When Brooks Talks, Bucs Listen
February 24th, 2015
Former Bucs great Derrick Brooks wields influence at One Buc Palace.
Few folks living in the Tampa Bay area are held in higher esteem than Derrick Brooks, a man who helped start and run a high school, a man of many charitable endeavors and a man who is as clean cut and above board as anyone.
Yes, the Hall of Fame Bucs linebacker and current president of the Tampa Bay Storm is held in high esteem by nearly everyone who calls Tampa home.
Brooks, a former member of the Florida State board of regents, is very close to the Florida State football program. He is a fixture on the sidelines at games and, along with his former FSU teammates, often offers counsel to current players on football, schoolwork, and life. He knows a lot of players there, one by the name of Jameis Winston.
So it was a bit curious to hear Brooks, a man we must remember was involved in the free shoes escapade in colleg, come out with such strong words in support of Winston. For a man of his stature, either Brooks was taking a major gamble with his own reputation, or he really does know Winston better than we think we know him.
Joe wondered if Brooks’ going to bat for Winston both on local radio and on SiriusXM NFL Radio, held any weight.
When Joe asked Jason Licht at the NFL Scouting Combine about this, the Bucs general manager said Brooks’ words are heeded within the walls of One Buc Palace.
JoeBucsFan: How much weight or influence is there when a guy like Derrick Brooks, a pillar of character, a Hall of Famer with the Bucs, comes out publicly and says, “Hey, I know Winston. I can vouch for Winston.” How much weight does that carry?
Jason Licht: Well, Derrick and I have developed a relationship. Derrick and Lovie are very, very close. I think the world of Derrick. So when he says something, I listen.
Licht also added the Bucs will listen to Father Dungy when he stumps for Marcus Mariota. But Joe must admit, Father Dungy talking quarterbacks is for Joe akin to Myron Lewis discussing how to cover Jordy Nelson in man coverage.
February 24th, 2015 at 11:33 am
Ask Tony Dungy too…..
February 24th, 2015 at 11:39 am
Licht should hire DB55 as the teams GM. He would be outstanding. Better yet how about DC? That would be entirely too awesome so it will never happen.
February 24th, 2015 at 11:39 am
Clearly some people don’t read your articles Joe…and only the headline.
February 24th, 2015 at 11:40 am
uh oh, a certain 3PM radio host in Tampa won’t like this. This radio person say’s Brooks is not a babysitter…
The “I’m not biased” crusade will get ugly at 3PM today.
February 24th, 2015 at 11:42 am
@Fungi
This was posted on here yesterday. If true (quite a tale to just make up), it’s a sign Dungy is at least involved in some fashion.
“Alstott up the Gut Says:
February 23rd, 2015 at 6:57 pm
Jameis has been seeing RV Brown because Coach Dungy asked him. Thats been going on for a month now.”
February 24th, 2015 at 11:42 am
But Licht doesn’t care what Joe thinks now does he?
February 24th, 2015 at 11:44 am
Does Fungi Nails read the articles or just the headlines?
February 24th, 2015 at 11:47 am
Sounds like L&L are going to do what is best to save their jobs. Hope the Glaziers will look out for the long-term success of the team.
February 24th, 2015 at 11:49 am
Winston is going to look outstanding in a bucs uniform. Lovie needs Winston !
February 24th, 2015 at 11:53 am
Looking back, when the Head Coach & a ‘yes man’ GM made the draft selections, how did that work out for the bucs?
February 24th, 2015 at 11:54 am
“Tokyo Joes” at it again today!!!
February 24th, 2015 at 11:56 am
If DB55 is willing to vouch for Winston’s character – then that’s good enough for me. Best Buccaneer player EVER – and he’s an even better human being.
February 24th, 2015 at 12:01 pm
Sam Wyche?
February 24th, 2015 at 12:16 pm
Brooks is the best.
His opinion (whether agreed upon or not) carries a lot of weight with me.
He’s earned it.
February 24th, 2015 at 12:17 pm
Since when did Derrick Brooks, as much as I love him become an expert in player evaluation or a GM? Please Derrick stop with the Winston crap already! Mariota!
February 24th, 2015 at 12:21 pm
@WS99 if Licht hired him as GM he would be out of a job. Not a very good financial move on his part.
February 24th, 2015 at 12:21 pm
“David Says:
February 24th, 2015 at 12:17 pm
Since when did Derrick Brooks, as much as I love him become an expert in player evaluation or a GM? ”
As the article states, he is President of the Storm. That’s some modicum of knowledge. I gather better that either you or I….
