Warren Sapp: “I’m Telling You, The Fitzmagic Ain’t Over.”

September 29th, 2018

After spending a couple of days in Tampa, including on the Buccaneers sidelines for the Steelers-Bucs game, Warren Sapp is not flying a flag for America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston.

Sapp joined the I Am Rapaport podcast yesterday and talked lots of NFL football, various topics. The Bucs icon and Hall of Famer had a free forum, but when it came to the Bucs, he only had one quarterback, coaching and two linemen on his mind.

“Fitzmagic ain’t over, baby. I’m telling you, the Fitzmagic ain’t over,” Sapp said. “But that damn Khalil Mack against our two tackles, we’re going to have to have a plan. We don’t block too well. Our tackles are ok. They’re not going to block out the sun.”

Sapp predicted a Bucs victory in Chicago and said he would be there and “in the clubs.” Earlier in the show, he said Ryan Fitzpatrick is one of the top-4 quarterbacks in the game now and talked about how Mack and Von Miller are clearly the  NFL’s best pass rushers.

Does Sapp have intelligence from inside One Buc Palace about the Bucs’ QB situation? Sapp has plenty of contacts. If he does have info, it’s clearly leading him to stand proudly on the Ryan Fitzpatrick side of the aisle — for now.

Bucs fans might find this interesting. Sapp has been spending a good chunk of time around Chucky lately, detailing how he’s sat in position meetings with the Raiders, was on the Oakland sidelines for games, and how he needles Chucky about needing a pass rusher.

62 Responses to “Warren Sapp: “I’m Telling You, The Fitzmagic Ain’t Over.””

  1. Dubcity06 Says:

    He sees what everyone sees besides the Jameis stans, and that is that Fitz is absolutely ballin. No question. Players can get better at 35, its possible and its happened before. Jameis can play next year. But Fitz took advantage of his opportunity for this year.

  2. Buc1987 Says:

    Jameis can play next year…….

    LMFAO!

    Bwhahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

    I 1000% behind Fitzmagic….but….

    Jameis can play next year……THAT ain’t happening.

  3. Jason Says:

    Fitzmagic turns into Fitztragic eventually. It will always end up that way in the end.

  4. Buc1987 Says:

    I want you people to STAY on this site if and when Fitzy turns into well…. Fitzy.

    Don’t disappear. Don’t go away on us.

    Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

  5. Architek Says:

    Some people go to great lengths to defend a young quarterback that is not even one of the better young quarterbacks in the league – smh.

    What has he proven and why is he immune to criticism??? Odd

    Not a winning qb and his resume isn’t winning and same mistakes every year.

  6. Nole4JabooANDdBucs Says:

    You better go listen to Dirk on the Bucs “TOTAL ACCESS”
    Yes Fitz probably is the QB, Sunday!
    But unlike how Dirk let JW hangout in the wind during his injury…
    …he talked about building around JW
    …the reason was brought here
    …that they liked JW the way he is and he is not expected to lead from behind
    …he referred to JW as the “FRANCHISE QB”
    …he referred to JW being injured most of last year
    Either they’re talkin JW up for trade bait or
    the owners have spoken…

  7. Mike Johnson Says:

    There is no controversy. Much-to-do-bout-nothin! Fitz is playin well for now. its a long season. I’ll bet my paycheck Jameis is back in there by midseason. A lot of NFl Offenses Wish..they had the QB problem we have. Our O line had better be ready come Sunday. That Bears Defense is coming..You can count on it.

  8. Nole4JabooANDdBucs Says:

    So Tribisky is young, make mistakes but the Bears built a strong defense for him.
    The fan base aren’t trying to pack him up
    JW has had a sucky team since he has been in Tampa…and worked a lot behind the scene with ALL THE RCVRS & TE’s.
    Anywho I no longer care which QB they play becauseI feel if TB run Jaboo away he has a competent AGENT and the NFL maturity and knowledge to light it up ANYWHERE…unlike before…

  9. Mike Says:

    Sapps a scumbag- I asked him for a photo together and he told me to go f myself

  10. SchwiftyBuc Says:

    @Nole4Jaboo

    Funniest thing about that is that Mitchell Trubisky has only thrown for 300 yards in a game one time in his whole career. And he’s never thrown for more than 2 touchdowns in a game.

