“A Ferocity That Bordered On Obsessive”
September 2nd, 2013
Bucs fans who want to be filled with a massive dose of hope and re-ignite their wildest dreams about the 2013 season really need to read this Darrelle Revis feature story in the New York Times.
Writer Ben Shpigel was in Tampa a couple of weeks ago for a couple of days spending all kinds of time with Revis. Joe had talked to Shpigel and hoped the feature would have been longer, but it is fantastic. Here’s an excerpt:
“Our goal was never to bring him back to where he was,” said Brett Fischer, the owner and founder of the Fischer Institute. “It was to bring him back even better.”
Early on, Fischer explained that objective to Revis, not to pump him up, but because he believed it would happen. Revis, Fischer said, approached his rehabilitation with a ferocity that bordered on obsessive. He began his upper-body weight lifting months earlier than usual. He demanded the training staff correct every mistake until his form was pristine. He adhered to a strict diet, eating three organic meals daily from a catering service.
Revis still abides by that dietary change. One afternoon, the rookie cornerback Johnthan Banks hollered, “KFC? Taco Bell?” to him from across the locker room. Revis laughed and said, “You know I don’t eat that stuff no more.”
Later, Banks said: “I knew the answer before I asked him. I was just doing my rookie duties.”
Another rookie duty for Banks is following around Revis, whom Dominik has taken to describing as the E. F. Hutton of cornerbacks. “When Darrelle talks,” Dominik said, “people listen.” Banks credits Revis with pointing out flaws in his technique. Leonard Johnson, a second-year cornerback, said Revis helped him to recognize hash-split alignments and better read receivers’ hips.
Joe wrote recently about how Revis inspires confidence and looks ready for opening day. He’s going to be an electric presence once game-week practice starts this afternoon.
September 2nd, 2013 at 8:42 am
If Revis is EF Hutton, does that mean that Dominick is Lehman Bros???
September 2nd, 2013 at 8:53 am
Great article, greater player. Darrelle Revis will be the catylist that makes us a dominant defense again.
“Mark” my words…and I’ve said it before….the Tampa Bay Buccaneeers will be a very dfferent team when Darrelle Shavar Revis takes the field!!!
September 2nd, 2013 at 8:56 am
Nice story but it’s all for naught if this doesn’t carry to the field.
September 2nd, 2013 at 10:10 am
A million bucks a game? The dude better play like Superman.
September 2nd, 2013 at 10:23 am
I hope these guys are taking this time spent with a HOF serious. This is a once in a decade type player.
September 2nd, 2013 at 10:48 am
Sounds 55ish.
First get myself ready to play my position, then lead.
If I’m Geno Smith its going to the other side!
September 2nd, 2013 at 11:13 am
Good Read!!! Excited to see Revis play this weekend.
September 2nd, 2013 at 11:15 am
Cautiously optimistic.
September 2nd, 2013 at 11:56 am
he’s going, going, back, back, to Jersey, Jersey….
anyways, good read. I can’t wait.
September 2nd, 2013 at 2:11 pm
Really enjoyed this read, thank you
September 2nd, 2013 at 3:28 pm
Great read and well-written. I am eager to see the team as a whole. Revis has me foaming at the mouth- ready.