Kyle Rudolph Describes His Offseason Fire
July 26th, 2022
New Bucs tight end Kyle Rudolph.
New Bucs tight end Kyle Rudolph got quite a proverbial slap in the face this year, and it seems the fallout will be to the Buccaneers’ benefit.
Speaking on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Rudolph explained that he always was in demand — 5-star high school recruit, All-American at Notre Dame, rookie starter with the Vikings, and a Pro Bowler who was quick to get multiple and big contracts.
But that changed this year, he said, and it’s driven him to show the world he remains a beast of a versatile tight end.
Joe wrote earlier about Tom Brady recruiting Rudolph, but Rudolph said a deal wasn’t a certainty for him in Tampa. He said before the Bucs got very serious recently, it was looking like he would stay in Minnesota and go back with the Vikings before getting the official word from the Bucs.
Rudolph strongly implied that he’s not just coming to collect a paycheck. He said the opportunity in Tampa is so exciting he’s moving his family down from Minnesota to Tampa “hopefully through February,” rather than leaving his kids and wife where they’re most comfortable.
Joe doesn’t know if Rudolph is Richard Sherman washed out, but he sure doesn’t sound that way.
Rudolph said what he experienced tied to the state of the Giants organization last season was not the way he wanted to end his career, and that rough year has invigorated him.
July 26th, 2022 at 9:28 am
We now have Old Man Brady Clause and his Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.
Now it all makes since why the TE position is so important to Brady’s success.
The Gronkinch is no more. This is the season Brady has his spiritual awakening.
This is the year of the Buccaneer baby. Inflation be dammed. We want our popcorn.
July 26th, 2022 at 9:30 am
The whole team going off this year, going to play their heart out for Brady. Career/All Pro Years all around
July 26th, 2022 at 9:39 am
Never…Gronk is no Grinch. Maybe is more like Hermey, the wannabe dentist/media darling elf.
AB was definitely the Grinch incarnate.
July 26th, 2022 at 9:47 am
Giants haven’t been right since they forced Grandpa Coughlin & Eli Manning out, but they’ll be profitable win/lose because they’re fanbase is loyal af
July 26th, 2022 at 9:59 am
Daniel Jones.
Mike Glennon.
Huge reason why Rudolph appeared to have a down season, and don’t forget the discintent among the Giants receiving corps at large. And its not like they didn’t have weapons. Their quarterbacks simply suck out loud, so loud that a deaf person can hear.
July 26th, 2022 at 10:04 am
He got a lot of rest with the Giants he should be fine. Hes about the same size as Gronk so Brady should adjust to him quickly.
July 26th, 2022 at 10:20 am
If Gronk couldn’t produce against the Saints and Rams, what makes you think Rudolph will have any success? Teams know Brady favors his TE on the seam routes. They will be sitting on those routes looking for a pick.
July 26th, 2022 at 10:30 am
Rudolph mad3 $7 mil with the Giants last year and is reported to have a $16 mil net worth…..doesn’t seem Kyle invested very well or spent a whole of money because he had $51 mil in career earnings….
Let’s hope Kyle gets his ring this year.
July 26th, 2022 at 10:54 am
I miss Kay Adams on GMFB already
July 26th, 2022 at 11:56 am
This guy is likely to be another red zone threat. I am digging the no name crew at TE, because they are going to be a true x factor for 32 teams to figure out this season.
July 26th, 2022 at 12:01 pm
Let’s pray he’s not another Richard Sherman or Le’Veon Bell. I had such high hopes for both those all-star vets making a decent impact last season… and, well, they were just basically a waste of money. Can’t have that same thing happen with Kyle if we hope to get back to the SB.
Go Kyle! Go Bucs!
July 26th, 2022 at 12:51 pm
The giants had a historically bad offense last year, lead by the incomparably incompetent Joe Judge. While Rudolph isn’t the player he was 5 years ago, I don’t think he’s washed. He’s easily the best TE on the roster. Now the bucs don’t need to depend on two rookie projects, and a backup TE. The signing is yet another example of the Brady effect. The Patriots had to pay through the nose to land free agents last year. I suspect the same will be true for the bucs once Brady leaves.
July 26th, 2022 at 1:01 pm
GOB,
But…but…BUT! Wasn’t Joe Judge a stellar ST coach for the Pats? It only makes sense that he should be an incredible HC, yes? (sarcasm)
As far as Rudolph, let’s see what he’s got left. He sure seems fired up to be here in Tampa, plus moving his family down to Tampa before he even makes the squad? Seems like a risky move unless he’s certain he’s gonna be in Tampa at least all this year.
I like the signing given what was available.
July 26th, 2022 at 1:16 pm
D-Rok, I spit my coffee out when Belichick brought him back, and I wasn’t even drinking any. His new title as QB coach/passing game coordinator is cringe worthy. Believe me buddy, the giants were a black hole last year. Rudolph suffered as much as anyone. When they released him, it must’ve felt like a get out of jail free card. With Brady throwing to him, I think Rudolph will have something of a renaissance.
July 26th, 2022 at 1:49 pm
Brady will use him often. He is an above average tight end. Kyle should have a very productive year. Going from the Giants to Tampa is a great move. I will not be surprised if his numbers are close to Gronks Welcome Kyle to the Buccaneers.
July 26th, 2022 at 2:04 pm
Biggest difference between Gronk and Rudolph is that one doesn’t want to play for us and the other is totally jacked to play for us
July 26th, 2022 at 2:24 pm
from MN and NY $hitholes to FL baby. you know they happy
July 26th, 2022 at 2:25 pm
Tim, I too believe Rudolph can approximate Gronks production. 50 catches for 5-600 yards should be attainable.
July 26th, 2022 at 2:36 pm
He caught 26 passes from a QB that threw for 2400 yards that means he should catch about 55 from Brady.
July 26th, 2022 at 2:49 pm
Still hungry after all these years…with a ton of added “want to”…
July 26th, 2022 at 3:23 pm
When Kyle Rudolph wakes up in December and his balls are not frozen, he will be a Bay Area resident for the rest of his life.
July 26th, 2022 at 4:35 pm
Now let’s add Julio Jones to the list!!!
Chris Godwin also ready to play!!!!
YES!
July 26th, 2022 at 4:42 pm
Bucs just signed Julio Jones to a one-year deal.
July 26th, 2022 at 7:26 pm
Lines at Golden Corral on Dale Mabry gonna be long with all the grey beards we’re bringing here.