    The knuckledraggers around here would like to paint this portrait of Jameis being an awful QB with no accuracy who’s never done anything of note.

    But that’s because they ignore the fact he was historically prolific in his first 3 seasons, improved in every major category in each year despite being hurt for a good portion of his 3rd season, and the fact that we were a 2-14 team when we drafted him.

    In 2 years he took a team that was 2-14 to 9-7 just missing the playoffs, but that doesn’t mean anything to them because they just flat out don’t like the kid.

  11. Alaskan Abdominal Snowman Says:

    I’m telling you, pay your hookers.

  12. Reach87 Says:

    No reason for a Buc fan to trash Winston on this thread. You have no clue on what it means to be a fan. Can’t go one article without trashing someone on the team you Falsly portend to root for. Keep it coming. You will not be able to enjoy the success this team will have this season because of your eagerness to trash your own. But…You have a right…bla…bla…bla…Go Bucs!

  13. Darin Says:

    Jason
    U mean he will have bad games like every qb in the league? If so yeah u nailed it. Welcome to the nfl. They all get paid.
    As far as the inside info Joe Im not sure why this is even a question. Of course Fitz is playing, and I have no inside info. 2-1 and breaking nfl records. The history of the game being rewritten by fitz and u think a coach will sit him? My oh my i dont get it. Pretty sure questions like this are what got the term “no brainer” started. Go Bucs. Fitz Only 351 yds this week. Bucs 27-17

  14. Jason Says:

    @Darin
    Seven teams in fourteen years that stat will always go against Fitzpatrick. He has played great games before that is how he got the nickname Fitzmagic. Eventually he will turn into Fitztragic because that is how his career has always been. Monday we saw a little bit of it in the first half and he bounced back. There will come a time when he won’t bounce back so enjoy the high but be prepared for the lows.

  15. ben Says:

    yep…Winston has proved to be such an honorable person!! He doesn’t steal , lie to the team & fans and is respectful to ladies..You are proud that he is the face of our team !!!

  16. ben Says:

    Sapp… best buc player ever!!

  17. diggler Says:

    @Mike Sapp don’t flick bitch. Everyone knew and know that

  18. Trench War Says:

    Buc1987

    Just like when, well, Jameis get’s to play and has some of his famous Jameis stumbling, and fumbling type days, and can’t pull out a win because he gave it away. Make sure ya don’t disappear dude. Don’t disappear. Don’t go away on us.

    So silly when people are so ready to pile on a player they don’t really like. You don’t like Fitz, just admit it?

  19. unbelievable Says:

    Bucs fans in a nut shell:

    Jameis throws an interception and/or fumbles early on and then scores several touchdowns and racks up yards in the 2nd half, but we still lose:

    “Those are garbage time stats, he single handedly lost us the game”

    Ryan Fitzpatrick throws multiple interceptions in 1st half and then scores several touchdowns and racks up yards in 2nd half but we still lose:

    “He almost won the game for us, and is breaking records. ”

    LOL. Never change Bucs fans. Never change.

    Fitz is the starter this week. If he lights it up again he might start in week 6 too. If not, Jameis will be definitely be starting week 6.

    Simple as that, folks. Not sure why so many have such a hard time understanding this.

