O.J. Howard Says Injury Was One Of The Best Things To Happen
August 2nd, 2021
It might be time for O.J. Howard to teach a course in positive attitude.
He blew out his Achilles in Week 4 last season and headed for the surgeon’s table. That meant sitting and watching while his team thrived without him and won a Super Bowl.
Howard was brought back this season at roughly $6 million for 2021. (Yes, that makes a positive attitude a lot easer.)
The Bucs have been patient with Howard in his recovery, he said today, and he added that he feels fantastic on the practice field but is still taking a deliberate approach.
Overall, Howard said the injury has been a great blessing for his career.
“I changed my whole regimen about how I get ready for practice, my recovery now. The injury is really one of the best things that’s happened to me because it just made me realize my body and learn it a lot better,” Howard said. “You know, because if I stay healthy, everything else is going to take care of itself. My biggest focus has just been preparing my body to go 17 weeks plus and, you know, being available for me time. Because when I do that, I know good things will happen.”
Hopefully, Howard isn’t the injury-prone dude he seems to be and can transform himself into being a reliable performer. He’d missed 22 regular-season games in his four season since getting drafted by Tampa Bay in Round 1 back in 2017.
Howard said he spent a lot of time this offseason scrutinizing film of who he considers the three best run blocking and pass catching NFL tight ends. (No, he didn’t give names.) And Howard said he already feels that learning translating to the practice field.
Enter another August of hoping Howard lives up to his immense talent. Joe sees any forthcoming production from Howard as a major bonus for a roster that’s loaded without him.
August 2nd, 2021 at 3:58 pm
CLEARLY, one of those has to be Gronk. (Mebbe also Kelce… Can’t think of a third)
August 2nd, 2021 at 4:12 pm
Kelce is a wideout. Doesn’t block, at least not in the same vein as Gronk.
August 2nd, 2021 at 4:35 pm
Then tear the other Achilles & you’ll be unstoppable
August 2nd, 2021 at 4:36 pm
Kittle, Waller, Kelce, I would assume are up there. He just needs to play more aggressive, he seems timid.
August 2nd, 2021 at 4:42 pm
lol Pete.
August 2nd, 2021 at 4:53 pm
I try to be optimistic but I dont see how its even rational to hope O.J. can give us 20 games. Yes, he is injury prone. Four years in and hes had 4 seasons cut short from injury.
The best I can say is many pro athletes have proven their naysayers wrong.
August 2nd, 2021 at 4:54 pm
Is Howard practicing in pads?
August 2nd, 2021 at 5:00 pm
If it wasn’t for Gronk we would be in deep sh_t.
August 2nd, 2021 at 5:09 pm
Gronk outplayed Kelce in the SB. I’d watch them both, but rather have Gronk.
August 2nd, 2021 at 5:11 pm
I think playing tight end is a difficult position to play and make it through a whole season without getting hurt. Look at Brate and Gronkowski and Howard throughout their careers. You almost need 3 great tight ends to make it through a season.
August 2nd, 2021 at 5:34 pm
Tony Gonzalez would be good to study…..
Aaron Hernandez….not so much.
August 2nd, 2021 at 5:56 pm
None of us at our Draft Party wanted us to take Howard, but we did, and now what ?
He has been one big bust, and it is really too bad, because he is one freakish physical specimen.
Maybe this will be the year he finally lives up to what we expected from him ?
I hope so, but if not, time to cut him loose.
August 2nd, 2021 at 5:57 pm
If Howard a chance to go back in time, no way would he wish this injury on himself. Truth is, if he keeps on getting injured, GMs are going to label him as injure-prone.
August 2nd, 2021 at 7:00 pm
Kittle is the only one to really watch. Absolute stud in the pass and run game. Gronk is still elite for spurts. Kelce is a phenomenal pass tight end. Hockenson is a great blocker and capable in the pass game, waller is a phenomenal receiver and capable as a blocker. I still feel oj is right up there with some of these guys, biggest issue is injuries.
August 2nd, 2021 at 7:16 pm
Wish him the best but the past 4 years are a serious predictor of his future.
August 2nd, 2021 at 7:17 pm
“three best run blocking *AND* pass catching NFL tight ends…”
I’m good with the names mentioned for pass catching TEs. Gronk is for sure in the list of best run blocking TEs, but not sure who else is widely considered a blocking stud in the NFL beyond him?
August 2nd, 2021 at 7:43 pm
Saying it or putting it in print is one thing, but doing it on the field goes a long way and keeps people, like me, from scrutinizing him. Right now, it’s meh ..I haven’t been that impressed.
August 3rd, 2021 at 1:10 am
Some guys do become less injury prone as their career progresses, but I think a great TE who doesn’t miss games is the exception, not the rule. It’s one of the most physically demanding positions on the team (when you aren’t an oversized slot WR like Jimmy Graham)…you’re an undersized offensive tackle who runs down the field and usually gets tacked low
August 3rd, 2021 at 1:33 am
B U S T
August 3rd, 2021 at 2:32 am
Hof blocking TE on your team OJH. Plays thru injuries too. Check him out. Scored a few TDs in the SB. Then ask TB12 about treatments. No? Bye.
August 3rd, 2021 at 9:41 am
I just hope OJ has really learned on how to stay fit and manage his body. That’s what Brady does. Always have to be aware of what your body is telling you and adjust. He OJ stays healthy he’s really a tremendous receiver. His addition only makes The Bucs that much better.👍
August 3rd, 2021 at 2:32 pm
Trade him off if you can get a decent offer for him! With Gronk we do not need him.