Jokes, Sandwiches & Competing

August 8th, 2024

One quick-witted funny guy on the Bucs roster is rookie guard Elijah Klein.

The sixth-round pick out of the University of Texas at El Paso is 24 years old and has great perspective about his place on the Bucs roster.

That doesn’t mean Klein is content to sit on the bench, it’s just that he recognizes he’s got to earn his stripes.

Asked on WDAE radio yesterday about whether he’s inspired by Tristan Wirfs’ new contract, Klein dropped this gem. “Exactly. All I gotta do is be a three- or four-time All-Pro by 25.”

Klein also was asked about eating as an offensive lineman. He didn’t give a politically correct answer.

“Dude, it’s so sweet,” Klein said. “I mean we have to eat healthy, but at the same time, like we get to eat as much of anything that we want, really. It’s so awesome. I’ll probably go crush five sandwiches at lunch.”

There is a serious side to Klein, who is every excited that he doesn’t feel overmatched at the pro level. He said he learned quickly in Bucs practice this summer that he belongs and can compete legitimately. Klein not only is hungry to show that Saturday in Cincinnati, he hopes to get snaps at center so he can flash his skills at another position.

READ NEXT
Todd Bowles Is Absolutely Right About Trey Palmer

25 Responses to “Jokes, Sandwiches & Competing”

  1. SB~LV Says:

    Sweet spot, has a feeling that he has made the roster and doesn’t have the pressure of starting. It will be fun watching him playing a ton in preseason.

  2. Usedtocould Says:

    Love it

  3. dls5492 Says:

    Love this guy! I bet he would be fun to hang out with.

  4. 1sparkybuc Says:

    This guy has a winning attitude. No doubt Licht was involved in the pick.

  5. JimBobBuc Says:

    I hope he plays nasty in preseason, I miss Jensen setting the tone.

  6. Ra'Shad Says:

    Gosh I hope he makes the team.

  7. BucsFan55 Says:

    hahaha love his humor

  8. Jack Burton Mercer Says:

    If we can get a few good years from a sixth round pick that would be fantastic. The drafts have been very strong the last couple of years. Did Licht revamp his scouting department?

  9. A Bucs Fan Says:

    It’d be cool if Klein became the starting center and Barton kicked out to LG.

  10. garro Says:

    I may have a new darkhorse O line favorite. I watched all the tape I could find on this dude and although he looked a bit raw, there is no question he has a mean streak and liked to show it. I heard he was getting snaps at LG this week. Hope he gets a legit shot at sticking.

    Go Bucs!

  11. BakerFan Says:

    A Bucs Fan Says:
    August 8th, 2024 at 8:44 am
    It’d be cool if Klein became the starting center and Barton kicked out to LG

    That was what I was thinking also….

  12. The Fighting Schianoes Says:

    Id rather keep Barton at Center and this guy at LG.

  13. BrianBucs Says:

    Isn’t it strange that Licht actually drafted a Guard to possibly play……….Guard?

  14. Smashsquatch Says:

    It’s quick hitter articles about unknown players looking to make a name for themselves that keeps me coming back to this site. Thanks to all the Joes for keeping us informed. Insight into the players’ perspectives never gets old.

  15. heyjude Says:

    Love Elijah! I have been waiting to hear more about him. Thank you!

    Five sandwiches for lunch. Sounds like this year’s survey on food might be an ‘A’ grade!

  16. Cobraboy Says:

    Klein will stick, beef and onry up the next off-season, and possibly start in 2025.

  17. Brian in St Pete Says:

    Rooting for this kid. His work ethic and drive is matched only by his personality. I hope he can develop into a good one. He’s one of the players I’m really going to be watching Saturday.

  18. SlyPirate Says:

    Bredeson has a suspect past of injuries and underperforming. Hopefully Klein can fill the role, if needed.

  19. Dave Pear Says:

    Another lights out pick by Licht.

  20. My Momma Says:

    He looks like a young Paul Gruber.

  21. KABucs Says:

    I heard that interview with Pat & Aaron. He seems really cool. I believe the part about the sandwich crushing… guy is humongous. I doubt the eating healthy part aligns with a Bradyesque diet, though. LOL

  22. DavidBigBucsFan99 Says:

    Why crush 5 sandwiches when you can crush 6?🤣 This guy is funny. We’ll be great if he becomes Mr. Mic’d Up while becoming an All Pro!

  23. FrontFour Says:

    Rooting for this guy!

  24. orlbucfan Says:

    This is why we have the preseason. Looking forward to tomorrow night. Go Bucs!!

  25. Dave Pear Says:

    Worthless preseason games my arse. Of course they’re valuable. But very unfair to charge full reg season prices for them. That’s a fair beef. But to say coaches and players get zero value out of them is unrealistic.