  20. AlteredEgo Says:

    LOL…Sapp is like a bad dog sneaking back in the house with his tail between his legs….he was great on the field as a player and I liked him while he had his TV gig….have no interest in being anywhere near him off camera

  21. BuccaneEric75 Says:

    Acrhitek, the last time I checked, Fitzpatrick doesn’t have a winning resume either. The last game of the season with the Jets he threw 3 picks, 2 I think on the last 2 drives and I know he had one for sure on the last drive to end his playoff hopes. The people who want Winston in don’t hate Fitz. No Bucs fan could hate Fitz right now. They see the future and right now Winston is our future. If we cut Winston before next season then our next rookie QB will be our future, and we’ll want to see him playing too. Get used to it. It’s not that it’s Winston, it’s that it’s Winston right now until the next guy.

  22. Trench War Says:

    unbelievable

    just the Fitz haters

  23. Buc1987 Says:

    Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

  24. BuccaneEric75 Says:

    Last season we won 5 games. Winston drove us down, late in the 4th quarter to take the lead 4 other times. The defense blew all 4 of those. Against the Bills the D let them score in three plays. We lost the game, so we blame Winston. If the defense came through and stopped them we would all be talking about Winston’s amazing game winning TD pass and the great catch by Evans. But we’re not talking about that. Why is that? I know, do you?

  25. feelthepewterpower Says:

    WFLA announced two days ago Fitz was going to get the nod in Chitown followed by the Schefter interview. Winston likely starts in week five post-bye.

  26. adam from ny Says:

    love that pic of sapp and mean gene all hugged up!

  27. D1 Says:

    Swiftybuc,

    If you make one side of an argument (in this case the negative side) and then respond with your argument for the pro side, it’s little more than a joke.

    I have seen a number of people expressing a variety of reasons why they don’t believe in Winston moving forward. On the other side, there’s a group who have undying unquestionable faith in Winston and the reasons they support him are with few, if any exceptions, identical. Obviously, this presents a problem because the uniformity of one group leads them to assume that the other side is as uniform as they are. Clearly that’s not the case.

    Example, knowing winston has improved his stats doesn’t matter for some people. Yes the numbers are up, but it’s not the end of discussion like you present it to be. The numbers are slightly different no significant change in any single category except fumbles. The slight improvement isn’t enough to move him out of the middle of the pack.

    The historic prolific records you hang your argument on is 2 seasons to start a career w 4000 yds passing. Other than that, everything else is defined by age. That history is less than 10 people who he is competing with. Not as impressive as every qb ever.

    The bottom line is Winston is a first overall pick. Someone who is supposed to be a difference maker a person who can lift the franchise on his back and win. Sorry but that’s the way every first pick qb is judged. Today, Winston hasn’t done anything close to the expectations that comes with the pick. Is it his fault entirely? Don’t be stupid but that’s the way everybody across the league judges it.

    As far as being hurt, 3 games is not a whole season or even close. It’s an idea that has grown from an acorn to a massive oak. No where near correct or accurate. Frankly it stinks of desperation and old Milwaukee .

  28. 1sparkybuc Says:

    Nobody hates Fitz. He has more weapons than he has ever had before, but he has a record of being streaky good and streaky bad. Nobody expects 400+ yards and 4 TDS from him every week. Defenses have video on him now. The trolls hate Jameis and can’t wait to see him fail. He won’t. He will continue to set franchise records and he will win championships with the Bucs. The trolls will continue to hate him and focus and exaggerate anything negative, and I don’t care. He is our franchise QB and I wish the best for him and his family. IMO, he is not now, nor has he ever been, a threat to society. He has grown up in the last few years, and I am confident he will make the fans proud for years to come.

  29. Jean Lafitte Says:

    So Jameis haters exist ..but Fitz haters don’t ..seems all the Jameis lovers are all hating on Fitz. So friggin stupid

  30. Jean Lafitte Says:

    I want to WIN ..is that too much to ask for?

  31. webster Says:

    D1

    Any knowledgeable buc fan knows jameis hurt his shoulder in the second game of the season. Any knowlegeable buc fan knows the bucs played him about 6 games with the injury before sitting him for 3. Any knowlegeable buc fan knows when he came back, he completed 72% of his passes etc. Not sure where you were going with he was only hurt 3 games. He missed 3 games, but he was playing with an hurt shoulder. But i know you are team truth isnt truth.

