Shaq Barrett Defends Leonard Fournette
July 20th, 2022
If Leonard Fournette came to the Bucs’ June mandatory minicamp at 250 or 260 pounds, as was reported with emphasis, Shaq Barrett wasn’t seeing it.
In fact, Shaq says he and Fournette talked about weight at that camp.
They shared a conversation about coming back to training camp in shape and at the proper weight. That was the message today from Shaq during his visit to The Rich Eisen Show on SiriusXM Radio.
“Whatever the report said, I don’t think he was 260 or 250,” Shaq said of Fournette.
“I came in a little heavy, too. So we both probably came in a little heavier but we still had time to get it right. I’m going to come back exactly at the lowest weight where they want me to come back, or maybe a little bit lower than that. And [Fournette’s] a professional, too. So he’s going to come back where they want him at, somewhere within that range.”
Once upon a time 35 years ago, NFL players got in shape during training camp through grueling two-a-day sessions, six preseason games and tyrant head coaches. In the modern NFL, teams want players fit before they arrive, in order ot avoid injuries. And then staff’s goal is to get them in football shape versus just looking great at the beach.
Still, there’s a balance to be had. As Shaq noted, players are assigned a weight range for their training camp arrival. For Fournette, perhaps that’s 225 to 235.
Joe has no reason to believe Fournette won’t arrive where the Bucs want his weight to be. No, Joe doesn’t believe Fournette was pushing 260 seven weeks ago.
July 20th, 2022 at 1:29 pm
I think Shaq has something to prove this year. He was invisible in the four games against the saints and Rams. Your best players are supposed to show up in the biggest games. No wonder he’s defending Lenny, I think Shaq had his own conditioning issues last year.
July 20th, 2022 at 1:32 pm
Yup.
Training camp used to be like two months long, and where you got into shape.
The first two weeks were hell, taking a long time for the soreness to subside.
But we weren’t making millions, and it wasn’t a full-time job. Most guys had to do something else in the offseason.
July 20th, 2022 at 1:40 pm
Shaq moving back to the right side of the DL is going to be huge for him.
July 20th, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Remember those lovely two a days Cobra? I still have nightmares. I thought I was in great shape too
July 20th, 2022 at 1:48 pm
I like the Lard A$$ Lenny nickname.
July 20th, 2022 at 2:18 pm
Unskinny Lenny
July 20th, 2022 at 2:20 pm
Weight on a scale tells the least amount of information on a player’s fitness level or whether or not they are ready for the NFL season. There is much that goes into weight that the number on the scale is not very relevant. He could have put on 5-10 lbs of muscle plus be very hydrated before he stepped on a scale. He could drop 10lbs in 24 hours by cutting. He may have met all of his target goals for the off season with his own personal trainers.
July 20th, 2022 at 2:38 pm
the Buffet Brothers. Larda$$ Lenny and Saladless Shaq.
July 20th, 2022 at 2:46 pm
I prefer lipozene Lenny and saxenda shaq
July 20th, 2022 at 3:04 pm
Lenny participated in a hot dog eating contest over the 4th……..coming in a distant 10th……when asked about his dismal showing Lenny explained “I wasn’t there to win the contest, I just like hot dogs”
July 20th, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Lunch a bunch Lenny and Seventh helping Shaq. But seriously, Shaq is right.
July 20th, 2022 at 3:29 pm
Love Shaq’s attitude and comments. Love Lenny.
Expecting Todd to improve the defense. Better pass rush. Better run defense. Better pass defense. Hopefully a few more whistlesacks of Brady in camp.
Todd – improve the defense.
July 20th, 2022 at 3:37 pm
I’m sure Lenny will be fine… He will probably come into camp weighing @ 235-240. After camp he will be down to @ 225-230 and will be in perfect shape for the season.
This is what happens when there is no news to report. They make up stories to report… FAKE NEWS.
July 20th, 2022 at 3:42 pm
I thought he was around 245 and would lose 15lbs during training camp from the heat. That way he goes into the season at a good weight and not risk being under weight.
July 20th, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Marine Buc
But, there’s plenty of news….we have Gronk and then we have Brady 23….and if we’re lucky we have some old Jameis Winston news thrown in.
July 20th, 2022 at 4:41 pm
Time for Lenny to reach out to Donald Penn and ask to borrow his rubber shirt..
July 20th, 2022 at 5:29 pm
Fournette is gonna have to play the preseason just to try to get back to where he used to be, too! Or instead of being 220 he can stay at 260 & HE CAN PLAY RB, TE & DE. They can have him play RB & THEN HE COULD REPLACE GRONKOWSKI & JPP! Although he definitely wasn’t social distancing from the refrigerator. He probably decided to go multiple choice. He probably decided between:
A. EDDIE LACY DIET
B. JAMEIS WINSTON DIET
C. JAMARCUS RUSSELL DIET
D. BEN ROETHLISBERGER DIET
E. CARTMAN DIET
He probably chose all of the above.
July 20th, 2022 at 5:47 pm
Stroud better watch out or he may run into Libel Lenny
July 20th, 2022 at 8:34 pm
Tony,
Funny.
JaMarcis Russell, biggest lard ass ever. Was too lazy to watch a CD Raiders coaches made for him. Great story, the CD was blank all along. Big Boy gets canned for lying.
He never accomplished anything more in the NFL than collecting a very fat paycheck.
Lombardi Lenny speaks for itself. Lenny’s the man. Fournette is a winner. Id love to see the Bucs start pounding the ball this season. We’ve got some players who can, and want to bang more.
July 20th, 2022 at 10:07 pm
Total non-story. It’s only a story when week one rolls around and someone can’t finish the first half because they’re out of shape
July 22nd, 2022 at 6:48 am
Hey Lenny has showed up. I am sure he will pick up where he left off last season. The guy is blue collar solid in my book.