Todd Bowles Said Bucs Are “Special” Off The Field
October 13th, 2025
Trust.
The Bucs are very proud of their desire to uphold their “I Am That Man” theme.
A few years ago, the Bucs decided they were doing it all wrong when drafting players. So they decided to do a deep dive on players that panned out in the draft.
The conclusion: pick the right person and the player will often come along. The Bucs deemed Lavonte David as the perfect composite player off the field as much as on the field.
The Bucs deemed this campaign “I Am That Man.”
If you can’t be compared to David the person, the Bucs don’t want you. This, naturally, has kept quite a few talented players away from the Bucs because while they may be studs on the field, they are borderline dirtbags off the field. Or maybe full-blown dirtbags.
The Bucs wanted guys they could trust. And given the draft success the Bucs have had this decade, how can one argue with this philosophy?
Well, that philosophy is beginning to show for Bucs coach Todd Bowles. Maybe not on the field — Bowles refuses to call any team “special” — but Bowles said off the field his team is very much a special group.
Bowles was asked today if he this year’s team, the way it has fought through a wild amount of injuries to become the best in the NFC, has the makings of a “special” unit and if he has a “gut feeling” the team is special.
“I have a gut feeling off the field that it’s a special team,” Bowles said. “But football is week to week and you’ve got to go out and prove that, and that’s one week after another week after another week.
“You can feel as good as you want and this league will bring you down and make you feel terrible. You can feel terrible and they can bring you up to feel great. That gut feeling has not hit me since I’ve been coaching.
“But, week to week, you have a confidence of trusting your guys and knowing they can go out there and do a good job as long as everybody is on the same page.”
Notice Bowles used “trusting” in his evaluation? That’s a big part of the “I Am That Man” movement. If the Bucs don’t think they can trust a draft prospect, they want nothing to do with him.
Seeing how the Bucs were getting production last night from Nos. 6 and 7 receivers, touchdowns even, the Bucs’ mindset approaching player evaluation might be copied soon by other teams.
October 13th, 2025 at 2:23 pm
Outstanding.
October 13th, 2025 at 2:50 pm
So glad we don’t have players wearing gaudy diamond chains in games. That’s a little bit of a pet peeve of mine.
This team is about TEAM…. We’re on a mission and there’s work to be done seems to be everyone’s attitude. No better locker room in the NFL IMHO.
October 13th, 2025 at 2:51 pm
I wonder if there are any of those David-character guys available for trade to play LB or DT…
October 13th, 2025 at 3:02 pm
This team can win a superpower. BUT we need to add some D line help after Kancey injury. We also need possibly need some linebacker help. Bowles and licht would have to find a linebacker who already plays in a similar system. Dennis is just not playing well.
October 13th, 2025 at 3:10 pm
Definitely need some more help on the D. Allowing Mac Jones passing for 347 yds isn’t going to get it done for a Super Bowl.
October 13th, 2025 at 3:20 pm
Give SVD some time, DrunkInYbor. I’m telling ya, he was making tackles right and left yesterday, and I’m listening to radio. Who cares about the SB? Right now, I just want the Bucs to make it to the Bye Week with NO more injuries.
October 13th, 2025 at 4:03 pm
Surprised you would even make an appearance Ironlung.
October 13th, 2025 at 4:07 pm
Woodbrain, hypocrite much? Oh, sorry, you wouldn’t know that word.
October 13th, 2025 at 4:09 pm
To the point, SirVocea played less poorly and might have even covered McCaffery well once.
October 13th, 2025 at 4:38 pm
Todd and Jason have definitely set the culture. They are picking players that are perfect for the entire team; no drama, no large egos, helping each other, and all focused on winning. They have that closeness off the field that many of our own extended families don’t have at times. Pretty special indeed.
October 13th, 2025 at 4:39 pm
Joe … ‘Notice Bowles used “trusting” in his evaluation? That’s a big part of the “I Am That Man” movement. If the Bucs don’t think they can trust a draft prospect, they want nothing to do with him.’
Can’t help but wonder Joe if that’s why Devin White is no longer with us. Lots of talent, but never got the feeling that he was a Bucs first; White second player.
October 13th, 2025 at 4:44 pm
I know a lot on this here forum won’t like this but I don’t care. These men are standing firm on a granite foundation of Jesus Christ. Listening to guys like Baker, Mike, Lavonte, Egbuka and so many more I hear them invoking the name of our one true Lord and savior and it puts a huge smile on my face. These men are humble and selfless because they are great men and they are so because of their faith in Jesus of Nazareth.
October 13th, 2025 at 4:51 pm
I was baptized Catholic and hoping I would get the call for Pope a few months ago. But no luck — still in Tampa — although still thinking the papal robes would look nice on me.
October 13th, 2025 at 4:52 pm
Esteban85
I like to see that as well.. you character , family guys
October 13th, 2025 at 4:53 pm
My guess is DW45 started this
October 13th, 2025 at 6:33 pm
I hope Todd gets Coach of the year so we can watch your head explode.
October 13th, 2025 at 6:39 pm
Tykee fed 320 lbs trent williams some tampa grass
October 13th, 2025 at 6:40 pm
Watching 2 depleted teams play is like watching a game of NFL Blitz 2001 😅
October 13th, 2025 at 6:49 pm
I loved that game more than life itself. My daughter and I would play it for hours, just jumping and kicking each other, she never stopped giggling
October 13th, 2025 at 6:50 pm
Trust is reciprocal.
Maybe a reason Bowles and his staff seem to stick with players past the point where fans are ready to see a change made is to develop the trust of the players in the coaches and the team because of potential they have seen made manifest in practice.
There is a limit, obviously. Players who want to know that the team and coaches will trust them to show that they can correct mistakes and improve their level of play are probably more ready than the fans to move on from players who can’t or don’t turn the corner.
Speaking of which, I have been ready to demote Dennis back to the Practice Squad for more development since the Denver game last season. I have not yet watched the All 22 video for the Bucs game against the 49ers. But, it seemed to me that Dennis’s play was greatly improved and that the game Sunday may have had the best game of Dennis’s career so far.
Maybe there is hope for him after all, and maybe Bowles and the coaches have been right to stick with him. Or, maybe the Bucs just schemed the defense to cover for his limitations.
The Bucs did seem to give up more big plays here and there while not constantly bleeding yards in the flats and in the first ten yards or so beyond the line of scrimmage in the middle of the field. And, that was with McCollum out.
October 13th, 2025 at 7:22 pm
I really miss the days of #1 overall draft picks betraying the Bucs and the chance they gave him his FIRST off season, out till 3AM blind drunk with two other douchebags, one of them also accused of rape.
Or there’s always Swaggy, or Winslow JR, at least he had talent. And speaking of a talented loser arsehole I really miss AB.
OK snark font of now. I LOVE this team and the entire “I am that man”! What is that teaching young males who watch this team?
October 13th, 2025 at 8:46 pm
I feel like they love and respect Todd a lot. I can’t recall any Bucs having an off field or on field incident since Brown undressing. Lions are beloved and Campbell is cool, but Branch and Jameson Williams do some things that show a lack of respect. Bucs just don’t have any problems like that.
October 13th, 2025 at 10:40 pm
I love that management took a hard look in the mirror at what kind of organization they wanted to be, and I love that it has paid off. Say what you will about Bowles but the guy has created an incredible culture, which has made pulling for this team the past several years something special.
October 13th, 2025 at 10:42 pm
Excellent points @toopanca !
October 13th, 2025 at 10:50 pm
Love it, Esteban! John 14:6!