Bucco Bruce Arians Raves About Emeka Egbuka
September 10th, 2025
Discusses Emeka Egbuka.
The man who holds the Bucs’ title of senior advisor to the general manager and who also wears a Super Bowl ring won in Tampa Bay, Bucco Bruce Arians, the greatest coach in Bucs history, was on “The Pat McAfee Show” yesterday as he now has a weekly spot with McAfee during football season.
Emeka Egbuka was a big subject and McAfee’s producers even had the common decency to highlight Joe’s story on how Egbuka called his shot on his game-winning touchdown in Atlanta. Thank you!
Arians may not get to Tampa too often but he certainly talks to Bucs types often and he clearly has watched film on Egbuka. Joe is confident the Bucs had Arians give Egbuka’s Ohio State tape a look-see before the draft to get Arians’ feedback on the former Buckeyes star.
“Oh, they love him,” Arians said of Egbuka. “I think this kid is really, really special.
“I mean, he’s tough as nails. He’ll block. He will block like a tight end.
“I mean, the organization is excited about this guy.”
Co-host A.J. Hawk then chimed in about Egbuka. Obviously, Hawk has strong connections to the Ohio State program and Hawk said Buckeyes coaches pretty much echoed the same things Bucs types say of Egbuka.
As far as the story of Evans telling Joe about how Egbuka called his shot, Joe noticed yesterday a lesser Bucs site affiliated with a large, prominent publishing company lifted Evans’ quote to Joe word for word yet didn’t even have the common courtesy to give Joe a reach-around link.
No mention of where it came from, not even a link? You know, something for the effort?
At any rate, Joe really hopes Egbuka can continue to affect games like he did Sunday, certainly until Chris Godwin gets back on the field. Something tells Joe that beginning with Houston, Egbuka’s not going to see much more of single coverage, which is clearly good for Evans.
"Baker Mayfield said Emeka Egbuka is one of the smartest guys he's been around..
This kid is really special and he's tough as nails"@BruceArians #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/lVpt6PDBYW
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 9, 2025
September 10th, 2025 at 7:40 am
“Bucco Bruce Arians Raves About Emeka Egbuka” Why wouldn’t he? Egbuka is one smooth dude. Real deal Holyfield!
September 10th, 2025 at 7:53 am
As someone who has served in the military with some really high functioning alcoholics that self medicated to deal with PTSD, I can see the same signs in Bruce Arians unfortunately. The guy needs to get detoxed if he wants to live into his 80s
September 10th, 2025 at 7:57 am
Go back to late April and most of the Bucs fans were disappointed with the pick because they didn’t pick their favorite ILB. I remember reading comments like ‘it’s a wasted pick on a position we didn’t even need. My favorite was the person who claimed we could have got him in the 2nd round because he was nothing special and Matthew Golden was better. I’m glad to see everyone has come around.
Image being 2E. Hearing how disappointed the fan base was that you were the pick. I felt bad for the guy. He was by far my favorite WR and I liked this WR class overall.
September 10th, 2025 at 8:01 am
Ohio state is a pro team like AAA baseball and produces pro ready players.
September 10th, 2025 at 8:18 am
“Go back to late April and most of the Bucs fans were disappointed with the pick because they didn’t pick their favorite ILB.”
I was one of them, but qualified it by stating I thought Egbuka had the potential to be great, but the need was on defense. It was a logical assessment, and I still believe the defense needs improvement. What’s wrong with that? Nobody, other than perhaps a seer, including coaches and GM’s knew Egbuka would have this unbelievable, immediate impact (including Licht or Bowles) or he would have gone top five.
Still waiting on our second round pick to show himself as he’s yet to play a real or preseason game. Word has him being activated for this week. Hopefully we’ll see something good from him in spot duty.
Bottom line: I want this team to be good, we all do. Ex post facto comments are easy, so is self aggrandizement when you get lucky.
September 10th, 2025 at 8:33 am
Joe quit caddying for the Dali Llama
September 10th, 2025 at 8:35 am
Egbuka is great. The see I told you so surrounding Egbuka is pretty childish.
