Tristan Wirfs Details What He Knew About Flipping To Left Tackle And When He Knew It
June 7th, 2023
Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs.
So, how badly did Bucs All-World right tackle Tristan Wirfs want to move to left tackle? The way Wirfs answered a question about the move made Joe wonder.
First, to set things straight: You won’t find a better guy than Tristan Wirfs. And you won’t find a better teammate. He wants to win. He wants his team to do well. So if his coaches want it and he can help the team, he will do it.
Joe brings this up because when Wirfs was asked if the Bucs had to hard sell him on moving from a position where he absolutely dominated at a Hall of Fame level (right tackle) to a new position where he has scant experience (left tackle), Wirfs actually paused as if thinking of an answer.
“Not really,” Wirfs said. “I told them, ‘I’d do whatever you guys need me to do – if this is what you guys think is best, then that’s what I’ll do.’”
Now that’s a class teammate.
So Joe followed up that question to ask when did Wirfs begin thinking he might be moved to left tackle? Wirfs’ answer suggests the Bucs had been planning on this since last season, and perhaps longer.
Wirfs said he was told about the move the day after the Bucs lost to the Cowboys in the playoffs when Wirfs met with Bucs coach Todd Bowles.
“The day after the season ended, when I had my meeting with Coach Bowles,” Wirfs said. “He said this is probably what we’re going to do, so that’s kind of when I started thinking about it.”
Wirfs admitted he has to learn everything backward now. Where he used to have to use his right foot, now he has to use his left foot. Where he used to use his right hand for a punch move, he now has to use his left hand.
Everything is the same (blocking) yet nothing is the same (technique).
Boy, oh boy, Joe hopes this works out. It is beyond Joe’s comprehension why anyone would even think for a second of fooling with Wirfs.
If this move somehow blows up in the Bucs’ faces and Wirfs is never the same player as a result, this will go down as one of the biggest f’ ups this franchise has ever pulled. And that’s saying something.
This could be this generation’s Bo Jackson, Doug Williams or Steve Young historic five-star, franchise-crushing debacles.
June 7th, 2023 at 8:12 am
I agree, Joe. Wirfs is on a Hall of Fame track at right tackle. I think he should stay there.
June 7th, 2023 at 8:27 am
Sheesh, I agree I hope it works. How come the benefits aren’t mentioned only the Joe Fear? Anyone can list the possible downfalls. If it works well the Bucs have a generational Left tackle. I’d trust Wirfs at left tackle more than whatever scrub they could find to fit under the current salary cap issues they have. Love Wirfs. Thanks for the story and observations.
June 7th, 2023 at 8:34 am
Maybe they should have found a good left tackle instead.
June 7th, 2023 at 8:47 am
Yeah Grover, they grow on trees and are real cheap……
June 7th, 2023 at 9:03 am
But when it works out what will it be
June 7th, 2023 at 9:03 am
Pissy pants joe
June 7th, 2023 at 9:08 am
Wirfs himself doesn’t seem to have an issue with it. This isn’t like Donnie, where he was asked quite often about a move to right tackle before we landed Tristan. And he would always flat out say that he can’t play right tackle or guard. I doubt that was true but I also believe that he meant it. Wirfs has displayed no discomfort in answering the questions and it’s obviously been in his mind for months. Also, no reason to believe that if it doesn’t work, which to me seems highly unlikely, that he would then be ruined by a move back to his old spot.
June 7th, 2023 at 9:11 am
They had a good left tackel in Smith. He played hurt most of last season.
June 7th, 2023 at 9:12 am
Could potentially be a historic Bucs move when looking back on it. If it works out it could be huge. If it doesn’t, then oh well, move him back to the right side. The season is a lost one anyways. Why not try to improve instead of just being comfortable.
The take that the Bucs shouldnt mess with Wirfs is pretty dumb imo.
LOL
June 7th, 2023 at 9:23 am
I understand the comprehension, but you got to give Wirfs a little credit here. The dude is one hell of an athlete. I have a feeling he’ll put in the time and with help from the coaches will make it work. Might be a little shaky at the start, but let’s look at the upside. If he makes the transition and becomes the player at LT that he is at RT, the team will be set at that position for a long time.
June 7th, 2023 at 9:25 am
Does (this) Joe walk around with foil on his head? This constant panic feels absurd to me. He’s the best OL on the team (maybe the NFL), he’s young, and he’s athletic. There are much bigger issues than Wirfs moving to LT. He’ll be fine. And if he’s a disaster, he can always be returned to RT. You act like he’ll crash and burn and take the entire team down with him. Like his career will be over…
June 7th, 2023 at 9:26 am
I’m more concerned with how right tackle works out.
June 7th, 2023 at 9:31 am
“ Wirfs admitted he has to learn everything backward now. Where he used to have to use his right foot, now he has to use his left foot.”
Could that actually help him? Which ankle has he injured in the past? Was it the same one both times? If so, could the move mean the opposite ankle will be used more for pushing off?
June 7th, 2023 at 9:34 am
After all Joe’s kvetching about this move and slamming some of the readers for their approval of it he needs his bleak scenario to come true or otherwise he will be eating his words.
