Pulling For A.J. Francis
August 28th, 2016
Defensive tackle on the bubble.
In the coming days, a lot of guys worthy of NFL work will be looking for work.
A combination of deep rosters at their respective positions and/or bloated salaries will get them cut.
Bucs defensive tackle A.J. Francis could be one of them. The veteran, who was undrafted out of Maryland in 2013, has had a good training camp and has not embarrassed himself in games.
Francis came upon Joe’s radar when Miko Grimes touted him for the 53-man roster of the Bucs. Joe hasn’t seen or heard anything that would suggest Francis is not in the running for the 53-man roster.
That brings Joe to Colin Kaepernick of the 49ers. He’s never impressed Joe as a Rhodes Scholar and he made big news Friday when he refused to stand for the National Anthem. He later gave an excuse about how murderers in America roam the streets free, thus, he cannot respect the United States (but he sure makes a boatload of dough for little to no results in such a wicked country), or something along those lines. Whatever.
Hey, Kaepernick has every right to be dumb because tens of thousands of Americans spilled their blood and paid the ultimate sacrifice so Kaepernick and others can be dumb in a free society. If this were some other enlightened country, say, Cuba or Iran, Kaepernick would have already been dragged to a torture chamber.
Which brings Joe back to Francis.
On the very night Kaepernick got all hot and bothered (he should be a bit more worried about his employment), check out what Francis did and later celebrated on Twitter.
One of the coolest moments of my entire football career… #OldGlory pic.twitter.com/tzGer8MLnu
— Mr. President (@AJFrancis410) August 28, 2016
The Bucs don’t let any player do this. Usually a starter carries the flag. So this tells Joe that Francis’ teammates really respect him and/or really like him.
For this reason alone, Joe would be hard-pressed to release Francis. Seems like an easy guy to pull for and a great teammate.
Here’s a video of Francis hanging with kids signing autographs: Pretty cool.
Just talking some #Pokemon strategy with A.J. Francis. [Credit: Jenna Laine/ESPN]
A video posted by espn (@espn) on
August 28th, 2016 at 7:54 am
Cool article. Yah I am willing to send kaepernick to whatever country he wants at my expense. First class even. What a joke. Everyone Understands his motives but handling that way , get the hell out. Then maybe you will understand how great this country is. Bum. Once the top jersey seller is just another overpaid paid athlete who probably would be struggling to make mortgage / rent payments Without his opportunity in the NFL. Just threw up on my phone so disgusted with this
August 28th, 2016 at 8:03 am
Kapernick will most likely lose his starting position to Gabbert.
I wonder if Kapernick’s stunt is a way for him to cry foul and claim racism against his team or the NFL and threaten lawsuits etc. since his playing days are likely done?
August 28th, 2016 at 8:21 am
It’s his right to protest! It just stupid for people to get all worked up over something like this! They miss the message or look over it, it speaks volumes when all you hear is, he’s overpaid, he should leave the country, if that National Anthem means so much to you, then it must mean as much to him to protest while it is being played. We all have rights! Don’t be afraid to use them or defend the right for others to use them! My breakfast is ready, grits and eggs should I have to leave because I don’t like oat meal? BLM!
August 28th, 2016 at 8:25 am
Great analogy Big Hog, you’ve helped me see the light.
August 28th, 2016 at 8:37 am
It’s downright disrespectful. I don’t care if it’s his right or not. Everyone has the right to be a dushbag doesn’t mean u should be one. The worst part is he gets paid millions of dollars to play a game u can only find in America. Dude needs to be sent to a third world country for a month and see how he likes America then.
August 28th, 2016 at 8:43 am
Hey Big Hog, BLM?
I guess his birth parents didn’t feel the same way huh?
He was adopted and raised by a white family.
Poor Kapernick………..
August 28th, 2016 at 8:53 am
@BigHog, I cannot agree with you, even though I get your point. It is this country that gives Kapernick the ‘freedom’ to make such a protest- that in itself makes it wrong. As Joe said, people died for us to have that right, correct? IMO, if he wants to make his mark he should instead get off his lazy rich ass, and go do something about it. Volunteer somewhere, give money to a cause, NOT just sit out the anthem. That is just too easy, simple and wrong. And in today’s 24/7 coverage of sports stars, if Kapernick were doing that – we would know!