  32. SchwiftyBuc Says:

    @D1

    *leans into the microphone* “Wrong.”

    1. It is widely accepted knowledge that 2017 Jameis got injured for the first time in week 2 versus the Vikings. Meaning that from week 2 until his eventual return from injury in week 13 vs the Packers, Jameis was either playing hurt or recovering from Injury.

    2. The last month of 2017 a healthy Jameis was the 2nd best QB in the league behind Tom Brady, when he averaged 370 yards 2 touchdowns and 68.7 percent completion rating per game with no running game and the worst defense in football.

    3. As I mentioned previously, Jameis went 9-7 and missed the playoffs due to tiebreakers. Also, had we not lost to Oakland due to a bonehead defensive holding penalty we’d have gone 10-6 and made the playoffs.

    4. Several of Jameis records being tied to how young he was as a starting QB doesn’t make those records insignificant.

    5. Fitzpatrick should be the starter due to how hot he was in weeks 1 and 1. But if he has a full game like his first half versus Pittsburgh he should be benched.

    6. Jameis was the best performing QB in the 2018 preseason. And if you don’t think that’s a sign of improvement, you’re dumb. Explain to me how a QB’s accuracy and precision in the way they throw the football preseason doesn’t apply just because it’s preseason.

  33. Defense Rules Says:

    @Nole4JabooandBucs … “he (Koetter) referred to JW being injured most of last year.” Like so many, you’re using that as an excuse (Poor Jameis was hurt, but he toughed it out anyways, and oh yes, we lost every one but one of those games). Why doesn’t anyone ask the most obvious question: What the blankety -blank was Jameis doing in those games, hurting his team, when we had an obviously excellent QB in Fitz sitting on the bench? IMO, any coach who let’s players play hurt deserves to be fired. It’s not only about player safety; it’s about what will give your TEAM the best chance of winning.

    And asparkybuc, you’re doing the same thing, making excuses for Jameis by harping on Fitz being ‘streaky good and streaky bad”. Guess what … you just described Good Jameis and Bad Jameis also. And it’s almost comical to say that “Defenses have video on him (Fitz) now.” Fitz has been around playing QB since video was invented; of course they have video on him.

    Newsflash: Jameis doesn’t need ANY JBFers defending him or making excuses for him. None of this will influence the Glazer Boyz or Licht or Koetter one iota. Jameis’ performance on the field and his actions off the field going forward will determine his future. And that future may or may not be with the Bucs. Not for any of us to say because it’s totally out of our hands.

  34. SchwiftyBuc Says:

    Weeks 1 and *2*

  35. Jean Lafitte Says:

    Defense Rules

    Haven’t you heard? There’s no room for level headed thinking ..

  36. Reach87 Says:

    Bucs fans hating on Buc players. Can you not help yourselves? Go Bucs!

  37. Nole4JabooANDdBucs Says:

    1sparkybuc

    I agree with every word I don’ t dislike Fitz…
    you would think common sense, but common sense isn’t always common.

    14 years of experience, 7 teams, 34/35 years old, trying to finish his career with good stuff, hired as a back up. VERSES
    3 years of experience, 1 struggling Buc team, 24 years old, trying to start your career, earned the starter position.

  38. Nole4JabooANDdBucs Says:

    Sorry Defense if I offended you, not making excuses, but stating a fact.
    However, never thought poor Jameis, actually I agree he should have been taking out of the game and Fitz should have been playing (when he was hurt). But the fact remains…he played!

    Like I said earlier at this point I could care less if the Glazers keep Jameis or not…not my problem…let me make myself clear…I supported Jameis before I became a Buc’s fan!

    So everybody has an opinion, and like you I have mine!

