,035
TD
0
1
1
3
0
0
1
0
0
2
2
10
INT
0
2
2
0
1
0
0
0
0
2
0
7
LG
22
78t
50t
46
27
39
30t
17
22
30
24
78t
SACK
2-24
5-32
6-33
0-0
0-0
4-34
1-8
1-5
7-47
2-15
1-7
29-205
25
198
0
2
24
3-30
COMP
17
28
13
58
YDS
133
313
139
585
TD
0
0
1
1
INT
3
3
1
7
LG
27
55
27
55
SACK
2-20
1-2
1-10
4-32
Pro: Powerful defensive tackle entering his sixth NFL season and first with the Buccaneers after
being acquired in an offseason trade with Kansas City... Expected to provide depth to the interior of the Tampa Bay defensive line... Former first-round pick who possesses the size, strength
and agility to excel as both a run stuffer and a pass rusher... In 2003, totaled career highs with
83 tackles and 3.0 sacks in his first full season as a starter with the Chiefs... Has appeared in 59
career games with 36 starts… Career totals include: 149 tackles, five sacks, one interception,
one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and two passes defensed... Also played in two playoff
games with one start, recording three tackles ... Originally entered the NFL as the Chiefs firstround selection (sixth overall) in the 2002 NFL Draft.
2006: Appeared in all 16 games and one playoff contest as a reserve defensive tackle for Kansas
City... Totaled 11 tackles on the season... Registered two tackles vs. Cincinnati (9/10)... Compiled
one tackle at Arizona (10/8)... Recorded one tackle vs. Oakland (11/19)... Posted three tackles at
Cleveland (12/3)... Totaled three tackles vs. Baltimore (12/10)... Recorded one tackle at Oakland
(12/23)… Had one tackle in an AFC Wild Card Game at Indianapolis (1/6/07).
2005: Played in six games with five starts at defensive tackle and inactive for 10 others for
Kansas City... Tallied 11 tackles on the year... Had one tackle before leaving the game in the first
quarter with a right foot sprain vs. the N.Y. Jets (9/11)... Was inactive for the next 10 games with
foot injury... Returned to the lineup vs. Denver (12/4), recording four tackles... Collected two
tackles at Dallas (12/11)... Had one tackle at N.Y. Giants (12/17)... Produced one tackle vs. San
Diego (12/24)... Contributed two tackles vs. Cincinnati (1/1/06).
2004: Played in 15 games with 13 starts for Kansas City... Amassed 30 tackles and two sacks...
Recorded two tackles at Denver (9/12)... Tallied four tackles vs. Carolina (9/19)... Produced four
tackles vs. Houston (9/26)... Had one sack of QB Kyle Boller before leaving the game with a
224 | Veterans
left hamstring strain at Baltimore (10/4)… Inactive at Jacksonville (10/17) because of injury...
Registered three tackles vs. Atlanta (10/24)... Compiled two tackles at New Orleans (11/14)...
Totaled three tackles vs. San Diego (11/28)... Registered one sack of QB Billy Volek at Tennessee
(12/13)... Collected two tackles at San Diego (1/2/05).
2003: Started 16 games for Kansas City... Registered 83 tackles and three sacks on the season...
Also had one fumble recovery, one forced fumble, one interception and one pass defensed...
Tallied 10 tackles and a career-high two sacks of QB Tommy Maddox vs. Pittsburgh (9/14)...
Registered nine tackles and one sack of QB Kyle Boller at Baltimore (9/28)... Forced one
fumble vs. Denver (10/5)... Registered first career interception off QB Drew Bledsoe vs. Buffalo
(10/26)... Recovered a RB James Jackson fumble vs. Cleveland (11/9)... Recorded eight tackles
at Cincinnati (11/16)... Amassed a career-high 12 tackles vs. Oakland (11/23)... Started AFC
Divisional Playoff contest vs. Indianapolis (1/11/04), registering two tackles.
2002: Played in six games with two starts for Kansas City before being placed on injured
reserve on October 16 with a dislocated elbow... Accounted for 14 tackles and one pass
defensed... Recorded four tackles in his first NFL game at Cleveland (9/8)... Totaled two tackles
vs. Jacksonville (9/15)... Had two tackles at New England (9/22)... Registered two tackles and
one pass defensed vs. Miami (9/29)... Recorded four tackles in first career NFL start at N.Y. Jets
(10/6)... Suffered a dislocated left elbow on the club’s first defensive series and did not return at
San Diego (10/13)... Was placed on injured reserve on October 16.
College: Three-year starter who appeared in 43 games with 33 starts at North Carolina...
Finished his college career with 167 tackles, 14.0 sacks, 11 passes defensed, 40 quarterback
pressures and one fumble recovery... Former college teammate of the second overall pick in
the 2002 NFL Draft, DE Julius Peppers, who was tabbed by the Carolina Panthers... First-team
All-Atlantic Coast Conference choice and a second-team All-America selection as a senior
when he recorded 51 tackles and four passes defensed... Led the squad with 20 QB pressures,
ranked second on the team with five sacks and was third with eight tackles for loss... Started all
11 games during his junior campaign, registering 52 tackles, six sacks, nine stops for loss, three
passes defensed and his only career fumble recovery... Started all 11 games as a sophomore
for the Tar Heels, recording 33 tackles, and one sack... Appeared in all 11 games as a reserve
defensive tackle and was one of only four true freshmen to play for the Tar Heels... Majored in
communications.
Personal: First-team all-state, all-region and all-area selection at Paul M. Dorman High School
(Spartanburg, S.C.)… Named the top defensive lineman in the state by the Greenville News…
Team captain and defensive Most Valuable Player for the South Carolina squad in the Shrine
Bowl… Had 61 tackles, eight sacks, two passes defensed and one forced fumble as a senior…
Threw the shot put and the discus for the track team… Finished second in the region in the
shot… Attended the Boys & Girls Club as a child and served as a volunteer at the Boys & Girls
Clubs of Greater Kansas City… Born Ryan O’Neal Sims on May 4, 1980.
sims’ Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2002 Kansas City 6 2 14
6
8 0.0 0.0 0
0
0 0 1 0 0
0 0 0 0
2003 Kansas City 16 16 83
41
42 3.0 13.0 1
8
8 0 1 1 1
0 0 0 0
2004 Kansas City 15 13 30
13
17 2.0 9.0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
2005 Kansas City 6 5 11
10
1 0.0 0.0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
2006 Kansas City 16 0 11
9
2 0.0 0.0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
NFL Totals
59 36 149
79
70
5.0 22.0
1
8
8
0
2
1
1
0
0 0 0
ST
PLAYOFFS
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2003 Kansas City 1 1
2
1
1 0.0 0.0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
2006 Kansas City 1 0
1
1
0 0.0 0.0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
Postseason
2
1
3
2
1
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 12 vs. Oakland, 11/23/03 (w/ K.C.)
Sacks: 2.0 vs. Pittsburgh, 9/14/03 (w/ K.C.)
Passes Defensed: 1, twice, last vs. Buffalo, 10/26/03(w/ K.C.)
Fumble Recoveries: 1 vs. Cleveland, 11/9/03 (w/ K.C.)
Forced Fumbles: 1 vs. Denver, 10/5/03 w/ K.C.)
Interceptions: 1 vs. Buffalo, 10/26/03 (w/ K.C.)
Veterans | 225
Pro: Promising young tight end who can make the difficult catch… Smooth route runner who
consistently gets open in crowded areas… Made an immediate impact during his rookie season
in 2005 as both a pass catcher and blocker for Tampa Bay, playing in all 16 games and starting 10… Has played in 30 career games with 17 starts… Also started one playoff game… Has
caught 76 passes for 617 yards (8.1 avg.) and five touchdowns… Leading pass-receiving tight
end for Buccaneers the last two seasons, and ranked among Tampa Bay’s top three in receptions in 2005 and 2006... Also has one kickoff return for 12 yards, as well as two career special
teams tackles and one forced fumble on special teams… Selected by Tampa Bay in the third
round (71st overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft.
2006: Played in 14 games (all but at Dallas and against Seattle) with seven starts (vs. Baltimore,
at Atlanta, vs. New Orleans, at Carolina, vs. Washington, vs. Atlanta and at Chicago)…
Finished season with 35 catches for 250 yards and three touchdowns… His 35 receptions led
all Buccaneers tight ends and ranked third overall on the team… Led team in receptions in
four games… Caught two passes for 18 yards against Baltimore (9/10)… Saw significant action
against Carolina (9/24), catching four passes for 72 yards, including being on receiving end of
flea-flicker… Led team in both receptions and receiving yards… Saw action at New Orleans
(10/8), grabbing team-high five catches for 16 yards and one touchdown… Saw action against
Cincinnati (10/15), making three catches for 10 yards and one touchdown… Saw action against
Philadelphia (10/22) and caught one pass for six yards… Saw action at N.Y. Giants (10/29) and
caught two passes for 12 yards… Started vs. New Orleans (11/5) and caught two passes for
eight yards… Started at Carolina (11/13), catching three passes for 18 yards… Declared inactive at Dallas (11/23) because of ankle injury… Caught two passes for four yards at Pittsburgh
(12/3)… Started against Atlanta (12/10), catching two passes for 17 yards… Started at Chicago
(12/17) and led Buccaneers in receptions with five for 24 yards and one touchdown… Saw significant action at Cleveland (12/24) and tied for team lead in receptions, catching four passes
for 45 yards… Declared inactive against Seattle (12/31) because of injury.
2005: Played in all 16 games with 10 starts (all but vs. Detroit, at N.Y. Jets, vs. Miami, at San
Francisco, vs. Chicago and vs. New Orleans)… Started playoff game… Ranked second on the
team with 41 receptions, for 367 yards (9.0 avg.) and two touchdowns… Also returned one
kickoff for 12 yards and added two special teams tackles and one forced fumble on special
teams… Ranked third in the NFL among rookies, and first among rookie tight ends, with 41
receptions on the season, behind WR Mark Clayton of Baltimore (44 receptions) and WR
Reggie Brown of Philadelphia (43 receptions)… 41 receptions were the most by a Buccaneer
tight end since Jackie Harris had 62 in 1995… Part of offense that provided blocking for NFL
Rookie of the Year RB Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, who broke the team record with six 100-yard
rushing performances and set a franchise rookie record with 1,178 rushing yards… Started at
Minnesota (9/11) in his NFL debut and had a breakout performance… Caught a pair of scoring
passes (23 and two yards, respectively) from QB Brian Griese… Caught his first career pass
for five yards in the first quarter… Followed that with a 23-yard reception for his first career
touchdown… Later broke open in the end zone and caught a pass in traffic for a two-yard
touchdown reception… Finished the game with four receptions for 34 yards and two touchdowns… His two-touchdown performance was the first by a tight end making his NFL debut
since Atlanta’s Jim Mitchell caught two in 1969… Started vs. Buffalo (9/18) and caught one pass
for two yards… Saw action at the N.Y. Jets (10/9) and caught five passes for 46 yards… Saw
reserve action vs. Miami (10/16) and caught two passes… Saw action at San Francisco (10/30)
and caught two passes for 43 yards, including a career-long 24-yard pass… Started vs. Carolina
(11/6) and caught three passes for 41 yards… Started at Atlanta (11/20) and tied for the team
lead with three receptions for 43 yards… Caught two passes for 14 yards vs. Chicago (11/27)…
226 | Veterans
Started at Carolina (12/11) and caught three passes for 11 yards… Started at New England
(12/17) and caught four passes for 26 yards… Started vs. Atlanta (12/24) and tied for the team
lead with eight receptions for 75 yards… Started NFC Wild Card game vs. Washington (1/7)
and caught three passes for 14 yards.
College: Three-year starter who was considered to be the premier tight end among college
football’s seniors in 2004… Awards included 2004 runner-up for the Mackey Award, given to
the nation’s top tight end… Became the first Stanford tight end to be named First-Team AllPac-10 since Greg Baty in 1985 and the first tight end to lead the team in receiving since Bob
Moore in 1969… 2004 second-team consensus All-American, 2004 Team MVP, 2003 Honorable
mention All-Pac-10, 2003 Honorable mention academic All-Pac-10 and 2002 Academic AllPac-10… Played in 44 contests with 32 starts… Finished his career with 107 receptions for
1,291 yards and eight touchdowns… Started all 11 games as a senior in 2004 and caught a
career-high 52 passes for 706 yards (13.6 avg.), and three touchdowns… His 52 receptions was
the second-best single season total for a Cardinal tight end behind Greg Baty’s 61 in 1985…
Ranked second in the nation among tight ends in receiving yards and catches… Set a career
high with 10 catches for 136 yards at UCLA… Collected 112 yards on five grabs, including
touchdowns from four and 67 yards at Arizona State… Started all 11 games as a junior in
2003 in the team’s two-tight end system… Ranked third on the team with 24 receptions for
185 yards and three touchdowns… Played in all 11 games in 2002, including starts in the final
10 contests at tight end as a sophomore… Finished the season as the team’s second-leading
receiver, behind Teyo Johnson, with 30 receptions for 380 yards and two touchdowns… His
30 receptions were then the most by a Cardinal tight end since Tony Cline had 35 in 1994…
Played in 11 games in 2001, primarily on special teams, and was also a backup at tight end…
Caught one pass for 20 yards and also registered five tackles on special teams… Redshirted as
a true freshman in 2000… Majored in economics.
Personal: Fulfilling his dream of following his father Edwin’s footsteps and playing in the NFL,
took football back to the Bahamas, where he hosted a youth football camp in the summer of
2006… His father was the first-ever Bahamian NFL player and played for the Denver Broncos
from 1973-1976… Visited the North Tampa Boys & Girls Club in September 2005 and helped
the kids with their homework before participating in the Gatorade Junior Training Camp
football drills… Attended Mullen (Denver, Colorado) High School… Super Prep first-team
All-American, Prep Star All-Midlands, All-State and All-Centennial League selection following his senior year… Caught twelve passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns as a junior
and snatched 35 passes for 357 yards and four scores as a senior… Helped Mullen win the
Colorado 5A Championship as a junior… Three-year varsity letterwinner in basketball and fouryear letterwinner in track… Named honorable mention All-Colorado and first-team All-League
in basketball as a senior… In track, competed in the high jump and 400-meters, placing eighth
in the state in the high jump as a senior at 6’5”… Nominee for the Fred Steinmark Award
for Colorado Athlete of the Year, a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish
National Honor Society, selected to receive a Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship, and a finalist for
the Scahs Foundation Scholarship… For the second consecutive year, Smith was crowned EA
Sports Madden Bowl champion, winning the title during the week of Super Bowl XLI… Born
Edwin Alexander Smith on May 5, 1982 in Denver, Colorado.
SMITH’s Career Statistics
Year
2005
2006
Team
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
NFL totals
GP
16
14
GS
10
7
RECEIVING
No
41
35
Yds
367
250
Avg
9.0
7.1
Lg
24
27
TD
2
3
30
17
76
617
8.1
27
5
GP
1
GS
1
RECEIVING
No
3
Yds
14
Avg
4.7
Lg
11
TD
0
1
1
3
14
4.7
11
0
PLAYOFFS
Year
2005
Team
Tampa Bay
Postseason
ADDITIONAL STATS
One kickoff return for 12 yards in 2005; Two special
teams tackles and one forced fumble on special
teams in 2005;
Fumbles-lost — 0-0 in 2005, 0-0 in ‘05 playoffs, 1-1 in 2006
Single-Game Highs
Receptions: 8 vs. Atlanta, 12/24/05
Receiving Yards: 75 vs. Atlanta, 12/24/05
Receiving TDs: 2 at Minnesota, 9/11/05
Veterans | 227
Pro: Pro Bowl-caliber defender and relentless rusher off the edge... Underrated and tenacious
performer who boasts an exemplary work ethic... Unselfish player who has been a consistent
force as a pass rusher and run defender from his left defensive end position... Reliable and
consistent presence along the defensive line starting 79 of the last 80 games for Tampa Bay...
Along with DE Simeon Rice, the duo has recorded 82.5 sacks since 2002 to rank fourth in
the NFL in sacks between two teammates… Career statistics include 376 tackles, 37.5 sacks,
11 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and 13 passes defensed... Has played in 137 career
games with 86 starts... Has played in five career playoff games with four starts, adding 16 tackles, four sacks and two passes defensed... Received MVP consideration in Super Bowl XXXVII
after registering three tackles, one sack, and two passes defensed in the 48-21 win over the
Oakland Raiders... Had a career year in 2004, leading the defensive linemen and ranking sixth
on the team with a career-high 86 tackles... Also posted a career-high eight sacks to rank
second on the team in 2004... Spent his first three seasons (1998-2000) with the New England
Patriots, one season (2001) with the Cleveland Browns and the past four years (2002-2005)
with the Buccaneers… Signed by the Buccaneers on March 22, 2002… Released by New
England (9/3/01) prior to the start of the 2001 season, but was claimed by Cleveland the next
day... Placed on injured reserve by New England (12/14/99) and was re-signed (4/30/01)...
Originally entered the league as a third-round draft selection (83rd overall) by the Patriots in
the 1998 NFL Draft.
2006: Started all 16 contests for Tampa Bay… Ranked tied for first on the team with five
sacks on the season... Recorded four sacks in his final three games of the season… Totaled 63
tackles, five sacks and one pass defensed on the season… Finished season opener against
Baltimore (9/10) with three tackles… Had two tackles and one sack of QB Jake Delhomme
vs. Carolina (9/24)… Totaled four tackles at New Orleans (10/8)… Notched four tackles vs.
Cincinnati (10/15)… Finished with two tackles vs. Philadelphia (10/22)… Totaled four tackles, including one TFL, and one pass defensed at N.Y. Giants (10/29)… Had four tackles vs.
New Orleans (11/5)… Posted three tackles at Carolina (11/13)… Recorded four tackles vs.
Washington (11/19)… Led the defensive line with a then season-high eight tackles vs. Atlanta
(12/10)… Tied his career high with nine tackles at Chicago (12/17)… Added one sack of QB
Rex Grossman against the Bears… Recorded two sacks of QB Derek Anderson at Cleveland
(12/24) his first two-sack effort since October 18, 2004… Finished contest against the Browns
with five tackles… Had one sack of QB Matt Hasselbeck and five tackles in season finale vs.
Seattle (12/31).
2005: Started all 16 contests and playoff game vs. Washington at left defensive end for
Tampa Bay… Ranked second on the team with four sacks… Finished season with 57 tackles,
four sacks, one forced fumble and one pass defensed… Part of a defense that finished the
season as the top-ranked unit in the NFL in total defense, marking the fourth consecutive
season the unit has ranked in the top five and seventh time in the last nine years… The 2005
season was also the second time in the past four years and third time in team history that the
defense finished No. 1 overall… It also marked the ninth consecutive season that the defense
has finished among the NFL’s Top 10 in total defense, tied for the second-longest streak in
the NFL since 1970… Part of a defense that did not surrender an offensive touchdown at
Minnesota (9/11) and limited the Vikings to just 33 rushing yards… Recorded one tackle and
one pass defensed vs. Buffalo (9/18)… Part of a defensive effort that limited the Bills offense
to 147 total yards, eight first downs and one field goal… Posted three tackles and one sack
of QB Brett Favre at Green Bay (9/25)… Recorded three tackles vs. Detroit (10/2)… Posted
a sack and a forced fumble of QB Gus Frerotte against Miami (10/16)… His forced fumble
was recovered by S Will Allen, who returned it 33 yards for a touchdown… Also registered
three tackles against the Dolphins… Recorded a season-high eight tackles at San Francisco
228 | Veterans
(10/30)… Part of a defense that limited the 49ers to 50 passing yards… Notched one tackle vs.
Washington (11/13) before leaving the contest in the second half because of injury… Despite
playing with a sprained shoulder, recorded six tackles at Atlanta (11/20)… Had three tackles
vs. Chicago (11/27)… Recorded six tackles and one sack of QB Aaron Brooks at New Orleans
(12/4)… Had four tackles at Carolina (12/11)… Notched five tackles at New England (12/17)…
Recorded seven stops vs. Atlanta (12/24)… Posted fourth sack of the season vs. New Orleans
(1/1), taking down QB Todd Bouman in the fourth quarter… Also had five tackles against the
Saints… Totaled two tackles in NFC Wild Card game vs. Washington (1/7).
2004: Named to USA Today’s All-Joe Team... Started all 16 contests, 13 at defensive end and
three at defensive tackle (vs. New Orleans, vs. Carolina and at Arizona) for Tampa Bay... Had
a Pro Bowl caliber season, leading the defensive linemen and ranking sixth on the team with
a career-high 86 tackles... Ranked second on the team with a career-high eight sacks... Part
of a defense that finished the season ranked fifth in the NFL in total defense, marking the
third consecutive season the unit has ranked in the top five and sixth time in the last eight
years... It also marked the eighth consecutive season that the defense has ranked in the top
10, the longest current streak in the NFL... Started first career game at defensive tackle against
New Orleans (12/19), recording seven tackles, 1.5 sacks, two TFLs and one forced fumble...
Recorded a career-high nine tackles against Kansas City (11/7) and at Atlanta (11/14)... Tied
for second on the team with three forced fumbles... Finished season with 86 tackles, eight
sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one pass defensed... Led the defensive linemen with eight tackles at Washington (9/12)... Registered five tackles against Seattle
(9/19)... Posted first sack of the season vs. the Seahawks, dropping QB Matt Hasselbeck for
a six-yard loss... Helped limit Seattle to 182 total yards... Notched five tackles at Oakland
(9/26)... Registered six tackles against Denver (10/3)... Posted three tackles and one pass
defensed at New Orleans (10/10)... Added one forced fumble against the Saints in the second
quarter that led to a CB Ronde Barber touchdown... Led the defensive linemen with seven
tackles and two sacks at St. Louis (10/18)... Added one forced fumble against the Rams...
Recorded three tackles against Chicago (10/24)... Helped limit the Bears offense to 167 total
yards... Led the defensive linemen with a career-high (later tied) nine tackles against Kansas
City (11/7)... For the second consecutive week, led the defensive linemen with a career-high
tying nine tackles at Atlanta (11/14)... Also added 0.5 sack against the Falcons... Finished with
five tackles against San Francisco (11/21)... Part of a defensive effort that limited the 49ers
offense to 26 total yards and two first downs in the first half... Notched three tackles and one
sack of Delhomme at Carolina (11/28)... Posted three tackles and two fumble recoveries vs.
Atlanta (12/5)... Helped defense post ninth shutout in franchise history and first of the season
against the Falcons... Finished contest at San Diego (12/12) with three tackles and one sack of
QB Drew Brees... Started first career game at defensive tackle against New Orleans (12/19),
recording seven tackles, 1.5 sacks, two TFLs and one forced fumble... Totaled five tackles,
including one sack of QB Jake Delhomme, against Carolina (12/26) in second straight start at
defensive tackle... Registered five tackles at Arizona (1/2).