February 24th, 2015 at 12:25 pm
You’re killing me Joe.
“Licht also added the Bucs will listen to Father Dungy when he stumps for Marcus Mariota. But Joe must admit, Father Dungy talking quarterbacks is for Joe akin to Myron Lewis discussing how to cover Jordy Nelson in man coverage.”
So you are telling me you would take the word of Derrick Brooks on a QB over the word of Dungy on a QB? That makes no sense. If you dismiss Dungy’s thoughts on a QB then you have to also dismiss Brooks’ thoughts on a QB.
February 24th, 2015 at 12:25 pm
Sam Wyche?
That’s funny Joe, since Wyche was the HC that drafted Brooks and Sapp
You probably forgot that though and think that Father Dungy is responsible for all good things Buccaneer
February 24th, 2015 at 12:32 pm
Josh P Says:
February 24th, 2015 at 12:21 pm
@WS99 if Licht hired him as GM he would be out of a job. Not a very good financial move on his part.
Yup that’s the ticket.
February 24th, 2015 at 12:39 pm
Hey Joe have you asked Warrick Dunn, Chris Weinke, Danny Kanell and Jimbo who they would pick in the draft. Come on man! Brooks is the biggest FSU homer there is. FSU can do know wrong in his eyes.
February 24th, 2015 at 12:39 pm
If you really want him out of a job then he should hire Warren Sapp the “Hooker Beater” today! That will surely get his a$$$$ fired and it will give the YUCS the biggest media exposure since hiring Chucky.
February 24th, 2015 at 12:47 pm
Sometimes I think you shouldn’t be too committed on these players you like. I remember you yelling for Morris Claiborne.. Where is he now? Last year it was Johnny but it’s not looking good at the moment. I know we all have our favorites but I think you should stay neutral because you losing credibility with the way you commit on these players. What if Jameis doesn’t pan out? Everything on your site now is mostly on Jameis… Come on “At least with Johnny Football, you have a guy with a high ceiling who very well could become as good as Matty Ice or perhaps Cam Newton” “If the new Bucs administration wants to make a bold move that will energize a fanbase short of making a postseason run that hasn’t happened in 12 years, drafting Johnny Football will make a strong statement that the Bucs are not fooling around any longer with patchwork offense”,Joe once again begs Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik to land a top flight starting cornerback; draft Claiborne and suddenly the Bucs have a solid if not good pair or corners”
February 24th, 2015 at 12:52 pm
Mike Mayock says he is “scared” by JaMarcus (Jameis) Winston! He would not take Winston with any pick, let alone #1!
Lovie has a big reason for not picking crab boy! If Lovie picks Mariota or Bryce Petty, he will automatically be guaranteed a year (2015) to teach these QB’s while Glennon starts and a year (2016) to then start that first round draft pick!
Winston is a coach killer….any mistakes…any problems….and the coach is looking for a new home!
February 24th, 2015 at 12:52 pm
BREAKING NEWS:
Chris Mortensen reporting that Jameis Winston has to have his right (throwing) arm amputated and Chris Landry reports Jameis Winston is responsible for measles outbreak
developing…
February 24th, 2015 at 12:58 pm
“Greg Schiano Says:
February 24th, 2015 at 12:52 pm
Mike Mayock says he is “scared” by JaMarcus (Jameis) Winston! He would not take Winston with any pick, let alone #1!”
Then explain why Mike Mayock has him ranked as the number one QB over Mariota.
Much like your prediction that Winston would not throw at the combine, you get a lot of stuff wrong.
February 24th, 2015 at 1:03 pm
Man, I would love to be a fly on the wall to hear Lovie and DB55 conversations!
Lovie says ” Hey Derrick, Tampa 2 vs the NFC south?”
Derrick says ” easy, Tampa 2!”
Lovie ” Tampa 2 vs 85 Bears?”
DB55 ” Tampa 2 of course!”
Lovie ” Tampa 2 vs ISIS?”
DB55 ” Tampa 2 and it will be over by half time!”
February 24th, 2015 at 1:06 pm
Dungy said he doesn’t know Jameis and cant state an opinion on him. I think it was Joe who interviewed him on it.
Im sure the bucs will consider his positive opinion on Marcus.
But then they will go with the smartest QB since Manning.
February 24th, 2015 at 1:06 pm
DB holds so much weight at One Buc Place, they cut him into retirement.
February 24th, 2015 at 1:13 pm
Joe Says:
February 24th, 2015 at 12:01 pm
Looking back, when the Head Coach & a ‘yes man’ GM made the draft selections, how did that work out for the bucs?
Sam Wyche?
