“Cherish This”
April 8th, 2025
Respect the playoffs.
When Rachaad White came to the Bucs as a rookie in 2022, the Bucs had a down year but still made the playoffs.
How can you have a down year and still make the playoffs? The Bucs had a losing record, even with Tom Brady, but still won the NFC South. That’s not how things were supposed to be with Brady behind center.
And yes, even though the Bucs had a losing record, they hosted a playoff game. The playoffs are the playoffs and White, entering his first postseason, was given advice by Bucs stud Mike Evans.
“He always told me to cherish this,” White said of the 2022 playoff team.
White, appearing with Frank the Tank of Barstool Sports, said his rookie self didn’t know what was going on as he learned the ropes of the NFL. He said he would badger Lavonte David and Evans because they were long-time veterans — and still are three years later.
Evans’ words to White to “cherish this” hit home. White said he noticed Evans (and David) labored a long time before they ever saw a playoff game.
“When I was coming in, it was crazy,” White said of the stars on the team and the expectations that come with having Brady as your quarterback. “I was just like, kind of annoy Mike and pick their brains, Lavonte, stuff like that.
“And, you know, Mike was always trying to tell me to cherish this, things like that. He said he played like, well, I think his first, what, seven or so plus [years] — or however many odd years, it was probably more than that — that he had never been to the playoffs and [had] some dark moments.
“So he always told me to cherish this.”
Ah, yes. Dark moments. The dreaded Lost Decade.
Evans played six seasons, David seven, before the Bucs hit their stride late in 2020, ending in a Super Bowl-winning celebration of a boat parade.
By contrast, White has never not been on a playoff team.
“I’ve been fortunate,” White said. “I came into a great situation. I’m grateful.”
Joe doesn’t see how that string of playoff berths won’t continue this fall for White and the Bucs, barring something terrible and unforeseen.
April 8th, 2025 at 5:23 am
Yeah, any given sunday. Conditioning, guys! Follow LD’s example. Never too earlyto be in shape. Might even save some hammies.
April 8th, 2025 at 5:50 am
Cherish the moments. So true. Good to listen to the veterans like Evans, Lavonte and others. Mike and others have been loyal while keeping their heads down and giving it their all on and off the field. Nice to hear how grateful White is. A lot of excitement going into this season.
April 8th, 2025 at 6:29 am
Big big expectations this upcoming season.
April 8th, 2025 at 6:45 am
The fans who go back to the Culverhouse years certianly are cherishing this run.
April 8th, 2025 at 7:47 am
Not many Bucs can say they’ve never missed the playoffs.
April 8th, 2025 at 8:41 am
As a fan I’ve been loving this too. Especially the first two Brady years. Im glad Baker has continued the roll.
April 8th, 2025 at 9:53 am
I was starting to worry about Rachaad being sick or depressed or something. He usually does three to nine media hits a week.
April 8th, 2025 at 10:34 am
Never understood why so many people think we should let Rachaad go. Irving as our number one back is a no brainer. Tucker has great potential but is unproven and Irving at 192 lbs will never be a back that can give you over 20 touches a game , last year one game they have him 26 carries and he got hurt. White is the bucs only 3 down back and gives Baker a great target in the passing game. As far as drafting another back in the later rounds to replace white? Remember Vaugn and RoJO? If white is willing to take a resasonable contract resigning a proven 3 down back is a no brainer