  39. Dewey Selmon Says:

    If Fitz is streaky good and streaky bad I just want him to keep winning 2 out of 3 games. That’s 11-5 and all take that. The playoffs are gravy.

  40. Oneilbucs Says:

    To say a quarterback can get better at 35 shows me that you don’t know football . If that’s the case then why not go get all 35 years old quarterback. But that only applies to white quarterbacks . But go ahead now fizpatrick is a franchise quarterback now only this fan base believe that lol lol lol . We need Winston if we won’t to make at least the playoffs.

  41. Buccfan37 Says:

    A lot of talk here is just guessing. I’m guessing Winston isn’t going anywhere away from playing for the Bucs anytime soon. Soon being past the year 2020.

  42. Defense Rules Says:

    Nole4JabooANDdBucs … Believe me, you didn’t offend me at all. And I do recognize that was Koetter’s statement about Jameis playing hurt, not yours, thus it was in fact a fact as you said. It’s really disappointing that so many folks use injuries as an excuse for poor performance because it’s really simple: IF you’re hurt, get off the field if the extent of the injury will impact your performance on the field. Especially if you’ve got a quality backup right behind you.

    Jameis might’ve been hurt in the Vikings game (I didn’t see that play I guess), but he was definitely hurt in the Cardinals game (that play should’ve been a big penalty BTW for the body slam onto the shoulder … and this year it would be for sure). But then to play 3 more games after that , and put up a TOTAL of 40 points in 3 games with this offense AND lose all 3 games before finally being made to sit down just blows my mind. Have no idea if Fitz could’ve won those games against the Bills, Panthers & Saints, but my gut tells me the offense would’ve put up a lot more than 40 points. And oh yes, we would’ve had a lot less than the 7 turnovers in those 3 games (THAT crucified us). Playing hurt most often hurts the TEAM.

  43. Jean Lafitte Says:

    Defense Rules

    STOP it already! The TRUTH hurts my FSU feelings. LOL

  44. HomerSimpsonRocks Says:

    Can we just freaking enjoy 2 awesome wins?

  45. Jean Lafitte Says:

    oneilbucs

    But that only applies to white quarterbacks

    that was a racist comment, nobody here said anything about the color of skin but you. I take from your racist comment that when Jameis or Cam or Dak, or etcc.. reach 35 they will suck because they are black? ignorant

  46. Nole4JabooANDdBucs Says:

    It’s all good Defense Rules…
    Sometimes for me I rehatch things not for the relentless fans, rather for the Johnny come lately.. and for sure that is not you, you are all in…

    I Just like fairness…

  47. Buc1987 Says:

    Jameis can play next year…..

    Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha

    Ha!

  48. Alaskan Abdominal Snowman Says:

    Shower thought:
    Would any of your trade 20 or even 10 more years of ineptitude if it meant we win a Super Bowl this year?

    Personally I want my team competing year in and year out like the Pats, Steelers, and Packers.

    What do they have in common? Franchise quarterbacks and consistency at head coach.

    If Jameis isn’t happy and wants out of here, it is back to square one and he will go on to run a winning franchise for years to come. This is why we need to play him and continue to get him experience.

    If we stick with Fitz, Jameis is missing out on valuable experience and might just eventually get tired of watching a 35 year old journeyman QB running HIS team.

  49. DalvinCookRules Says:

    Wasn’t Sapp saying years ago that Winston was going to light up the league? So, if you’re putting stock in anything Sapp says (and that goes for Joe) then you are basically saying you trust the word of a proven false prophet. He’s just a fan, has no deep insight on anything, especially prostitutes.

  50. Jean Lafitte Says:

    Win now!

  51. Anonymous Says:

    Nole4jaboo

    Jameis was handed the starting job day 1, no?

  52. OneBuc55 Says:

    I agree with Mike… I met Sapp, and he’s a bonafied dirt bag….