Wait, who made Licht a yes man in this equation???
Licht clearly has recent success with the latest NFL successful front offices and relationships with multiple teams front offices (see AZ, NE, PHI, and CLE).
Licht influence and scope of work should not be understated because he brings a balance to this front office, along with his scouts and director of scouting. It’s his speciality and He’s a beast at scouting and he admittedly is not strong at contracts – THAT QUALIFIES HIM AS A FOOTBALL GUY, not business.
Every team has and should have them. I think Very Highly of Licht and I hope he’s here for a very long time.
February 24th, 2015 at 1:19 pm
@Greg
Mariota can start the first year. No need to sit.
February 24th, 2015 at 1:23 pm
@pete I Big dog won’t have a problem with DB endorsing Jameis Winston, on his radio show DB stated emphatically that he won’t be a babysitter and wouldn’t invite him to stay at his house. He said would offer advice if asked.
February 24th, 2015 at 1:26 pm
The way I look at it – the Bucs need some Swagger. We have no swagger now and I personally don’t see swagger when looking at Mariota. Winston has it in droves. Suh might hit the free agent market, so imagine if we have Winston on one side (behind an improved oline God willing) and Suh on the other side. Swagger – remember those days of Sapp, Brooks, Lynch, Alstott, Keyshawn, etc. Who do opponents fear now beside McCoy and David? Both of which are great players but not ruthless (for lack of a better term).
February 24th, 2015 at 1:26 pm
Sam Wyche also picked Lynch, signed Nickerson, and a ton of talent that actually helped bridge the gap to the Dungy years. Lonnie Marts, Errict Rhett, Pierson, Pyne, Chidi Ahonotu, Dave Moore, Brad Culpepper… He deserves an awful lot of credit for building this roster. McKay was only around for his last year.
February 24th, 2015 at 1:41 pm
do you expect him to say that they just tune out Brooks? of course they are going to listen to what he has to say. they would say that about most people that they respect and who knows football.
February 24th, 2015 at 1:50 pm
Wow the hatred runs so deep folks will attack 55 over it.
Sad sad sad as Gomer Pyle might say.
February 24th, 2015 at 2:00 pm
Eric…it is the incessant trolling from the FSU honks that is driving this bus. They are worse than the Gator fans when Tebow was getting ready to be drafted.
February 24th, 2015 at 2:17 pm
as bad as the tebow days? … That is a joke bro… If Winston didn’t have the off the field stuff everyone would be all over his jock… Gator fans included…. Tebow was nowhere near the qb Winston is
February 24th, 2015 at 2:52 pm
I’m grateful that Dungy changed the culture here. That said, you can trace his departure to his inability to hire an average OC and develop a QB. If he had stayed for 2002, there is not a Bucs Super Bowl. He won in Indianapolis because he kept the offense in tact similar to what Gruden did with the D here.
He is a great man, but his offensive philosophy here crushed him.
And it’s not as if the Glazers didn’t give him several opportunities to get it right. Steckel, Shula, Christensen aren’t all star names for OC. Keeping Tom Moore with Manning got him his ring.
February 24th, 2015 at 3:02 pm
He’s 21 years old. Just hire him a sober security guard that can keep him out of trouble when he is out and drive for him when he is partying. Let the boy have fun my CYA….
February 24th, 2015 at 3:08 pm
FSU honks are forcing people to take shots at Brooks?
Hardly.
As for Winston I am only stating what NFL scouts said about Winston. Smartest QB since Manning.
Winston is like Tebow?
Yeah sure.
February 24th, 2015 at 3:31 pm
I am not comparing Winston to Tebow…RIF (Reading is Fundamental)!
I am comparing the fan bases!!
February 24th, 2015 at 6:53 pm
@greg
He said Winston is a first overall talent but scared of off field issues .
February 24th, 2015 at 9:31 pm
Licht should let DB make the pick so Lovie doesn’t get him fired
February 24th, 2015 at 10:41 pm
Joe Says:
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:58 pm
But why can’t we believe that rookie QB can succeed in their first year,
Oh, you can believe it. Just like you can believe in the tooth fairy if you want.
History is unwavering. Rarely do rookie quarterbacks fare well. Ones that do are very much the exception and very much stars. Manning and Big Ben spring to mind. That’s two, in what, 17 years?
——————-
Bryce Petty? Your credibility is gone… Bryce Petty? He’ll be lucky to be gone by round 3… You’ve got to be kidding me!
As for rookies that have done well, Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck, RGIII, Cam Newton, my God, son, this is from the past few years… do I need to go on? Your opinion is a waste of space on the internet.