2003: Started 15 games at defensive end (all but at Tennessee) for Tampa Bay… Placed on
injured reserve on December 22 because of a left shoulder injury suffered against Atlanta
(12/20), forcing him to miss the season’s final contest… Totaled 44 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two
forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and four passed defensed on the season… Part of
a defense that ranked fifth in the NFL, marking the seventh consecutive year the defense
has finished among the NFL’s Top 10… Posted three tackles and two passes defensed at
Philadelphia (9/8)… Pass defensed in fourth quarter led to DT Anthony McFarland interception… Helped defense post third shutout in last 16 regular season games… Recorded one
tackle and two passes defensed vs. Carolina (9/14)… Notched two tackles at Atlanta (9/21)…
Helped defense limit the Falcons to 136 total yards… Recorded three tackles at Washington
(10/12)… Posted four tackles against Dallas (10/26)… Helped the defense post its second
shutout of the season… Notched four tackles against New Orleans (11/2)… Finished contest against the N.Y. Giants (11/24) with two tackles… Part of a defensive effort that held
the Giants offense to 212 total yards… Notched a season-high five tackles at Jacksonville
(11/30)… Helped seal victory at New Orleans (12/7), sacking QB Aaron Brooks and forcing
a fumble late in the fourth quarter… Finished game with three tackles against the Saints…
Recorded first multi-sack game as a Buccaneer and second of his career against Houston
(12/14)… Tied season-high with five tackles and added a career-high 2.5 sacks for nine yards
and one forced fumble… Part of a defensive effort that surrendered just 107 total yards to
the Texans, tying for the second lowest total in team history… Matched season-high with five
tackles to lead the defensive linemen against Atlanta (12/20)… Added one fumble recovery
against the Falcons… Placed on injured reserve on December 22 because of a left shoulder
injury suffered against the Falcons.
Veterans | 229
2002: Started all 16 regular season games at left defensive end for Tampa Bay after assuming starting role in the preseason... Started all three playoff games... Finished second on the
team with two sacks in the postseason... Added 11 tackles and two passes defensed in the
playoffs… Help Buccaneers earn their first Super Bowl title in team history… Part of a unit that
ranked first in the NFL in total defense and pass defense, marking just the second time in team
history the Buccaneers paced the league in each category... It also marked the sixth consecutive year the defense has finished among the NFL’s Top 10… Totaled a then career-high 47
tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one pass defensed on the season... Recorded the 100th tackle of his career at Carolina (10/27)... Recorded six tackles and
0.5 sack against New Orleans (9/8)... Finished game at Baltimore (9/15) with three tackles...
Tallied a sack of QB Kurt Warner and a tackle against St. Louis (9/23)... Finished with two tackles and a pass defensed at Atlanta (10/6)... Recorded four tackles against Cleveland (10/13)...
Finished game at Carolina (10/27) with three tackles... Finished game against Minnesota (11/3)
with five tackles, leading all defensive linemen... Recorded a first quarter sack and forced a
fumble by QB Rodney Peete vs. Carolina (11/17)... Added three tackles against the Panthers...
Notched three tackles and a fumble recovery at New Orleans (12/1)... Recorded a third quarter sack against Atlanta (12/8), dropping QB Michael Vick for a six-yard loss... Finished contest
with four tackles... Posted three tackles at Detroit (12/15)... Finished game at Chicago (12/29)
with four tackles while helping limit the Bears to 218 total yards... Recorded one sack of QB
Jeff Garcia in the NFC Divisional Playoff game vs. San Francisco (1/12)... Added four tackles
against the 49ers... Notched four tackles in the NFC Championship Game at Philadelphia
(1/19)... Recorded a first quarter sack of QB Rich Gannon in Super Bowl XXXVII against
Oakland (1/26)... Added three tackles and two passes defensed against the Raiders.
2001: Spent the season with Cleveland after being waived by New England on September 3...
Claimed by the Browns the following day... Played in all 16 games with four starts... Totaled 32
tackles, four sacks, one pass breakup, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery... Played
defensive end on the defensive line rotation with one tackle and one pass defensed vs. Seattle
(9/9)... Notched two tackles and one sack for six yards against Detroit (9/23)... Started at left
defensive end for injured starter Keith McKenzie and recorded four tackles, one sack for
five yards and one recovered fumble vs. Baltimore (10/21)... His four tackles matched a then
career-high... Recovered a fumble by Ravens QB Elvis Grbac on a sack by LB Jamir Miller at the
Ravens 36-yard line and on the next play, Browns QB Tim Couch connected with WR Quincy
Morgan for a 36-yard touchdown pass and a Browns 24-6 lead... Added his second sack of the
season with a five-yard loss on Ravens QB Randall Cunningham in the fourth quarter... Part of
a defensive effort that limited the Ravens to 208 yards net passing, forced seven sacks, two
interceptions and one fumble in the Browns 24-14 win... Recorded three tackles and one sack
for five yards on Bears QB Shane Matthews at Chicago (11/4)... Added his third sack of the
season in the second quarter with a five-yard sack of Matthews... Part of a defensive effort that
forced three interceptions, three fumbles (one recovered), five sacks and 11 passes defensed...
Played defensive end in the defensive line rotation with three solo tackles and two quarterback pressures vs. Tennessee (12/2)... Started at right defensive end at New England (12/9) as
the Browns opened in the nickel defensive package and recorded four tackles, including one
solo and one tackle for loss… Part of a defensive effort that limited the Patriots to 290 yards,
including 81 yards rushing, and forced three sacks and two interceptions... Grabbed two solo
tackles, one sack for nine yards and one forced fumble vs. Jacksonville (12/16)... Recorded his
fourth sack of the year in the fourth quarter on a nine-yard sack of Jaguars QB Mark Brunell at
the Jacksonville 14-yard line and forced a fumble, which was recovered by DT Mark Smith, and
the Browns converted a 29-yard field goal three plays later... Started at right defensive end in
place of the injured DE Courtney Brown at Tennessee (12/30)... Recorded a then career-high
five solo tackles and two quarterback pressures on Titans QB Steve McNair... Started at right
defensive end and recorded three tackles at Pittsburgh (1/6).
2000: Played in all 16 games and started two contests at defensive end for New England...
Had a then career-high six sacks and shared the team lead with Willie McGinest... Also totaled
17 tackles, one pass defensed, one fumble recovery and three forced fumbles... Recorded
1.5 sacks against Minnesota on consecutive plays (9/17)... Tallied one sack for 12 yards on
Denver’s QB Brian Griese and forced one fumble en route to a Patriots 28-19 victory (10/1)...
Had a then career-high two sacks for 10 yards and one forced fumble against Indianapolis
(10/8)... Made his second career start against the N.Y. Jets (10/15) and recorded one tackle...
Started his second game of the season and recorded three tackles and a half-sack against
Cleveland (11/12)... Registered three tackles, one forced fumble and an eight-yard sack
against Cincinnati (11/19).
1999: Saw action as a defensive reserve in 11 games... Also saw limited action on the Patriots’
special teams unit... Finished the season with eight tackles, 0.5 sack and two special teams
230 | Veterans
tackles... Suffered a hip injury against Buffalo on November 28 and missed the remainder of
the season... Was placed on injured reserve on December 14... Had best game of the season
against Miami (10/17) with four tackles and 0.5 sack... Also had one special teams tackle in
the game.
1998: Played in 15 regular season games with one start at right defensive end… Also played
in one playoff contest for New England... Finished rookie campaign with 22 total tackles
(17 solo), three sacks for 26 yards and three passes defensed... Made one solo stop in his
NFL debut against Denver (9/7)... Recorded his first career NFL sack with a six-yard sack of
Kansas City QB Elvis Grbac in a 40-10 Patriots victory... Had three solo stops and three passes
defensed against Atlanta (11/8)... Had second sack of the season when he dropped QB Doug
Flutie for a 10-yard loss against Buffalo (11/29)... Posted season-high four tackles, including a
10-yard sack of QB Steve Young, against San Francisco (12/20)… Recorded two sacks in the
Patriots playoff game against Jacksonville (1/3) despite not starting the contest.
College: Was a four-year letterman at Florida State from 1994-97... Played linebacker, nose
guard and defensive end during his career for the Seminoles... Career totals of 115 tackles
and 18 sacks... Started eight out of nine games played during his senior year... Missed first
three games while recovering from fractured fibula... Totaled 32 tackles, 10 sacks, 14 tackles
for loss and two forced fumbles... Selected second-team All-ACC... As a junior, played in 11
games... Tallied 35 tackles, seven sacks and nine tackles for loss... Had career-high 42 tackles
as a sophomore from his defensive tackle spot... Also registered five tackles for loss, one sack
and two passes defensed... Saw limited action as a freshman with six tackles as a reserve nose
guard... Redshirted in 1993.
Personal: Has one daughter, Leila Spires and one son, Gregory T. Spires, Jr... Engaged to
Alzadia Jordan... Nicknamed “The Crane” by his teammates for his inspiring defensive play...
Launched his own Web Site in 2005, Spires94.com… Brother, Josh Raven, plays football for
Iowa State University… Spent time in October 2005 playing adapted sports with patients at
Shriners Hospital for Children in North Tampa… Participated in the Buccaneers 2002 College
Graduate Poster that encourages area youth to stay in school... Took part in the second
annual “Bucs Easter Egg Hunt” in 2002, visiting and taking pictures with many of the nearly
4,000 child participants... Attended Mariner (Cape Coral, Florida) High School, where he was
a standout linebacker and fullback... Earned District Player of the Year and All-Region honors
after rushing for over 900 yards as a senior... Blocked three punts and averaged 11 tackles
per game during his high school career... Born Gregory Tyrone Spires on August 12, 1974 in
Mariana, Florida.
SPIRES’ Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
1998 New England15 1 22
17
5 3.0 26.0 0
0
0 0 3 0 0
0 0 0 0
1999 New England11 0
8
7
1 0.5 6.0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
0 2 1 1
2000 New England16 2 17
12
5 6.0 41.5 0
0
0 0 1 3 1
0 0 0 0
2001 Cleveland 16 4 32
24
8 4.0 25.0 0
0
0 0 1 1 1
0 0 0 0
2002 Tampa Bay 16 16 47
22
25 3.5 22.0 0
0
0 0 1 1 1
0 0 0 0
2003 Tampa Bay 15 15 44
23
21 3.5 15.5 0
0
0 0 4 2 1
0 0 0 0
2004 Tampa Bay 16 16 86
43
43 8.0 56.5 0
0
0 0 1 3 2
0 0 0 0
2005 Tampa Bay 16 16 57
31
26 4.0 15.0 0
0
0 0 1 1 0
0 0 0 0
2006 Tampa Bay 16 16 63
30
33 5.0 33.0 0
0
0 0 1 0 0
0 0 0 0
NFL Totals
137 86 376 209 167 37.5 240.5 0
0
0 0 13 11 6
0 2 1 1
ST
PLAYOFFS
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
1998 New England 1 0
3
3
0 2.0 13.0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
2002 Tampa Bay 3 3 11
9
2 2.0 13.0 0
0
0 0 2 0 0
0 0 0 0
2005 Tampa Bay 1 1
2
2
0 0.0 0.0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
Postseason
5
4
16
14
2
4.0 26.0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0 0 0
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 9, three times, last at Chicago, 12/17/06
Sacks: 2.5 vs. Houston, 12/14/03
Veterans | 231
Pro: Veteran tight end utilized as a talented pass receiver and formidable blocker in the
running game… Played in 71 career games with 26 starts… Played in seven career playoff
games with two starts… Totaled 130 career receptions for 1,458 receiving yards and 15
touchdowns… Totaled 19 catches for 215 yards and four touchdowns in the playoffs...
Originally entered the league as a first-round pick (28th overall) of the Seattle Seahawks in
the 2002 NFL Draft… Signed by the Buccaneers as a free agent on April 29, 2007.
2006: Played in 11 games with six starts for Seattle… Totaled 22 receptions for 231 yards
and four touchdowns… Declared inactive the first five games of the season because of
injury (knee)… Made season debut vs. Minnesota (10/22)… Tied for the team lead with
three receptions for 20 yards at Kansas City (10/29), with one touchdown… Started vs. St.
Louis (11/12) and caught three passes for 29 yards and caught a 15-yard touchdown, tying
the mark for most touchdown receptions by a tight end in team history (13)… Caught
three-yard touchdown pass vs. Green Bay (11/27), which gave him the most scoring grabs
by a tight end in team history (14)... Tied a career-high with five receptions for 64 yards
vs. San Francisco (12/14)… Led the team with four receptions for 54 yards at Tampa Bay
(12/31)… Led the team with five receptions for 77 yards vs. Dallas (1/6) in NFC Wild Card
game… Tied WR Steve Largent’s postseason team record with two touchdowns, including
a career-long 37-yard score… Started at Chicago (1/14) in NFC Divisional Playoff game and
caught two passes for 18 yards.
2005: Played in all 16 games with 11 starts for Seattle… Totaled a career-high 45 receptions for 554 yards and five touchdowns… Set club records for tight ends in yards (554) and
touchdowns (five)… Also set career-high in receptions (45)… Caught career-long 35-yard
touchdown vs. Atlanta (9/18)… Recorded single-game career-highs in receptions (five) vs.
Dallas (10/23) and vs. Indianapolis (12/24)… Recorded three catches for a season-high 65
yards and one touchdown at St. Louis (10/9)… Totaled 11 catches for 104 yards and two
touchdowns in playoffs.
2004: Played in all 16 games with five starts for Seattle… Totaled 31 receptions for 349
yards and three touchdowns… Against St. Louis (10/10), hauled in first touchdown of season… Caught season-high four passes for 50 yards at New England (10/17)… Added four
receptions at San Francisco (11/7)… Had two catches for season-high 58 yards on Monday
night football vs. Dallas (12/6)… Caught touchdowns in two of the last three games, at N.Y.
Jets (12/19) and vs. Atlanta (1/2/05)… Caught one pass for 16 yards in the playoff game
vs. St. Louis (1/8/05).
2003: Played in all 16 games for Seattle… Totaled six receptions for 72 yards… Started
three games: at Arizona (9/14), vs. St. Louis (9/21), and at St. Louis (12/14) when the offense
opened in a two-tight end formation… Caught one pass for 17 yards vs. Pittsburgh (11/2)…
Saw extended playing time vs. Cleveland (11/30) and hauled in two passes for 20 yards…
Against Arizona (12/21), caught a season-long 26-yard pass… Saw time at tight end and
on special teams in the Wild Card game at Green Bay (1/4/04).
2002: Saw action in 12 games with one start for Seattle… Set franchise receiving marks for
a rookie tight end with 26 catches, 252 yards and three touchdowns… Made NFL debut
at Oakland (9/8) and had three receptions for 18 yards… Started first career game and
caught one pass for 10 yards vs. Minnesota (9/29), but left game in the second quarter
(ankle)… Declared inactive the next four games… Returned from ankle injury to play at
Arizona (11/10)… Caught two passes, including his first-career touchdown, a six-yarder
from QB Matt Hasselbeck vs. Kansas City (11/24)… Totaled three catches for 32 yards that
232 | Veterans
included second touchdown catch of the season, an 11-yarder, vs. Philadelphia (12/8)…
Also had three catches for 19 yards, including his third touchdown reception in four games,
at Atlanta (12/15)… Tied WR Darrell Jackson and WR Koren Robinson for team lead with
a career-high four receptions and career-high 70 yards vs. St. Louis (12/22)… Caught four
passes for 22 yards at San Diego (12/29).
College: Entered the draft as a redshirt junior and left the University of Washington ranking third in catches among tight ends (74) and fourth among tight ends in receiving yards
(953)… Started 22 of the 27 games he appeared in and was a semifinalist for the 2000
John Mackey Award, given to the nation’s top tight end… Junior season cut short due to
a broken left foot suffered vs. Idaho… Played in five games, starting vs. Idaho and in the
season finale at Miami, and recorded 10 receptions for 88 yards… Tallied a career-high, and
set a school bowl-game record, with nine receptions for 109 yards and a score vs. Texas
in the 2001 Holiday Bowl… As a sophomore, set a school record with 43 catches for 600
yards and three touchdowns while starting all 11 games… Named All-American SecondTeam by Gannett News Service, College Football News, and Football News… All-Pac-10
Conference Second-Team selection by coaches and media, while Football News named
him First-Team All-Pac-10… Co-winner of KOMO 1000’s Most Outstanding Offensive
Player award… Caught five passes for 51 yards in the team’s 2001 Rose Bowl win over
Purdue… Played in all 11 games as a redshirt freshman, starting nine, while hauling in 21
passes for 265 yards and four scores… His 21 receptions were the most ever by a freshman
tight end… Earned Freshman All-American Second-Team honors by The Sporting News
and an All-Pac-10 Freshman team choice by the Seattle P-I… Redshirted the year before
and spent the first part of the season as scout squad quarterback before converting to tight
end… Majored in American Ethnic Studies.
Personal: Top quarterback prospect out of Olympia’s River Ridge High where he passed
for 1,497 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior, and also had 17 catches for 242 yards and
three scores… Also played basketball and ran track… Has one brother and two sisters…
Sister, Jameka, played volleyball at the University of Hawaii… Born Jerramy Stevens on
November 13, 1979 in Olympia, Washington.
Stevens’ career statistics
Year
Team
GP
GS
RECEIVING
No Yds
Avg
Lg
TD
Att
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Seattle
Seattle
Seattle
Seattle
Seattle
12
16
16
16
11
1
3
5
11
6
26
6
31
45
22
252
72
349
554
231
9.7
12.0
11.3
12.3
10.5
29
26
32
35t
26
3
0
3
5
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
NFL totals
71
26
130
1,458
11.2
35t
15
0
0
0.0
0
0
PLAYOFFS
Year
Team
GP
GS
RECEIVING
Att Yds
Avg
Lg
TD
No
2003
2004
2005
2006
Seattle
Seattle
Seattle
Seattle
1
1
3
2
0
0
1
1
0
1
11
7
0
16
104
95
0.0
16.0
9.5
13.6
0
16
17t
37t
0
0
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
2
19
215
11.3
37t
4
0
0
0.0
0
0
Postseason RUSHING
Yds Avg
RUSHING
Yds Avg
Lg TD
Lg TD
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Receptions: 5, three times, last vs. San Francisco,
12/14/06
Receiving Yards: 70 vs. St. Louis, 9/18/05
Receiving TDs: 1, 15 times, last vs. San Francisco,
Veterans | 233
Pro: Possesses uncommon agility for receiver of his stature… A graceful route runner who creates mismatches in coverage with his size… Also contributes to team’s running game with effective perimeter blocking… In limited playing time, consistently demonstrated exceptional body
control and soft hands during his debut season… Has played in nine games with two starts…
Totaled seven catches for 102 yards and rushed twice for 29 yards… Originally entered league
as a third-round selection (90th overall) by Tampa Bay in the 2006 NFL Draft.
2006: Saw action in nine games (all but vs. Baltimore, at Atlanta, vs. Carolina, vs. Cincinnati,
vs. Philadelphia, at New York Giants and vs. New Orleans) with two starts (at Cleveland and
vs. Seattle)… Finished with seven receptions for 102 yards (14.6 avg.)… Also rushed twice for
29 yards… Declared inactive in first three games against Baltimore (9/10), at Atlanta (9/17) and
against Carolina (9/24)… Made professional debut at New Orleans (10/8)… Declared inactive
with back injury against Cincinnati (10/15), against Philadelphia (10/22), and at N.Y. Giants
(10/29)… Returned to action at Carolina (11/13)… Made first career reception at Pittsburgh
(12/3) and finished game with one catch for 11 yards… Saw action at Chicago (12/17), catching
three passes for 42 yards… Made first career start at Cleveland (12/24), catching two passes
for 45 yards… Started against Seattle (12/31) and caught one pass for four yards… Also rushed
twice for 29 yards.
College: One of the most prolific receivers in Notre Dame history… Showed remarkable maturity and improvement during his senior season, posting one of the top single-season receiving
performances in Irish history… Played in 46 games with 23 starts… Finished his career third in
Notre Dame history for touchdown receptions in a career with 18, and fourth in receiving yards
with 2,195 … Ended career ranked fourth in Irish history for receptions in a career with 130… As
a senior, started all 12 games at receiver… Had six 100-yard receiving games… Made 69 catches
for 1,149 yards (16.7 avg.) and 11 touchdowns… His 11 touchdowns ranked tied for second
on Irish single-season receiving touchdowns list… Set a Notre Dame bowl record for receiving
yards with 126 yards on nine catches (second in school bowl history) against Ohio State in the
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl… As a junior, played in nine games with eight starts at wide receiver…
Finished third on the team with 21 receptions for 313 yards (14.9 avg.) and one touchdown…
During sophomore season, played in all 12 games, with three starts… Finished third on the team
with 22 catches for 421 yards (19.1 avg.) and three touchdowns … Also played on special teams,
making 10 tackles… In his first career start, made three receptions for 24 yards vs. Washington
State… In 2002, played in all 13 games as a reserve wide receiver… Named to The Sporting
News All-American team (third team)… Had 18 catches for 312 yards (17.3 avg.)… Majored in
sociology and computer applications.
Personal: Attended Archbishop John Carroll (Radnor, Pennsylvania) High School… A First-Team
USA Today All-American as a senior… A Student Sports All-American as a senior… Named
co-Catholic League Player of the Year by the Philadelphia Daily News as a senior… Rated the
No. 32 player nationally by the Chicago Sun-Times… A first-team all-state pick as a senior as an
all-purpose defender… Named The Delaware County Daily Times Player of the Year for 2001…
Earned four letters in football at wide receiver and free safety… Caught 31 passes for 743 yards
and nine touchdowns as a senior in 2001 for the Philadelphia Catholic League Blue Division’s
championship team… Returned four punts for touchdowns in 2001, and returned five of his 11
interceptions for touchdowns – with those nine return touchdowns setting a city record… Had
56 tackles and one sack as a senior safety… Caught 19 passes as a junior, finishing his career with
50 catches for 1,176 yards (23.5 avg.) and 15 touchdowns… Finished his high school career with
26 career touchdowns… Was a starter for the East team in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in
San Antonio… Selected for the Pennsylvania Big 33 All-Star game… Earned two letters in track
234 | Veterans
and field, competing in the 200 and 400 meters and long jump… A two-time team captain and
all-state pick in track and field… Set area records at 23.1 in 200 meters and 50.7 in 400 meters…
Born Maurice Aurilius Stovall on February 21, 1985 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
STOVALL’S career statistics
Year
Team
2006
Tampa Bay
GP
GS
9
2
RECEIVING
No Yds
Avg
7
102
14.6
Lg
TD
Att
27
0
2
RUSHING
Yds Avg
29
14.5
Lg TD
18
0
Pro: Physical offensive lineman who has shown versatility on the line... Provides solid depth
at various positions on offensive line… Has played in 30 career regular season games with
one start and one postseason contest... Originally joined the Buccaneers as a fifth-round pick
(146th overall) in the 2004 NFL Draft.
