Farewell To The Donald
March 13th, 2014Ironman Donald Penn, the Bucs’ practice squad pick-up who was thrust into the starting lineup in 2007 and never missed a game in his left tackle post, was released today.
Joe really enjoyed Penn on and off the field. He was a Pro Bowl player and a Pro Bowl personality. Joe’s definitely saddened by the loss of this great Bucs warrior. Joe predicts Penn will find a new team quickly and have a great 2014.
March 13th, 2014 at 2:53 pm
Wish they coulda held onto him for a little while. Perhaps Wilfork news spurred the need for more coin?
March 13th, 2014 at 2:54 pm
As all the Pro-bowler talent that so many counted on is cast-off. Is it shocking that the current regime cannot get any draft picks for any of them. I think this is all very telling of what everyone in the NFL thinks of this roster.
March 13th, 2014 at 2:54 pm
I really liked this big mug, still do!
Today, I’m responding with my heart instead of my head. I know that changes have to be made and Penn’s time has come to move on, but I liked this guy. He has been a real Buccaneer and played beyond everybody’s expectation as an undrafted player. So Penn is gone but not forgotten. He has my highest regard as a Buc fan.
I wish Penn the very best, he deserves it. Like I said, I Liked the big lug! Gonna miss’im!
March 13th, 2014 at 2:55 pm
That photo almost looks 3D!
Wilfork is going to ask for an outrageous number. Plus DT has already been addressed.
March 13th, 2014 at 2:57 pm
Penn being upgraded is much like the Glennon situation, but Joe is happy to toast MG8.
Good luck Penn! Raheem and RG3 could use you!
March 13th, 2014 at 2:57 pm
The_Buc_Realist, you make a valid point. We’ve been sold a bill of goods for 5 years at least, probably longer.
Penn might not have been trade-able because of the weight issues though.
March 13th, 2014 at 2:57 pm
Or our new GM sucks at working out trades. That’s something Dom pulled off time and again. Getting something for nothing.
March 13th, 2014 at 2:59 pm
Stevek (MGM) Says
“Penn being upgraded is much like the Glennon situation…”
Not even close. Local media has had years to get to know Penn. Glennon is a baby-face wannabe.
March 13th, 2014 at 3:00 pm
Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
March 13th, 2014 at 2:57 pm
Or our new GM sucks at working out trades. That’s something Dom pulled off time and again. Getting something for nothing.
_____________________________________________________
The new GM can’t trade the contracts of the old GM
March 13th, 2014 at 3:01 pm
Smh…. Man, we better win this season.
March 13th, 2014 at 3:02 pm
LichtMOB!
March 13th, 2014 at 3:02 pm
Exactly. Nobody was going to take on Penn with that contract.
March 13th, 2014 at 3:03 pm
Noooooo! One of my favorite Bucs. Damn.
March 13th, 2014 at 3:06 pm
One of the best values in Bucs history. From practice squad to 6 year starter. Can’t really ask for more.
March 13th, 2014 at 3:08 pm
Nice guy. Farewell
March 13th, 2014 at 3:08 pm
Good luck to Penn as he moves on. Say what you will about him, but he was a real warrior and played even when dinged up! I hope he has a nice career with another team!
March 13th, 2014 at 3:09 pm
there goes the KFC revenues in Tampa
March 13th, 2014 at 3:10 pm
One of my favorite Bucs. The Big homie who steps in to fight for the little bucs. Thanks for being that guy! Now who’s gonna fight them nasty Dlinemen when they wanna get busy. huh who! We cut all our big nasty’s. Now we are abouta get PUNKED. Cut Nicks too.
March 13th, 2014 at 3:10 pm
Donald Penn
Van Halen – Diver Down – Happy Trails
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwYcsMiB2UM
March 13th, 2014 at 3:11 pm
(So body put a look out for Joe on the- Sunshine Skyway Bridge)
March 13th, 2014 at 3:12 pm
So long 70 and thanks.