September 10th, 2025 at 8:37 am
I said and still say he was the best receiver in the class. By far. He wasn’t a 1 year wonder but stayed, won a National Championship and honed his skills . That’s the way you do it, kinda old school. Maybe that’s why they allowed the NIL to keep players in college longer. But it certainly wasn’t done to help the players, but it can if players buy into it.
September 10th, 2025 at 8:43 am
Said all along that Bucs got the “second best receiver” at Ohio State but that he would be a good player. Also said that Bucs didn’t do enough to improve their defense in 2025. A victory makes fans forget the ease of which ATL moved the ball downfield with a minute left, only to have a great kicker miss a game tying field goal. This defense still bends, bends, bends, and then breaks. We are going to continue to see more of this. Hope Baker can connect for 2 each week with EE.
September 10th, 2025 at 8:56 am
First Last, Arians is already 72 let him live his life how he wants. I’d rather be happy in my 70’s then worry about what I’m going to do in my 80’s. Life is too short to have regrets.
September 10th, 2025 at 9:15 am
“….yet didn’t even have the common courtesy to give Joe a reach-around” lmao Joe. Thank you for that on this lovely hump day morning! And to follow that up with “something for the effort” was genius. Bravo, you savvy writer, informant & comedian.
September 10th, 2025 at 9:38 am
Excellent video! So happy we got Egbuka! He and the team are vibing. Agree with AJ, Bucs are the “Gold Standard” for sure!
September 10th, 2025 at 9:42 am
People who criticize BA for being himself reveal deeply rooted issues with their own self esteem. Get an emotional support animal if a confident, successful person with an opinion is triggering.
September 10th, 2025 at 9:53 am
And Why is the Private not allowed to have a jelly donut!!!
September 10th, 2025 at 10:11 am
Glad someone caught both references. 🙂
Thanks for the kind words.
September 10th, 2025 at 10:13 am
This is my rifle, this is my gun.
THIS IS MY RIFLE, THIS IS MY GUN!
This is for fighting, this is for fun.
THIS IS FOR FIGHTING, THIS IS FOR FUN!
September 10th, 2025 at 10:23 am
The first player Licht drafted for Tampa Bay was Mike Evans. I guess that means he kinda-sorta knows receiving talent. I don’t watch college football so I stay out of draft talk. Egbuka reminds me of Big Mike in that he’s built in a similar fashion. Sorta like a TE, whereas Ungodly Godwin looks more like a gazelle. I can not wait until this WR terror trio hits the field together!! If Grizzard doesn’t open up the playbook then, he’s braindead. As far as BA goes, he’s in his 70s/Golden Years. He deserves to enjoy himself, and more power to him!
September 10th, 2025 at 10:29 am
Hey joe(s) what’s up with the passive reporting on offensive rookie of the week award?? Denver site has their rookie highlighted with hyper link for fan voting
September 10th, 2025 at 10:38 am
What Bucs site didn’t give Joe credit? I want to know!!
September 10th, 2025 at 10:51 am
I vaguely remember Licht saying the Bucs had EE rated as a top 10 value, and were holding their breath through every pick. I thought defense would be the first pick, I just wasn’t sure which position. I’ve seen every team since the very beginning. We have never ever had a WR room like this one. I just hope Shephard doesn’t bump Tez off the active roster, when Chris and JMac are back healthy. Tez is an ankle breaker like nobody else.
September 10th, 2025 at 10:51 am
Agreed, “Aqualung.” 💯
First Last Says: “As someone who has served in the military with some really high functioning alcoholics that self medicated to deal with PTSD, I can see the same signs in Bruce Arians unfortunately.”
And, what are these “signs” you speak of!? So, you know him personally? I’d say NOT. You are nowhere near HIS level, and appear to be very jealous of the man.
September 10th, 2025 at 11:10 am
This past draft was very weak at WR. Especially, at the top. That should be awfully clear to anyone. I never heard even a single person try saying otherwise. I wanted Jalon Walker, but did say that you have to at least, strongly consider taking a WR (even in a very weak class), IF you have the opportunity to get THE #1-WR in the draft. The next draft should be a pretty decent class, but THE 2027-CLASS tho, is going to be a potential ‘all-time’ great class. It’s ridiculous, just the sheer number of TOP ‘high-end’ caliber talent, that will be coming out and available in THAT Draft-Class. I mean, there are at least, 4-5 LEGIT TRUE 1’s (maybe even SIX), that you could name right now, as being ELITE ‘generational’ talents. I wouldn’t be surprised whatsoever, seeing 7 or 8 drafted in the FIRST-ROUND.
