Will Gholston Thanks Bucs Front Office For Return, Has High Expectations For Defense
April 17th, 2024
Defense could be “destructive.”
On Monday, the Bucs announced that veteran defensive lineman Will Gholston will return. He is the second-longest tenured Bucs player. Only Lavonte David has been around longer.
Gholston was a fourth-round pick by the Bucs in 2013.
Appearing on “Late Hits” Tuesday night co-hosted by Alex Marvez and Max Starks, heard exclusively on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Gholston tipped his cap to Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht for bringing him back.
“I have to give credit to the front office,” Gholston said. “They’ve always had my back and make things work out for me.”
Gholston returned for several reasons and he said so long as he can play and the Bucs want him, he has no urge to play for any other team.
One reason Gholston returned, he said, is he foresees the defense being dominant this fall and he wants to be a part of that.
“I expect the defense to be as destructive as can be,” Gholston said. “We have a lot of young guys who got a lot of reps last year. So they will be stepping into their own understanding the defense for a second year. Understanding the coaching and understanding what it takes.
“Like, we made it to the playoffs but we fell short. Sometimes a little negativity helps you be more positive. It shows you where can go and what you can do.”
Asked how long he wants to play, Gholston replied it is all up to Father Time as his heart wants him to keep playing.
“As long as my body is willing to let me do it,” Gholston said about his future as a player. “I still love the game. I don’t think the love and passion for the game is going anywhere.
“But as long as my body still feels like I can keep guys off of me, and be productive, I am going to play as long as I can.”
Gholston said he has no hunger to play for anyone but Tampa Bay. He said he’s “embedded” into the community and thanked local citizens for welcoming him and being supportive. Gholston added Tampa is a special place to set roots down as a player.
Gholston is a perfect example of what former Bucs coach Dirk Koetter referred to as a “glue guy.” He may not be the best player but he’s a critical player who you can bank on week in and week out to answer the bell and play solid ball.
April 17th, 2024 at 7:16 am
I had he pleasure of meeting Mr. Gholston at the 2016 Spring Selection Show at the hard Rock Cafe. Dude was super nice. Thank God because he is a large man! But…the “Oh CRAP!” highlight (lowlight?) moment of that night was Booger McFarland, “With the 59th pick in the 2016 draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select kicker, Roberto Aguayo”
April 17th, 2024 at 7:17 am
ROH Joe? I think Will has earned it.
April 17th, 2024 at 7:27 am
Future ring of honor member Will Gholston
April 17th, 2024 at 7:33 am
Will is a class act and a valuable member of the DL rotation. I’m glad to see him back for another season.
April 17th, 2024 at 7:35 am
He is a Man’s man , paid his dues and understands the meaning of respect ! We are grateful to have him.
April 17th, 2024 at 7:55 am
Epitome of “Ultimate team player”. He deserves a spot in the ring of honor no doubt.
April 17th, 2024 at 11:14 am
@Lt. Dan – Bringing back memories of Roberto Aguayo! Seems like it was yesterday. I think he was the highest drafted kicker at that time. He played well at FSU.
Agree with everyone, Gholston is a future ring of honor.
April 17th, 2024 at 11:18 am
Definitely needs to be a captain this year
April 17th, 2024 at 11:59 am
NOT A RING OF HONOR CANDIDATE
Don’t get me wrong, I love Gholston. I also loved Shelton Quarles, Simeon Rice, Galloway, Keshawn, Brad Johnson, etc. The guys in the Ring are Iconic. They were the face of the franchise. Gholston is a warrior but not an icon.
April 17th, 2024 at 12:11 pm
Sly: 100% agree. Gholston is a GREAT Buc for sure, but the ring of honor is for a level above great.
April 17th, 2024 at 12:13 pm
People like Will should be with us within our community. Respectful and polite, thank you Will for signing another contract.
April 17th, 2024 at 12:37 pm
Well there you have it we aren’t taking a starting DL in round 1. Plus with the fact that we recently drafted a high draft pick recently there in Logan Hall even though he’s kinda been a bust imo. That being said OL or CB. It is a passing league and won’t be so easy to replace Carlton Davis III.
Kool Aid McKinstry CB
Nate Wiggins CB
Cooper DeJean CB/S
That’s my best guess 🤷♂️
Although I don’t see DeJean as a CB, but more so a safety.
OL
Graham Barton LG
Jackson Powers Johnson C
DL
Darius Robinson
OLB
Chop Robinson
There’s the seven players. Licht will make the right moves. He’s a smart guy.
April 17th, 2024 at 12:50 pm
The guy never gives up. He is a total grinder, no complaints and just brings it every play. I respect him as a total team player.
April 17th, 2024 at 2:32 pm
Bringing back a blue collar grinder is smart. Adds depth in the rotation plus passes on smarts to the young guys. Draft wise, resigning him and adding Gregory gives flexibility where they’re not locked into Edge R1. The way i see it, the offense needs to replace Jensen. Defense lost more talent, so the first 4 picks are gonna be IOL, ILB, OLB, CB. Cooper DeJean is a damn good player but S is covered with Winfield and Whitehead.
April 17th, 2024 at 3:15 pm
I may have to get me a Gholston jersey. How can this dude not be in the ROH?!
Love our glue guy.
April 17th, 2024 at 8:39 pm
Thank You Will !!! It has been a pretty good job and it’s paid off from the lowest of lows to the top of the mountain. Glad you’re back!!!!
April 17th, 2024 at 10:41 pm
Luv the guys attitude
April 17th, 2024 at 11:28 pm
High class buccaneer who is the epitome of “that man”, the dude Licht is always seeking in the draft. Great depth peice for our DL but I would imagine this is his last season in the NFL. I love the glue guys but maybe not a ring of honor guy in my book. Maybe in a decade we can talk about it. Will Gholston signing doesn’t mean we don’t draft defensive line.
April 17th, 2024 at 11:41 pm
Y’all seem to forget JTS’ 5th year option wasn’t picked up. Who we got at DE outside of Diaby? Jason knows end is our highest need and logic says that’s our first pick. He hit the jackpot on Diaby in the 3rd, there’s not gonna be any chances taken this time around. It’s the most important defensive position.
April 17th, 2024 at 11:42 pm
Lol. Guess I just realized my post was way off topic. Will Gholston is a great Buc!