“It Feels Like Home”

April 12th, 2022

New Bucs safety Keanu Neal

The newest Buccaneer may be in the running for happiest Buccaneer.

Former Florida Gators star safety Keanu Neal was at the One Buc Palace podium today answering questions and doing a lot of smiling.

“It feels like home,” Neal said.

Signed in free agency two weeks ago, Neal grew up 45 minutes north of Tampa in Webster. He noted that “everybody from my hometown was super-excited” and he has a “lot of respect for the organization, the team.”

The former Pro Bowler and 2016 first-round pick called new Bucs head coach Todd Bowles a “mastermind” and he likes what he sees from his new teammates after two days at the office.

“I can tell they really love coming to work and really love being around each other,” said Neal, adding that he’s fired up to be back playing safety and he’ll be dropping about seven pounds to get back to his safety weight.

In Dallas last season, Neal was a linebacker for his former Falcons head coach, Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

13 Responses to ““It Feels Like Home””

  1. EEK Says:

    welcome home sir

    proceed to dominate

  2. stpetebucsfan Says:

    I love guys like Neal who are sort of tweeners…too small for LB but large for safety.

    I think there are going to be some cool stories this year about guys who take advantage of a golden opportunity.

  3. DEEEMO Says:

    I like the fact that he is from the Tampa area and has a home base here. Looking for a BIG YEAR from Mr. Neal now that he is moving back to his proper position at Safety.

  4. Texas Buc 1976 Says:

    Welcome home Keanu.

  5. SlyPirate Says:

    Keanu Neal could be a big-time contributor. The Bucs are Suh and Gronk away from having their best team in the last three years (possibly ever, draft depending).

  6. Craig Says:

    Cool, hope it translates onto the field. If it does we will see a dominant safety play, for, hopefully, a Stupor Bowl team.

  7. Pickgrin Says:

    Jets paid Whitehead $7.5M this year

    We got Neal AND Logan Ryan for $1.1M each.

    Thats some serious value management right there…..

  8. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    If you knew how I wanted someone to come along
    And change my life the way you’ve done
    Feels like home to me
    Feels like home to me
    Feels like I’m all the way back where
    I come from
    Feels like home to me
    Feels like home to me
    Feels like I’m all the way back where I belong

  9. David Says:

    Stay healthy!

  10. Anonymous Says:

    He fits perfectly with Logan, Whiyefiel jr plus bring more veteran leadership very sure tackler period and headbanger #!!!! It will be a competition for most tackles etc . He can make it back too the SB & Pro Bowl w/ Bucs

  11. BUCman Says:

    Great signing! Wish it was a multi-year contract! Hopefully they can sign him long term next year.

  12. Buc and roll Says:

    Rock and roll baby rock and roll

  13. Ericb Says:

    Unfinished business LFGO