March 13th, 2014 at 3:13 pm
Good luck Big Man! Had his games where I was shaking my head at how he went undrafted! Life goes on and I wish you the best in your next chapter.
March 13th, 2014 at 3:13 pm
“Richard Says:
Exactly. Nobody was going to take on Penn with that contract.”
So, was Penn a ‘mercenary cancer’ because they couldn’t re-structure HIS bloated contract? Not my thoughts, just seems to be the narrative about any big contract player the team dumps…silly at best
March 13th, 2014 at 3:15 pm
Now, I just want to know who else Joe likes? So I can start advocating their release also.
March 13th, 2014 at 3:18 pm
Penn was a true warrior for us…..I wish him the very best…we are making the right moves and sending the right messages to those that remain….”Play at the highest level or you are gone!!!
March 13th, 2014 at 3:20 pm
Frits50, I don’t think it was up to Penn at all. Obviously Lovie wants a new look for this team. It makes sense.
Maybe the oline was doing poorly because it became predictable. Or not. I don’t really know. But I don’t believe Penn was offered the chance to restructure.
The common theme with the signings is youth.
A couple gambles too.
March 13th, 2014 at 3:20 pm
“Penn being upgraded is much like the Glennon situation, but Joe is happy to toast MG8.”
SteveK,
So right. Yesterday the headlines were “Mike Glennon Hotseat Blazing” and “Backup Glennon Has No Job Security”. So why no “Hit the Road Fat Ass” for Penn?
Fellas, Joe doesn’t “toast” Glennon. In fact, Joe has written repeatedly that Glennon did a sound job as the backup last season. He proved he belonged in the league — as a backup. Again, as a backup. Penn’s strong career here is not comparable to Glennon’s. Please. –Joe
March 13th, 2014 at 3:22 pm
Remember when Cassel did well as a backup and the Pats got trade value for him, and then Cassel bombed?
That’s what I think we’ll get with McCown. He had a few good games and it was enough to convince Lovie.
If Lovie DOESN’T draft a QB in first or second round, his future will be tied to McCown. Not a good thing.
March 13th, 2014 at 3:22 pm
Our new GM is not God he can’t work miracles.
You can’t trade a player whose contract no one is willing to accept and which the player refuses to restructure.
I loved Penn and hoped he would take less to play possibly at guard?
But can’t blame the guy for wanting to remain the starter.
March 13th, 2014 at 3:23 pm
LOL man Joe all I have ever said is judge everyone by the tape and when you look at Penn tape he was not good last year. I wish Penn the best however players in their 8th 9th year do not tend to get better so your Great Year Statement I will be shocked he might be average but right now he is below average keep working out Donald and keep your weight down not only during training camp but for the entire season!
March 13th, 2014 at 3:26 pm
@Lightningbuc
I cant do anything but laugh at your post for how true it is
March 13th, 2014 at 3:31 pm
I’m going to miss him.
I love that moment in last year’s Thursday night game at Minnesota, where you saw yell at Jared Allen, “Come on, bitch!”
That was awesome.
March 13th, 2014 at 3:38 pm
all buc fans will miss Penn but the bucs are trying to get younger and nostalgia gets you older and more loses. business decisions that is what this is. all of it. local perception of Penn is very different then the national perception. Good Luck to Mr. Penn and thanks.
March 13th, 2014 at 3:43 pm
Penn’s strong career here is not comparable to Glennon’s. Please. –Joe
You are only as good as your last season. Penn is not what he was 3-4 years ago. In fact, last season he was quite bad.
Penn’s first season was spent on a practice squad, so, it’s not like he was blowing people away coming out of college, in fact, some blog writer in Minnesota could have deemed his a quality backup, as well.
Penn improved as a professional football player. We don’t know how Glennon will improve. But, let’s write one guy off.
March 13th, 2014 at 3:44 pm
I won’t miss penn.
every year it was the same thing. big ole cheeseburger turnstile that would post a workout picture or video and all the sheep would so WOW, he’s working out.
now to get that tub of lard nicks out the door!