2006: Played in 10 games (all but at New Orleans, vs. Philadelphia, at N.Y. Giants, vs. New Orleans,
at Carolina and vs. Washington) with one start (vs. Baltimore)… Made first start of career at right
guard against Baltimore (9/10)… Saw action at Cleveland (12/24) and blocked 31-yard field goal
attempt by Browns K Phil Dawson in third quarter… Saw action against Seattle (12/31).
2005: Saw action primarily on special teams in all 16 games… Also saw action in playoff
game… Played on special teams vs. Atlanta (12/24) and was able to get penetration on the
Falcons’ offensive line that allowed DE Dewayne White to block a potential game-winning
28-yard field goal in overtime… Saw action on special teams vs. New Orleans (1/1)… Saw
action on special teams in NFC Wild Card game vs. Washington (1/7).
2004: Played in four games (at Atlanta, vs. San Francisco, at Carolina and at Arizona), primarily on special teams... Saw first career action at Atlanta (11/14) on special teams... Also saw
action vs. San Francisco (11/21) and at Carolina (11/28)… Saw action at Arizona (1/2).
College: Three-year starter at guard at North Carolina... Also saw action at tackle... Earned
All-ACC honors and was named a team captain as a senior... Did not miss a game during
his last three seasons... Selected to play in the Senior Bowl... Started all 12 games in 2003...
Did not allow a sack all year... Named All-ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week for his performance at Clemson (10/25)... Played in all 12 games with 10 starts in 2002... Started eight
games at right guard and two games at right tackle... Started all 13 games, including the
Peach Bowl at right guard in 2001... One of only two Tar Heel offensive linemen to start
every game... Switched from guard to tackle during the preseason... Made his first career
start against Oklahoma... His pass protection helped the Tar Heels set a school record with
25 touchdown passes... In 2000, redshirted after suffering a right ankle fracture late in the
previous season... Played in five games at defensive tackle, making three tackles in 1999...
Switched to the offensive line following the season... Majored in business.
Personal: Married to Robin... One of five Buccaneers players who visited USS Bainbridge, a
United States Navy ship at the Port of Tampa, to meet military personnel on board in January
2007… Played volleyball with the kids, signed pennants and took pictures with patients at
the Shriners’ Hospital for Children in October 2005… Went to University Community Hospital
and visited with pediatric patients for the holidays in December of 2005… Interacted with
kids at the All Children’s Hospital and spoke in fluent Spanish with patients and families who
didn’t speak English in December 2004... Visited the North Shore Retirement Home and sang
Veterans | 235
Holiday carols to the residents in December 2004... Attended Culver Military (Culver, Indiana)
Academy... Learned Spanish while attending the Academy… Named First-Team All-State in
Indiana... Named the Plymouth Pilot-News Defensive Player of the Year... Played defensive
line, offensive guard, center and deep snapper... Four-year starter on offense and three-year
starter on defensive line... Born Jeb Barton Terry, Jr. on April 10, 1981 in Dallas, Texas.
terry’S career statistics
Games/Starts: TB: 2004: 4/0; 2005: 16/0 (P: 1/0); 2006: 10/1
Career Totals: 30/1 (P:1/0) P = Playoffs
Pro: Long-armed, big-handed tackle who can engulf defenders… Possesses good balance and
plays with a mean streak… Gained valuable experience during his rookie season last year, playing in 15 games and making 13 starts... Made first start of career at New Orleans (10/8/06) at
right tackle… Helped team gain 187 rushing yards and a 5.7 yards-per-carry average… Originally
entered league as a second-round selection (59th overall) by the Buccaneers in 2006 NFL Draft.
2006: Played in 15 games (all but vs. Baltimore) with 13 starts at right tackle (all but vs.
Baltimore, at Atlanta and vs. Carolina)… Did not play in season opener against Baltimore
(9/10)… Made professional debut at Atlanta (9/17), seeing action on special teams and on
offensive line… Made first start of career at New Orleans (10/8) at right tackle… Helped
team gain 187 rushing yards and a 5.7 yards-per-carry average… Started against Cincinnati
(10/15) and helped team gain 126 rushing yards in victory… Started vs. Washington (11/19)
and helped Buccaneers rush for 181 yards, including 122 by Cadillac Williams… Started at
Cleveland (12/24) and helped pave way for Tampa Bay’s 153 rushing yards.
College: Participated in the 2006 Senior Bowl… Honors included 2005 second-team AllACC and 2004 second-team All-Big East… A three-year starter for the Eagles… Started at
left tackle in each of the team’s last 20 games… Made 36 starts during his career at Boston
College… As a senior, started all 12 games and earned All-ACC second-team honors...
Appeared in 12 games with 11 starts as a junior... Earned All-Big East second-team honors…
Started all 13 games for the Eagles during sophomore season… As a freshman, listed at
number two on the post-spring depth chart at left tackle and provided depth at offensive
tackle... Majored in communications.
Personal: Son of Wanda and Roger Trueblood… Stepmother is Nancy Trueblood… Earned
SuperPrep All-America honors as a senior at Cathedral High School (Indianapolis, Indiana)…
Garnered all-Midwest honors from Tom Lemming... Captured all-state and all-city accolades
in both 1999 and 2000... Was selected to Central Indiana’s Super Team... Helped lead
Cathedral to back-to-back State 4A championships in 1998 and 1999... Also competed on
Cathedral’s basketball and track and field teams… Was the 2005-2006 recipient of the Mr.
and Mrs. John Wisniewski Scholarship… Born Jeremy Tyler Trueblood on May 10, 1983 in
Indianapolis, Indiana.
TRUEBLOOD’S career statistics
Games/Starts: TB: 2006: 15/13
236 | Veterans
Career Totals: 15/13
Pro: Athletic and talented center who has been a consistent performer in his four seasons with
Tampa Bay... Has demonstrated leadership and discipline along the offensive line since joining
the Buccaneers in 2003... A physical presence in middle of the offensive line... Well-conditioned
athlete who has started every game for the past two seasons (2005-06)… Also has seen action
at guard during his career... Has played in 110 career games with 90 starts... Started five career
playoff games (one with Tampa Bay and four with Jacksonville)… Signed with Tampa Bay on
March 10, 2003 after spending his first five years (1998-02) with the Jacksonville Jaguars...
Originally entered the league as a fifth-round pick (148th overall) of the Jaguars during the
1998 NFL Draft.
2006: Started all 16 games at center for Tampa Bay… Started at Atlanta (9/17), helping contribute to 311 passing yards… Started at New Orleans (10/8) and helped contribute to 187
rushing yards and 5.7 yards-per-carry average… Started against Cincinnati (10/15) and helped
team rush for 126 yards in win… Started vs. Washington (11/19) and helped Buccaneers rush
for 181 yards, including 122 by Cadillac Williams… Started at Cleveland (12/24) and helped
team rush for 153 yards.
2005: Started all 16 games at center for Tampa Bay… Started playoff game… One of five
members of the offensive line that started all 16 games for the first time in franchise history and
one of only three in the NFL… Provided blocking to allow for RB Carnell “Cadillac” Williams
to establish a new team record with six 100-yard rushing performances and a franchise rookie
record 1,178 rushing yards… Started at Minnesota (9/11) and helped the offense achieve a
balanced offensive attack, totaling 199 passing yards and 146 rushing yards… Helped provide
time for QB Brian Griese to throw a pair of touchdown passes and helped create holes for
Williams to total 148 rushing yards and a touchdown in his first NFL game… Returned to the
starting lineup for the first time since missing the final eight games of 2004 with a knee injury…
Started at center vs. Buffalo (9/18) and helped the Buccaneers gain 191 yards on the ground
and rush for two touchdowns… Led an offensive line that helped the Buccaneers control the
clock for 38:50 of the game… Started at Green Bay (9/25) and led the way for Williams to rush
for 158 yards… Started vs. Detroit (10/2) and helped provide time for Griese to pass for 302
yards and two touchdowns… Started vs. Miami (10/16) and helped RB Michael Pittman rush
for 127 yards and one touchdown… Started vs. Washington (11/13) and helped lead the way
for FB Mike Alstott to rush for two touchdowns and a game-winning two-point conversion…
Started at Atlanta (11/20) and helped lead the way for Williams to rush for 116 yards and one
touchdown… Started at Carolina (12/11) and helped lead the way for Williams to rush for 112
yards and two touchdowns… Started vs. Atlanta (12/24) and helped lead the way for Williams
to rush for 150 yards and one touchdown… Started vs. New Orleans (1/1) and helped lead the
way for the Buccaneers to rush for 149 yards… Started NFC Wild Card game vs. Washington
(1/7).
2004: Started first eight games at center for the Buccaneers before being placed on injured
reserve on November 10... Part of an offensive line that helped QB Brian Griese finish first in
the NFL in completion percentage and RB Michael Pittman rank in the Top 10 in the NFC in
rushing yards... Started at center in the season’s first eight games before suffering a dislocated
knee on Tampa Bay’s first offensive play vs. Kansas City (11/7)... Placed on the Injured Reserve
list on November 10.
2003: Started all 16 games at center for Tampa Bay… Member of an offensive line that ranked
fifth-best in the NFL in fewest sacks allowed with 23… A part of an offense that reached all-time
franchise season-highs in both total offense (340.8 ypg) and passing offense (237.8 ypg), while
ranking in the league’s Top 10 in both categories in the same year for just the second time
in team history (also 1984)… Ranked 10th in total offense and sixth in passing offense, tying
Veterans | 237
for the best final rankings in club history… A member of the offensive line that prevented QB
Brad Johnson from being sacked in a team-record 160 consecutive pass attempts during the
season… Made his Buccaneer debut when he started at center at Philadelphia (9/8)… Started
vs. Indianapolis (10/6) and caused a fumble by the Colts’ S Mike Doss following an interception,
leading to a 57-yard fumble return for a touchdown by WR Keenan McCardell… A member of
an offensive line that did not allow a sack in back-to-back games (vs. Houston and vs. Atlanta)…
Started at Tennessee (12/28), the 50th start of his career.
2002: Started all 16 games at center for Jacksonville... Regained starting status after suffering
from foot injuries the previous two seasons... Started at center vs. Indianapolis (9/8), marking
his first start since September 25, 2000, at Indianapolis... Started at center vs. the N.Y. Jets
(9/29) and helped the Jaguars rush for 223 yards, third most in franchise history... At Baltimore
(10/20), started at center and helped RB Fred Taylor rush for 151 yards... Started at center and
helped pave the way for Taylor to rush for 145 yards vs. Cleveland (12/8).
2001: Played in 15 games for Jacksonville, mostly on special teams... Suffered a stress fracture
in his right foot during June pre-camp workouts... Underwent surgery on June 25 and missed
training camp... Inactive for season opener vs. Pittsburgh (9/9)... Saw first action since second
game of 2000 season vs. Tennessee (9/23) when he blocked on PAT and FGA units... Played on
placekick units for remainder of season... Saw action at center for final play at Minnesota (12/23).
2000: Missed all four preseason games after suffering a stress fracture in his right foot early in
training camp... Inactive for first two regular season games... Started for first time all season vs.
Cincinnati (9/17) and played entire game ... Started again next week in Monday Night game
at Indianapolis (9/25), but suffered recurrence of foot injury in the second quarter... Placed on
injured reserve on September 26th and missed remainder of season.
1999: One of only four offensive players who started all 16 regular season games for
Jacksonville... Played every snap... Won starting job in training camp, beating out veteran
Quentin Neujahr... Helped pave the way for a team-record 214 rushing yards at Carolina
(9/19)... Played the entire game at Atlanta (11/7), and helped the team rush for 152 yards
despite suffering a sprained left ankle… Started both playoff games for second consecutive
season.
1998: Went to training camp looking for a roster spot, but gained valuable experience in the
preseason when veteran Michael Cheever was sidelined by a back injury... Dressed but did not
play in the season opener and then was inactive for the next 10 games... Saw action in the final
five games of the regular season, then started both playoff games... Played for the first time
in his NFL career on special teams at Cincinnati (11/29) and again the next week vs. Detroit
(12/6)... Played as the third tight end in a goal-line offense and on special teams vs. Tennessee
(12/13)... Played on special teams and saw the first action of his pro career at center late in
the fourth quarter at Minnesota (12/20)... Saw his most extensive action in the season finale
vs. Pittsburgh (12/28), taking over at center in the third quarter after Quentin Neujahr suffered
a neck injury... Made the first start of his NFL career at center in the AFC Wild Card game vs.
New England (1/3), replacing Neujahr... Made his second straight start and played the entire
AFC Divisional Playoff game at N.Y. Jets (1/10)... Chosen in the fifth round of the draft (148th
overall), the sixth center selected.
College: First player from Marshall ever selected to play in the Senior Bowl and the first to
be chosen for the Blue-Gray Game since 1940... Started every game as a senior in 1997 as
his team finished seventh in the nation with an average of 306.0 passing yards per game and
10th with an average of 445.2 yards of total offense... Named first-team All-Mid-American
Conference by Football News... Started all 15 games in 1996 as team won the Division I-AA
National Championship... Was part of an offense that amassed 7,287 yards in total offense
(485.8 per game) and was key in providing time for QB Eric Kresser to find star receiver
Randy Moss... Reserve center and guard in 1995, making one start... Reserve guard in 1994...
Redshirted as a freshman in 1993... Majored in business management.
Personal: Married to Natalie… Couple had first child in 2006, daughter, Raygan Judy...
Maintains his own ticket program named “Wade’s Warriors” at all home games, in support of
American Heart Association Heart Heroes and Moffitt Cancer Center... In November 2003, participated in the Easter Seals “Reading & Rocking” literacy program... Participant in Halloween
activities at the Children’s Home on October 28, 2003... Lettered three times in football
and baseball at Harrisonburg (Virginia) High School... Selected first-team All-District and
second-team All-State... Supported Habijax home-building efforts (the largest homebuilding
affiliate of the Habitat for Humanity program)... Reads to children at local elementary schools...
Participates in charity golf tournaments and numerous other local fundraisers... Born Robert
John Wade on January 25, 1975, in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
238 | Veterans
Wade’S career statistics
Games/Starts: 1998: 5/0 (P: 2/2); 1999: 16/16 (P: 2/2); 2000 2/2 (P: 0/0); 2001: 15/0 (P: 0/0); 2002 16/16 (P: 0/0); 2003 16/16 (P:
0/0); 2004: 8\8 (P: 0/0); 2005: 16/16 (P: 0/0); 2006: 16/16 (P: 0/0)
Career Totals: 110/90 (P: 5/5)
P= Playoffs
Pro: Fluid route runner with good hands… Physical player that can use his size in the passing
game and as a run blocker… Played in eight career games… Totaled five career receptions
for 63 yards… Signed to the Buccaneers practice squad on October 18, 2005 after being
released by Tampa Bay on October 15, 2005… Originally entered the league as a seventhround pick (225th overall) by the Buccaneers in the 2005 NFL Draft.
2006: Played in eight games (vs. Cincinnati, vs. Philadelphia, at N.Y. Giants, vs. New Orleans,
vs. Atlanta, at Chicago, at Cleveland and vs. Seattle)… Declared inactive in first four games…
Made NFL debut against Cincinnati (10/15)… Saw action against Philadelphia, making first
career reception, a 26-yard catch for a first down… Saw action at N.Y. Giants (10/29) and
against New Orleans (11/5)… Returned to action vs. Atlanta (12/10) and caught one pass for
nine yards… Saw action at Chicago (12/17), catching two passes for 19 yards… Saw action
against Seattle (12/31), catching one pass for nine yards.
2005: Inactive for Weeks 1-5 of the regular season… Released on October 15… Signed to
the Buccaneers practice squad on October 18 and spent the remainder of the season with
the unit.
College: Honors included 2004 Second-Team All-Mountain West Conference, co-MVP of the
2004 Fiesta Bowl and 2003 First-Team All-Mountain West Conference… Started all 23 games
played at Utah and hauled in 156 passes for 1885 yards (12.1 avg.) and 16 touchdowns…
Only Kevin Dyson (192, 1994-1997) and Bryan Rowley (177, 1989-1993) had more catches
in a career at Utah… His 1,885 yards rank fifth on the school’s all-time record list and his 16
scores rank seventh… Added 281 yards and three scores on 48 carries (5.9 avg.) and 189
yards on 28 punt returns (6.8 avg.)… Named the 2004 Fiesta Bowl’s co-MVP, as he set a
bowl record with 15 catches and his 198 yards rank as the third most in the bowl’s history…
Added a pair of 23-yard touchdown grabs and 17 rushing yards on one carry… Played 10
regular season games at the University of Oregon as a redshirt freshman in 2001… Majored
in sociology.
Personal: Attended Grant (Sacramento, California) High School… In June 2006, participated
in the Extreme United Youth Athletic Association’s first annual youth football camp at Jervey
Gant Park in Ocala, Florida… Named first-team All-State and All-League selection… Named
Sacramento Player of the Year and Capital Athletic League Player MVP… As a senior in 1999,
caught 49 passes for 1,066 yards and 11 touchdowns and also registered 97 tackles, 10 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and forced three fumbles as a defensive back… On
special teams, returned three kickoffs for scores that year… Son of Jerry and Stacey Moore…
Both parents played junior college basketball… Born Paris Jazz Warren on September 6,
1982 in Sacramento, California.
Veterans | 239
warren’S career statistics
Year
Team
2006
Tampa Bay
GP
GS
8
0
RECEIVING
No Yds
Avg
5
63
12.6
Lg
TD
Att
26
0
0
RUSHING
Yds Avg
0
0.0
Lg TD
0
0
Pro: Strong, elusive runner who has ability to break away any time he touches the ball…
Displays great vision, body control and a determined running style… A mentally and physically
tough running back who relishes workhorse role… Named 2005 Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the
Year, along with NFL Rookie of the Year by the PFWA in 2005... Named Offensive Rookie of
the Year by the Associated Press… Set an NFL-rookie record with 434 rushing yards over his
first three NFL games… Following his record-breaking performance over the first three weeks
of the 2005 season, had his shoes and gloves displayed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame…
Became the first running back in NFL history to debut with three consecutive 100-yard performances… Also became the first running back since RB Edgerrin James in 1999 to record
back-to-back 100-yard performances in his first two NFL games… His 148 rushing yards in NFL
debut at Minnesota (9/11/05) was the fifth-best rushing performance by a rookie running back
in his first game in NFL history… Has demonstrated ability to generate the big-play with 40
runs of 10 or more yards, including a game-sealing 71-yard touchdown run in his first career
NFL game – at Minnesota (9/11/05)… Highly-productive back who established a new team
record with six 100-yard rushing performances in only his first NFL season, including three of
the top 10 single-game rushing performances in team history… Has played in 28 career games
with 28 starts… Also started one playoff game… Tampa Bay is 7-1 when he rushes for 100 or
more yards in a game… Tampa Bay is 9-0 when he has 21 or more carries in a game… Set a
Buccaneers rookie record by rushing for 1,178 yards in 2005, becoming only the sixth player
(ninth time overall) in team history to rush for at least 1,000 yards in a single season… Career
rushing totals include 515 rushing attempts for 1,976 yards and seven touchdowns… Also has
caught 50 career passes for 277 yards… Entered the league as a first-round pick (fifth overall)
by Tampa Bay in the 2005 NFL Draft.
2006: Played in and started 14 games (all but at Cleveland and vs. Seattle)… Led team with
798 rushing yards on 225 carries and one touchdown… Also totaled career-high 30 receptions,
sixth-best on squad, for 196 yards… Carried the ball eight times for 22 yards against Baltimore
(9/10)… Tied for game-high with five receptions for 25 yards… Carried the ball 15 times for
37 yards at Atlanta (9/17)… Rushed 19 times for 48 yards and one touchdown (four-yard run)
against Carolina (9/24)… Also caught two passes for 16 yards… Carried 20 times for 111 yards
at New Orleans (10/8) for seventh career 100-yard game… Added three catches for 14 yards…
Carried the ball 19 times for 94 yards against Cincinnati (10/15)… Also caught three passes for
10 yards… Carried the ball 23 times for 82 yards against Philadelphia (10/22)… Also caught
two passes for 11 yards… Carried the ball eight times for 20 yards at N.Y. Giants (10/29)… Also
caught five passes for 34 yards… Carried 12 times for 39 yards vs. New Orleans (11/5)… Also
caught one pass for five yards… Carried the ball 15 times for 44 yards at Carolina (11/13)…
Carried the ball 27 times for 122 yards vs. Washington (11/19)… Also caught two passes for
34 yards… Carried 17 times for 78 yards at Dallas (11/23)… Carried 11 times for 27 yards and
caught four passes for 30 yards at Pittsburgh (12/3)… Carried the ball 20 times for 48 yards
against Atlanta (12/10)… Also caught one pass for five yards… Carried the ball 11 times for
240 | Veterans
26 yards at Chicago (12/17)… Also caught two passes for 12 yards… Declared inactive at
Cleveland (12/24) and against Seattle (12/31) with foot injury.
2005: Played in 14 games with 14 starts (all but at N.Y. Jets and vs. Miami) at running back…
Started playoff game… Named Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year, along with NFL Rookie of
the Year by the PFWA... Named Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press… Rushed
a team-best 290 times for a team-high 1,178 yards (4.1 avg.) and six touchdowns, tied for tops
on the squad… Also caught 20 passes (seventh-best on squad) for 81 yards… Ranked sixth
in the NFC with a Buccaneer single-season rookie record 1,178 rushing yards… Became only
the sixth player (ninth time overall) in team history to rush for at least 1,000 yards in a single
season, including only the second rookie (also RB Errict Rhett in 1994)… Led team in both
carries (290) and rushing yards (1,178)… Six rushing touchdowns ranked tied for ninth in the
NFC… Rushed for 100 or more yards in a single-season team record six games and Tampa Bay
was 6-0 in those games… Rushed 79 times for 449 yards in the fourth quarter and overtime
(5.9 avg.) with four touchdowns… Named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Week award in each
of the season’s first three weeks… Named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for September
and December… Named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Week at Minnesota (9/11) in his first
NFL game… Carried 27 times for 148 rushing yards and one touchdown against the Vikings…
Broke free for a 71-yard touchdown run that sealed the game late in the fourth quarter…
148 rushing yards ranked fifth-best all-time among rookies in their first NFL game… Ranked
second on Opening Day in rushing yards with 148, behind Pittsburgh RB Willie Parker’s 161
yards… His 71-yard touchdown was also the third-longest running play by a rookie in team history and fifth-longest overall in team history… Named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Week vs.
