He Has It
September 6th, 2017
Has it.
The arc of the drama that was Bucs free agent rookie linebacker Riley Bullough came to an end tonight in the season finale of “Hard Knocks.”
Joe’s willing to bet only six folks in the greater Tampa Bay area who aren’t graduates of Michigan State knew who Bullough was before he was introduced to the nation on the season premiere of “Hard Knocks” last month.
Bullough, who went by the various nicknames of “Joe Dirt,” “Fabio” and “Bully,” was a prospect full of intangibles but a tad bit short on speed.
Early on in the series, winning Bucs coach Dirk Koetter praised Bullough for his football smarts and his attitude. Assistant coaches seemed to agree. Let’s just say he was the anti-Bobo Wilson and the polar opposite of quitting Jeremy McNichols.
When chewed out by assistant coaches he didn’t snap back at them or mope and go California dreaming. Nope, not Bullough. He took in the words and, as he showed last night on the sidelines of the fourth and final preseason game, replied, “Yes sir.”
The thing that struck Joe was with 36 Bucs players, mostly starters, sitting out the final preseason game, Bullough took it upon himself to get the Bucs pumped for the game. One could see how his teammates were drawn to him, circled around him and hung on his every word.
Bullough is not a fake. And while he didn’t make the final 53-man roster, he did make the practice squad as the Bucs hope to develop him into a player that can make an impact one day.
Some people are just born with “it.” You either have “it” or you don’t have “it.” You can’t buy “it,” you can’t fake “it.” America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, has “it.” Kwon Alexander has “it.”
It sure seems like Bullough has “it.” Just because you have “it” doesn’t mean you can make tackles in the NFL or break up passes. But it’s a helluva trait.
And that is one big reason why the Bucs didn’t want to give up on Bullough. He sure never gave up on the Bucs, right McNichols?
September 6th, 2017 at 12:37 am
Given who Mcquitter’s “mentor” is, probably a safe bet he follows in the footsteps of another Boise state back and gets popped for a failed whiz quiz here sometime in the near future.
September 6th, 2017 at 3:56 am
Really glad that Joe Dirt is back with the Family.
The young man has no quit in him – that’s for sure.
I felt like being featured on Hard Knocks greatly increased the chances that another team would try to snag him for a nice development project. Glad that was not the case.
Joe Dirt may not have all the natural skills that a higher drafted player has – but he’s got twice as much heart and “want to” as most players. My bet is that he carves out a place for himself in this league and has a respectable and longer than average NFL career.
September 6th, 2017 at 5:38 am
I love this guy!!!
He may not be fast but he is a warrior!
I guarantee he can become quicker and stronger with NFL coaching.
Seeing a man play with so much passion chokes me up.
Bully is a PURE SOUL.
Not a diva, or a thug, or a prick.
He’s a warrior-king!
Go get em Riley!!!
Make that scout team give the 1’s a headache every practice!
September 6th, 2017 at 7:52 am
Someone get that man on some kind of plyo-metrics program! A little more bulk and a little more speed would do wonders for him, it seems.
September 6th, 2017 at 8:50 am
At the end of the day he physically / athletically is a liability and doesn’t deserve to be on the 53. Hardknocks could make me a fan favorite with the right editing.
September 6th, 2017 at 9:42 am
It doesn’t mean he can’t get better with NFL coaching Mr negative ⬆️ Lol and I doubt “editing” brain washed anyone he has something no coach can teach and the ability to learn the stuff they can Go Bully!
September 6th, 2017 at 11:11 am
What is also cool is that he has a brother who started out on a PS and worked his way to the 53. I certainly do not count him out.
September 6th, 2017 at 12:37 pm
Nice to see a guy with heart and willing to work his rear off to get better. Add in the fact that he comes from HUGE money and its even nicer to see his desire to do it on his own for something he loves
September 6th, 2017 at 2:52 pm
Joe Dirt can play in this league. But he’s gotta get the pass coverage thing down and get involved with more plays. The Bucs would not have kept him if they did not see potential. I am glad they let the rookie running back go though. He seemed to have to many critical blocking assignment lapses…which will get your QB..clobbered!