September 10th, 2025 at 11:40 am
orlbucfan Says: “The first player Licht drafted for Tampa Bay was Mike Evans. Egbuka reminds me of Big Mike in that he’s built in a similar fashion. Sorta like a TE, whereas Ungodly Godwin looks more like a gazelle.”
Haha I believe it might be time to get the old glasses checked there, “orlbucfan” LoL. Chris and Emeka are literally, the exact same size. And, EVERY single person (past coaches, players, FO types, JOE, and tv talking-heads), on ALL of the NFL shows this week, have stated that EE is an EXACT “Godwin-Clone,” and reminded them ALL, of seeing Chris Godwin on the field. NOT Mike Evans. It’s not even a close comparison. Also, I would think that a “gazelle” would be more of a looong lanky player with a long stride. Both, Chis and Emeka are like, 6-1/205-210lbs. They look exactly alike, their game, EVERUTHING. I believe you must’ve gotten them all mixed-up, or something? It’s either that, OR you need to find some new glasses? Idk… Maybe, you just got that into your head or something, and just blurted it out without even thinking!?:/ Cause, I just can’t even remotely, see what YOU are seeing there, with THAT… Mike Evans is friggin’ 6’5”/230. I mean, I guess, HE could look-like a “gazelle” even though, he doesn’t have a lot of speed!?
September 10th, 2025 at 11:56 am
No, I don’t need glasses. I’m standing by what I said. It’s my opinion just like you have yours. EE reminds me of ME in his body shape though he’s not as tall. I have never written that EE lacks the talent of either ME13 or CG14. In fact, I call the trio, the Terror Trio. Can’t wait to see all 3 on the field together.
September 10th, 2025 at 11:57 am
The Jags could have stayed put or even traded down, drafted Ebuka and Parrish, and done better for themselves, imo.
September 10th, 2025 at 1:16 pm
@orlbucfan – Ummmm… That’s fine, but CG and EE have the same body “shape,” though. They are both a strong, solid, well-built 6’1”/205. Mike Evans is a loooong, lean 6’5”/230 with long strides, & etc. So, yeah… I am just not seeing the comparison. I thought maybe, you had gotten them mixed up. Especially, since I heard everyone else making the “Godwin” comparison (including myself). CG and EE look the exact same to me in every single way, including their style and fundamentals. Speed. Everything. I can’t see EE and immediately think ME. I think CG. And, I believe that you will too, during Monday Night’s Game.
September 10th, 2025 at 1:22 pm
@larrd – YES. I agreed with the NYG and even ATL (after seeing the entire package of swapping the 3rd for the 2nd in return, really helped-it). BUT, The JAGS tho… HELL NO. Just a horrible trade. Totally, unnecessary. He seems soooo small, too! I just did NOT get that, at ALL. I mean, why try to force THAT!? Made no sense.
September 10th, 2025 at 2:39 pm
@Joe,
Can’t square away how you can claim that Bucco Bruce was the greatest Bucs HC ever over Chucky. Both coaches came in and won a SB in their inaugural season, but Bucco Bruce and his assembled crew weren’t winning their SB without Brady. The Bucs team and organization wouldn’t have won their first without Chucky, IE, the REAL GOAT Bucs HC.
September 10th, 2025 at 2:45 pm
Simple. Chucky took over a perennial playoff team and won a Super Bowl with it in one season.
Bucco Bruce took over a dismal team, a team that had the worst home record in the 2010’s in the throes of the Lost Decade and won a Super Bowl in two years with a fortysomething quarterback in the middle of a global pandemic with zero underwear football season or worthless preseason games.
September 10th, 2025 at 9:01 pm
Houston does not have the best defensive backs. They would be really stupid to double Egbuka and leave Evans free. I have to disagree with Joe here.
Not only do I see Evans beating the double teams they try to throw at him with inferior talent, but Egbuka will continue to shine. That is, if Baker has the time.
September 11th, 2025 at 3:38 am
Who is stealing Joe’s thunder. I wish to let them know that “That ain’t cool”!
Go Bucs!