Buffalo (9/18) after rushing 24 times for 128 rushing yards and one touchdown… Barreled into
the end zone from three yards out to give the Buccaneers a 16-3 lead in the third quarter…
Totaled 276 rushing yards over his first two games, the fifth-best debut over two games in NFL
history… Became the first running back since RB Edgerrin James in 1999 to record back-toback 100-yard performances in his first two NFL games (James totaled 230 yards in his first
two games)… Named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Week at Green Bay (9/25) after rushing 37
times for 158 yards… Became the first running back to debut with three consecutive 100-yard
performances… Total of 434 yards over his first three NFL games established a new NFL rookie
record… Also caught his first career pass… Tied for the most rushing attempts in a single game
on the season in the NFL with 37 carries - also RB Fred Taylor in an overtime contest at N.Y.
Jets (9/25)… Running performance at the end of the game allowed the Buccaneers to run out
the final 5:03 of the game… Rushed 14 times for 79 yards in the fourth quarter… Started vs.
Detroit (10/2) but left the game because of injury… Finished the game with 11 carries for 13
yards and two receptions for six yards… Declared inactive at the N.Y. Jets (10/9) and vs. Miami
(10/16) because of injury… Rushed 13 times for 20 yards at San Francisco (10/30)… Also caught
one pass for five yards… Carried 11 times for 29 yards vs. Carolina (11/6)… Also caught three
passes for 25 yards… Carried 10 times for 20 yards vs. Washington (11/13)… Rushed 19 times
for 116 yards and one touchdown at Atlanta (11/20)… Rushed for a nine-yard touchdown that
tied the game at 27-27… Also had a 30-yard rushing play… Tied for the team lead with three
receptions for 13 yards… Carried 20 times for 84 yards vs. Chicago (11/27)… Also caught two
passes for seven yards… Rushed 22 times for 96 yards at New Orleans (12/4) … Also caught
two passes for seven yards… Rushed 29 times for 112 yards and two touchdowns at Carolina
(12/11)… Rushed for 14-yard and 10-yard touchdowns, the first multi-touchdown game of his
career… Carried 14 times for 23 yards and also caught three passes at New England (12/17)…
Led the team with 31 carries for 150 yards and one touchdown vs. Atlanta (12/24)… Carried
seven times for 45 yards in overtime… Carried 22 times for 81 yards vs. New Orleans (1/1)…
Started first career postseason game vs. Washington (1/7) in NFC Wild Card contest… Rushed
18 times for 49 yards and also caught three passes for 10 yards.
College: Honors included 2004 All-American First-Team selection (Coaches), and Second-Team
(AP), 2004 All-SEC First-Team pick as both a running back and return specialist by the league’s
coaches… 2004 Semi-finalist for Doak Walker Award, presented to the nation’s top running
back… 2003 unanimous All-SEC First-Team choice… 2001 Freshman All-American SecondTeam pick by The Sporting News… 2001 SEC All-Freshman team… Earned nine Southeastern
Conference Player of the Week honors in his career at Auburn, the most in conference history… In 42 games at Auburn, rushed 741 times for 3,831 yards (5.2 avg.) and 45 touchdowns,
breaking the old school career-records of 657 rushing attempts by RB Joe Cribbs (1976-79)
and 43 scores by RB Bo Jackson (1982-85)… Only Jackson (4,303) gained more yards on the
ground in school history… Also added 342 yards on 45 receptions (7.6 avg.) with a touchdown,
returned 22 punts for 251 yards (11.4 avg.), had 29 kickoff returns for 609 yards (21.0 avg.)
and completed both pass attempts for 48 yards and a score… Scored a school career-record
276 points, topping the old mark of 274 points by Jackson… Finished his career with 5,033
Veterans | 241
all-purpose yards, ranking second in school annals behind RB James Brooks (5,596, 1977-80)…
Scored a rushing touchdown in 29 of 42 games in his career, and scored two or more rushing touchdowns in 12 of those contests… In 2004, started all 13 games for the undefeated
Tigers… Led the team with 239 carries for 1,165 yards (4.9 avg.) and 12 touchdowns… Caught
a career-high 21 passes for 152 yards (7.2 avg.) and a score… Returned 22 punts for 251
yards (11.4 avg.) and had eight kickoff returns for 150 yards (18.8 avg.)… Also threw a 29-yard
touchdown pass against Georgia… Amassed 1,718 all-purpose yards, the third-best season
total in school history… Scored at least one touchdown in a nine-game span – a school record
– and in 11 of the last 13 contests… Rushed 19 times for 101 yards and a touchdown, threw
a 29-yard touchdown pass, caught four passes for 20 yards and returned four punts for 77
yards against Georgia… Was named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week and Cingular/ABC
Sports All-American Player of the Week Award for his efforts against Georgia… Helped guide
Auburn to the SEC Championship after rushing 19 times for 100 yards, including a five-yard
touchdown, catching two passes for 11 yards, and returning three kickoffs for 42 yards against
Tennessee… In 2003, played in all 13 games with 10 starts… Unanimous All-SEC First-Team
choice… Led the team with a career-high 1,307 yards and 17 touchdowns on 241 carries (5.4)…
His 17 scores tied the school season-record, first set by Jackson in 1985… His 1,307 yards ranks
fifth on the Tigers’ season-record list… Earned SEC Co-Player of the Week honors as he ran
36 times for 185 yards and a one-yard touchdown against Tennessee… Named the SEC and
Coaches’ Offensive Player of the Week after he had 35 carries for 150 yards and a six-yard
touchdown at Arkansas… Named SEC Player of the Week for the third consecutive week, and
set a school record with six touchdowns on runs of 72, three, 22, 17, two and six yards, against
Mississippi State… Became only the third player in SEC history to score six touchdowns in a
single game… Finished with 15 carries for 164 yards (10.7 avg.), joining Jackson (1985), as the
only other Auburn player to rush for over 150 yards in three straight games… Rushed for a
career-high 204 yards on 26 carries and two touchdowns, returned two punts for 30 yards and
added a 20-yard kickoff return against Alabama… Opened the game with an 80-yard scoring
run on the first from scrimmage, the eight-longest run in school history… In 2002, played in
seven games… Finished second on the team with 745 yards and 10 touchdowns on 141 carries
(5.3 avg.)… Scored a touchdown in six consecutive games, becoming the first running back in
Auburn history to accomplish that feat… Rushed 20 times for 170 yards, and touchdown runs
from 23 and 65 yards against Vanderbilt… Earned SEC Player of the Week honors, as he rushed
for 202 yards on 40 carries, including six and eight-yard touchdown runs against Syracuse… In
2001, played in nine games with two starts… Carried the ball a team-leading 120 times for 614
yards (5.1 avg.) and six touchdowns… Named Freshman All-American Second-Team by The
Sporting News… Named the SEC All-Freshman team… Caught 13 passes for 140 yards (10.8
avg.)… Added 190 yards on eight kickoff returns (23.8)… Totaled 944 all-purpose yards… Had
six carries for 56 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown run, the longest scoring run by a true
freshman since 1996, and a one-yard touchdown leap at Vanderbilt… Became the first true
freshman to score two rushing touchdowns since Darrell Williams (1989)… Had 19 carries for
177 yards and a 55-yard touchdown run at Arkansas… His 177 yards were the third-most ever
by an Auburn freshman, and his 55-yard run was the sixth longest by a freshman in Auburn
history… Set a school single-game record with 41 rushing attempts for 167 yards and two
touchdowns at Georgia… Also had four receptions for 71 yards, including a catch on a 61-yard
screen pass… Finished with 238 all-purpose yards against the Bulldogs and was named SEC
and Coaches’ Offensive Player of the Week… Majored in sociology.
Personal: Nicknamed “Cadillac” by a local sportscaster in Alabama… Son of Sherry Williams
and Aaron Turner… Sponsors ticket program for Buccaneers home games named “Cadillac’s
Kids,” in support of Bay Area Boys and Girls Clubs, Brookwood Home for Girls and the
Department of Juvenile Justice Polk House… Visited the North Tampa Boys & Girls Club
in September 2005 and helped the kids with their homework before participating in the
Gatorade Junior Training Camp football drills… Provided insight into the 2005 season to the
Greater Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater Chamber of Commerce members at two football season kick-off events sponsored by TECO Energy… Earned Alabama Mr. Football and
USA Today Alabama Player of the Year honors at Etowah (Attalla, Alabama) High School…
Started all four years, as he rushed for 2,612 yards and 38 touchdowns as a senior and 1,729
yards with 23 scores as a junior… On defense, recorded 78 tackles and six interceptions as a
senior… Earned Parade, Prep Star and Super Prep All-American honors and was nominated
for the ESPN.com Offensive Player of the Year Award… Named Gadsden Times Area Player
of the Year as a senior and Etowah County Player of the Year as a junior… Was also Orlando
Sentinel Alabama Player of the Year in 2000… Born Carnell Lamar Williams on April 21, 1982
in Gadsden, Alabama.
242 | Veterans
williams’ Career Statistics
Year
Team
GP
GS
Att
2005
2006
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
14
14
14
14
290
225
1,178
798
NFL totals
28
28
515
1,976
PLAYOFFS
Year
Team
GP
GS
Att
2005
Tampa Bay
1
1
18
ADDITIONAL STATS
Fumbles-lost — 3-2 in 2005, 1-1 in ‘05 playoffs, 3-3
in 2006
RUSHING
Yds
Avg
Lg
TD
RECEIVING
No Yds Avg Lg
TD
4.1
3.5
71t
38
6
1
20
30
81
196
4.1
6.5
15
21
0
0
3.8
71t
7
50
277
5.5
21
0
RUSHING
Yds
Avg
Lg
TD
RECEIVING
No Yds Avg Lg
7
0
49
2.7
3
10
3.3
6
TD
0
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Rushes: 37, at Green Bay, 9/25/05
Rushing Yards: 158, at Green Bay, 9/25/05
Rushing Touchdowns: 2, at Carolina, 12/11/05
Long Run: 71t, at Minnesota, 9/11/05
Receptions: 5, twice, last at N.Y. Giants, 10/29/06
Receiving Yards: 34, twice, last vs. Washington, 11/19/06
Pro: Promising tight end prospect who was a productive and athletic pass catcher with
N.C. State… Fluid athlete who has ability to stretch the middle of the field… Placed on
injured reserve (8/15/06) after rupturing Achilles tendon in June… Originally entered
league as a sixth-round selection (202nd overall) of Tampa Bay in the 2006 NFL Draft.
2006: Spent entire season on the Injured Reserve list after suffering an Achilles tendon
injury during the offseason… Placed on IR on August 15.
College: Ranked 14th in school history with 1,283 receiving yards and 14th with 98 catches
- the best marks ever by a tight end at N.C. State... Those marks were also tops among
ACC tight ends at the conclusion of his career with the Wolfpack... Caught at least one
pass in 34 of his last 36 games… A three-year starter for the Wolfpack… Appeared in 47
career games with 32 starts… Started all 12 contests as a senior in 2005 and was named
second-team All-ACC… Led the Wolfpack in receiving for the second consecutive season
with 36 catches for 407 yards and two touchdowns… Appeared in 11 games with 10 starts
as a junior… Team’s leading receiver with 31 catches for 382 yards… Recipient of the Gary
Rowe Award, given to the Wolfpack player with the most receptions… As a sophomore,
played in 13 games with nine starts… Honorable mention All-ACC choice and ranked as
the sixth-leading receiver on the Wolfpack with 28 catches for 444 yards and three touchdowns… Appeared in 11 games in 2001 with one start (Florida State)… Totaled three
receptions for 50 yards… Caught his first career pass in the win over UMass…. Majored in
sports management.
Personal: Pulled down 27 receptions for 400 yards and four touchdowns in only five games
as a senior for Coach Mike Schott at Tarboro High School (North Carolina)… Also returned
Veterans | 243
six punts for 121 yards and a score, including an 85-yard return... Tallied 42 tackles, including three sacks at linebacker during his junior campaign… As a kick returner, totaled 600
yards and three touchdowns that season… In his three years on the varsity squad, led his
team to a 31-8 record, two conference championships and a state championship appearance... Born T.J. Williams on September 24, 1982 in Tarboro, North Carolina.
Pro: Well-rounded defender with combination of speed and strength… Has played in 62
career games with 19 starts… Also played in one postseason game… Saw primary action on
special teams last season… Has totaled 266 career tackles, nine sacks, four forced fumbles,
three fumble recoveries, three interceptions, 11 passes defensed and 31 special teams
tackles and one forced fumble on special teams… Signed by the Buccaneers as a free agent
on April 3, 2006… Spent the second half of the 2005 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars
after being acquired via trade from the San Francisco 49ers on October 7, 2005… Originally
drafted by San Francisco in the second round (47th overall) of the 2001 NFL draft.
2006: Appeared in 14 contests (all but at Atlanta and at New Orleans) on the season
for Tampa Bay… Ranked sixth on the team with 14 special teams tackles and added one
special teams forced fumble… Also collected six defensive tackles… Totaled one tackle in
season opener vs. Baltimore (9/10)… Had two special teams tackles vs. Carolina (9/24)…
Had one special teams tackle vs. Cincinnati (10/15)… Notched one special teams tackle
vs. Philadelphia (10/22)… Had one special teams tackle at N.Y. Giants (10/29)… Finished
contest vs. New Orleans (11/5) with one tackle and one special teams stop… Saw late
action on defense at Dallas (11/23), recording two tackles… Added one special teams tackle
against the Cowboys… Had one tackle on defense and one special teams stop at Pittsburgh
(12/3)… Recorded one special teams tackle and one forced fumble on special teams vs.
Atlanta (12/10)… Had one tackle and two special teams stops at Chicago (12/17)… Totaled
two special teams tackles at Cleveland (12/24)… Posted one special teams tackle vs. Seattle
(12/31).
2005: Played in eight games with two starts as a member of the 49ers and Jaguars… Played
in three games with two starts with the 49ers before being traded to the Jaguars on October
7… Played in five games with Jacksonville before being placed on the Injured Reserve list
on November 29… Totaled 15 tackles and two special teams tackles for the season… As
a member of the 49ers, started and posted seven tackles with one tackle for loss vs. St.
Louis (9/11)… Started and totaled five tackles, including two tackles for loss, at Philadelphia
(9/18)… Collected three tackles vs. Dallas (9/25)… Declared inactive at Arizona (10/2) in a
game played in Mexico City… Declared inactive vs. Cincinnati (10/9) in his first game with
the Jaguars… Saw reserve action at Pittsburgh (10/16) with one tackle on defense and one
special teams tackle… Saw action on special teams at St. Louis (10/30) and vs. Houston
(11/6)… Saw reserve action and on special teams vs. Baltimore, totaling one tackle for loss
and one special teams tackle… Saw action primarily on special teams at Tennessee (11/20)…
Declared inactive at Arizona (11/27) because of injury before being placed on the Injured
Reserve list on November 29.
2004: Played in 14 games with 10 starts with San Francisco… Finished third on the team
with 104 tackles and a career-high 4.5 sacks… Also added three forced fumbles, one fumble
recovery, one interception and two passes defensed… Saw reserve action and recorded three
tackles, a career-high two sacks and one forced fumble vs. Atlanta (9/12)… Tallied two assisted tackles and one fumble recovery at New Orleans (9/19)… Registered six tackles at Seattle
(9/26)… Recorded five tackles vs. St. Louis (10/3)… Started and registered six tackles and
244 | Veterans
one interception vs. Arizona (10/10)… Started and led the team with 15 tackles at N.Y. Jets
(10/17)… Started and registered nine tackles and 1.5 sacks at Chicago (10/31)… Started and
tallied 10 tackles and one sack vs. Seattle (11/7)… Started and recorded five tackles and one
forced fumble vs. Carolina (11/14)… Started and tallied four tackles at Tampa Bay (11/21)…
Started and registered eight tackles and one pass defensed vs. Miami (11/28)… Started and
tallied 12 tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery at St. Louis (12/5)… Started
and led the team with 11 tackles at Arizona (12/12)… Started and recorded eight tackles vs.
Washington (12-18)… Inactive because of injury the final two games of the season.
2003: Played in nine games with San Francisco before being placed on injured reserve on
November 15… Totaled 61 tackles, three sacks, and five passes defensed… Also added one
forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two special teams tackles… Tallied four tackles, one
sack and one assisted special teams tackle vs. Chicago (9/7)… Recorded three solo tackles
and one sack at St. Louis (9/14)… Notched 10 tackles and two passes defensed vs. Cleveland
(9/21)… Registered 10 tackles at Minnesota (9/28)… Recorded two passes defensed vs.
Detroit (10/5)… Registered 12 tackles at Seattle (10/12)… Had six tackles, one forced
fumble, one fumble recovery and one pass defensed vs. Tampa Bay (10/19)… Recorded 13
tackles and one solo special teams tackle at Arizona (10/26)… Had three tackles and one sack
vs. St. Louis (11/2)… Placed on the Injured Reserve list on November 15.
2002: Played in three games with three starts with San Francisco… Finished the season
with 28 tackles, one sack and two passes defensed… Also had two special teams tackles…
Started at N.Y. Giants (9/5) and recorded a career-high 16 tackles, along with one sack, two
tackles for loss and two passes defensed… Also posted one special teams tackle… Named
NFC Defensive Player of the Week (9/11) for performance against Giants… Led team with
nine tackles, including one tackle for loss, vs. Denver (9/15)… Also recorded one special
teams tackle… Recorded three tackles, including one tackle for loss, vs. Washington (9/22)…
Left game because of injury… Inactive for the remainder of the year before being placed on
the Injured Reserve list on January 2.
2001: Played in 14 games and made four starts as rookie with San Francisco… Finished
season with 52 tackles, 0.5 sack, one fumble recovery, two interceptions and two passes
defensed… Also added 11 special teams tackles... Inactive vs. Atlanta (9/9) and vs. St.
Louis (9/23) because of an injury suffered during the preseason… Saw reserve action and
on special teams at N.Y. Jets (10/1)… Also recorded two tackles on special teams… Made
first career NFL start and posted a then career-high 13 tackles vs. Carolina (10/7)… Set
49ers rookie record with 13 tackles… Made second consecutive start and had five tackles at
Atlanta (10/14)… Tallied one tackle and one pass defensed at Carolina (11/18)… Collected
four tackles and one assist on special teams at Indianapolis (11/25)… Saw reserve action
and grabbed first career interception vs. Buffalo (12/2)… Also posted two tackles and one
special teams tackle… Credited with five tackles at St. Louis (12/9)… Also had one tackle on
special teams… Started and registered nine tackles and 0.5 sacks vs. Miami (11/16)… Started
and recorded nine tackles vs. Philadelphia (12/22)… Collected three tackles and one pass
defensed at New Orleans (1/6)… Also intercepted one pass and recovered one fumble…
Also posted two tackles on special teams… Saw reserve action and recorded two assists in
NFC Wild Card Game at Green Bay (1/13).
College: Three-year starter at Vanderbilt… Finished career with 377 tackles, 16.5 sacks
and 45 tackles for loss… All-America Dream Team selection by Sports Xchange as junior…
Second-Team All-America by Football News and First-Team All-SEC as sophomore…
Freshman All-America by The Sporting News and Football News… Started final nine games
at linebacker as a junior, finishing second on team with 105 tackles… Also posted three sacks,
seven tackles for loss and two forced fumbles… Football News All-America Second-Team
selection as a sophomore… First-team All-SEC… Led SEC in tackles for second consecutive
season with 141 tackles (95 solo) as a sophomore… Also tallied 5.5 sacks and team-high
23 tackles for loss… Freshman All-America by The Sporting News and Football News…
Freshman All-SEC by Knoxville News-Sentinel… Second-team All-SEC selection… Led conference with 131 tackles… Led team with eight sacks and 15 tackles for loss… Forced two
fumbles and recovered one fumble… Redshirted as true freshman… Majored in human and
organizational development.
Personal: Recipient of the 49ers Ed Block Courage Award in 2004… Played linebacker and
fullback at Wetumpka (Alabama) High School… Named All-Metro, All-Region, All-District
and Second-Team All-State as senior… Recorded 137 tackles (89 solo) and rushed 11 times
for 159 yards as senior… As a sophomore, competed in 100-meter dash and 4x100 relays at
Texas Regionals… Born Jamie Winborn on May 14, 1979 in Wetumpka, Alabama.
Veterans | 245
winborn’s Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
San Francisco
San Francisco
San Francisco
San Francisco
S.F./Jax
Tampa Bay
NFL Totals
14 4 52
3 3 28
9 0 61
14 10 104
8 2 15
14 0 6
32
21
40
64
10
4
20
7
21
40
5
2
0.5
1.0
3.0
4.5
0.0
0.0
4.5
8.0
18.0
31.5
0.0
0.0
2
0
0
1
0
0
40
0
0
1
0
0
29
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
5
2
0
0
0
0
1
3
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
17 11 5 6
0 2 1 1
13 2 1 1
0 0 0 0
0 2 2 0
0 14 8 6
62 19 266 171
95
9.0 62.0
3
41
29
0
11
4
3
30 31 17 14
ST
PLAYOFFS
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2001
San Francisco 1
0
2
2
0
0.0 0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
ADDITIONAL STATS
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Special Teams Forced Fumble: 1 vs. Atlanta, 12/10/06
Tackles: 16 at N.Y. Giants, 9/5/02 (w/ San Francisco)
Pass Defensed: 2, several times, last vs. Detroit, 10/5/03
(w/ San Francisco)
Interceptions: 1, several times, last vs. Arizona, 10/10/04 (w/ San Francisco)
Sacks: 2 vs. Atlanta, 9/12/04 (w/ San Francisco)
Pro: Versatile and productive member of Tampa Bay’s defensive line... Strong pass rusher who
has excelled at both the end and tackle positions... Vital member of Buccaneers defensive line
rotation who started eight games last season and tied for team lead in sacks… Has played in
66 career games with nine starts... Owns 134 career tackles, 14.5 sacks, three forced fumbles,
two fumble recoveries and four passes defensed... Has appeared in five playoff games, totaling
10 tackles, one fumble recovery, one pass defensed and two sacks... Recorded first postseason
sack in Super Bowl XXXVII win over the Oakland Raiders... Originally entered league as a sixthround selection (183rd overall) of Tampa Bay in the 2001 NFL Draft.
2006: Played in 13 games (all but at Carolina, vs. Washington and at Dallas) with eight starts
(vs. Philadelphia, at N.Y. Giants, vs. New Orleans, at Pittsburgh, vs. Atlanta, at Chicago, at
Cleveland and vs. Seattle)… Tied for the team lead with five sacks on the season despite only
starting eight games… Finished season with 31 tackles and five sacks… Posted two tackles
in season opener vs. Baltimore (9/10)… Had two stops at Atlanta (9/17)… Finished with two
tackles at New Orleans (10/8)… Recorded first career multi-sack game vs. Cincinnati (10/15),
posting two sacks of QB Carson Palmer… Finished contest against the Bengals with five
tackles… Had three tackles and one sack of QB Donovan McNabb vs. Philadelphia (10/22)…
Had four tackles and one sack of QB Eli Manning at N.Y. Giants (10/29)… Finished with two
tackles vs. New Orleans (11/5)… Returned from injury to start at Pittsburgh (12/3)… Had four
tackles vs. Atlanta (12/10)… Recorded two tackles, including one sack of QB Rex Grossman,
at Chicago (12/17)… Finished with two tackles at Cleveland (12/24)… Tallied two tackles vs.
