Steve McClendon Says He Will Return If Given The Chance, Reveals Todd Bowles’ Pregame Message
February 22nd, 2021
One of the great NFL stories of the season came via the Bucs’ midseason trade for 11-year veteran defensive tackle Steve McClendon.
McClendon learned of the October deal that would send him from the Jets to the promised land (aka Tampa) on a Saturday, but the deal couldn’t be official until early the following week. What did McClendon do? He played the next day for the winless Jets, the club dumping him and shedding talent from its roster.
Speaking on CBS Sports Radio recently, McClendon said his decision was about “morals” and wanting to be beside his Jets teammates after a strong week of practice.
Now that’s a high-character, 34-year-old football player!
McClendon also talked about why the Bucs were so great this season.
“Our preparation is by far the greatest I have seen in a long time in the NFL,” said McClendon, who spent seven years with the Steelers and was part of their 2010 Super Bowl season.
As if on cue, McClendon explained that Tom Brady raises every player’s game via his extreme work ethic and leadership presence. And McClendon said defensive coordinator Todd Bowles was drilling into every defensive player during Super Bowl preparation that the game didn’t have to be close and the Bucs were completely ready to stop the Chiefs.
He added there was widespread belief that with two weeks to prepare, Bowles would be more than ready to stifle the Kansas City offense.
McClendon was adamant that he has no plans to retire and he will return to the Bucs if they want him back.
February 22nd, 2021 at 11:34 am
Fifty cents….
We need some younger depth pieces…..
February 22nd, 2021 at 11:34 am
Lol oh boy anyway thank you for your contributions McClendon.
February 22nd, 2021 at 11:36 am
That guy has got to be flying high still
He leaves a dumpster fire New York jets team in what week 8 and comes to the bucs at age 35 and wins a super bowl
Most people would go out on that career story book ending
But he sees the bucs have chance to run it back so he is all in
Enjoy these days bros…players want to come to tampa bay. Doesnt happen often
February 22nd, 2021 at 11:36 am
I love that attitude. I think he played well for us when Vea was out. Resign him.
February 22nd, 2021 at 11:39 am
“Todd Bowles was drilling into every defensive player during Super Bowl preparation that the game didn’t have to be close” I can’t believe I was talking smack about Bowles for two years straight. What a great message to give to your players.
February 22nd, 2021 at 12:00 pm
Is he an 11 year veteran or 11 years old! What ab baby face LOL
February 22nd, 2021 at 12:38 pm
McLendon seems to be a fairly consistent rotational Nose Tackle who was never the lead dog but who averaged 30-40% of the defensive snaps for each of his 11 seasons. Averages about 14-15 games per season, 1 tackle per game, 1 sack per season. Good size (6’3″ & 310 lbs), now 35, steady, but nothing spectacular. Gave us 9 regular season games plus 4 playoff games this year for $965K (good value IMO). Gotta agree with TBBF though … we need younger blood; draft someone. Vea, Suh & Gholston PLUS ONE can keep this DLine purring.
February 22nd, 2021 at 1:43 pm
I love that! What a great example to the younger players.
February 22nd, 2021 at 1:51 pm
We drafted k.davis last year…
tell em stay ready, we might need you for TC…
GO BUCS!!!!
February 22nd, 2021 at 1:54 pm
Second to last defensive play of Super Bowl a and a defensive tackle came through the Chiefs line as if shot out of a cannon. He came through so clean that he hesitated for a moment as if he was gonna get blindsided… not sure he ever got by so clean. Then he was on his way to chase Mahomes out of the pocket. That was McClendon. He did well for us. If he comes cheap there would be no reason not to bring him back as depth.
February 22nd, 2021 at 2:54 pm
Keep in mind he had already won a Superbowl when he got here with Pittsburgh
He was already a winner
High character, top performers make up every championship
Hope he returns
February 22nd, 2021 at 3:37 pm
Would love for the Bucs to have him back, but at the veteran minimum. Bucs could guarantee his contract though.
February 22nd, 2021 at 8:04 pm
You never know when injuries will happen like with Vea. Having an experienced big guy back up at a bargain price seems like a good idea.
February 22nd, 2021 at 10:34 pm
Champions have good depth. Especially on defense and especially returning. Sounds like he’ll play for free.
February 23rd, 2021 at 4:53 am
Experienced quality depth combined with a high character for 1.25m – sounds very good to me.
February 23rd, 2021 at 7:02 am
McClendon makes a very good point.
If you asked me (most of us?) before the SB, which coaching staff is better with two weeks to prepare, I would have said KC for sure
Props to BA, BL, and especially Bowles for providing a shocking blueprint to dominate KC. Thank you guys for this joyous SB victory!!!
February 23rd, 2021 at 12:15 pm
Wouldn’t mind having McClendon back on the cheap. I’m thinking Gholston might be cut to save cap.
February 23rd, 2021 at 8:36 pm
Bring McClendon back fo sho!! Hopefully he stays cap friendly. then pick up Darius Stills in the draft, 3rd or 4th rd.