Calijah Kancey & The Airbnb
March 1st, 2025
So Joe has written about how stud Bucs defensive tackle Calijah Kancey has an unlikely relationship with former NFL offensive lineman Brian Baldinger.
Heck, “Baldy” retired from the game 30-plus years ago.
Baldinger now works for NFL Network is known for breaking down on film on social media.
At the NFL Scouting Combine this week, Joe caught up with Baldinger for a private chat and he shared more about how Kancey impresses him.
The two met on the beach in Fort Lauderdale a couple of weeks after Kancey was drafted by the Bucs in 2023.
It was Kancey who reached out when their paths randomly crossed on the sand with a ‘Hey Baldy,’ per Baldinger. That led to the two training daily on the beach and a relationship was formed.
Baldinger called Kancey a “tireless worker” and they have a bond built on mutual respect.
“A lot of his pass rush ability is man-made,” Baldinger said of Kancey. “You know, his ability to just to react and his movement skills, and his ability just to feel pressure, react and counter it, it’s pretty elite, pretty substantial considering how young he is.”
Kancey has great leverage, great hands, all the things you need to be a great defensive lineman, Baldinger said, adding that Kancey uses being undersized to his advantage so it’s not a negative.
Still, Baldinger came back to Kancey’s stunning work ethic and how well he talks and thinks the game.
“I don’t know how many of these guys will go rent an Airbnb on the beach — and then be on the beach every day with all of your drills and go through it,” Baldinger said of Kancey. “Impressive, impressive guy.”
Happy birthday to Kancey! He turned just 24 years old today.
March 1st, 2025 at 9:26 am
Great work effort from Calijah. The type of player that Licht likes to draft. Hopefully Charlie Strong can make him even better this year. With a better edge rush beside him, his sack numbers should go up this year.
March 1st, 2025 at 9:27 am
If he can stay healthy, he will be considered the next great defensive lineman in the NFL. He has a unique skill set.
March 1st, 2025 at 9:41 am
If he can keep from regressing under the current coaching staff, he will truly be a rare breed.
March 1st, 2025 at 10:50 am
Not to much beach walking. Protect those delicate calfs!
March 1st, 2025 at 11:10 am
This guy, EMMANWORI, if he is still around at 19 have to take. Probably better player than Winfield Jr. If Winfield Jr. rebounds and Bucs draft Emmanwori as other safety, will have best pair in league for many years to come.
March 1st, 2025 at 11:30 am
I really like the Baldy uses the word “elite” to describe Kancey.
March 1st, 2025 at 11:31 am
Great stuff Joe!
I’m looking forward to watch him get better next season.
March 1st, 2025 at 11:46 am
Kancey and Vea provide a very solid tandem in the middle. Now if we can just find a couple of productive edge guys. (The jury is still out on Yaya).This would be a dangerous team! Of course another corner/slot and ILB are needed too .
As far as ILB go…resign LD54 and figure out a way to keep SVD8 healthy and as also draft a thumper that can cover backs and tight ends. Looks like the Buc’s will move TS23 to safety moving on from JW3.
March 1st, 2025 at 12:18 pm
We need to draft the best NT in the draft.
Vea needs a legit backup. Our D falls apart when he’s out.
We need a Vea clone. A 340 pound immovable object.
Kancey is the man.
He hates losing like Izien. They are CORE players because they are truly competitive.
I don’t want players who smile after games. Perioid!
March 1st, 2025 at 12:18 pm
Smile after *losing games
March 1st, 2025 at 12:21 pm
Stretch those calves Kancey!!
March 1st, 2025 at 12:41 pm
I had a Grade 3 calf tear last summer at age 64. It took me a solid 7 months to recover. It’s all about stretching to avoid a nasty, nasty injury. You also can’t come back too early, hence why he was out a while.
March 1st, 2025 at 1:13 pm
Kancey is a superstar player. If he can just stay healthy for a full year, he’s going to put up huge numbers as he gains experience.
You’re not going to compare anyone to a generational talent like Sapp, but it was in year 3 that Sapp broke out, and I think Kancey is going to do the same and have a double digit sack season. We shall see, but so far, everything I’ve seen with Kancey I like and he looks like a special player.
March 1st, 2025 at 2:16 pm
2025 is going to be Kancey’s year. Get him some LB help and some aggressive DBs.
March 1st, 2025 at 2:35 pm
Kancey will figure out how to dray healthy. He is still young and has 5-6 good years ahead of him
Gipper
I agree completely with Emmanwori. He is a top 10 pick IMO.
If he falls to 19, we would be fools to pass as weak as we have been in the back end. He is actually big enough to play ILB in a pinch.
March 1st, 2025 at 2:47 pm
Happy birthday Kancey!
March 1st, 2025 at 3:02 pm
Srud!
just work on hot yoga to strengthen all those muscles!
March 1st, 2025 at 4:41 pm
Future DPOY. Like a carbon copy of Aaron Donald
March 1st, 2025 at 4:43 pm
Get some edge guys who command attention, and Vita and Kancey will take over games for us.
March 1st, 2025 at 10:45 pm
Baldinger retired thirty years ago? Ok Joe now I just feel old and like I lost a decade in there somewhere. Wow!
Either way, Baldy continues to impress me. I hope Kancey can live up to his Air BNB mentors words of praise.
Go Bucs!