Seattle (12/31).
246 | Rookies
2005: Played in all 16 contests with one start (at New England)… Also appeared in playoff
contest vs. Washington… Made first career start in place of the injured Anthony McFarland at
defensive tackle at New England (12/17)… Appeared in 50th career game at Carolina (12/11)…
Finished season with 17 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one
pass defensed… Part of a defense that finished the season as the top-ranked unit in the NFL
in total defense, marking the fourth consecutive season the unit has ranked in the top five
and seventh time in the last nine years… The 2005 season was also the second time in the
past four years and third time in team history that the defense finished No. 1 overall… It also
marked the ninth consecutive season that the defense has finished among the NFL’s Top 10 in
total defense, tied for the second-longest streak in the NFL since 1970… Recorded one tackle
against Buffalo (9/18) and one tackle at Green Bay (9/25)… Saw action at defensive tackle
against Detroit (10/2), totaling one tackle and one fumble recovery… Notched two tackles at
defensive tackle at San Francisco (10/30)… Had one tackle vs. Carolina (11/6)… Recorded first
sack of the season vs. Chicago (11/27)… Finished contest against the Bears with three tackles…
Posted two tackles and one pass defensed at New Orleans (12/4)… Had two tackles, one
forced fumble and one sack for 13 yards at Carolina (12/11)… Made first career start in place of
the injured McFarland at defensive tackle at New England (12/17), totaling two tackles… Had
two tackles and one sack of QB Mark Brunell in NFC Wild Card game vs. Washington (1/7).
2004: Played in six games (at Washington, vs. Seattle, at Oakland, vs. Denver, at New Orleans
and at St. Louis) before being placed on injured reserve on October 23 because of a shoulder injury... Totaled 19 tackles and two tackles for loss... Rotated in along the defensive line
at Washington (9/12), finishing the contest with three tackles... Recorded three tackles at
Oakland (9/26)... Led the defensive line with a career-high eight tackles against Denver (10/3)...
Contributed one tackle at New Orleans (10/10)... Recorded four tackles at St. Louis (10/18).
2003: Played in 13 games (all but at Philadelphia, vs. Atlanta and at Tennessee)… Missed
the final three games of the season after being placed on injured reserve on December 16
because of a sprained left knee… Totaled 22 tackles, two sacks and three passes defensed on
the season… Part of a defense that ranked fifth in the NFL, marking the seventh straight year
the defense has finished among the NFL’s Top 10… Was inactive at Philadelphia (9/8) because
of a left ankle sprain… Notched one tackle while substituting along the defensive line against
Carolina (9/14)… Notched two tackles as a reserve along the defensive line at Atlanta (9/21)…
Recorded first sack of season against Indianapolis (10/6), dropping QB Peyton Manning for a
five-yard loss in the fourth quarter… Totaled three tackles against the Colts and notched three
tackles at Washington (10/12)… Recorded one sack against Dallas (10/26), bringing down QB
Quincy Carter for a five-yard loss in the third quarter… Finished with three tackles against the
Cowboys… Totaled one tackle and one pass defensed against New Orleans (11/2)… Recorded
three tackles against Green Bay (11/16)… Recorded three tackles and one pass defensed at
Jacksonville (11/30)… Totaled one tackle and one pass defensed at New Orleans (12/7)… Saw
brief action against Houston (12/14) before leaving the contest with a sprained left knee…
Placed on injured reserve on December 16 because of injury.
2002: Played in 14 regular season games along the defensive line (all but vs. Atlanta and at
Detroit)... Played in all three playoff games... Ranked third on the team with 5.5 sacks despite
not starting a game... Finished with 38 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble
recovery... Part of a defense that ranked first in the NFL, marking the sixth straight year the
defense has finished among the NFL’s Top 10... At the time, also marked the second time in
franchise history that the defense finished the year ranked No. 1 overall (also 1979)… Recorded
two stops in a reserve role against New Orleans (9/8)... Registered first sack of NFL career at
Baltimore (9/15)... Finished contest with three tackles... Posted second sack of his career against
St. Louis (9/23)... Finished game with three tackles and a forced fumble... Recorded first fumble
recovery of his career and added three tackles at Cincinnati (9/29)... Played extensively along
the defensive line at Atlanta (10/6), registering his third sack of the season... Recorded three
tackles against the Falcons... Appeared as a reserve along the defensive line against Cleveland
(10/13)... Finished contest with two tackles... Posted one tackle and combined for a sack with
DT Warren Sapp while substituting on the defensive line at Philadelphia (10/20)... Recorded
three tackles in a reserve role at Carolina (10/27)... Notched three tackles against Minnesota
(11/3) while substituting along the defensive line... Dropped QB Rodney Peete for a nine-yard
loss on the Panthers last offensive play from scrimmage vs. Carolina (11/17)... Finished contest
with three tackles... Recorded three tackles vs. Green Bay (11/24) as a reserve along the defensive line... Recorded two stops at New Orleans (12/1)... Inactive vs. Atlanta (12/8) and at Detroit
(12/15) because of ankle sprain... Returned to action vs. Pittsburgh (12/23), posting four tackles
while substituting along the defensive line... Notched a second quarter sack of QB Henry Burris
at Chicago (12/29)... Added three tackles and a forced fumble against the Bears... Substituted
along the defensive line vs. San Francisco (1/12) in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game, recording
Rookies | 247
five tackles and one pass defensed... Notched a fumble recovery at Philadelphia (1/19) in the
NFC Championship Game... Recorded a third quarter sack of QB Rich Gannon in Super Bowl
XXXVII against Oakland (1/26)... Added three tackles against the Raiders... Finished postseason
with eight tackles, one sack, one pass defensed and one fumble recovery.
2001: Played in four games (at Detroit, vs. New Orleans, vs. Baltimore and vs. Philadelphia)
and also saw action in playoff contest... Finished with seven tackles on the year... Dressed but
did not play at Dallas (9/9), at Minnesota (9/30), at Green Bay (10/7), at Tennessee (10/14) and
at Green Bay (11/4)... Made NFL debut at Detroit (11/11) and contributed one tackle... Played
backup role against New Orleans (12/23) with a then career-high three tackles... Backed up
on the defensive line with three tackles, tying his then career-high, against Philadelphia (1/6)...
Came off the bench in playoff game at Philadelphia (1/12).
College: Collected 120 career tackles (69 solo), 18 tackles for losses and 10 sacks in 40 career
games for the Bulldogs... Appeared in nine games as a senior, making a career-high eight
starts... Racked up a career-high 43 tackles (25 solo), three sacks, two fumble recoveries and
one forced fumble... Tied for the team lead with 11 tackles for losses... Named a second-team
Super Sleeper and All-Southeastern Conference selection by The Sports Xchange... Played in
11 games as a junior in 1999... Was the Bulldogs’ top defensive reserve, posting 42 tackles
and a career-best five sacks... Played in a career-high 12 games as a sophomore, starting
one contest... Had 26 tackles and one sack... Responded with six tackles in first career start
at Oklahoma State... Appeared in eight games as a freshman in 1997, adding nine tackles...
Majored in technology/education.
Personal: In 2004, joined forces with the NFL Players Association Tampa Bay Chapter, the City
of Tampa and the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners to kickoff “Strong Minds,
Strong Bodies”... The project provided monthly reading and career planning activities for over
500 at-risk youth and their families in East Tampa and the University Community Area... Visited
with patients at a 2004 Halloween themed Carnival on the rooftop playground of All Children’s
Hospital... Helped present a check for $100,000 and took part in the field dedication at Skyway
Park to kick off the renovation of the football fields at the Skyway Park Athletic Facility in
2003... Participated in Metropolitan Ministries’ annual SneakerFeat event in 2002 by reading
stories and playing games with children at the temporary care facility for the homeless... Was
part of a group of players that visited MacDill Air Force Base on September 10 to meet and
honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces for their efforts in defending our nation and protecting our freedom... An avid fan of Broadway musicals… Hails from
the same hometown as B.B. King… Earned all-state first-team honors at Gentry High School
in Indianola, Mississippi... Named to the “Best of the Rest” squad by the Jackson ClarionLedger... Recorded 124 career tackles and seven sacks as a senior... Raised by mother, Shirley
Rose Wyms... Born Ellis Rashad Wyms on April 12, 1979 in Indianola, Mississippi.
wyms’ Career Statistics
ST
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
NFL Totals
4
14
13
6
16
13
0
0
0
0
1
8
7
38
22
19
17
31
2
18
11
8
11
15
5
20
11
11
6
16
0.0
5.5
2.0
0.0
2.0
5.0
0.0
32.5
10.0
0.0
23.0
20.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
66
9
134
65
69 14.5 85.5
0
0
0
0
4
3
2
0
0 0 0
ST
PLAYOFFS
TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS FUMBLES TACKLES
Year Team
GP GS Tot Solo Asst Sk Yds No Yds Lg TD PD FF FR Yds T S A
2001
2002
2005
Tampa Bay 1
Tampa Bay 3
Tampa Bay 1
Postseason
5
0
0
0
0
8
2
0
5
1
0
3
1
0.0 0.0
1.0 1.0
1.0 5.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
0
10
6
4
2.0 6.0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0 0 0
SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
Tackles: 8 vs. Denver, 10/3/04 Sacks: 2 vs. Cincinnati, 10/15/06
248 | Rookies
Pro: Ballhawking corner with good closing speed… Considered one of the nation’s top cover
corners while at Penn State and a semifinalist for 2005 Jim Thorpe Award, given to nation’s
top defensive back… Inactive for first 15 games during rookie season last year before being
placed on injured reserve for final game of season (12/31/06)… Originally entered league as
fourth-round selection (122nd overall) of Tampa Bay in 2006 NFL Draft.
2006: Inactive for 15 games… Placed on injured reserve on December 29 prior to season finale
vs. Seattle (12/31).
College: Was a second-team All-America selection by The Sporting News and the Associated
Press as a senior… Helped lead Penn State to an 11-1 record and Big Ten Championship in
2005… Named First-Team All-Big Ten in 2005... Selected All-Big Ten during each of his last
three seasons (2003-2005)… Played in every game his last four years (2002-2005), including
starts in 34 of his last 35 games… Finished his career with 181 tackles... Served as one of the
team captains in 2005... Suffered a concussion and fractured frontal sinus in a January 2003
automobile accident, but responded with a breakout year that placed him among the top
defensive backs in the Big Ten… Broke the Big Ten and Penn State season records with 207
interception return yards in 2003… Started every game as a senior in 2005… Finished tied for
the Big Ten lead with six interceptions (tied for fifth in the nation) and led the conference with
16 passes defensed (six interceptions, 10 pass break-ups), tied for seventh nationally… Became
the first Penn State player since 1991 to grab three interceptions in a game as he collected a
trio of picks in Penn State’s Big Ten-clinching win at Michigan State to earn Walter Camp and
Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors… Started all 11 games at left cornerback as a
junior... Made 47 tackles, with one TFL, two interceptions and six pass breakups… Played in all
12 games with 11 starts as a sophomore… Led the Big Ten and ranked among the leaders in
the nation with 18 passes defended and tied for fourth in the conference with four interceptions, breaking the Penn State and Big Ten season records with 207 interception return yards…
His 71 tackles ranked fourth on the team…As a freshman in 2002, saw action in every game
on special teams and recorded 12 tackles… Redshirted as a true freshman in 2001… Majored
in journalism.
Personal: As part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rookie Club, visited patients at All Children’s
Hospital, as well as residents at Westminister Palms Retirement Home during the 2006
holiday season… Also with the Rookie Club and several members of the Buccaneers Women’s
Organization, helped stuff and distribute food baskets at the Metropolitan Ministries holiday
tent in 2006… As a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rookie Club, kicked off its season
of community events with a bowling party benefiting Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Hillsborough
County in October 2006… Was an accomplished three-sport athlete at Spencerport Central
High School, earning eight letters in his career… Was a standout on both sides of the ball and
special teams as a two-time letterman for Coach Anthony Lipani… Distinguished himself as the
first freshman to play on the varsity at Central and also as the school’s first Division I-A player…
Recorded 132 career tackles and three interceptions on defense... As a running back, totaled
206 career carries for 1,534 yards and 18 touchdowns… Added 10 kickoff returns for 340 yards
and four touchdowns… Earned all-county and all-state honors and was a team captain and
MVP… Was also selected a member of New York’s Golden 50 and the All-Greater Rochester
Super 22 team… Served as the defensive captain for the New York squad in the Governor’s
Bowl, which pits the top talent from the Empire State against their counterparts in New
Jersey… Earned recognition as a Black Scholar-Athlete… Has five younger brothers: Bryan,
Christian, Deon, Alex and Eric, and one younger sister, Amber... Born Alan Keith Zemaitis on
August 24, 1982 in Rochester, New York.
Rookies | 249
overview of 2007 picks
RD. NO.
PLAYER
Gaines Adams
Arron Sears
Sabby Piscitelli Quincy Black
Tanard Jackson Greg Peterson
Adam Hayward
Chris Denman
Marcus Hamilton
Kenneth Darby
1
2
2
3
4
5
6
7
7
7
4
35
64
68
106
141
182
214
245
246
POS. HT. WT.
BIRTHDATE
DE
G
S
LB
S
DT
LB
T
CB
RB
6-5
6-3
6-3
6-2
6-0
6-5
6-0
6-7
6-0
5-10
258
319
224
240
200
286
235
315
192
211
6/8/1983
10/25/1984
8/24/1983
2/28/1984
7/21/1985
1/21/1984
6/23/1984
10/7/1983
2/17/1984
12/26/1982
COLLEGE
Clemson
Tennessee
Oregon State
New Mexico
Syracuse
N.C. Central
Portland State
Fresno State
Virginia
Alabama
GAINES ADAMS #90
DE • 6-5 • 258 • 6/8/83
1st Round, 4th Overall
Clemson
College: Regarded as one of the premier athletes in college football…
First defensive player chosen in the 2007 NFL Draft… Game-changing
performer who can wreak havoc in the backfield… Explosive pass rusher
who finished tied for first in Clemson history with 28 career sacks (also
Michael Dean Perry)… Earned unanimous First-Team All-American honors in 2006, ranking fourth in the nation with an average of 0.96 quarterback sacks per game… Named
the Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a senior after registering
12.5 sacks in 2006… Single-season mark of 12.5 sacks ranked second in school history…
Deflected 21 career passes, second all-time in school history… Played in 48 career games
with 26 starts at Clemson… Finished his career with 168 tackles, 28 sacks, 44.5 tackles for
loss, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries… Returned a fumble 66 yards for a
touchdown at Wake Forest (10/7/06)… Also totaled 66 quarterback pressures, 21 passes
defensed and blocked two punts… Set a school record with at least one sack in eight
consecutive games in 2006… Four-year letterman and defensive captain as a senior…
Reunited with former Clemson teammate DE Charles Bennett, a sixth-round pick of the
Buccaneers in the 2006 NFL Draft… Majored in sports management.
2006: Started all 13 games for Clemson as a senior… Totaled 62 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 17.5
tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and six passes defensed…
Returned a fumble 66 yards for a touchdown… Earned unanimous First-Team All-American
honors… Unanimous First-Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference pick… ACC Defensive
Player of the Year… One of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Award… One of six
finalists for the Ted Hendricks Award, given to the top defensive end in college football...
Tied for fourth nationally and led the conference with 12.5 sacks… Led the team with 17.5
tackles for loss and 25 quarterback pressures… Recovered three fumbles for 85 yards in
returns, including a 66-yard touchdown… Forced two fumbles and deflected six passes…
Named defensive captain… Earned ACC Player of the Week honors vs. Florida State and
Wake Forest… Totaled two tackles and also recovered one fumble at Boston College
(9/9)… Produced seven tackles and 2.5 sacks at Florida State (9/16)… Recorded one sack
vs. North Carolina (9/23)… Totaled four tackles and a five-yard sack vs. Louisiana Tech
(9/30)… Recorded eight tackles, two sacks and returned a fumble 66 yards for a touchdown
at Wake Forest (10/7)… Recorded one sack at Temple (10/12), tying a school record by
recording at least one sack in his fifth consecutive game… Totaled three tackles, one sack,
two tackles for loss and a pass defensed vs. Georgia Tech (10/21)… Extended his schoolrecord to a sixth consecutive game with at least one sack… Recovered one fumble, posted
seven tackles, one sack and two tackles for loss at Virginia Tech (10/26)… Delivered four
tackles and one sack vs. Maryland (11/4)… Recorded 10 tackles and one pass defensed vs.
N.C. State (11/11)… Saw his school record string of consecutive games with at least one
sack snapped at eight contests… Closed out his career with six tackles and two sacks vs.
Kentucky (12/29) in the Music City Bowl.
250 | Rookies
2005: Started all 12 games as a junior… Totaled 56 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss,
three forced fumbles and nine passes defensed… Ranked sixth on the team with 56 tackles… Led the squad with 29 quarterback pressures and 9.5 sacks… Third on the team with
15 tackles for losses and three forced fumbles… Nine passes defensed set a school season
record for defensive linemen and led the team in that category… Named ACC Player of
the Week vs. Maryland (9/10) after registering a season-high eight tackles and 2.5 sacks…
Totaled five tackles and added one tackle for loss at Wake Forest (10/1)… Collected 2.5
sacks and four tackles vs. Temple (10/22)… Totaled 1.5 sacks and four tackles vs. Florida
State (11/12)… Totaled five tackles, one sack and three tackles for loss at South Carolina
(11/19)… Recorded two sacks and seven tackles vs. Colorado (12/27) in the Champs Sports
Bowl.
2004: Played in 11 games with one start as a sophomore… Totaled 35 tackles, five sacks,
eight tackles for loss, one forced fumble and four passes defensed… Recipient of the
team’s “12th Man Award” for his performance as a reserve defensive end… Blocked two
punts, one vs. Utah State that resulted in a touchdown and one vs. South Carolina, becoming the first Tiger defensive end to record two blocked punts in one season... Had at
least one tackle in every game, including a season-high six tackles vs. Wake Forest (9/4)...
Notched a five-yard sack and four tackles vs. Georgia Tech (9/11)… Totaled two sacks,
along with blocking one punt vs. Utah State (10/16) and was named Clemson’s Special
Teams Player-of-the-Week for that performance… Added four tackles and one sack vs.
Maryland (10/23)… Posted one sack and three tackles vs. Duke (11/13).
2003: Played in 12 games as a redshirt freshman… Recorded 15 tackles, one sack, four
tackles for loss and two passes defensed… Posted four tackles, including two for loss
and a sack vs. Florida State (11/8)... Added four tackles and two tackles for loss vs. Duke
(11/15).
2002: Redshirted.
Personal: Attended Fork Union Academy in 2001 and totaled 58 tackles, 22 sacks, and two
interceptions in 10 games… Attended Cambridge Academy (Greenwood, S.C.), playing
football for former All-SEC and South Carolina QB Steve Taneyhill…. Two-time All-State
selection and All-Lakelands Class A Player of the Year as a senior… Rated a three-star
prospect by Rivals100.com, even though his school played eight-man football… Totaled
14 sacks, leading his team to the 2000 state title… Also had 57 catches for 1,680 yards
and 20 touchdowns on offense and posted 78 solo tackles, along with five interceptions
as a defensive end in 2000… In three seasons at Cambridge, had 158 career receptions
for 4,394 yard and 65 touchdowns, 341 tackles, 10 interceptions, and 33 sacks… In May,
participated in the Reebok NFL Players Rookie Premiere… Born Gaines Adams on June
8, 1983.
ARRON SEARS #78
G • 6-3 • 319 • 10/25/84
2nd Round, 35th Overall
Tennessee
College: Unquestioned leader of Tennessee’s offensive unit... Powerful
and consistent offensive line prospect who saw action at every position,
except center, on the Vols’ offensive line during his career… A 2006
All-American who won the SEC’s Jacobs Award his senior season, given
annually to the best blocker … Played in 44 games with 37 starts in four seasons with the
Volunteers (2003-2006)… 37 starts included 26 starts at left tackle, six at right tackle, four
at right guard and one at left guard… In his final two seasons, allowed only three sacks
and four pressures on 1,552 plays, recording 138 knockdowns and 25 touchdown-resulting
blocks during that span… Majored in sociology with an emphasis in arts and sciences.
2006: Team captain who started all 13 games at left tackle… All-American first-team selection by the Walter Camp Foundation and the AFCA, adding second-team honors from The
NFL Draft Report and Associated Press… All-SEC first-team choice and became the first
Tennessee player since Antone Davis in 1990 to win the Jacobs Blocking Award, given to
the conference’s top blocker… Allowed only one quarterback sack and three pressures on
797 total plays.
Rookies | 251
2005: Started all 11 games, making starts at every position, except for center… AllSoutheastern Conference first-team selection by the league’s coaches and the Associated
Press… Lined up at left tackle most of the year, but started at right guard vs. Louisiana
State, left guard vs. Mississippi and appeared at right tackle vs. Louisiana State (also played
left tackle and left guard vs. the Tigers).
2004: Played in all 13 games, starting 12 contests… Came off the bench vs. Georgia,
seeing limited action in that clash after suffering a high ankle sprain the previous week
vs. Auburn… Started at left guard vs. Mississippi, marking the first time in his career (high
school or college) that he played guard in a game... Played three different positions along
the offensive line vs. Alabama (both tackle spots and right guard)... Lined up at left tackle
vs. South Carolina, then moved to right tackle for the Notre Dame game… Started at right
guard vs. Vanderbilt and at left tackle vs. Kentucky and Auburn (SEC title game)... Finished
the season with a left tackle start in the Cotton Bowl vs. Texas A&M.
2003: Appeared in seven games as a true freshman, earning his first career start vs.
Mississippi State at right offensive tackle, but he sprained his ankle in that contest, missing
the team’s final two regular season games… Returned in a reserve role vs. Clemson in the
Peach Bowl.
Personal: Attended Russellville (Alabama) High School… Listed on the Atlanta JournalConstitution’s Super Southern 100 squad and rated the sixth-best prospect on the Tampa
Tribune’s Best of the South list… Selected Class 5A Lineman of the Year by Alabama High
School Sports magazine and named to the Fox Sports Network’s “Countdown to Signing
Day” All-South third-team… Rated as the 13th-best offensive tackle in the nation and the
seventh-best prospect in the state of Alabama by Rivals.com… Also played in the U.S.
