Wirfs Points To Shaq As Role Model, Summer Eye-Opener

September 29th, 2020

Bucs right tackle Tristan Wirfs

Shaq Barrett already got the ultimate endorsement from Rob Gronkowski, and now he’s getting another one from Buccaneers rookie right tackle Tristan Wirfs.

Wirfs was a guest on Total Access, the Buccaneers interview show, and talked about Shaq with interesting perspective.

First, Joe had to smile when Wirfs admitted that he didn’t know Shaq played for the Broncos before Sunday’s game.

But far more important, Wirfs talked about how Shaq opened his eyes on Day 1 of training camp and then never let off the gas. He praised Shaq for delivering the same high energy and tempo consistently.

“You know, he doesn’t take a day off or anything like that,” Wirfs said, “The first day we were in pads in camp. I was like, ‘Wow, this is going to be a long camp.’”

And Wirfs said he has a special affinity for Shaq because he is constantly smiling and doesn’t have a mean streak — even though he’s a monster on the field. Wirfs was knocked in college for being too nice, and since joining the Bucs, Wirfs has spoken passionately multiple times about how he will continue to be a nice guy and that has zero to do with playing hard and through the whistle.

Speaking of Shaq’s energy, Wirfs noted that he and his teammates are working on keeping “that same energy coming out of halftime,” as the team knows it’s struggling to put away teams after a fast start.

19 Responses to “Wirfs Points To Shaq As Role Model, Summer Eye-Opener”

  1. 401 Buc Says:

    Wirfs is a BEAST. PERIOD. I don’t care if he’s the next Mother Teresa or Devil Reincarnated. He’s going to be a great starter for a long time.

  2. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Leroy Selmon was a nice guy…….and, Shaq has a great, positive personality….you can tell that he is genuinely happy to be a Buccaneer…love that guy!!!

  3. Miller5252 Says:

    Best thing about Wirfs in his first 3 games…. haven’t heard them say his name yet. Doing a great job knowing defenses are scheming every week being a rookie.

  4. 813bucboi Says:

    i wish we played better on both sides on the ball after the half as well but it’ll human nature to let off the gas unfortunately…..

    bills were stomping the RAMS 28-3….BILLS WON 38-35….they let off the gas and came back….bills still won…

    i would be more worried it we were doing stuff like the falcons….losing 14point leads in the 4th….now thats BAD!!!!!…LOL….

    GO BUCS!!!!!!

  5. 813bucboi Says:

    wirfs has been heaven sent!!!!!…lol…

    GO BUCS!!!!!

  6. Bill M Says:

    Got to love guys like Wirfs and Shaq. I see Bucs going 9/7 or 10/6. Injuries to the starters could make odds worse. 9/7 might get them into playoffs. If Brady gets injured, season over. Strong defense makes them contenders. Inconsistent offense biggest weakness. If offense improves and Brady stays healthy 10/6 is very possible . If not, then 8/8 could happen. My high low is 8/8 to 10/6.

  7. 813bucboi Says:

    inconsistent offense?….lol…its week4 with no TC or PS and we’re 2-1…lol…

    if you thought the offense was just going to add new pieces and average 42points a game then go back and play MADDEN!!!!!!

    GO BUCS!!!!!

  8. Darin Says:

    Guy looks intimidating with the pewter and face paint. Its worse when a guy smiles while he’s whoopin your a$$. Keep it up big fella

  9. Ryan Cannon Says:

    I have heard from other posters on JBF that our scoring is up over last year’s team. Yardage is down… but who cares about yards?

  10. JimmyJack Says:

    Too much gets made of players being nice or mean. And its because of Gerald McCoy. And its because of lustening to the loudest fans who were also the minority.

    I certainly cant speak for everybody but I was never a huge McCoy fan and my reason is he was never able to come through in the clutch…….Look at Shaqs strip in LA last year when our backs were against the wall. He made a play in the clutch. I bet if McCoy makes similar plays like that he would also be a fan favorite just like Shaq. Both nice guys.

  11. Bucamania Says:

    Wirfs is an absolute STUD. He’s been a beast at everything he does from wrestling to track to powerlifting to football. Seems like a great kid too.

  12. BucEmUp Says:

    He looks like doug martin ate a lineman in that picture

  13. Bill M Says:

    So bucboy813. Two wins against teams with 1 win and our offense won but did not dominate. What happens when we play the reall tough teams later in the schedule? Our offense better play 4 strong quarters. Haven’t done that yet.

  14. 813bucboi Says:

    bill

    dominate?…we WON…end of story….

    you’re the type of guy that redlines a hellcat challenger off a redlight against a 97 4door honda civic….lol….

    “offense won but did not dominate.”..🤣🤣🤣

    this aint MADDEN clown….DENs coaches and players get paid too….Vic is a defensive genius….BL and TB(bowles) controlled the game from start to finish….

    why throw the kitchen sink at every team, every week, every possession?…

    GO BUCS!!!!!

  15. Bellingham Bucs Fan Says:

    I don’t want our playbook broken our for all to see while we’re beating the likes of the Panthers and Broncos. Stack wins and get to meaningful games.

  16. #1 BUCFAN Says:

    Wirfs attitude, skillset, training is HAWKEYE football period.

  17. Mike Says:

    Having Shaq and JPP on the other side during training camp was a big help to get Wirfs acclimated to the NFL game. Everyone else he faces is, by comparison, not so difficult to block. This pick was a home run for the Bucs!

  18. mark2001 Says:

    Who would waste a First round pick on a Right Tackle… And a Middle Linebacker? Wow…what a mistake.

  19. DavidBigBucsFan99 Says:

    Don’t worry Wirfs, if you’re a nice guy eventually these fans up here will hate you for being like Gerald Mc Coy