The Short (?) Career Of Maurice Fleming
August 22nd, 2017
Undrafted free agent CB highlighted.
The one thing “Hard Knocks” is consistently good at each season is finding a camp meat player to build a compelling story around.
Before the first episode of this season on “Hard Knocks,” no one outside of Lansing, Mich. ever heard of Riley Bullough. “Hard Knocks” producers found Bullough, a Bucs undrafted rookie free agent linebacker, and now he is the darling of Bucs fans as they follow his path to see if “Joe Dirt/Fabio” can make the final-53.
Tonight, it was undrafted rookie cornerback Maurice Fleming. He was seen hanging out at a pool with O.J. Howard and other rookies, and literally hanging on the side of the pool. You see, Fleming can’t swim.
Howard tried to explain to Fleming if he makes the Bucs, he must learn how to swim, since he will be living in Florida. Fleming didn’t seem all too interested and when Howard asked him, “What happens if you are out in the middle of the ocean?” Fleming responded, to Howard’s laughter, that he would doggie paddle.
Later, a scene goes to winning Bucs coach Dirk Koetter who lauds Fleming for working out on the Bucs practice fields no later than 7 a.m. each day. Fleming then explains he asked Jameis what time he arrives each day and figured, if it is good enough for Jameis, it’s good enough for him.
During practices, Fleming isn’t as sharp as the Bucs are looking for and Fleming receives some pointed words from defensive coordinator Mike Smith.
Practices don’t get any easier for Fleming when the Bucs are working out against the Jags and Smith becomes frustrated with Fleming, and Fleming himself becomes frustrated.
In the game against the Jags, Fleming got to see action in the fourth quarter and was injured early, suffering a bum knee. He tried to play through it but got roasted badly twice because he was basically playing on one leg. However, Fleming broke up a would-be game-winning pass by the Jags in the end zone.
The next day back at One Buc Palace, Fleming went through tests on his knee and found out he would be out for camp and maybe a month. Fleming met with Koetter who informed him he would be placed on the waived/injured list. He could come back with the Bucs, or the Bucs could make a financial settlement before releasing him if he clears waivers.
Koetter told Fleming how impressed he was that he made a game-saving play despite playing on a wrecked knee and added Fleming had absolutely nothing to be ashamed about and did everything right; he just got injured.
(For a detailed explanation on the waived/injured list, click here.)
August 23rd, 2017 at 3:19 am
Tough, Hard working kid- I wish him the best of luck!
August 23rd, 2017 at 4:26 am
You have a heart Capt. Tim.
I feel bad for these guys when they get hurt.
Where’s the compassion people??
August 23rd, 2017 at 7:56 am
That’s a shame. I like him. Tough kid with a tough spirit. I called my kid into the room to replay the part about him coming in at 7 in the morning for drills before practice started. I told my son that if he wanted to make it, he had to have that kind of determination.
August 23rd, 2017 at 8:53 am
That has to be the worst part of Koetter’s job. Although it’s easier I guess when it’s an injury and you can at least offer a guy hope after he heals. Better than telling him you’re cutting him because he doesn’t have the talent to make it in the NFL.
August 23rd, 2017 at 11:28 am
His 💓man.. His heart. Anyone know if he has a twitter account. I don’t even do the social s@$! outside jbf. But I wanna holla at him.
August 23rd, 2017 at 12:02 pm
Kid definitely has heart.
I remember watching the game when he fell. Had no idea he was playing through with a blown out knee! Crazy!
I wish the kid good luck and hope he comes back healthy so he can get another shot.
August 23rd, 2017 at 12:03 pm
Good luck Maurice Fleming. Hope you get another shot and your dream to play in the NFL is fulfilled.
August 24th, 2017 at 11:05 pm
I need to see this kid play so do what they tell you. My cousin Tyson was his coach in Illinois. I live in Clearwater, Florida. Just a hop skip and jump away. Get well and back to work.
August 25th, 2017 at 11:13 am
Watching Maurice play, that makes one realize why we love football. This man although Injured has heart, determination, and raw talent. I think he just gained thousands of new fans.
I can’t wait till he recovers and comes back to the NFL
I myself am recovering from a devastating Injury and spending time in a hospital can be tedious and difficult.
Yet, watching Maurice gave me encouragement. You have a new fan now and forever.