Tyrone McKenzie Takes Home “The Hammer”
December 28th, 2010
Another new Buccaneer made an impact Sunday in the blowout of the Seahawks.
Does the parade of young players stepping up ever end?
This time it was Tyrone McKenzie, the former South Florida linebacker the Bucs signed a few weeks ago. He was a third round pick of the Patriots in 2009 but missed that entire season after a knee injury shortly after being drafted.
McKenzie even did enough to become the proud owner of a customized sledgehammer.
Speaking on The Raheem Morris Show on WDAE-AM 620, the Bucs’ defensive mastermind/head coach explained that a new bludgeoning tool is awarded weekly.
“Tyrone McKenzie went out and got a pretty high award given to him this week. For his play on special teams he received The Hammer, which is really like the game ball for us on special teams. He had one tackle, two assists, and he made that great block on that one big long kickoff return we had. He plays on my goal line defense and played a bunch and made some big time plays for us.”
“… I remember when we activated Tyrone McKenzie and he looked me right in the face and said, ‘My objective is to go get the hammer. I’m going to win that thing.’ That was two weeks ago. For him to get it [now] means a lot to me and to him and what he wants to do.”
McKenzie’s reputation is that of a physical middle linebacker. He was working inside with the Patriots. Perhaps the Bucs want him to compete for a certain linebacker spot that’s been held by a dude with no contract in a matter of days?
Regarding The Hammer, Joe sincerely hopes no Buccaneers decide to show it off in the local nightclubs. Not a good idea.
December 28th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Gotta agree Joe. Pulling out your hammer in the nightclub only works for certain Steeler QB’s.
December 28th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Or that guy in the Korean movie ‘Old Boy’.
Too obscure?
December 28th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
I was really pumped when we got T-Mac…
Hope he can resurrect his pro career in his old home.
December 28th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
I’ve wondered about McKenzie competing for the MLB spot when they signed him. A physical player that is playing on the goal line defense. Sounds like he is good against the run.
December 28th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
I swear i dont know any of these new guys…
…whatever works…
🙂
December 28th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
@Skookum- OLDBOY reference!!!!! Awesome movie dude!!! Bad ass head trip!!!!
December 28th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Looks like we may already have Ruud’s replacement ?
December 28th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Adrian Peterson is 11th in rushing stats with a lower per carry avg than Blount and he got in. Enough said. Aholes.
December 28th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
I believe McKenzie will be in the starting line-up next year. Everything you read about the man is how hard he works and the coaching staff is impressed with his performance.
December 29th, 2010 at 12:28 am
Went to Highschool with this guy and he was a physical freak playing running back.