June 7th, 2023 at 9:42 am
All this Belly Aching for Nothing?
Achieving a Pro Bowl or All-Pro status is a testament to a player’s relentless grit, formidable skill, and unwavering dedication. It is a distinction that elevates you above the pack, setting you apart from your peers. You become a central figure, a beacon of excellence, rather than just another member of the ensemble. Essentially, you’re HIM, not THEM!
Earning a Pro Bowl or All-Pro title isn’t a pat on the back – it’s proof you’re a beast among men. You’re not just in the game – you’re owning it, standing tall against titans, not just mere Wonder Twin fanboys.
In the trenches, the difference between good and great is glaring. Pro Bowl and All-Pro linemen don’t just stand out – they dominate.
Think about the right tackles with Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors – they’re powerhouses of strength and strategy.
But here’s the real kicker – have any of these top-tier right tackles stumbled when switched to left tackle? This isn’t trivial – it’s a testament to the unique challenge of being a top dog in the right tackle position. And how the skills honed as a top-tier right tackle more often than not, translate seamlessly to the left side.
June 7th, 2023 at 9:43 am
Moderator eating posts again?
June 7th, 2023 at 9:53 am
In the harshest moments, this shift to left tackle might only endure the furnace of this season. Once the storm calms, Wirfs might be back on familiar turf at right tackle, particularly if the Bucs bring in fresh blood next year, like Joe Alt Jr. or Blake Fisher. It’s a testament to the game’s ever-changing landscape and Wirfs’ adaptability to it.
June 7th, 2023 at 10:10 am
Tristan Wirfs will become the “Mike Evans” of the O-line for the Bucs. I have much optimism Tristan will be very good at left tackle. He’s got “moxie.”
June 7th, 2023 at 10:17 am
It was not broke so therefore HC/DC Bowles is fixing it. As usual.
June 7th, 2023 at 10:20 am
Grover
Oh, it was broken. That’s why Donnie had to kick rocks.
June 7th, 2023 at 10:23 am
There is a lot of difference between playing Left Tackle and Right Tackle.
The left tackle always faces the other teams best pass rushers for one.
I was not in favor of this move, and I hope it works out for everyone.
June 7th, 2023 at 10:44 am
Makes no sense to leave Wirfs on the right side of the line where the other team’s best pass rusher ISNT. Put him on the left, our best against their best. The best play on the left side…not the right. Just like at guard… people want to talk about how great a guard is… if he was truly great, he’d be playing left tackle.
June 7th, 2023 at 10:56 am
“But here’s the real kicker – have any of these top-tier right tackles stumbled when switched to left tackle?”
I was going to ask the same LUV – or actually – is there even a precedent for moving an elite offensive lineman to a different position and that alone ruining their career lol? Like they could NEVER play the same at RT again?
I just think those fears are a little overblown. I’m more worried about major injury hurting anyone’s career than this. It’s not like Marpet forgot how to play Guard because he played Center for a bit.
June 7th, 2023 at 10:58 am
It’s not always true the LT faces the best pass rusher these days. Majority of time for sure but I remember guys like Von Miller in his prime rushing from the RT side a ton.
When playing us I would have rushed D Smith over Wirfs all day. Guessing we will see more rushes at our RT this season. All about mis matches
June 7th, 2023 at 11:02 am
If it works we have a stud LT. If not, move him back and try again next offseason. Wirfs is a stud and will excel imo
June 7th, 2023 at 11:14 am
Tinfoil Hat-Government trying to control your mind? Aliens? The Illuminati? Simply place a tinfoil hat on your head to block their signals, as the trope popularly goes. Tinfoil hat is a shorthand for saying someone believes in conspiracy theories, is paranoid, or is crazy more generally.
Really nothing to do with someone overthinking something.
A few months back I looked up Successful RT switching to LT unsuccessfully. It has happened but it seemed fairly mixed. Some do it well others not so much. It’s really not a stretch to think moving to LT
Unsuccessfully could strew up his ability to go back and play as well. It is a risk. But I think he will make the transition fine.
June 7th, 2023 at 11:19 am
Hopefully his knees and other joints hold up. Bodies don’t like doing opposite things in extreme ways.
June 7th, 2023 at 11:21 am
LC
Lol well, it’s about as likely as a grizzly bear deciding to go vegan, or Thor trading in his hammer for a feather duster! Sure, the switch could ruffle some feathers, but let’s remember, these guys are more than just their positions. They’re like Swiss Army knives – versatile, adaptable, and always ready for action. So, our boy at right tackle might have a hiccup or two adjusting to the left, but ruin his career? Nah, that’s about as likely as Bigfoot signing my Suh Jersey!
June 7th, 2023 at 11:23 am
…
June 7th, 2023 at 11:25 am
Per: LC
“I was going to ask the same LUV – or actually – is there even a precedent for moving an elite offensive lineman to a different position and that alone ruining their career lol? Like they could NEVER play the same at RT again?”