August 28th, 2016 at 8:56 am
BigHogHaynes Says:
August 28th, 2016 at 8:21 am
It’s his right to protest! It just stupid for people to get all worked up over something like this! They miss the message or look over it, it speaks volumes when all you hear is, he’s overpaid, he should leave the country, if that National Anthem means so much to you, then it must mean as much to him to protest while it is being played. We all have rights! Don’t be afraid to use them or defend the right for others to use them! My breakfast is ready, grits and eggs should I have to leave because I don’t like oat meal? BLM!
______________________________________________________________________________
^^^^THIS Guy^^^^^ Gets IT!!
Love Trumps Hate ladies & gentleman…..Don’t forget it!!
August 28th, 2016 at 8:59 am
“Francis’ teammates really respect him and/or really like him. For this reason alone, Joe would be hard-pressed to release Francis.”
Coaches should create a roster spot for Francis because teammates like him???
By that rationale – Kenny Bell will be a Buccaneer in 2016 as well. Something tells me it doesn’t work that way Joe…..
August 28th, 2016 at 9:02 am
I’m hoping the 49ers self destruct this year…seeing as how we play them.
August 28th, 2016 at 9:07 am
Pickgrin/Bonzai,
Props to you guys for not taking the click bait!
August 28th, 2016 at 9:08 am
Harry in Costa Rica Says
@BigHog, I cannot agree with you, even though I get your point. It is this country that gives Kapernick the ‘freedom’ to make such a protest- that in itself makes it wrong.
I am a pretty patriotic guy. I’ve served my country in ways I can never talk about, because I love this country. That said, you are mistaken. You may not agree with Colin Kaepernick, and he might be a total complete idiot, but that’s what is great about this country. Dummies like him get to protest.
Ali sure did, and he was viewed pretty well by the time he died (didn’t he even serve time for some of his stuff?).
Frankly, when I hear people say things against this country, I want to punch them in the face. But…they have the constitutional right to say those things.
Colin Kaepernick is just more proof that although our country is great, it is filled with morons.
August 28th, 2016 at 9:08 am
@LocalJoker
Oops, lol.
August 28th, 2016 at 9:10 am
I do wish Kenny Bell would get real opportunities. Part of my wonders if they are limiting his reps so that he won’t get claimed off waivers so he can get on the Practice Squad.
August 28th, 2016 at 9:17 am
I take Big Hog’s point and of course it’s America and he’s correct.
I have this problem with Kaepernik’s actions. It’s the place he chose to do it.
He’s made the entire NFL…players and owners and broadcasters..cheerleaders…everybody as accomplices to his protest. He bit the hand that feeds him. He simply chose the wrong venue to exercise his personal rights. He’s lucky the NFL is loose about standing or not.
Now if he wants to sit at an anonymous game or send out instagrams with him protesting I’m cool with that. He could protest at political gatherings….
My only problem with Kaepernik was the time and place he chose. He milked other people’s success to make HIS point. The NFL would not be one tiny bit different without Kaepernik.
August 28th, 2016 at 9:19 am
BTW Joe. Thanks for the positive story on AJ. It’s always nice to hear about the good guys.
August 28th, 2016 at 9:22 am
@Bonsai, I still cannot agree. Yes, of course it is his legal right. BUT if Kap were doing something to make a difference, outside of sitting on his ass during the anthem, I would applaud him. But he is not. And why not? Maybe because that takes more effort or money or whatever. Sitting on your ass is easy, too easy.
And, btw, thank you for your service!
August 28th, 2016 at 9:28 am
Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
August 28th, 2016 at 9:10 am
I do wish Kenny Bell would get real opportunities. Part of me wonders if they are limiting his reps so that he won’t get claimed off waivers so he can get on the Practice Squad.