March 13th, 2014 at 3:46 pm
I like Penn. This Collins guy better not bomb and suck it up all year. Bc I think we just released one of our better online if not the best we had
March 13th, 2014 at 3:47 pm
Oline not online
March 13th, 2014 at 3:51 pm
Most memorable moment was his TD catch in 2010 from Earnest Graham. Should’ve won that game. I was so happy to see the Bucs score that TD. Then Brent Grimes ruined it, and the refs.
March 13th, 2014 at 3:52 pm
ODB,
So true. These guys, like Joe, who know Glennon is only skilled as a backup sure are smart. Surprised they don’t know tomorrow’s lottery numbers.
Couch Fan and ODB mob!
March 13th, 2014 at 3:54 pm
His contract was too much for where he’s at in his career. Plain and simple. Wish him the best we was great for us most of the time.
Plus, aren’t they moving to a zone blocking scheme? I don’t think that was Penn’s strength. I could be wrong, but I though we tried to start zone blocking in the beginning of a season a few years back, and it failed miserably.
March 13th, 2014 at 4:00 pm
DP is a Bucanneer Man before Schiano declared men to be Bucaneer Men
March 13th, 2014 at 4:04 pm
penn you were good and even great at times. hopefully you saved your money and can spend the rest of your days eating PBJ’s
March 13th, 2014 at 4:08 pm
The business side of the NFL sucks pretty bad right now.
March 13th, 2014 at 4:16 pm
Penn was and is still a good player. Coupled with his salary, new GM and Coach and a new direction on offense, the organization thought releasing him was the best.
March 13th, 2014 at 4:18 pm
I liked Penn and wish nothing but the best for him. He was durable and loyal to his teammates.
March 13th, 2014 at 4:24 pm
Penn was my favorite player. Sure will miss the guy. I have nothing but respect for how well he locked down the blind side for us for years. Good luck in your future endeavors Penn. You will be missed by this Bucs fan.
March 13th, 2014 at 4:26 pm
There has been a constant flow of veteran players released in the past few days. In most cases, their teams attempted to trade them before releasing them. Trades aren’t easy, especially when the player is expected to be released anyway.
Penn was a good player. I don’t believe his weight was ever an issue. I can’t recall a single game he missed because of his weight. In fact he was very durable. Hopefully his replacement will be just as durable. The gut and rebuild continues.
March 13th, 2014 at 4:26 pm
Penn was a great tackle but it was time for a change. I wish him well.
March 13th, 2014 at 4:34 pm
Starting lineup looks like dotson merideth zuttah nicks and collins? Collins never played a full year, who know how healthy nicks is, merideth was davins backup. Is this line really better then what we had? i sure hope we get a good center maybe zuttah back at guard instead of merideth.
March 13th, 2014 at 4:53 pm
Are we gonna address depth anytime soon? This has killed the past Bucs teams the last few years..
March 13th, 2014 at 5:05 pm
“The common theme with the signings is youth.”
LOL
Josh McCown is the new “starting person” at Age 34 over Mike Glennon.
McCown best season yardage wise was 2,511 yds then 2 1800s before a drop off to 1100. Highest TD totals were 13, 11,10. Has Interceptions highs of 11,11,10. Sacked numbers 31,25,18. Fumbles 12,11,10.
Glennon’s 1st season was better – yardage 2608, 19 TDs, 9 Ints, Sacked 40, 7 Fumbles.
Remember, Lovie is the coach who was content with Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton as his QBs. McCown had 1 good fluke year – as he got to play against some horrific defenses.
Glennon won’t have a chance to win the job in training camp – he’ll be traded before then.
March 13th, 2014 at 5:45 pm
Lovie also went to the SuperBowl with Grossman 😉
March 13th, 2014 at 6:27 pm
Wait a minute, according to some of you guys and Joe, I thought Penn WASN’T THE PROBLEM? I guess myself and some of the other guys on here are still stupid for suggesting that Penn needed to be replaced, huh? Look I like Penn, he was a leader and I like the fact the he wasn’t afraid to say what was on his mind and speak the truth. But lets be honest, he IS on the decline. better to address the problem now then to gamble (yes Joe gamble) on hoping he doesn’t play even worse next season. I still wish Penn all the best.
