Jokes, Sandwiches & Competing
August 8th, 2024
One quick-witted funny guy on the Bucs roster is rookie guard Elijah Klein.
The sixth-round pick out of the University of Texas at El Paso is 24 years old and has great perspective about his place on the Bucs roster.
That doesn’t mean Klein is content to sit on the bench, it’s just that he recognizes he’s got to earn his stripes.
Asked on WDAE radio yesterday about whether he’s inspired by Tristan Wirfs’ new contract, Klein dropped this gem. “Exactly. All I gotta do is be a three- or four-time All-Pro by 25.”
Klein also was asked about eating as an offensive lineman. He didn’t give a politically correct answer.
“Dude, it’s so sweet,” Klein said. “I mean we have to eat healthy, but at the same time, like we get to eat as much of anything that we want, really. It’s so awesome. I’ll probably go crush five sandwiches at lunch.”
There is a serious side to Klein, who is every excited that he doesn’t feel overmatched at the pro level. He said he learned quickly in Bucs practice this summer that he belongs and can compete legitimately. Klein not only is hungry to show that Saturday in Cincinnati, he hopes to get snaps at center so he can flash his skills at another position.
August 8th, 2024 at 7:50 am
Sweet spot, has a feeling that he has made the roster and doesn’t have the pressure of starting. It will be fun watching him playing a ton in preseason.
August 8th, 2024 at 7:52 am
Love it
August 8th, 2024 at 7:54 am
Love this guy! I bet he would be fun to hang out with.
August 8th, 2024 at 8:07 am
This guy has a winning attitude. No doubt Licht was involved in the pick.
August 8th, 2024 at 8:10 am
I hope he plays nasty in preseason, I miss Jensen setting the tone.
August 8th, 2024 at 8:13 am
Gosh I hope he makes the team.
August 8th, 2024 at 8:13 am
hahaha love his humor
August 8th, 2024 at 8:16 am
If we can get a few good years from a sixth round pick that would be fantastic. The drafts have been very strong the last couple of years. Did Licht revamp his scouting department?
August 8th, 2024 at 8:44 am
It’d be cool if Klein became the starting center and Barton kicked out to LG.
August 8th, 2024 at 8:53 am
I may have a new darkhorse O line favorite. I watched all the tape I could find on this dude and although he looked a bit raw, there is no question he has a mean streak and liked to show it. I heard he was getting snaps at LG this week. Hope he gets a legit shot at sticking.
Go Bucs!
August 8th, 2024 at 9:08 am
A Bucs Fan Says:
August 8th, 2024 at 8:44 am
It’d be cool if Klein became the starting center and Barton kicked out to LG
That was what I was thinking also….
August 8th, 2024 at 9:20 am
Id rather keep Barton at Center and this guy at LG.
August 8th, 2024 at 9:29 am
Isn’t it strange that Licht actually drafted a Guard to possibly play……….Guard?
August 8th, 2024 at 9:35 am
It’s quick hitter articles about unknown players looking to make a name for themselves that keeps me coming back to this site. Thanks to all the Joes for keeping us informed. Insight into the players’ perspectives never gets old.
August 8th, 2024 at 10:18 am
Love Elijah! I have been waiting to hear more about him. Thank you!
Five sandwiches for lunch. Sounds like this year’s survey on food might be an ‘A’ grade!
August 8th, 2024 at 10:48 am
Klein will stick, beef and onry up the next off-season, and possibly start in 2025.
August 8th, 2024 at 11:21 am
Rooting for this kid. His work ethic and drive is matched only by his personality. I hope he can develop into a good one. He’s one of the players I’m really going to be watching Saturday.
August 8th, 2024 at 11:24 am
Bredeson has a suspect past of injuries and underperforming. Hopefully Klein can fill the role, if needed.
August 8th, 2024 at 11:44 am
Another lights out pick by Licht.
August 8th, 2024 at 3:01 pm
He looks like a young Paul Gruber.
August 8th, 2024 at 4:45 pm
I heard that interview with Pat & Aaron. He seems really cool. I believe the part about the sandwich crushing… guy is humongous. I doubt the eating healthy part aligns with a Bradyesque diet, though. LOL
August 9th, 2024 at 4:42 am
Why crush 5 sandwiches when you can crush 6?🤣 This guy is funny. We’ll be great if he becomes Mr. Mic’d Up while becoming an All Pro!
August 9th, 2024 at 5:24 am
Rooting for this guy!
August 9th, 2024 at 8:01 am
This is why we have the preseason. Looking forward to tomorrow night. Go Bucs!!
August 9th, 2024 at 11:34 pm
Worthless preseason games my arse. Of course they’re valuable. But very unfair to charge full reg season prices for them. That’s a fair beef. But to say coaches and players get zero value out of them is unrealistic.