——————————————-
I’ve had the same thought Bonzai. If that’s the case – it probably won’t work
August 28th, 2016 at 9:36 am
I should also add in Kapernick’s defense, that at least he has “voiced” his position to the bad things that are going on. That is more than most NFL players have done. I agree with his cause – it is disgusting that people are dying and being mistreated because of their race. But it means more when one is protesting when you are active in ways to make a real change.
August 28th, 2016 at 9:52 am
Kenny bell sucks just like 8 does… get over your attachments to bad football players. It’s time to get out of the basement for bucs not latch on to mediocre nobody’s like bell and 8…. see ya
Now to francis given the fact that the top 3 bucs dt are really fragile and all 3 mccoy, McDonald and Akeem Spence have lengthy injury histories bucs would be foolish to let francis walk. The fragile 3 will miss games no doubt about it.
August 28th, 2016 at 10:07 am
Wow, is this a Bucs blog or political blog? USA!! USA!! USA!! Yuck, I hate that stupid chant. This country stopped being exceptional in 1970 after it put guys on the moon the year before. Kaepernick has the right to protest just like everyone else on here including the dimwits. Many times I’ve sat down during the National Anthem which is a war song BTW. Joe, you trying to get everyone riled up on purpose? Politics, sex, and religion will do it every time.
August 28th, 2016 at 10:18 am
Kaepernick became a Muslim in the past year, so there’s always ISIS for him after the NFL for him to continue his America hating ways.
August 28th, 2016 at 10:20 am
Bonzai I actually hope they are firing on all cylinders when we face them. That way no one will have any excuse to down play our victory. We saw chpi keyly’s offense last season and handled it with no problem. I totally expect to do the same this season. Let me reiterate we have 14 pre season sacks, I’ve said all summer teams that don’t have big time QBs are going struggle against this defense.
August 28th, 2016 at 10:21 am
Sure. Kap has a right to protest. Doesn’t sound like he knows what he’s talking about…but he has a right to stand up like a moron and do it. I may hate it, (surprise, I do.) but he does.
Now to all you folks out there whining about us hating on him for it. Where is you free speech first amendment love when WE complain about him?! It’s a two way street. Not every position needs defending. Just cause you feel of by saying “oh! But he CAN say it,” doesn’t make your position or Kap’s any more enlightened. It just makes noise.
August 28th, 2016 at 10:31 am
There is no law mandating responding to the national anthem, not even a non spoken one. Your choice, the US is a nation always at war. To your benefit or detriment?
August 28th, 2016 at 10:42 am
Michael Bennett instigated this by saying NFL players should follow the lead of NBA players in protesting the violent deaths of so many black Americans. Education is the key. The police need training in less than lethal force, and the public needs to learn to cooperate and comply with law enforcement. Also, no neighborhood watch patrol should ever be armed with anything more than a cellphone. Donald Trump is definitely NOT the solution to this problem. I still can’t believe a man can confront and kill a 16 year old kid and walk away free. Racism allows this. There’s no other plausible explanation.
August 28th, 2016 at 10:51 am
There sure are some very ignorant folks on jbf today… stick to football some of you wont look as stupid if you keep it football which is already a challenge for some of you.
August 28th, 2016 at 11:06 am
Calm down Joe. I thought this article was suppose to be about Francis?
August 28th, 2016 at 11:16 am
Great story about AJ. Fock colin.
August 28th, 2016 at 11:48 am
1sparkybuc says:
“I still can’t believe a man can confront and kill a 16 year old kid and walk away free. Racism allows this. There’s no other plausible explanation.”
______________
But OJ walking free after nearly decapitating Ron and Nicole was just the justice system at work, I suppose in your eyes. See, it’s a two way street, so be careful with your “racism” examples.
August 28th, 2016 at 11:48 am
lightningbuc points to the ONLY thing that’s changed since Kaepernick discovered this off-season he could no longer stand with his teammates as the national anthem is played. I’m sure it’s just an amazing coincidence.