Lol well, it’s about as likely as a grizzly bear deciding to go vegan, or Thor trading in his hammer for a feather duster! Sure, the switch could ruffle some feathers, but let’s remember, these guys are more than just their positions. They’re like Swiss Army knives – versatile, adaptable, and always ready for action. So, our boy at right tackle might have a hiccup or two adjusting to the left, but ruin his career? Nah, that’s about as likely as Bigfoot signing my Suh jerseyl!
June 7th, 2023 at 11:28 am
The short list
#Repost
Successful Transitions of Players Selected to Pro Bowl or First-Team AP All-Pro from Right Tackle to Left Tackle:
* Orlando Brown Jr. – Pro Bowls: 4; First-Team AP All-Pro: 0
* Joe Staley – Pro Bowls: 6; First-Team AP All-Pro: 1
* Tyron Smith – Pro Bowls: 7; First-Team AP All-Pro: 2
* Jammal Brown – Pro Bowls: 2; First-Team AP All-Pro: 1
* Jordan Gross – Pro Bowls: 2; First-Team AP All-Pro: 1
* Willie Roaf – Pro Bowls: 11; First-Team AP All-Pro: 6
* Bruce Armstrong – Pro Bowls: 6; First-Team AP All-Pro: 1
Successful Transitions of Players Selected to Pro Bowl or First-Team AP All-Pro from Guard to Left Tackle:
* Jonathan Ogden – Pro Bowls: 11; First-Team AP All-Pro: 4
* Tarik Glenn – Pro Bowls: 3; First-Team AP All-Pro: 1
* Laremy Tunsil – Pro Bowls: 2; First-Team AP All-Pro: 0
* Flozell Adams – Pro Bowls: 5; First-Team AP All-Pro: 0
* Chris Hinton – Pro Bowls: 7; First-Team AP All-Pro: 0
* Lincoln Kennedy – Pro Bowls: 3; First-Team AP All-Pro: 0
June 7th, 2023 at 11:31 am
LC, I’m in moderation give it a moment to show up
June 7th, 2023 at 11:44 am
They way I see it, we have low expectations and we dont have a franchise QB (or there are questions about our QBs). If the season is a wash then we will know if he is a LT or needs to go back to RT. Either way, we are setting him up for success for next year when he will start for our franchise QB (baker or someone we draft).
June 7th, 2023 at 11:46 am
Remember the viral Wirfs combine video? The video title says it all. “Wirfs ain’t right”.
June 7th, 2023 at 11:49 am
If I were his agent, the move would come with one condition: Tear up his existing contract and sign him to a new deal that is an average of the top five highest paid left tackles in the NFL.
June 7th, 2023 at 12:02 pm
Nice LUV – good points!
June 7th, 2023 at 12:21 pm
@ Lord Cornelius
Right on, brotha! Hope you and your family are healthy and standing strong.
June 7th, 2023 at 12:22 pm
LT isn’t as much about defending against the other teams best pass rushers. It’s protecting your QBs blindside. DE/OLB switch sides often in todays game. It’s all about your QB having confidence knowing that side is protected. With our 2 current QBs, shoring up the left with a dominant player is more important than worrying about what ifs and maybes. The draft didn’t have that option this year and we didnt have the money to throw at a FA.
June 7th, 2023 at 12:45 pm
Who else would play left tackle this year, Joe? This move is out of necessity, unless you know something we don’t, it seems like Wirfs at LT was the only move.
June 7th, 2023 at 12:47 pm
Joe is making too much of this (surprise, surprise).
Wirfs is smart and supremely athletic. Great athletes have bodies that can adjust. His adjustment is having his body respond to left-handed movements like they’re second nature. If he was an average athlete, this would be more difficult. There’ll be an adjustment, but for Wirfs, this is just about repetition. His athleticism, smarts, attitude, and work ethic should allow him to make a full transition faster than most. It would be a shock if he wasn’t a dominating left tackle in a short period of time.
June 7th, 2023 at 12:47 pm
This could also be a game changer move that sets our O-line for years to come and solidifies the second most important position on the team. I’d much rather have Wirfs play that spot than some rookie or anybody else we have or could acquire.
June 7th, 2023 at 5:02 pm
based on these comments, i find it very odd the poll turned out the way it did
June 7th, 2023 at 6:53 pm
An elite RT will not have a problem playing LT, people act like he’ll turn into Anthony Collins or something. Wirfs played a little LT in college so I think he can easily be a top 10 LT in 2023.
June 7th, 2023 at 8:32 pm
Maybe we should keep him at right tackle and sign a left-handed quarterback.
June 7th, 2023 at 11:00 pm
If he plays like dirt, then whoever decided this (Bowles? Licht?) needs to get canned. Guys like Wirfs don’t come along very often, and to defecate all over such good fortune is inexcusable if they called it wrong.
June 8th, 2023 at 1:00 am
If he can’t do it switch him back.
June 8th, 2023 at 6:44 am
OMG, Joe! Hysterical much?
June 8th, 2023 at 3:35 pm
Take a deep breath…he’s not having a sex change operation. It’s reversable.