Bucs Introduce Vincent Jackson, Wright & Nicks
March 14th, 2012
Rockstar general manager Mark Dominik and Greg Schiano opened the news conference at One Buc Palace today and emphasized that all three new free-agent signings, Vincent Jackson, Eric Wright and Carl Nicks, were “desperately” wanted by their previous teams.
Dominik said last year was not the time to strike big in free agency, largely because proven, highly desired guys like Wright, Nicks and Jackson were not available. Dominik later said the Bucs negotiated with Wright last year as a free agent but lost him to Detroit.
Vincent Jackson spoke first and slapped Greg Schiano on the back (Schiano was alongside him) and said coach was there to pick him up at the airport at 4 a.m. and that says a lot. Jackson said the “family” atmosphere at the Bucs is obvious. Asked why he came to Tampa, Jackson never mentioned money, only excitement about playing for Schiano. Jackson said the Bucs were “very aggressive” about getting him and he had other offers.
Jackson said the Bucs’ 4-12 record is ancient history and the 2012 team will be different and the rebuilding mentality is all perspective that he doesn’t share. Jackson said he’ll work hard on being a complete receiver and he can do it all, not just the deep ball.
Eric Wright also talked about family and seemed impressed by Team Glazer flying him to Tampa on a private jet. Wright said he got great endorsements from fellow NFL players about playing for the Bucs. Wright emphasized his versatility as a cornerback that can play all positions. (Gasp!) Wright even talked about winning a Super Bowl, and he took a roundabout playful shot at the “yungry” term saying this Bucs team really is hungry and added he meant no disrespect to Raheem Morris.
Wright said last year was a real solid season for him, “and I think I was able to put together both” getting the ball and good tackling. He said he thought he responded well to a new style of defense in Detroit. Wright said 2009, in Cleveland, might have been his best season.
Carl Nicks said Schiano got him “really fired up” when they spoke and Nicks emphasized how much he loves to run the football. Nicks said he saw on his cell phone that the Bucs signed Vincent Jackson and that let him know the Bucs were serious and crafting something special. Nicks said he looks forward to doing to the Saints what he used to do to the Bucs. Nicks said BountyGate was no factor in his decision.
Nicks said coming to a real running team in the Bucs is exciting and a lure. “Here it’s a little different,” Nicks said, after calling the Saints a total pass-happy team. Nicks talked about his joy in “mauling people.”
‘That’s how I live,” Nicks said.
Schiano said “we’re going to punish” people in the running game. Schiano also said he’s not afraid to stick to an offensive gameplan and punting is OK sometimes when you’re going to throw a tough defense on the field.
Dominik called landing all three players a tremendous team effort from his staff and the preparation required to successfully be ready to court and sign top talent to “three big deals.” Illustrating the growing presence of social media, Dominik referenced the uncertainty running through him when Nicks recently Tweeted that he had an offer from the Saints.
March 14th, 2012 at 1:37 pm
Free Agency is done for the bucs. Not a bad haul. Quickest one in my memory, lol.
March 14th, 2012 at 1:40 pm
Don’t think we are done yet …
March 14th, 2012 at 1:43 pm
I just finished listening to the Bucs press conference and I’m even more impressed with the selections we made. And as I think about Cortland Finnegan, as much as I liked his style of play, his all-about-me personality really doesn’t fit the culture of this team. I really like what Dominik and Schiano have done so far!
March 14th, 2012 at 1:45 pm
Noice job on this article Joe.
March 14th, 2012 at 1:46 pm
It is a hell of a good haul. Wright is the only questionable move of the 3, and that is just how much they paid not Wright as a player. This is a huge step forward for this team.
I don’t think we’re done with free agency, just top tier free agency. We’ll pick up some value pieces for depth once the big moves have all been made. We’re done with the big splash signings though.
March 14th, 2012 at 1:46 pm
I know the splash signings are done but we’ll probably see some more activity in the area of trades and mid level signings for depth. I’m very happy with what they accomplished. I’m sure they have plans to address the LB corp so we’ll just wait and see.
March 14th, 2012 at 1:48 pm
Impressed with the professionalism all around during the press conference. Nicks constantly mentioning how humbled he was by the contract is a great sign for a guy labelled as a me-first guy. Eric Wright seems like a cool dude and I’d bet that he’s going to be good locker room guy. I couldn’t get a great read on V Jax but he seems pleasant enough.
Good presser.
March 14th, 2012 at 1:50 pm
Vincent Jackson was very impressive at that Press Conference but the most impressive was Nicks! Man, that guy is a mountain!!
March 14th, 2012 at 1:56 pm
I’m very excited about our new guys. Especially Nicks! I loved what he said about doing to the Saints what he used to do to the Bucs!
Still hoping we land a starting-caliber LB though…
March 14th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Great presser but I hope were not done yet we still have the money to spend and i heard that the Lions may stop trying to re sign Tulloch because of the money so it would be awesome to see us sign a guy like him or lofton.
March 14th, 2012 at 2:29 pm
I believe Mr. Dominik previously stated he decided to “stand pat” last year due to the good 2010 season.
Now it was because there were no good free agents.
Ah well small point.
Glad they reversed course and got some talent. Two pro bowlers are very impressive.
March 14th, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Does anyone have a link from the press conference? Much appreciated.