August 28th, 2016 at 11:57 am
‘I may not agree with you, but I will defend to the death your right to make an a$$ of yourself.’ – Oscar Wilde
August 28th, 2016 at 11:59 am
Disrespect to people who fought for our freedom? You mean 1776 Independence freedom? If so, they certainly didn’t fight for people who looked like Colin K. If you mean in terms of people who were/are in military and fought in some kind of war, those wars had nothing to do with freedom in the US. Those wars were fought over foreign resources. We literally sent people overseas to risk their lives in order to steal resources from a foreign land. That or to “liberate” their people, and setup a bank and a US military base lmao. Forgive me if I don’t support the killings of people who are just trying to protect their land from invaders. I’ts one thing to support those who blindly and foolishly risk their lives for the illusion of “freedom”. Those are people. They deserve to be supported. But don’t condemn someone for not supporting the acts and reasoning of the establishment. So much hatred is done under the brand of that flag. But, hey, God bless America.
August 28th, 2016 at 12:46 pm
While Kaepernick has the INDIVIDUAL right to express whatever opinions he chooses, as a member of a TEAM he should keep the interests of the TEAM at heart.
Te 9ers have a REAL PR nightmare on their hands, as does the NFL.
I’m 100% all-in for freedom of expression. But if the NFL doesn’t put some sort of lid on their employees public expression on controversial topics, the chance for massive fan alienation is front and center and could cost teams billions.
IMO, the guy just might have destroyed a lot of team unity.
August 28th, 2016 at 12:53 pm
Yea Colin is a bitch. Yes he has every right to be a bitch. And we have every right to call a bitch a bitch. And we have every right to be offended about a person being a bitch to our flag and anthem. Colin is bitch.
August 28th, 2016 at 12:56 pm
I didn’t realize he converted to Islam (those Christian tats prolly burn right now, like Holy Water on a Vampire) and is dating a serious BLM activist.
August 28th, 2016 at 2:12 pm
Who on here has walked in Kap’s shoes, my guess is none of us. That money he is getting is based on what his employer was willing to pay him. How many superstars or regular joes because of the color of their skin get treated unamerican. I know lots if you say it is just based on having certain inalienable rights
August 28th, 2016 at 2:12 pm
What other US symbol can US public dissent be thrown against that stirs outrage. The lust for US worldwide hegemony is not patriotic, it’s degrading and demeaning foolishment. This US establishment is not favorable for the American people moving forward. The Obama administration has just replaced the American flag over the White House logo with a solid white flag, surrendering to who?
August 28th, 2016 at 2:16 pm
I’m changing the sotry right back to A.J.
So if he makes the team, he can quite his Uber driver job!
August 28th, 2016 at 3:18 pm
I love how Americans love their freedom, but whenever someone wants to use that freedom to not stand for the Pledge of Allegiance or the national anthem, it pisses them off.
August 28th, 2016 at 3:24 pm
Amen Joe on kap, probably more like a million gave their life. I think 1/2 mil in each world wars alone. Kap is further proof of Americas youth being dumber. As for Francis I hope he can play. I’d rather have Roy miller if jags cut him.
August 28th, 2016 at 5:09 pm
He has the right to sit
And I have the right to foot in his little butt
Gotta love freedom
August 28th, 2016 at 5:40 pm
@Joe… Please stick to football… I for one support Kaepernick’s decision, stance and agree that murderers who are paid by the very citizens they are killing for menial reasons if any at all is a very true statement.
People also died that he would have the RIGHT to make such a statement. Muhammad Ali also made suck bold and brave political statements and in his death he was celebrated by the entire world.
I thank you so much for your up to the minute Bucs coverage, but I don’t come here for politics.
August 28th, 2016 at 5:54 pm
boo! hoo! 🙁 he didn’t stand… i’m butt hurt and mad… how dare him have a different opinion from us “good” americans LOL
August 28th, 2016 at 5:55 pm
@Bird- the dude is 6’5 ripped to shreds and runs a 40 in 4.5, I think the NFL is the one with the opportunity.
@DooshLarue- you really proved that name huh? In the comment he said this was bigger than football, plus he’s taken a team to a super bowl… Blaine Gabbert, has done what? Also BLM does not have a period behind it. There’s a comma and then the word too.
@Bighog- THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
@ Lightning- what a Tampa Florida thing to say… But I don’t blame you I blame Joe for allowing talk to turn this into a Trump rally.