    Who cares what Sapp thinks…Jameis Winston is choir boy compared to him…I think Charles Barkley said it best “Athletes should not be role-models….

    Even Lawrence Taylor had something tho say about Jameis…

  53. OneBuc55 Says:

    I agree with Mike… I met Sapp, and he’s a bonafied dirt bag….

    Jameis Winston is choir boy compared to him…I think Charles Barkley said it best “Athletes should not be role-models”…

  54. DavidBigBucsFan99 Says:

    Arkitek it’s not that Jameis is immune to criticism it’s just there have been many people up here who that’s all they do and so we don’t have to. They’ve been against him before he was even drafted and have been wishing for his downfall since day one. You people are blinded by your hate of him never giving him a chance. You people wait constantly for your chances to say “Ah ha!!!! See I told you so!!!” You people are the most negative on this board and tie you hopes to a qb who is not a career winner, not a career accurate passer and is more known for being Fitztragic than Fitzmagic. He’s led the league in interceptions something Jameis hasn’t done and has only won 5 more games than Jameis since 2014 and you call him a winner because he’s won a few games here. That’s why we Jameis fans don’t critisize him, we’re aware of his short comings and mistakes but don’t need to talk about them because that’s ALL YOU PEOPLE DO!!!

  55. JabooBuc Says:

    There is no doubt that Sapp is a scumbag. I have been in his presence many times and it’s truly a disappointing experience. With that said, he is right about Fitzmagic. Keep riding the hot hand.

  56. DavidBigBucsFan99 Says:

    Hey DefenseRules the Glazers don’t need you telling them to get a new qb either. You guys are so ridiculous it’s not even funny. If the Glazers were going to get rid of him they would have done it as soon as the league handed out its suspension! Why don’t you people get a clue???

  57. DavidBigBucsFan99 Says:

    Awwww poor lil Mikey poo got his feelings hurt by BigNasty99!!! Too bad so sad but if you were black or a woman then he woulda treated you better trust and believe. Thats just how it is in America. Get used to it.

  58. Stokes963 Says:

    The Bears pass rush may be good but their Qb and Wr are not. We should win this game.

  59. Lucious Selmon Says:

    OneilBuc
    “But that only applies to white quarterbacks.”
    ————–

    If we wait long enough, you always let your true nature show. LOL! Bigot.

  60. Onetrickpony Says:

    So Sapp isnt a model citizen, what does that make Winston ?

  61. 1sparkybuc Says:

    No hate on Fitz. I believe he gives us the best chance to beat the Bears because he has played three games. I also believe Jameis gives us a better chance in the rest of the season. Fitz has done what he was hired to do as a substitute. Hopefully he won’t be needed again ever. The fans in Pittsburgh are fine with Roethlisberger. They support him. Jameis is certainly more deserving of our support than he is.

  62. Oneilbucs Says:

    Luscious you can call it Bigot but I think history as shown how white quarterbacks gets more chances then black quarter backs. And you know I’m telling the truth about that. Now big Ben situation was waaaay worst then Jamies. We really still don’t know if Winston did anything wrong are not , but no one ever said trade Ben are cut Ben . He was able to come back and start with know problem. And just what the Steelers was 4 n1 I believe and Batch was playing good as well . The Patriots was 3 n 1 without Brady . And I know people are going to say Superbowl but those teams didn’t need them but they came back and played, but now Winston need to be cut and now fizpatrick is a franchise quarter back . Now you can’t tell me that his race don’t play apart of it with some of y’all white people on this site . This is the south . The same thing people say about Winston is the same thing that they said about moon back then. If Winston had 3 ints in the first half he would get all the blame for the lost just like last year . But fizpatrick did and the lost is not his fault . So you tell me. I’ve even heard people on this site say that those picks was not his fault when have any one on this site say that about Winston even the ones that back him . So you tell me the difference. Fizpatrick is playing good cause of the play calling. Winston will have lit up to if not better.