Michael Clayton Brought Bucs To IMG
June 29th, 2011
Sadly, too many Bucs fans remember former Bucs wide receiver Michael Clayton for dropped balls.
In recent weeks, Clayton did anything but that for his old team.
Since not making the Bucs roster last season, Clayton, who calls the Tampa Bay area home, has kept in close contact with his former Bucs teammates, including Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman.
When Freeman decided to muster as many teammates as he could for a minicamp this week, it was Clayton who turned Freeman on to the IMG Academies in Bradenton.
Largely because of Clayton’s influence, the Bucs quarterback chose IMG to host this week’s minicamp.
“This is really my home, where I have been since 2007,” Clayton said as he exited the practice fields this morning after a Bucs workout. “Trevor Moawad has been great to me. I had the relationship with Trevor so I could have Josh bring the team. I always come here in the offseason.”
Moawas is the IMG institute’s director.
“I’ve been coming here year after year since Tampa drafted me,” Clayton said. “This is the best place you can come, especially during a lockout [when players do not have access to team facilities]. They have trainers here, they have coaches, they have it all in-house. It’s a tremendous place for athletes to come and take care of their bodies.”
Clayton, who already went through a minicamp similar to Freeman’s with his Giants teammates, has worked out with the Bucs this week, as he has for various gatherings of Bucs players this summer that Freeman has organized. But when the Bucs went to team-like scrimmages this week, Clayton bows out.
“I get some reps in but when they get in their teams [situations], that’s their time,” Clayton said. “I am here just to help them get better. I am a big bro. I have a lot of respect for them and the feeling is mutual. That is why they embrace me.”
June 29th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
Does this mean our receivers are learning from the same people that taught Clayton how to suck?
June 29th, 2011 at 8:08 pm
I always liked Clayton, even though I made fun of him every step of the way. He was a good soldier, just had problems holding onto the ball. I give Michael a lot of love for this, and as a Buc fan, I thank him for helping out his old team mates and friends. He was awesome as a rookie and I’d really like to see him get that back no matter where he plays. Thanks again Michael, much appreciated, bro.
June 29th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
Clayton did always looks good in training camp and OTAs. If the IMG guys did that, awesome! Clayton lost it when it was game time. Wish Clayton the best, but glad he’s not on the field for us on Sundays.
June 29th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
Mauha Deeb you can read minds brotha!
June 29th, 2011 at 8:28 pm
my wife works there..alot of tennis pro also go therer\
June 29th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
I almost feel like bad or sad or something for Clayton? When he was a Buc, Ward and possibly Ruud were the only Bucs I disliked more… It’s such a strange feeling to have sympathy for Mike Can’t Catch Clayton, but I actually think I feel sorry for hating on him so much
June 29th, 2011 at 8:43 pm
Wow. He seems like a class act. Happy to see him on another team though. I wish him well at New York.
June 29th, 2011 at 11:35 pm
Clayton deserves a gentleman’s clap and a “thank you, good sir.”
June 29th, 2011 at 11:55 pm
I think the bucs should bring him back he’s a great blocker Nd he plays hard and tough and I much rather have him then stovall
June 30th, 2011 at 12:16 am
Stay the hell away Can’t Catch A Watermelon Clayton!!!
June 30th, 2011 at 3:30 am
Say what you want about his play, but this guy is pure class. I met him a couple years back, and he was one of the nicest guys you could imagine (he even took the time to come back to me and wish me a safe trip back home). I think it is crazy to continue to criticize him now, especially since it is obvious he still loves this team (and they obviously want him to be there too).
June 30th, 2011 at 4:10 am
i think he is a good example of form and drive but maybe lacking in certain skills idk i could be completely wrong, but he always seems to be a hard worker and willing to do the grunt work of his position in a beastly manner. and his looking good in trading camp really speaks to work ethic, and focus on the form, maybe a positional coaching job in the future? just because he physically couldnt do something(for example raheem is no Barber, but he knows what he’s doing with DB’s), doesnt mean he doesnt know how to practice it or instill great work ethic in others) just a thought. Would not be surprised, though I am not saying i expect it
June 30th, 2011 at 8:45 am
I always had his back for a few years, then it came time to dump and I wished him much success somewhere else because it became obvious it was not going to be here. I still hope he does well.
June 30th, 2011 at 8:54 am
Papo:
Watermelons are much harder to catch than footballs. Not sure what you are getting at…
June 30th, 2011 at 9:09 am
So, Clayton helped Freeman get the IMG camp. I guess, it’s the least he could do on the way to bank. I feel about as sorry for him as his apathetical approach to receiving. Where was this desire when he played for us? Please don’t rub off on any of our receivers!
June 30th, 2011 at 9:14 am
I caught a watermelon once! Although, it was a seedless one!
June 30th, 2011 at 10:12 am
How bout showing our boys some of that NY Giant playbook…
June 30th, 2011 at 9:04 pm
June 30th, 2011 at 9:04 pm
oops, somehow put myself in quotes, lol