Army All-American Bowl… Born Arron Eugene Sears on October 25, 1984.
SABATINO “SABBY” PISCITELLI #38
S • 6-3 • 224 • 8/24/83
2nd Round (b), 64th Overall
Oregon State
College: A speedy safety with incredible range and closing speed…
Proven equally effective playing deep in zone coverage or inside the box
as a run stuffer… Played in 48 games with 36 starts for Oregon State…
Finished college career with 178 tackles, three fumble recoveries, one
forced fumble, 29 passes defensed, one sacks and ranked second tied in school history
with 15 interceptions… Also added nine special teams tackles and one fumble recovery…
Majored in speech communication.
2006: Earned All-Pac 10 Conference first-team honors and was a member of the Nagurski
Award (nation’s top defensive player) and Thorpe Award (nation’s top defensive back)
Watch Lists…Named the defensive team captain…Started all 12 games at strong safety,
ranking fourth on the team with 64 tackles, one sack, and ranked third in the Pac-10 and led
the team with five interceptions…Also led the team with 12 passes defensed… Allowed
only six receptions for 80 yards and no touchdowns.
2005: All-Pac 10 Conference honorable mention honors for the second consecutive year...
Started all 11 games at strong safety, finishing third on the team with 54 tackles and led
the team with four interceptions, returning one for a touchdown… Also added eight passes
defensed and two fumble recoveries… Registered a season-high eight tackles and one
interception vs. Washington State… Matched a season high with eight tackles and added
one pass defensed, one fumble recovery and one interception vs. California.
2004: Earned All-Pac 10 Conference honorable mention… Started all 12 games at strong
safety… Ranked sixth on the team with 54 tackles and added one fumble recovery and
eight passes defensed… Also ranked second on the team with five interceptions… Had
four tackles on special teams and blocked one field goal.
2003: Played all 13 games as a reserve strong safety and was a key member on special
teams… Recorded four tackles, one pass defensed and one interception.
2002: Redshirted as a freshman.
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Personal: Son of Diane and Sabatino Piscitelli… Attended Boca Raton (Florida) High
School… Did not compete in football until his junior year… Named District 10, Class 5A
Division Defensive Player of the Year by the Boca Raton News… Also named second-team
All-State and first-team All-Area, All-County and All-Conference as a senior… Finished his
senior year with 62 tackles, seven interceptions, 10 sacks and three fumble recoveries…
Earned four letters in baseball… Born Sabatino Carmine Piscitelli on August 24, 1983 in
Boca Raton, Florida.
QUINCY BLACK #58
LB • 6-2 • 240 • 2/28/84
3rd Round, 68th Overall
New Mexico
College: A vastly underrated talent with excellent speed… Played
linebacker at New Mexico after beginning his career as a defensive
end at Harper College… Wreaked havoc on the opposition’s passing
game while playing the safety/linebacker hybrid Lobo position which
was made famous at UNM by All-American Brian Urlacher in 1998 and 1999… Earned
first-team all-Mountain West Conference and honorable mention All-America honors
(CollegeFootballNews.com) as a senior in 2006… Including his 2003 season at Harper
College, recorded 283 tackles with 18 quarterback sacks, 33 tackles for loss, three forced
fumbles, 11 pass deflections and four interceptions… His 88-yard interception return at
Brigham Young in 2006 was the eighth-longest return in school history and the longest
since Brian Braziel’s 99-yarder vs. Texas-El Paso in 1996… His 138 yards on interception
returns in 2006 were the most in a season by a New Mexico player since Stan Quintana
totaled 172 yards in 1964… His 114 tackles in 2006 were the most by a New Mexico
player in a season since Urlacher totaled 154 hits in 1999… Played in 36 games with 23
starts at New Mexico from 2004-06… Finished his Lobos career with 195 tackles (97 solos),
1.5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss and five quarterback pressures… Also forced two fumbles,
deflected nine passes and gained 169 yards with two touchdowns on four interception
returns (42.3 avg.)… Played in 36 games with 23 starts at New Mexico… Selected to play
in the 2007 East-West Shrine Game in Houston… Graduated in December 2006, with a
degree in University Studies.
2006: All-America honorable mention by College Football News… First-Team All-Mountain
West Conference selection… Served as defensive captain… Manned the safety/linebacker
hybrid Lobo position (lined up between linebacker and safety depth and had significant
pass coverage responsibilities)… Started all 13 games for New Mexico… Led the team and
ranked third in the conference with a career-high 114 tackles… Had one tackle for loss, five
quarterback pressures, one forced fumble and four pass deflections… Gained 138 yards
on three interception returns (46.0 avg.), including one touchdown… Registered at least
10 tackles in eight contests… Totaled 12 tackles, and added one forced fumble, at New
Mexico State while seeing action in 91 defensive plays… Credited with career-high 13 tackles at Air Force… Recorded a game-high 10 tackles and returned an interception 88 yards
for a touchdown at BYU… The return was the eighth-longest return in school history and
the longest since Brian Braziel’s 99-yarder against Texas-El Paso in 1996… Also grabbed
interceptions against Wyoming and at Colorado State.
2005: Played in 11 games with 10 starts for the Lobos… Came off the bench vs. Colorado
State after missing most of the week’s practices due to the death of his grandfather…
Finished with 63 tackles (29 solos) to rank third on the team and added 1.5 sacks and 3.5
tackles for loss… Deflected team-high five passes and intercepted another for a 31-yard
touchdown return against Utah… Recorded a career-high 10 tackles in the regular-season
finale against Air Force… Notched eight tackles and the first sacks of his career (1.5 sacks)
against New Mexico State.
2004: Played in all 12 games on special teams and in defensive duty at New Mexico...
First linebacker off the bench and developed into one of the team’s best kickoff coverage
performers... Posted 18 tackles and forced one fumble… Had seven tackles in the final two
games of season against Wyoming and Navy.
2003: Second-Team All-America defensive end at Harper (Palatine, Ill.) Junior College,
adding All-Region and All-State honors… Helped lead the team to the junior college
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national title.… Started all 11 games at defensive end… Recorded 88 tackles (47 solos), a
freshman school season-record 16.5 sacks and 28.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage…
Forced one fumble and deflected two passes.
2002: Redshirted during first season at Harper College.
Personal: Earned All-Public League honors as a senior at Kenwood (Chicago, IL) High
School… Added All-Conference honors as a sophomore and a junior… Recorded 224
tackles and 17 sacks in his career… Collected 89 tackles with nine sacks as a senior and
produced 87 tackles and six sacks during his junior year… Three-year letterman on the
basketball court, earning Third-Team All-Public League honors… Has a brother, Elliot and
sister, Deatrice… Enjoys reading novels and doing volunteer work… Born Quincy Booker
Black on February 28, 1984 in Chicago, Illinois.
TANARD JACKSON #36
S • 6-0 • 200 • 7/21/85
4th Round, 106th Overall
Syracuse
College: Hard-hitting safety with the speed and agility to play cornerback, as he did for Syracuse… Demonstrates solid technique and
is able to run with receivers down the field… Also a force against the
run… Earned All-Big East Conference second-team honors as a senior…
Played in 45 games with 34 starts for Syracuse throughout his collegiate career… Totaled
165 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for losses, five interceptions and 14 passes defensed…
Also forced two fumbles and recovered four others for 16 yards in returns to go along with
one onside kickoff recovery… Majored in communications and rhetorical studies.
2006: Started all 12 games at left cornerback… Earned All-Big East Conference secondteam honors… Ranked sixth on the team with 62 tackles, adding 2.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles
for losses… Forced two fumbles and returned one fumble recovery for seven yards…
Deflected four passes and intercepted two others for 39 yards in returns… Of the 66
passes thrown into his area, only 10 produced first downs… Registered eight third-down
stops (five versus the pass).
2005: Started all 11 games at left cornerback… Recorded 42 tackles with 2.5 stops for losses… Recovered one fumble and deflected six passes to go along with one interception.
2004: Started 11 games at left cornerback after moving into the starting lineup… Finished
sixth on the team with 56 tackles, including 1.5 stops for losses… Recovered one fumble
and tallied four pass deflections to go along with two interceptions.
2003: Played in 11 games as a true freshman (one of only three on the team), seeing action
primarily on punt return and punt protection special teams units… Finished season with
five tackles.
Personal: Attended Bullis School (Potomac, Maryland)… Set a school record with 19 interceptions over his career… Also made 252 tackles while gaining 3,121 yards rushing and
1,007 receiving yards… Totaled 39 touchdowns… Earned Prep Star All-Atlantic Region
honorable mention… Two-time first-team All-State selection… Three-time All-Metro honoree and four-time first-team All-County selection… Named team’s most valuable player
after totaling 15 touchdowns, 483 receiving yards, 1,132 rushing yards, four interceptions,
78 tackles and two sacks as a senior team captain… Collected 60 tackles, three interceptions and 19 passes defensed as a junior, winning the team’s Defensive Player of the Year
Award... Born Tanard Ricardo Jackson on July 21, 1985 in Silver Spring, Maryland.
254 | Rookies
GREG PETERSON #64
DT • 6-5 • 286 • 1/21/84
5th Round, 141st Overall
North Carolina Central
College: Relentless pass rusher who established himself as one of
the most gifted defensive linemen in the small college ranks at North
Carolina Central… All-American, Black College All-American, all-region
and All-Central Intercollegiate Athletics Association defensive lineman
in 2006… During his time at North Carolina Central, started all 24 games he played in,
registering 104 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 25.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, two fumble
recoveries, two passes defensed and one interception… Also blocked one kick… Ranked
seventh in Division II with 19.5 tackles for loss in 2006, along with totaling a team-leading
7.5 sacks and 48 tackles… Started all 12 games in 2005, leading the defensive line with
56 tackles, along with six tackles for loss and three sacks… Transferred to North Carolina
Central in 2005 after spending two seasons (2003-04) at Hinds Community College, where
he totaled 92 tackles and 11 sacks … Majored in criminal justice.
2006: Started all 12 games… Voted First-Team All-Conference (Central Intercollegiate
Athletic Association), Daktronics NCAA Division II All-Southeast Region Second Team and
SBN Sports Black College All-America Team… Ranked 13th in the NCAA and seventh in
Division II with 19.5 tackles for a loss… Led team with 7.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries… Finished fourth on the squad with 48 total tackles… Recorded a season-high eight
tackles, including three tackles for loss, against Shaw… Amassed six tackles, including a
season-best 3.5 tackles for loss with one sack and one fumble recovery at Livingstone…
Accounted for the team’s lone safety… Selected to play in the Intra-Juice North-South AllStar Classic in Houston, Texas.
2005: Started all 12 games… Topped all defensive linemen and ranked third on the team
with 56 tackles, including six tackles for loss and three sacks, along with one interception
and one forced fumble… Amassed season-high 10 tackles, including two tackles for loss
and one sack against Bowie State… Eight tackles, including two tackles for loss with one
sack, and one forced fumble at Winston-Salem State… Collected four tackles and made
an acrobatic, one-handed interception to set up a score during NCCU’s second half comefrom-behind victory over Bowie State in the CIAA Championship Game.
2004: Attended Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi… Ranked by Rivals.
com as the No. 16 junior college prospect in the country… As a sophomore in 2004,
earned First-Team All-Mississippi and all-region recognition… Selected to the Mississippi
Junior College All-Star game.
2003: Appeared in 14 games as a reserve defensive end at Hinds Community College
while recovering from a strained right rotator cuff.
Personal: Named all-conference, all-state at East Duplin High School in North Carolina…
East Duplin’s Male Athlete of the Year and Team Most Valuable Player as a senior… Born
Greg Peterson on January 21, 1984 in Kenansville, North Carolina.
ADAM HAYWARD #57
LB • 6-0 • 235 • 6/23/84
6th Round, 182nd Overall
Portland State
College: Athletic linebacker who possesses exceptional speed and excellent pursuit skills… Considered a classic Cover-2 linebacker who makes
good use of his hands to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage… Played
in 22 games with 11 starts for Portland State, earning All-American and
unanimous All-Big Sky Conference honors for his performance at strongside linebacker…
Totaled 123 tackles, 11 sacks and 19 tackles for losses and seven passes defensed while
forcing four fumbles and recovering another… Majored in business administration.
2006: Started 11 games at strongside linebacker, earning consensus All-American and
unanimous All-Big Sky Conference honors… Named the league’s Defensive Player of the
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Year and was a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award… Led team with 104 tackles, 9.5 sacks
and 16.5 tackles for losses… Forced three fumbles and recovered another while registering
seven passes defensed.
2005: After transferring to Portland State, played in 11 games as a reserve rush end
and finished the season with 19 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2.5 tackles for losses and one forced
fumble.
2004: Appeared in one game for the Colorado State Rams after moving to flanker…
Recorded one special teams tackle.
2003: Started eight contests as strong safety for Colorado State, registering 23 tackles and
one forced fumble to go along with five passes defensed.
2002: Appeared in seven games as a reserve free safety for the Rams, primarily on special
teams… Posted nine tackles and forced one fumble.
Personal: Attended Marina High School (Westminster, California)… Earned all-region honors from PrepStar… Two-time all-league choice… Posted 90 tackles, including 10 stops
for losses, six sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions as
a senior.. Earned MVP honors for his performance at the Orange County vs. Los Angeles
All-Star Game… Was clocked at 4.42 in the 40-yard dash while competing for the school’s
track team… Born Adam Hayward on June 23, 1984.
CHRIS DENMAN #64
T • 6-7 • 315 • 10/7/83
7th Round (a), 214th Overall
Fresno State
College: Unheralded and overachieving tackle prospect who earned
FirstTeam All-WAC honors his senior season… Possesses good strength
and an outstanding work ethic… Former walk-on who started the final 46
games of his college career at right tackle… Appeared in 48 games with
46 starts in his collegiate career… Held down the right tackle position for the better part
of four full seasons for the Bulldogs helping to produce a 1,000-yard rusher every season…
Part of a Fresno State offensive line that allowed just 25 quarterbacks sacks over the last
two seasons combined (2005-2006)… Arrived at Fresno State as a defensive lineman but
was switched to offensive line during the spring of 2003… Majored in criminology.
2006: Started all 12 games at right tackle… Selected first-team All-Western Athletic
Conference by the coaches… Selected as the lineman of the year… Part of a unit that set
a school record for fewest quarterback sacks (12)… Led the way for RB Dwayne Wright,
who rushed for more than 1,400 yards, ranking eighth in the nation… Blocked for a Fresno
State offense that ranked 18th in the NCAA in rushing yards.
2005: Started all 13 games at right tackle… Helped lead a Bulldogs offense that scored 42
points against No. 1 USC, the most allowed by a Pete Carroll team… Part of an offensive
line that tied a school record by allowing just 13 quarterback sacks.
2004: Started all 12 games… Helped the Bulldogs rushing offense that ranked 15th in the
nation, averaging 228 yards per game… Fresno State also had 36 rushing touchdowns, the
fourth-best total nationally.
2003: Played in 11 games, starting nine.
2002: Redshirted.
Personal: Played defensive end and tight end at Tehachapi High School (California)…
All-league at both positions… Had 13 sacks and seven touchdowns his senior year… An
area All-Star and an all-area selection following his senior season… Parents are Judy and
Steve Denman… Has a sister, Kelli… Enjoys wakeboarding and snowboarding… Born Chris
Denman on October 7, 1983.
256 | Rookies
MARCUS HAMILTON #29
CB • 6-0 • 192 • 2/17/84
7th Round (b), 245th Overall
Virginia
College: Tough, cover corner with excellent speed and agility… Ranks
tied for third in school history (with current Buccaneer CB Ronde Barber),
and tied for 13th in ACC history, with 15 career interceptions… Led
Virginia in interceptions three consecutive years… Named All-ACC
(second team) in 2005 and 2006… Played in 49 career games with 33 starts… Career
totals include 185 tackles, 19 passes defensed, 15 interceptions, one fumble recovery, one
forced fumble, and also returned two punts for 22 yards with a long return of 14 yards…
Graduated with a degree in sociology.
2006: Started all 11 games played in and was named All-ACC (second team) for the
second consecutive year… Named First-Team All-State by the Virginia Sports Information
Directors Association and by the Roanoke Times… Also received first-team CoSIDA/ESPN
The Magazine Academic All-District 3… Received the John Polzer Award for ability, sportsmanship and character (team award)… Finished the season with 39 tackles, five interceptions, four passes defensed, and one fumble recovery.
2005: Earned All-ACC (second team) honors… Was the only defensive back on the team
to start all 12 games… Finished the season with a career-high 63 tackles, seven passes
defense, and led the ACC with six interceptions… Had at least five tackles on eight occasions and led the team in tackles twice (Florida State, Georgia Tech)… Set a Virginia bowl
record with four passes defensed in the Music City Bowl… Also added three tackles and
an interception in the Music City Bowl.
2004: Played in all 12 games with nine starts… Named All-ACC Academic Team… Corecipient of the Rock Weir Award as the most improved player during spring practice…
Finished the season with 54 tackles, five passes defened, four interceptions and one forced
fumble… Named National Defensive Player of the Week by the Walter Camp Football
Foundation after recording five tackles, one pass defensed and two interceptions, both in
the end zone, at Georgia Tech.
2003: Played in all 13 games, primarily in nickel and dime packages, and on special
teams… Recorded 29 tackles, three passes defensed and led the team with 10 special
teams tackles.
2002:. Played in one game as a freshman… Returned two punts for 22 yards (11.0 avg),
with a long of 14 yards… Was injured late in the game and redshirted to retain a year of
eligibility.
Personal: Son of Christina and Gregory Hamilton… Attended Centreville (Virginia) High
School… Three-time letterman for coach Mike Skinner… Named SuperPrep All-American
and PrepStar All-American as a senior… Ranked as the 24th best defensive back in the
nation by SuperPrep… Finished his senior season with 16 tackles, one interception, 18
passes defenesed and also had a 67-yard punt return for a touchdown… Father, Gregory,
played football at Boston University in the mid 1970s… Born Marcus Christopher David
Hamilton on February 17, 1984 in Fairfax, Virginia.
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KENNETH DARBY #33
RB • 5-10 • 211 • 12/26/82
7th Round (c), 246th Overall
Alabama
College: Third player in Alabama history to rush for more than 3,000
yards in a season (3,324), joining Shaun Alexander (3,565 yards, 199699) and Bobby Humphrey (3,420 yards, 1985-88)… 3,324 yards rushing
ranked 14th on the Southeastern Conference’s all-time record list…
His 702 rushing attempts is surpassed only by Alexander’s 727 attempts in Crimson Tide
annals… Ranked ninth on the SEC’s career-record list with 702 carries… Posted a careerhigh 239 rushing attempts in 2005 to rank fifth on the school’s season-record list behind
Alexander (302 in 1999 and 258 in 1998), Sherman Williams (291 in 1994), Shaud Williams
(280 in 2003) and Dennis Riddle (242 in 1996)… 1,242 rushing yards rushing in 2005 were
the sixth-best season total in Alabama annals, topped only by Humphrey (1,471 in 1986
and 1,255 in 1987), Alexander (1,383 in 1999), Shaud Williams (1,367 in 2003) and Sherman
Williams (1,341 in 1994)… Ran for more than 100 yards in 12 games during his career…
200-yard rushing performance vs. Mississippi State in 2004 was the 12th-best single-game
total in school history… 1,374 all-purpose yards in 2005 ranked 10th on Alabama’s seasonrecord list… Career total of 3,664 all-purpose yards ranked fifth in Tide annals, surpassed
by Humphrey (4,958; 1985-88), Alexander (4,433; 1996-99), David Palmer (3,916; 1991-93)
and Freddie Milons (3,880; 1998-01)… Ranked third in school history with 3,324 yards on
702 carries (4.7 avg.) and 11 touchdowns… Notched 70 receptions for 340 yards (4.9 avg.)
and two touchdowns, and added four solo tackles with two fumble recoveries… Played
in 47 games with 31 starts, including starts in his final 25 games for the Crimson Tide…
Majored in communications.
2006: All-SEC Second-Team selection by The NFL Draft Report… Started all 13 games,
ranking fifth in the conference with an average of 70.72 rushing yards per game… Led the
team in rushing for the third consecutive year, carrying 210 times for 835 yards (4.0 avg.)…
Caught 23 passes for 130 yards (5.7 avg.) and one score… Also recovered two fumbles…
Piled up 965 all-purpose yards, an average of 76.7 yards per game… Ran for 37 first
downs, including conversions on 3-of-12 third-down plays… Had 23 runs for at least 10
yards, including six for 20 yards or longer… Had big runs to set up six touchdown drives
and three more that resulted in field goals… Had 38 carries inside the red zone, including
15 on goal-line plays… Six of his receptions resulted in first downs, as two of those grabs
were for 20 yards or longer… Named Alabama Offensive Player of the Week following the
Florida International game… Served as the offensive captain for the Hawaii, Mississippi and
Mississippi State games… Recorded back-to-back 100-yard rushing games against Duke
and Mississippi.
2005: All-SEC First-Team choice by the league’s coaches… Earned SEC Player of the Week
honors against South Carolina… Ranked 27th in the nation and second in the SEC with an
average of 103.5 yards per game rushing and finished seventh in the conference with an
average of 114.5 all-purpose yards per game… Started all 12 games, leading the team for
the second consecutive year with 239 carries for a career-high 1,242 yards (5.2 avg.) and
three touchdowns… Ranked third on the team with 29 catches for 132 yards (4.6 avg.)…
239 rushing attempts ranked fifth on the school’s season-record list behind Alexander (302
in 1999 and 258 in 1998), Sherman Williams (291 in 1994), Shaud Williams (280 in 2003)
and Riddle (242 in 1996)… 1,242 yards rushing were the sixth-best season total in Alabama
annals, topped only by Humphrey (1,471 in 1986 and 1,255 in 1987), Alexander (1,383 in
1999), Shaud Williams (1,367 in 2003) and Sherman Williams (1,341 in 1994)… Credited
with six 100-yard rushing performances… Rushed for a season-high 147 yards against Utah
State and also notched 145 yards on the ground against South Carolina.
2004: All-SEC Second-Team selection by the Associated Press… Earned SEC Player of the
Week honors against Mississippi State… Played in 12 games with five starts (vs. Southern
Mississippi, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Louisiana State and Auburn)… Became the 11th
player in school history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season… Led the team in
every major rushing category, logging 219 carries for 1,062 yards (4.8 avg.) and a careerhigh eight touchdowns… Ranked fifth on the squad with 15 receptions for 74 yards (4.9
avg.) and one score… Burst into the spotlight when he ran for 197 yards and one touch258 | Rookies
down in his first career start against Southern Mississippi, starting for the injured Ray
Hudson… Had a career-high 200 yards on 36 carries against Mississippi State and followed
that with 109 yards and one touchdown on 35 carries against LSU and the nation’s 15thranked rushing defense.