March 13th, 2014 at 7:23 pm
FactsMatter Says:
March 13th, 2014 at 5:05 pm
Glennon won’t have a chance to win the job in training camp – he’ll be traded before then.
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I’m starting to think that would be the best thing for everyone…most teams fans would be doing backflips to land a rookie QB who put up the stats this guy did with only 1 stud WR, an underperforming O-line, and a 3rd string RB. Bucs fans are a different breed, they pine for other teams career backups (let’s say for instance Ryan Mallet or Kirk Cousins or the guy the Bucs just signed) yet want to run their current starter out of town after a decent rookie season.
March 13th, 2014 at 7:28 pm
ctord Says:
March 13th, 2014 at 3:38 pm
local perception of Penn is very different then the national perception. Good Luck to Mr. Penn and thanks.
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The same can be said about Mike Glennon as well.
Hope Penn lands on another team, at the very least he would make a solid backup somewhere.
March 13th, 2014 at 7:40 pm
Warrior=Fat, overpriced, big mouthed slob
March 13th, 2014 at 8:27 pm
Lighting Buc is 100% right.
Before I even read your comment, I thought the same thing.
I wondered… what is it with people?
You got guys hating Glennon to all hell, wishing him to be gone. Little dog yesterday was saying, go ride the pine pal and hit the road.
Then with Penn, it’s all love.
Glennon was a rookie. He is a nice young man. There is no reason for the strange hate for the guy.
Penn isn’t a hall of famer. But gets all love. But honestly, I think all 53 should get love. Every single one of them, every season.
How can anyone hate someone on your favorite team? How on earth is it even responsible for a media outlet both on the radio and online to hate and trash players? Especially, when they have been nothing but cordial and professional?
This is a weird sports town when it comes to sports media. Lovie must be rolling his eyes at the odd hatred spewed by these biased media outlets.
March 13th, 2014 at 8:43 pm
Goodbye human turnstile. Hello Collins. The tape don’t lie.
March 13th, 2014 at 9:11 pm
Hi five Buc1987. You and me called this one.
March 13th, 2014 at 10:18 pm
Though I understand why he was let go…..I will always admire how he was always the first to stick up for his teammates both on and off the field….That is hard to replace!!!
March 14th, 2014 at 12:24 am
Buc Fan #237:
Joe doesn’t hate Glennon. Never did.
March 14th, 2014 at 12:19 pm
“Joe doesn’t hate Glennon. Never did.”
The problem is your love of Johnny “3rd Round Talent” Football blinds you. (assessment quote courtesy of Ron Jaworkski on a Philly radio broadcast last week)
You don’t cover the other QBs available in the draft. You certainly don’t post their pics every day.
If you were objective and really wanted to draft another QB, you would be covering Bortles, Bridgewater, Carr, Garappolo, McCarron, Mettenberger, Smith, and Fales as well… in case Tampa gets their QB in a later round. Which one fits Lovie’s style, etc.
Let Joe stop you right there (rest of comment deleted), as a frequent reader, why would you ever possibly get the idea Joe is trying to be objective when Joe freely delivers strong opinions on a variety of subjects related to the Bucs? Joe’s site is driven by his subjectivity presented along with the hard news and all kinds of stuff you find here, like Joe’s five days or reporting on a variety of QBs live from the NFL Scouting Combine and much more. Feel free to hit the archives here for long-ago references to Garappolo, in addition to Joe’s converstaions with him face to face and more. Mr. Facts Matter, don’t come here and misrepresent. Or at least change your screen name. –Joe
March 14th, 2014 at 1:48 pm
Good move. Penn has been watching DE’s go by him like ‘ole!’ too many times over the last several years. A warrior, yes…but not a good starting LT.