August 28th, 2016 at 5:58 pm
@capt Tim… Again he’s 6’5 and ripped to shreds. I’m pretty sure your foot would stay firmly planted on the ground. Like firmly. Like cemented.
August 28th, 2016 at 6:01 pm
Joe was pretty clear about that. Might want to re-read the story.
August 28th, 2016 at 7:01 pm
@joe… People die to make statements, isn’t that what we are discussing? Joe you’re well read, didn’t people die so he could make this statement?
August 28th, 2016 at 7:07 pm
Joe I’m clear on your stance:
Hey, Kaepernick has every right to be dumb because tens of thousands of Americans spilled their blood and paid the ultimate sacrifice so Kaepernick and others can be dumb in a free society. If this were some other enlightened country, say, Cuba or Iran, Kaepernick would have already been dragged to a torture chamber.
But you prefaced it as dumb…. Feel how you want, that’s cool but how come it’s not ok for others to feel different in a region that has the biggest confederate flag in the nation? Joe you know exactly what I am saying
August 28th, 2016 at 7:10 pm
@joe I stopped communicating because you had Pablo and we have aguayo, but you glee a flag proudly today that seperates your fanbase. I am not ok with that.
August 28th, 2016 at 7:12 pm
@Joe… If this team goes to the playoffs I will not have it represented by clan ralliers or who you had comment today
August 28th, 2016 at 7:15 pm
All y’all bucs fans need to know you support an 80% black tram and they are bit here just to entertain you
They are people., too.
August 28th, 2016 at 7:17 pm
*not here
August 28th, 2016 at 7:22 pm
And Joe the minute you are ready to have a real convo about this issue. I’m here
I’m literally a tri win sundance because I am the only filmaker who would take this on. I spent my own money to write, produce and direct a film about this issue
August 28th, 2016 at 8:40 pm
To all my fellow posters who gave thumbs up to my post, THANK YOU, for those that where in disagreement, those who had a yea but, even those who called me ignorant, I’m so glad I love and live in a country where you can walk to to beat of a different drum! I read all these posts on Colin K. And will forever defend your right to have an opinion that differs from mine! Just because he protested by taking a seat while the National Anthem was being played does not mean he disrespects the Flag, or the men and women who died defending this country! And one more thing it’s so easy to call a man a bitch when he’s ten thousand miles away from your nose! Broken!
August 28th, 2016 at 10:20 pm
Lol. Kaep’s going to break my nose?
You forget my ace up my sleeve. Ill sing the national anthem and he’ll sit down.
August 29th, 2016 at 12:24 am
“All y’all bucs fans need to know you support an 80% black tram and they are bit here just to entertain you. They are people., too.”
HarlemBuc, yes they are people. 98% of these players of all colors are REALLY good people. CK has every right to his opinion. The offensive and utterly hypocritical part is that he is bad mouthing a system that was created to give him the opportunity … and based on his athletic talent, has made him 10’s of millions of dollars. He’s not so offended by the goings on in this country to give the money back. No… that won’t happen.
He has a right to sit during the anthem. I get it. He has a problem with the treatment of young african americans by the police. As a member of law enforcement, I’m more than willing to have a conversation about that, and work with civic leaders to find common ground. Why doesn’t CK speak to the gangs in Chicago killing 10x more young black men than the police ever can? Likely because it would entail hard work and would take more than 140 characters, inclusive of emojis, to express. He has one helluva platform and unfortunately chose to sit as opposed to stand and make a difference for people.
August 29th, 2016 at 10:03 am
Kaepernick’s media interviews make clear that his decision to sit this season is a political statement which the NFL normally restricts as it does other acts of self expression.
The Constitution may guarantee teams and players the right to dress or speak as they wish but wear the wrong shoes, untuck your jersey or speak against the quality of officiating and the NFL lands on players and coaches like a ton of bricks.
Whether we agree of disagree with his POV, Kaepernick and the League should leave politics off the field.
August 29th, 2016 at 5:55 pm
You do realize that A.J. Francis has come out and been openly in support of Kaepernick, right? If he read this post, he’d be pretty much against every part of it, other than your support of him.