2003: Won the “Ozzie Newsome Most Improved Freshman” Award… Finished third on the
team with 185 yards on 34 carries (5.4 avg.)… Also caught three passes, recorded one solo
tackle and recovered a fumble… Played in 10 games with one start.
2002: Redshirted as a freshman.
Personal: One of three children of Alfredia Darby and Winston Woods… Attended
S.R. Butler (Huntsville, Ala.) High School, playing football for head coach Ron Danley…
Regarded as the state of Alabama’s top running back during his senior year… Earned
Super Prep All-American honors, in addition to being named to The Tuscaloosa News
Sweet Sixteen, The Birmingham News Dandy Dozen, The Montgomery Advertiser Elite
Eleven, The Mobile Press Register Elite Eighteen and The Birmingham Post-Herald Ten
Most Wanted teams… Rated the ninth-best running back in the Southeast by Prep Star…
Rushed for 4,674 yards during his prep career… Amassed 1,591 yards and 20 touchdowns
as a senior, when he also had 2,367 all-purpose yards and scored 24 times… As an outside
linebacker, he recorded 77 tackles his final campaign, giving him 281 tackles in his career…
Born Kenneth Darby on December 26, 1982.
first-year players
EVAN BENJAMIN #49
LB • 6-0 • 222 • 1/29/83 Washington
Pro: Signed with the Buccaneers on January 8, 2007… Released by the
Seattle Seahawks on August 28, 2006… Originally entered the NFL as an
undrafted free agent with Seattle on May 1, 2006.
College: Finished career at Washington with 231 tackles, 6.5 sacks and
eight interceptions… As a senior, led team with 109 tackles and four sacks… Moved from
safety to outside linebacker for 2004 season and led the Huskies with 105 tackles and three
interceptions as a junior.
Personal: Played running back and safety at Redmond (Washington) High School… Led
King County 4A Conference with 1,286 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior…
Ranked by PrepStar as the 10th best defensive back in the West Region… Father, Anthony,
played running back for the Seahawks… Born Evan Benjamin on January 29, 1983 in
Redmond, Washington.
JOVON BOUKNIGHT #1
WR • 6-1 • 191 • 7/15/83
Wyoming
Pro: Signed with Tampa Bay on January 17, 2007… Allocated to NFL
Europa by the Buccaneers on January 23, 2007, and assigned to the
Cologne Centurions… Originally signed by the Carolina Panthers on
May 5, 2006 as an undrafted free agent, but was waived on September
1, 2006.
College: Finished his career at Wyoming as the Mountain West Conference’s all-time
receiving leader with 3,626 yards on 250 receptions… Started every game at wide receiver
as a senior… Earned first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors after producing
77 receptions for 1,116 yards and 12 touchdowns… Started all 12 games as a junior and
collected 63 catches for 1,075 yards and seven touchdowns… Started all 12 games as a
sophomore and ranked in the top 10 in five different conference statistical categories and
in four national categories… Registered 47 receptions for 746 yards and seven touchdowns… Played in 12 contests, including four starts, as a freshman… Named third-team
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Freshman All-American by The Sporting News… Posted 63 receptions and ranked second
on the team with 689 yards and three touchdowns… Majored in kinesiology and health
promotion.
Personal: Son of Michele and Shelton Bouknight… All-State selection at quarterback as
a senior at Manual (Denver, Colorado) High School… Also named second team All-City
defensive back as a safety… As a senior, passed for over 1,500 yards and had 17 touchdown passes, and rushed for 560 yards… Was Vice President of the National Honor Society
chapter at Manual… Born Jovon Bouknight on July 15, 1983.
DARRELL CAMPBELL #60
DT • 6-4 • 295 • 7/6/81
Notre Dame
Pro: Signed to Tampa Bay’s practice squad on November 27, 2006…
Activated to the Buccaneers active roster on December 30, 2006…
Released by the Cleveland Browns on September 2, 2006… Signed by
the Browns on February 1, 2006… Signed to the Chicago Bears’ practice
squad on September 12, 2005… Released by the Bears on September 5, 2005… Originally
entered the league as an undrafted free agent rookie with the Bears on April 30, 2004.
2006: Began the year with Cleveland and was released by Browns on September 2nd...
Signed to Tampa Bay’s practice squad on September 27th… Signed to the Buccaneers’
active roster on December 30th… Inactive vs. Seattle (12/31).
2005: Began the year with Chicago and was released by the Bears on September 5th…
Signed to Chicago’s practice squad on September 12th and spent the entire season on
the Bears practice squad.
2004: Signed by Chicago as an undrafted rookie free agent… Spent the entire season on
the reserve-non football injury list.
College: Three-year starter at defensive tackle at Notre Dame… Also saw time at defensive
end… Started 34 of 44 games and totaled 87 tackles and 11 sacks… Started every game
as a senior and totaled 25 tackles and three sacks… Started all 13 games at defensive
tackle as a junior and had a career-high 33 tackles and six sacks… Played in 11 games as a
sophomore, including nine starts, and totaled 26 tackles and three sacks… Played in eight
games as a redshirt freshman with three tackles and one recovered fumble… Majored in
English and computer applications.
Personal: Named USA Today honorable mention All-America as a senior from Thornwood
(South Holland, Illinois) High School… Honored as a first-team All-State selection by the
Chicago Tribune and was chosen as the top player in the SICA Blue after posting 67 tackles
and four sacks in 1998… Earned three letters in football, playing nose tackle as a senior,
inside linebacker as a junior and defensive end as a sophomore… Born Darrell Campbell
on July 6, 1981.
JONATHAN CLINKSCALE #62
G/C • 6-2 • 315 • 4/17/82
Wisconsin
Pro: Originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent with Tampa
Bay on April 26, 2005… Released by the Buccaneers on September 3,
2005… Signed to the Buccaneers practice squad on December 20,
2005… Re-signed with the Buccaneers on January 12, 2006… Released
on September 2, 2006 before being added to the practice squad on
October 25… Spent the remainder of the season on the practice roster… Re-signed by the
Buccaneers on January 17, 2007.
College: Four-year starter at Wisconsin was named second-team 2004 All-Big Ten
(Coaches), 2004 honorable mention all-conference (Media) and 2001 Big Ten All-Freshman
Team (The Sporting News) … Played in 50 of a possible 51 games, including 44 starts, for
the Badgers… Started all 12 games as a senior at right guard… Started all 13 games at
260 | First-Year Players
right guard in 2003… Played and started at right guard in 13 of the Badgers’ 14 games
in 2002… Saw action in 12 games with six starts as a freshman… Redshirted in 2000…
Majored in agricultural journalism.
Personal: Attended Muir (Altadena, California) High School… MVP of school’s offensive
and defensive lines in 1998 and 1999… Two-time team captain… Made 24 pancake blocks
as a senior… Also added 87 tackles and recovered five fumbles… Born Jonathan Arthur
Clinkscale on April 17, 1982 in Los Angles, California.
BRUCE EUGENE #10
QB • 6-0 • 283 • 6/20/82
Grambling
Pro: Signed with Tampa Bay on January 17, 2007… Allocated to NFL
Europa’s Berlin Thunder by the Buccaneers on January 23, 2007…
Released by New Orleans on June 15, 2006… Spent time with the
Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League… Originally
signed as an undrafted rookie free agent with the New Orleans Saints
on May 1, 2006.
College: Holds every passing record at Grambling… Three-time finalist for the Walter
Payton Award… Career totals at Grambling include 874 completions for 13,530 yards and
140 passing touchdowns, 1,207 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns… Threw 56
touchdown passes and only four interceptions as a senior… Completed 254-of-456 passes
for 4,360 yards as a senior and was named SWAC Player of the Year and to the SWAC AllConference team… Ranked first in Division I-AA in both passing yards per game (369.3)
and quarterback efficiency rating (173.9)… Sat out the 2004 season with an injury and was
granted a medical redshirt… Majored in leisure studies at Grambling.
Personal: Threw 70 touchdown passes in a single season while attending Walter L. Cohen
(Crescent City, Louisiana) High School… Nicknamed the “Round Mound of Touchdown”
and the “Big Easy” due to his unusually large size for a quarterback… Earned all-state
honors as a point guard in high school and lettered for three years in basketball and track
and field… Enjoys playing cards… Speaks some French and Spanish… Born Bruce Eugene
on June 20, 1982, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
JUSTIN FRICK #74
DT • 6-3 • 295 • 7/31/84
North Dakota State
Pro: Signed by the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent on May 3,
2007.
College: Appeared in 38 games with 22 career starts for the Bison…
Finished collegiate career with 131 tackles, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles,
two fumble recoveries and nine passes defensed… Earned numerous accolades as a senior
in 2006, including: Football Gazette FCS All-America second team, CollegeSportsReport.
com All-FCS second team, College Sporting News FCS Fabulous Fifty All-Star and The
Sports Network FCS All-America third team… Started in 11 games as a senior, recording
39 tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and four passes defensed....
Started all 11 games as a junior in 2005... Ranked fourth on the team with 54 tackles and
added three sacks... Played in all 11 games as a sophomore, recording 26 tackles and two
quarterback sacks... Played in five games as a freshman, recording 12 tackles... Majored in
animal range science.
Personal: Son of Terry and Mary Frick… Played both tight end and on the defensive line
for Yankton High School (South Dakota)... First team all-state and a member of the Sioux
Falls Argus-Leader’s Elite 45... Two-time all-conference selection… Recorded 98 tackles,
including 11 sacks, as a senior... Also competed in wrestling, track & field and baseball...
Third in the state as a junior in wrestling... Born Justin Robert Frick on July 31, 1984 in
Yankton, South Dakota.
First-Year Players | 261
CHAS GESSNER #18
WR • 6-5 • 215 • 8/17/81
Brown
Pro: Tall, playmaking receiver who displays good hands… Originally
joined Tampa Bay as a free agent on January 12, 2006… Released by the
Buccaneers on September 2, 2006 before being signed to the practice
squad on September 3… Spent the entire 2006 season as a member of
Tampa Bay’s practice squad… Released by the N.Y. Jets on September
9, 2005… Signed by the Jets practice squad on October 5, 2004… Released by New
England on September 5, 2004… Allocated to the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe by the
Patriots in 2004 and earned All-NFL Europe honors by catching 38 passes for 566 yards and
a league-leading six touchdowns… Signed to the Patriots practiced squad on November
18, 2003… Was inactive against the Dallas Cowboys on November 16, 2003… Taken off
the reserve/physically unable to perform list on November 13, 2003 and signed to Patriots’
active roster on November 13, 2003… Placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform
list by the Patriots on August 25, 2003… Originally entered the league as an undrafted free
agent on May 2, 2003 with the Patriots.
College: A two-time Walter Payton Award finalist as the nation’s top I-AA player… Led
the nation with 11.4 receptions per game in 2002, finishing with 114 receptions, third-best
in NCAA Division I-AA history… His 292 career receptions rank fourth in NCAA Division
I-AA history and second in the Ivy League record book… His 36 career touchdown receptions are second-best in Ivy football history and 10th in NCAA I-AA annals… Completed
his career with 3,408 career receiving yards, 18th in I-AA history… Also tied a 19-year old
NCAA I-AA game-record of 24 catches vs. Rhode Island in 2002, a record held by Jerry
Rice at Mississippi Valley (1983 vs. Southern University)… Consensus All-American First
Team choice as a senior in 2002… Led the nation with 114 receptions for 1,166 yards (10.2
avg.) and 11 touchdowns, adding 31 yards on seven carries (4.4 avg.) as a senior… Led the
NCAA Division 1-AA ranks as a junior with an average of 131.4 yards per game receiving
and ranked second with an average of 9.22 receptions per game… Grabbed 19 passes for
a school-record 269 yards vs. Rhode Island as a junior… Named Ivy League Rookie of the
Year as a freshman in 1999 after a season in which he set Brown rookie records by catching
43 passes for 560 yards (13.0 avg.) and eight touchdowns… Majored in history.
Personal: Standout performer on Brown’s lacrosse team, earning third-team All-American
honors as a junior and served as captain for two seasons… Attended Our Lady of Good
Counsel High (Wheaton, Maryland)… Played basketball, football and lacrosse…Born
Charles Louis Gessner on August 17, 1981 in Washington, D.C.
CARLOS HENDRICKS #37
CB • 5-11 • 190 • 8/31/83
Alabama-Birmingham
Pro: Re-signed by the Buccaneers on January 17, 2007 and allocated to
NFL Europa where he played for the Rhein Fire… Earned NFL Europa
Defensive Player of Week 8 honors after scoring on a 68-yard interception return... Spent Weeks 11-12 and Week 17 of the 2006 season on the
Buccaneers practice squad after originally being signed to the practice
squad on November 16, 2006… Released by the Chicago Bears on September 1, 2006…
Entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Bears on May 16, 2006.
College: Four-year letterwinner at UAB (2001-2005)… Played in 46 career games as a cornerback and safety, starting 33 contests… Totaled 172 career tackles, including eight TFLs,
and posted five interceptions while recording 19 passes defensed, three forced fumbles
and six fumble recoveries… Returned from an injury to start all 11 games as a fifth-year
senior, finishing with a career-high tying 51 tackles, one interception, six passes defensed,
one forced fumble and one fumble recovery… Played one game as a senior and was
granted a medical redshirt after an injury ended his season prematurely… Started nine of
12 games as a junior for the Blazers and recorded a career-high 51 tackles, one interception, seven passes defensed, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries… Majored in
communication studies.
262 | First-Year Players
Personal: Attended Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, Alabama where he notched
five interceptions and made 75 tackles as a senior… Son of Tracy Hendricks… Born Carlos
Hendricks on August 31, 1983.
MATT HERIAN #41
TE • 6-5 • 245 • 10/7/83
Nebraska
Pro: Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Buccaneers on May 4,
2007.
College: Finished career as Nebraska’s all-time leader for most receptions by a tight end (65) and most receiving yards (1,243)… Ranks fourth
on the Husker career receptions yardage list for all players… 2006 Second-Team Academic
All-Big 12 selection… Played in all 14 games with 12 starts as a senior… Finished the season with 12 receptions for 150 yards and two touchdowns… Also blocked for a running
attack that averaged more than 170 yards per game… Scored NU’s first touchdown of the
season on a 13-yard reception from QB Zac Taylor in season-opening win over Louisiana
Tech… With 61 yards receiving against the Bulldogs, passed former Husker Tracey Wistrom
to become NU’s all-time receiving yardage record holder among tight ends… Had a
season-high four receptions for 38 yards, including a 13-yard touchdown catch, against
Nicholls State… Tied Jerry List’s mark for career catches by a tight end on a 36-yard
reception against USC… Missed the entire 2005 season while recovering from a leg injury
suffered against Missouri in October of 2004… As a junior in 2004, totaled 24 receptions
in eight games, including three touchdown catches… Named Honorable-Mention All-Big
12 (AP, Coaches)… Opened the year with a combined 15 catches in the first two games of
the season, including three touchdowns, and a Nebraska tight end record eight receptions
against Southern Miss… Added nine receptions over next six games… Earned First-Team
All-Big 12 honors in 2003 after catching 22 passes for 484 yards, an average of 22.0 yards
per catch… Had six catches of better than 25 yards on the season and caught at least
two passes in seven games… His 110-yard outing against Troy were the most receiving
yardage by a Husker tight end since 1999… Caught a 33-yard touchdown pass on the first
reception of his career against Utah State and finished his true freshman year in 2002 with
seven receptions for 301 yards, a remarkable 43.0-yard per catch average… Four of his
receptions went for touchdowns and six of the seven covered at least 28 yards… Earned
his degree in history in December 2006.
Personal: Married to the former Lynsey Collison, also a Pierce native… Son of James and
Diane Herian… A three-year starter at tight end at Pierce High School… A member of
the Omaha World-Herald’s Super Six in 2001… Caught 38 passes for 786 yards and 10
touchdowns as a senior… Added 76 tackles and three interceptions as a linebacker… Was
a three-time Class C-1 all-state selection by both the World-Herald and Lincoln Journal
Star… Finished with 24 career touchdown catches and 2,386 receiving yards to help
the Bluejays to the Class C-1 state playoffs all four years... Averaged 15 points and nine
rebounds per game in basketball as a senior… Twice earned all-state honors from the
Omaha World-Herald... Also excelled in track and field, finishing second in the shot put and
third in the 100 meters in the Class B state meet as a senior… Attended Nebraska football
camp and turned down scholarship offers from Iowa and Iowa State… Was a featured
speaker at the Norfolk stop on the “Tour of Excellence” and has volunteered time with
local hospital visits… Born Matt Herian on October 7, 1983 in Norfolk, Nebraska.
CHAD LUCAS #15
WR • 6-1 • 201 • 11/7/81
Alabama State
Pro: Entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee
Titans on April 27, 2004… Released by the Titans prior to training camp
on July 21, 2004… Also spent time with AFL’s San Jose SaberCats in
2004… Signed by the Green Bay Packers on June 7, 2005… Spent the
majority of the 2005 season as a member of Green Bay’s practice squad,
earning a promotion to the active roster for two weeks, including one game played…
First-Year Players | 263
Named All-NFL Europe as a member of the Amsterdam Admirals in 2006… Led NFLE with
eight touchdown receptions, among 27 catches for 440 yards, helping the Admirals reach
the Yello Strom World Bowl XIV… Released by the Packers on August 29, 2006… Signed
to the practice squad by the Buccaneers on August 18, 2006… Released by the Buccaneers
on October 25 before re-signing on November 15.
2006: Signed by the Packers on January 3… Spent the beginning of the year as a member
of the Amsterdam Admirals, helping the team reach the Yello Strom World Bowl XIV… Led
NFLE with eight touchdown receptions, along with totaling 27 receptions for 440 receiving
yards… Released by the Packers on August 29… Signed to Tampa Bay’s practice squad on
August 18, before being released on October 25 and re-signed on November 15.
2005: Spent time on the Packers’ practice squad and earned a November 9 promotion to
the 53-man roster… Saw action at Atlanta (11/13) in his NFL debut… Declared inactive vs.
Minnesota (11/21) before returning to the practice squad three days later.
2004: Entered the league as an undrafted free agent stint with the Titans… Released by
the Titans on July 21… Signed three months later with the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena
Football League.
College: Played two years at Troy State (2000-01) before finishing his college career at
Alabama State (2002-03)… Reeled in a team-high 46 passes for 794 yards and five touchdowns as he played in all 13 games as a 2003 senior… The year prior, saw action in five
games, catching 13 passes for 142 yards… In 2001 at Troy State, caught six passes for 51
yards, and one reception for nine yards in 2000… Majored in marketing.
Personal: Nicknamed ‘C-Luke’… A three-sport athlete at Booker T. Washington High
School in Tuskegee, Ala., lettered in football, basketball and track… Competed in the
state track tournament and was named to the all-area team for basketball and football…
Volunteered at a special education school for adolescent children while at Alabama State…
Has two cousins currently in the NFL, Frank Walker and Cornelius Griffin… Enjoys reading
and traveling… Born Chad Dennard Lucas on November 7, 1981 in Tuskegee, Alabama.
NICK MIHLHAUSER #66
T • 6-9 • 325 • 4/22/81
Washington State
Pro: Signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 27, 2006 from
the San Diego Chargers’ practice squad… Released from San Diego’s
active roster on September 2 before being signed to the practice squad
on September 4… Entered the league as an undrafted free agent with
the Chargers on May 4, 2006.
2006: Inactive for Tampa Bay’s games at Pittsburgh (12/3), vs. Atlanta (12/10), at Chicago
(12/17), at Cleveland (12/24) and vs. Seattle (12/31)… Signed by the Buccaneers on
November 27… Signed to the Chargers practice squad on September 4… Released by
the Chargers on September 2.
College: Three-year starter for Washington State… Second-team All Pac-10 selection as a
senior… Selected to play in East-West Shrine Game… Started every game at center as a
senior in 2005, helping an offense that averaged 489.2 yards per game to rank eighth in
the nation… Earned team’s Offensive Cougar Claw Award following the UCLA game during junior season… Honorable-mention Academic All Pac-10 selection in 2004... Played on
victorious Holiday Bowl team that defeated Texas following sophomore season… Majored
in sociology.
Personal: Northern League Lineman of the Year and CIF Division IV Offensive Lineman
of the Year as a senior at Arroyo Grande (Arroyo Grande, CA) High School… Earned
All-Southern Section CIF honors and named Most Valuable Offensive Lineman of Coastal
Region by Los Angeles Times… Also lettered in track… Father, Bob, played football at
UCLA... Born Nick Mihlhauser on July 6, 1984 in Northridge, California.
264 | First-Year Players
CHAD OWENS #17
WR • 5-7 • 188 • 4/3/82
Hawaii
Pro: Speedy wide receiver who is an explosive return specialist…
Entered the league as a fourth-round pick (185th overall) by the
Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2005 NFL Draft… Spent parts of two seasons
(2005-06) between Jacksonville’s practice squad and active roster…
Released on September 19, 2005 and signed to the practice roster on
September 21… Re-signed by the Jaguars on January 9, 2006… Released on November
3, 2006 before being signed to the practice roster on November 6, 2006… Signed by the
Buccaners on January 17, 2007… Played in five career games, primarily on special teams,
with the Jaguars… Returned five career punts for 62 yards.
2006: Played in four games with Jacksonville before being released on November 3…
Signed to the practice squad for the remainder of the season on November 6… Saw action
as punt returner vs. Dallas (9/10), returning four punts for 30 yards… Saw action on special
teams vs. Pittsburgh (9/18), returning two punts for eight yards before leaving game with
bruised ribs… Declared inactive at Indianapolis (9/24) and at Washington (10/1)… Saw
action as a reserve wide receiver and as primary punt returner vs. N.Y. Jets (10/8), returning one punt for 13 yards… Saw action as punt returner at Houston (10/22), returning two
punts for five yards… Declared inactive at Philadelphia (10/29).
2005: Played in one game with Jacksonville before being released on September 19…
Signed to the practice roster on September 21 and spent the final 14 games on the team’s
practice squad… In one game played, saw action in at Indianapolis (9/18) and returned
three punts for six yards.
College: Former walk-on who finished career as the school’s career leader in all-purpose
yards, receptions and punt return yards in 44 games played… Earned second-team AllAmerica honors and owns 14 school records, tied the NCAA record for most touchdowns
scored on kick returns in a career, and set the NCAA record for most touchdowns scored
on punt returns in a season… The 2004 recipient of the Mosi Tatupu Award led the Warriors
with a school-record 102 receptions for 1,290 yards and team-high 17 touchdowns as a
senior… Also had 36 punt returns for 531 yards and a school-record five touchdowns…
Earned first-team All-WAC honors as a junior… Caught team-high 85 passes for 1,134
yards and nine touchdowns… Added 14 punt returns for 136 yards… Played in 10 games
while starting six at receiver as a sophomore… Missed four games with a knee injury…
Recorded 47 receptions for 550 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore… Added
477 kickoff return yards and 131 punt return yards… Played 10 games while starting five
contests as a redshirt freshman… Served as return specialist with 24 kickoffs returned for
807 yards and two touchdowns including a 100-yard touchdown return… Added 18 punt
returns for 216 yards and a score… Majored in sociology.
