T.J. Ward Retires, Mentions Lure Of Bucs
April 22nd, 2021
Gives props to Bucs ILB.
If you caught the news yesterday that former Bucs safety T.J. Ward retired, you were likely as surprised as Joe was.
“Wait a minute — Ward wasn’t retired?”
In his day, Ward was a Pro Bowl defender with the Browns and later the Broncos and got a ring with Denver in 2013.
His career flamed out with the Bucs in the notorious 2017 season. Ward came to the Bucs just before the season began and was one of several free agents that came to Tampa Bay that season as hopes were high. The Bucs were just coming off a nine-win season, only their second (and final) winning season in The Lost Decade.
The Bucs thought they only needed to upgrade in a couple of areas to put them over the top. Instead, in large part thanks to a couple of poisonous players from Washington, the team imploded losing 11 games.
It turned out to be the last football Ward would play. His Tampa days came to a sad end when he was popped for weed.
Recently, Ward mentioned to Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports that he would likely retire. Ward requested Kerr keep that under his hat until he made an announcement.
When he did speak with Kerr, Ward told Kerr that one reason he came to the Bucs was that he was drawn by the opportunity to play alongside Bucs linebacker Lavonte David, who had a reputation within the league of not just being a star player, but also being a good teammate and a solid guy.
That is a class move by Ward to say that about one of his former teammates on his last team in a season that didn’t go as anyone had expected.
Joe wishes Ward much success in life.
April 22nd, 2021 at 12:11 am
Thank Jesus H. Christ that the days of weed suspensions are over. It’s harmless
April 22nd, 2021 at 12:34 am
It was his lady’s fault for letting the cops in. TJ did nothing wrong
April 22nd, 2021 at 12:46 am
Medicated- Well if not harmless, certainly less harmful than playing pro football.
April 22nd, 2021 at 1:10 am
He made a good play against the Bears.
One good play. He sliced through to stop a sweep. Looked like LVD doing it. I thought “great. That’s what we want from a safety.” Then I guess he was high the rest of the time.
April 22nd, 2021 at 10:38 am
I don’t think it would’ve worked out with him and gronk on the same team. Dirty player. Glad he’s gone
April 22nd, 2021 at 12:30 pm
Darn it now I kinda like the guy.
April 22nd, 2021 at 12:36 pm
He got his ring with Denver in 2015 Joe. 2013 was when Seattle spanked em 43-8
April 22nd, 2021 at 3:45 pm
Swampbuc, saying he was high all the time, is the same as saying someone who has a few beers during the week is drunk at work all the time smh.
April 22nd, 2021 at 5:19 pm
Smoke one for the big homie😂