Personal: Married to Rena, with son, Chad and daughter, Areana… Lives in Honolulu,
Hawaii… Four-year letterman at Roosevelt High in Honolulu… Avid golfer and bowler…
Born Chad Jas Owens on April 3, 1982 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
DENNIS ROLAND #73
T • 6-9 • 325 • 3/10/83
Georgia
Pro: Signed with Tampa Bay on January 17, 2007… Signed to the
Buccaneers practice squad on September 3, 2006… Released by the
Dallas Cowboys on September 2, 2006… Originally entered the league
as an undrafted free agent with Dallas on May 4, 2006.
2006: Signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free on May 4, 2006… Released
by the Cowboys on September 2, 2006… Signed to Tampa Bay’s practice squad on
September 3, 2006 and spent the remainder of the season with the Buccaneers.
College: Started 13 games for Georgia as a senior, and was named SEC Offensive Lineman
of the Week following the Bulldogs’ win over South Carolina (9/12/05)… Started 11 of
12 games as a junior and helped the offense average nearly 400 yards per game of total
First-Year Players | 265
offense… As a sophomore, started two games, the SEC Championship Game and the
Capital One Bowl… Played primarily as a backup during his redshirt freshman... Majored
in criminal justice.
Personal: Married to Kristy... Attended Bolivar (Missouri) High School… Earned All-Central
Ozark Conference honors on offense and defense… Also lettered in basketball… Born
Dennis Roland on March 10, 1983.
KYLE SMITH #6
WR • 6-0 • 170 • 10/15/84
Youngstown State
Pro: Signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 17, 2007…
Released by the Minnesota Vikings on July 22, 2006… Originally entered
NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings on May 5,
2006.
College: While at Youngstown State, set school record by catching a pass in 30 consecutive games, which also ranks fourth in Gateway Conference history… Also excelled as a
punt returner... Caught 101 passes for 1,536 yards and 10 touchdowns during four-year
career… Ranks ninth in school history for career receptions, 11th in receiving yards and
third in punt return yards with 377… Selected to play in 2006 Hula Bowl… As a senior in
2005, led team in receptions (37), yards (482) and touchdowns (five) despite missing three
games because of injury… Named Honorable Mention All-Gateway Conference selection… Helped Youngstown State to first Gateway Championship in school history… Started
all 11 games as a junior in 2004, catching 28 passes for a team-high 444 yards… Selected
as team’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player… Played in 11 games with nine starts as a
sophomore in 2003 and tied for team lead in receptions with 29… Also led team with 530
receiving yards… Returned 23 punts for 142 yards and finished second on team with 672
all-purpose yards… One of five true freshmen to see action, playing in seven games with
three starts in 2002. Majored in sociology.
Personal: Has been around NFL his whole life… Was ball boy for the Buffalo Bills, for whom
his father, A.J., worked for 14 years… Father is executive vice president and general manager of the San Diego Chargers… Four-year starter and a First-team All-Western New York
selection at St. Francis High School in Buffalo… Named First-team All-Catholic league as a
wide receiver and defensive back… Co-recipient of the James Lofton Award, given to most
outstanding wide receiver in Western New York… All-time leading wide receiver in Western
New York and school history with 124 catches… Helped lead team to three consecutive
championships… Earned three letters in track… Born Kyle Smith on October 15, 1984.
BYRON STORER #37
FB • 6-1 • 219 • 5/01/84
California
Pro: Signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent
on May 3, 2007.
College: A two-time all-conference selection on special teams who took
over starting fullback duties as a senior for the Golden Bears in 2006…
As a senior, played in 12 games with six starts at fullback… Carried the ball eight times
for 16 yards and caught eight passes for 61 yards... Second-team all-league selection for
his efforts on special teams... First-team Pac-10 All-Academic... Also ESPN the Magazine/
CoSIDA All-District team selection... Honored by the team for his work on special teams
with the J. Scott Duncan Award… Also selected for the Dink Artal Award (for best exemplifying Cal Spirit)… As a junior in 2005, was leading tackler on special teams and was named
a second-team All-Pac-10 special-teams player for the second straight season... Also a
second-team All-Pac-10 academic selection... Honored by Cal as special teams player of
the year... Finished season with nine tackles and had at least one tackle in five games… In
2004, earned second-team All-Pac-10 for his special teams work... Also received Pac-10
second team all-academic honors... Rushed twice for six yards and hauled in two receptions, including a 58-yard completion for a touchdown at Oregon State… Notched seven
266 | First-Year Players
tackles during the season… In 2003, saw action in all 14 games and had five total tackles
during the year… In 2002, redshirted during the season and earned the scout team player
of the year award for offense… Majored in mass communications.
Personal: Played both linebacker and fullback while at Central Catholic in Modesto,
California... As a senior, earned all-state honors at linebacker from Calhisports.com and
was the Modesto Bee’s District Player of the Year... Rushed for 1,038 yards, while racking
up 325 yards receiving and scoring 23 touchdowns on offense… Registered 83 tackles
and one interception on defense... Voted MVP of the Lions All-Star Game... All-league
linebacker as a junior... Earned all-league honors in the shot put as a junior and in the long
jump as a senior… Born Byron Storer on May 1, 1984.
ZAC TAYLOR #13
QB • 6-2 • 210 • 5/10/83
Nebraska
Pro: Signed by the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent on May 4,
2007.
College: Played two seasons at Nebraska (2005-06), starting all 26
games played… In his career, completed 470-of-821 pass attempts for
5,850 passing yards, 45 touchdowns and 20 interceptions for a passer rating of 130.3…
Played under former NFL coach Bill Callahan… Named consensus 2006 Big 12 Offensive
Player of the Year… Named First-Team All-Big 12 in 2006, along with earning Second-Team
Academic All-Big 12 honors… Despite playing just two seasons at Nebraska, finished as
the school’s all-time leader in passing yards (5,850), passing touchdowns (45), completions
(470) and attempts (821)… Also set single-season school records for passing yards (3,197
in 2006), passing touchdowns (26 in 2006), completions (237 in 2005) and attempts (430
in 2005)… Led the Cornhuskers to back-to-back appearances in the Alamo Bowl… As a
senior, started 14 games and completed 233-of-391 pass attempts for 3,197 passing yards,
26 touchdowns and eight interceptions for a passer rating of 146.1… As a junior, started 12
games and completed 237-of-430 pass attempts for 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions…
Spent the 2004 season at Butler Community College, earning Second-Team NJCAA AllAmerica honors… Redshirted as a freshman at Wake Forest in 2002 before spending 2003
as the Demon Deacons’ backup quarterback… Majored in communication studies.
Personal: Passed for 1,950 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior at Norman High in
Oklahoma… Earned First-Team all-district and all-conference honors in high school… Set
12 school records including passing yards and career touchdowns… Father, Sherwood,
played defensive back at Oklahoma from 1977-79 before serving as a graduate assistant
at the school and later defensive backs coach at Kansas State… Younger sister, Katheryn,
competes in swimming in the Special Olympics in Oklahoma… Born Zac Taylor on May
10, 1983.
First-Year Players | 267
2007 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS NUMERICAL ROSTER
No. Name Pos.
No. Name Pos.
No. Name Pos.
1
Jovon Bouknight......... WR
33
Kenneth Darby..............RB
69
Anthony Davis................. T
2
Chris Simms..................QB
34
Earnest Graham.............RB
70
Donald Penn.................... T
3
Matt Bryant.....................K
35
B.J. Askew.....................FB
71
Jovan Haye................... DT
5
Bruce Gradkowski........QB
36
Tanard Jackson................ S
72
Dan Buenning................. G
6
Kyle Smith................... WR
37
Carlos Hendricks.......... CB
73
Dennis Roland................. T
Justin Frick................... DT
7
Jeff Garcia....................QB
37
Byron Storer..................FB
74
9
Josh Bidwell.................... P
38
Sabby Piscitelli................ S
75
Davin Joseph.................. G
10
Bruce Eugene...............QB
39
Kalvin Pearson................. S
76
John Wade......................C
11
Mark Jones . ............... WR
40
Mike Alstott...................FB
77
Jeb Terry......................... G
12
Luke McCown...............QB
41
Matt Herian................... TE
78
Arron Sears..................... G
13
Zac Taylor.....................QB
45
T.J. Williams................... TE
79
Luke Petitgout................. T
15
Chad Lucas.................. WR
48
Andrew Economos........ LS
80
Michael Clayton.......... WR
16
Jake Plummer...............QB
49
Evan Benjamin............... LB
81
Alex Smith .................... TE
17
Chad Owens................ WR
50
Jamie Winborn.............. LB
82
Paris Warren................ WR
18
Chas Gessner.............. WR
51
Barrett Ruud.................. LB
84
Joey Galloway............. WR
19
Ike Hilliard................... WR
52
Antoine Cash................. LB
85
Maurice Stovall............ WR
20
Ronde Barber............... CB
54
Patrick Chukwurah.. DE/LB
86
Jerramy Stevens............ TE
21
Alan Zemaitis................ CB
55
Derrick Brooks............... LB
87
Keith Heinrich................ TE
22
Sammy Davis................ CB
56
Ryan Nece..................... LB
88
Anthony Becht............... TE
23
Jermaine Phillips............. S
57
Adam Hayward.............. LB
89
David Boston . ............ WR
24
Carnell Williams.............RB
58
Quincy Black.................. LB
90
Gaines Adams.............. DE
Julian Jenkins......... DT/DE
25
Brian Kelly.................... CB
59
Cato June...................... LB
91
26
Will Allen......................... S
60
Darrell Campbell.......... DT
92
Charles Bennett............ DE
27
Torrie Cox..................... CB
62
Jonathan Clinkscale.... G/C
93
Kevin Carter........... DE/DT
28
Lionel Gates..................RB
64
Greg Peterson.............. DT
94
Greg Spires.................. DE
29
Marcus Hamilton.......... CB
64
Chris Denman.................. T
95
Chris Hovan.................. DT
30
Donte Nicholson............. S
65
Jeremy Trueblood........... T
96
Ellis Wyms.................... DT
31
Phillip Buchanon........... CB
66
Nick Mihlhauser...............C
97
Simeon Rice.................. DE
32
Michael Pittman............RB
68
Matt Lehr.................... G/C
98
Ryan Sims..................... DT
2007 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
PLAYERS
Mike Alstott............................. All-stot
Ronde Barber.........................Ron-day
Anthony Becht...........................Beckt
Dan Buenning......................... Ben-ing
Antoine Cash......................... An-twan
Patrick Chukwurah......Chuck-were-uh
Andrew Economos...........Econ-o-mos
Davin Joseph.............................Dav-in
Ryan Nece.................................. niece
COACHES
Tim Berbenich ................................. Bur-bin-ick
Richard Bisaccia............................bi-sach-ee-ah
268 | Roster
Luke Petitgout......................Pet-i-goo
Sabby Piscitelli............... Pis-ka-tell-ee
Simeon Rice........................ Sim-ee-on
Barrett Ruud............................... Rude
Arron Sears................................ Aaron
Ellis Wyms................................ Whims
Alan Zemaitis.................... Zem-eye-tis
2007 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
ALPHABETICAL ROSTER
NFL
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Birthdate Exp. College
HS Hometown
How Acq.
90
Adams, Gaines
DE
6-5
258
6/8/83
R
Clemson
Greenwood, SC
D1-’07
26
Allen, Will
S
6-1
200
6/17/82
4
Ohio State
Dayton, OH
D4-’04
40
Alstott, Mike
FB
6-1
248
12/21/73
12
Purdue
Joliet, IL
D2-’96
35
Askew, B.J. FB
6-3
233
8/19/80
5
Michigan
Cincinnati, OH
UFA(NYJ)-’07
20
Barber, Ronde
CB
5-10
184
4/7/75
11
Virginia
Roanoke, VA
D3b-’97
88
Becht, Anthony
TE
6-5
280
8/8/77
8
West Virginia
Drexel Hill, PA
UFA(NYJ)-’05
49
Benjamin, Evan
LB
6-0
222
1/29/83
1
Washington Redmond, WA
FA-’07
92
Bennett, Charles
DE
6-3
254
4/4/83
2
Clemson
Camden, SC
D7a-’06
9
Bidwell, Josh
P
6-3
220
3/13/76
8
Oregon
Winston, OR
UFA (GB)-’04
58
Black, Quincy
LB
6-2
240
2/28/84
R
New Mexico
Chicago, IL
D3-’07
89
Boston, David
WR
6-2
228
8/19/78
8
Ohio State
Humble, TX
FA-’07
1
Bouknight, Jovon
WR
6-1
191
7/15/83
1
Wyoming
Denver, CO
FA-’07
55
Brooks, Derrick
LB
6-0
235
4/18/73
13
Florida State
Pensacola, FL
D1b-’95
FA-’05
3
Bryant, Matt
K
5-9
200
5/29/75
6
Baylor
Orange, TX
31
Buchanon, Phillip
CB
5-11
186
9/19/80
6
Miami
Ft. Myers, FL
FA-’06
72
Buenning, Dan
G
6-4
320
10/26/81
3
Wisconsin
Green Bay, WI
D4-’05
60
Campbell, Darrell
DT
6-4
295
7/6/81
1
Notre Dame
South Holland, IL
FA-’06
93
Carter, Kevin
DE/DT 6-6
305
9/21/73
13
Florida
Tallahassee, FL
FA-’07
FA-’05
52
Cash, Antoine
LB
6-1
223
3/5/82
2
Southern Miss
Anguilla, MS
54
Chukwurah, Patrick
DE/LB 6-1
250
3/1/79
6
Wyoming
Irving, TX
UFA(DEN)-’07
80
Clayton, Michael
WR
6-4
215
10/13/82
4
Louisiana State
Baton Rouge, LA
D1-’04
62
Clinkscale, Jonathan G/C
6-2
315
4/17/82
1
Wisconsin
Altadena, CA
FA-’05
27
Cox, Torrie
CB
5-10
192
10/29/80
5
Pittsburgh
Miami, FL
D6-’03
33
Darby, Kenneth
RB
5-10
211
12/26/82
R
Alabama
Huntsville, AL
D7c-’07
69
Davis, Anthony
T
6-4
322
3/27/80
4
Virginia Tech
Victoria, VA
FA-’03
22
Davis, Sammy
CB
6-1
195
4/8/80
5
Texas A&M
Humble, TX
FA-’07
64
Denman, Chris
T
6-7
315
10/7/83
R
Fresno State
Tehachapi, CA
D7a-’07
48
Economos, Andrew
LS
6-1
250
6/24/82
2
Georgia Tech
Atlanta, HS
FA-’06
10
Eugene, Bruce
QB
6-0
283
6/20/82
1
Grambling
New Orleans, LA
74
Frick, Justin
DT
6-3
295
7/31/84
R
North Dakota State Yankton, SD
FA-’07
84
Galloway, Joey
WR
5-11
197
11/20/71
13
Ohio State
Bellaire, OH
T(DAL)-’04
7
Garcia, Jeff
QB
6-1
205
2/24/70
9
San Jose State
Gilroy, CA
UFA(PHI)-’07
28
Gates, Lionel
RB
6-0
223
3/13/82
2
Louisville
Jacksonville, FL FA-’06
18
Gessner, Chas
WR
6-5
215
8/17/81
1
Brown
College Park, MD
FA-’06
5
Gradkowski, Bruce
QB
6-1
220
1/27/83
2
Toledo
Pittsburgh, PA D6a-’06
34
Graham, Earnest
RB
5-9
225
1/15/80
4
Florida
Ft. Myers, FL
FA-’03
29
Hamilton, Marcus
CB
6-0
192
2/17/84
R
Virginia
Centreville, VA
D7b-’07
FA-’07
71
Haye, Jovan
DT
6-2
285
6/21/82
3
Vanderbilt
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
FA-’06
57
Hayward, Adam
LB
6-0
235
6/23/84
R
Portland State
Westminster, CA
D6-’07
87
Heinrich, Keith
TE
6-6
255
3/19/79
5
Sam Houston State Tomball, TX
FA-’06
37
Hendricks, Carlos
CB 5-11
190
8/31/83
1
Alabama-Birmingham Montgomery, AL
FA-’06
41
Herian, Matt
TE 6-5
245
10/7/83
R
Nebraska
Pierce, NE
FA-’07
19
Hilliard, Ike
WR
5-11
210
4/5/76
11
Florida
Patterson, LA
FA-’05
95
Hovan, Chris
DT 6-2
296
5/12/78
8
Boston College
Rocky River, OH
FA-’05
Roster | 269
36
Jackson, Tanard
S
6-0
200
7/21/85
R
Syracuse
Potomac, MD
D4-’07
91
Jenkins, Julian
DT/DE 6-3
277
10/25/83
2
Stanford
Atlanta, GA
D5-’06
11
Jones, Mark
WR 5-9
185
11/3/80
4
Tennessee
Wallingford, PA
FA-’05
75
Joseph, Davin G
6-3
313
11/22/83
2
Oklahoma
Hallandale, FL
D1-’06
59
June, Cato
LB 6-0
227
11/18/79
5
Michigan
Washington, D.C. UFA(IND)-’07
25
Kelly, Brian
CB
5-11
193
1/14/76
10
Southern California Aurora, CO
D2b-’98
68
Lehr, Matt
G/C
6-2
304
4/25/79
7
Virginia Tech
Woodbridge, VA
FA-’07
15
Lucas, Chad
WR 6-1
201
11/7/81
1
Alabama State
Tuskegee, AL
FA-’06
12
McCown, Luke
QB 6-3
212
7/12/81
4
Louisiana Tech
Jacksonville, TX
T(CLE)-’05
66
Mihlhauser, Nick
C
6-3
305
7/6/84
1
Washington State
Arroyo Grande, CA FA’06
56
Nece, Ryan
LB
6-3
224
2/24/79
6
UCLA
San Bernardino, CA FA-’02
30
Nicholson, Donte
S
6-1
216
12/18/81
2
Oklahoma
Diamond Bar, CA
D5a-05
17
Owens, Chad
WR
5-7
188
4/3/82
1
Hawaii
Honolulu, HI
FA-’07
39
Pearson, Kalvin
S
5-10
200
10/22/78
3
Grambling
Town Creek, AL
FA-’04
70
Penn, Donald
T
6-5
305
4/27/83
2
Utah State
Playa Del Rey, CA
FA-’06
64
Peterson, Greg
DT
6-5
286
1/21/84
R
N.C. Central
East Duplin, NC
D5-’07
79
Petitgout, Luke
T
6-6
310
6/16/76
9
Notre Dame
Georgetown, DE
FA-’07
23
Phillips, Jermaine
S
6-2
220
3/27/79
6
Georgia
Roswell, GA
D5-’02
38
Piscitelli, Sabby
S
6-3
224
8/24/83
R
Oregon State
Boca Raton, FL
D2b-’07
32
Pittman, Michael
RB
6-0
228
8/14/75
10
Fresno State
San Diego, CA
UFA(AZ)-’02
16
Plummer, Jake
QB
6-2
212
12/19/74
11
Arizona St.
Biose, ID
T(DEN)-’07
97
Rice, Simeon
DE
6-5
268
2/24/74
12
Illinois
Chicago, IL
UFA(AZ)-’01
73
Roland, Dennis
T
6-9
325
3/10/83
1
Georgia
Bolivar, MO
FA-’06
51
Ruud, Barrett
LB 6-2
241
5/20/83
3
Nebraska
Lincoln, NE
D2-’05
78
Sears, Arron
G
6-3
319
10/25/84
R
Tennessee
Russellville, AL
D2a-’07
2
Simms, Chris
QB
6-4
220
8/29/80
5
Texas
Ramapo, NJ
D3-’03
98
Sims, Ryan
DT
6-4
315
5/4/80
6
North Carolina
Spartanburg, SC
T(KC)-’07
81
Smith, Alex
TE
6-4
258
5/22/82
3
Stanford
Denver, CO
D3a-’05
6
Smith, Kyle
WR
6-0
170
10/15/84
1
Youngstown State
Buffalo, NY
FA-’07
94
Spires, Greg
DE
6-1
265
8/12/74
10
Florida State
Cape Coral, FL
UFA(CLE)-’02
86
Stevens, Jerramy
TE
6-7
260
11/13/79
6
Washington
Olympia, WA
UFA(SEA)-’07
37
Storer, Byron
FB
6-1
219
5/1/84
R
California
Modesto, CA
FA-’07
85
Stovall, Maurice
WR 6-5
220
2/21/85
2
Notre Dame
Philadelphia, PA
D3-’06
13
Taylor, Zac
QB
6-2
210
5/10/83
R
Nebraska
Norman, OK
FA-’07
77
Terry, Jeb
G
6-5
311
4/10/81
4
North Carolina
Dallas, TX
D5-’04
65
Trueblood, Jeremy
T
6-8
320
5/10/83
2
Boston College
Indianapolis, IN D2-’06
76
Wade, John
C
6-5
299
1/25/75
10
Marshall
Harrisonburg, VA
UFA(JAX)-’03
82
Warren, Paris
WR
6-0
213
9/6/82
3
Utah
Sacramento, CA
D7b-’05
24
Williams, Carnell
RB
5-11
217
4/21/82
3
Auburn
Attalla, AL
D1-’05
50
Winborn, Jamie
LB 5-11
242
5/14/79
7
Vanderbilt
Wetumpka, AL
UFA(JAX)-’06
96
Wyms, Ellis
DT
6-3
290
4/12/79
7
Mississippi State
Indianola, MS
D6b-’01
21
Zemaitis, Alan
CB 6-2
200
8/24/82
2
Penn State
Rochester, NY
D4-’06
Head Coach: Jon Gruden
Assistant Coaches: Tim Berbenich (offensive quality control), Richard Bisaccia (special teams coordinator), Casey Bradley
(linebackers), Bob Casullo (tight ends), Larry Coyer (assistant head coach/defensive line), Ejiro Evero (defensive quality control)
Jay Gruden (offensive assistant), Nathaniel Hackett (offensive quality control), Paul Hackett (quarterbacks), Paul Kelly (asst. to
head coach-football operations), Monte Kiffin (defensive coordinator), Aaron Kromer (senior assistant/offensive line), Jimmy Lake
(assistant defensive backs), Richard Mann (wide receivers), Mike Morris (strength & conditioning), Raheem Morris (defensive
backs), Bill Muir (offensive coordinator/offensive line), Kurt Shultz (assistant strength and conditioning), Art Valero (assistant head
coach/running backs), Todd Wash (defensive quality control)
270 | Roster