Wednesday, 3 a.m.
Think of him as insurance. Think of him as an alternative. Think of him as another piece of a threatening offense.
When it's all over, think of the Bucs as the next (final?) stop on the LeSean McCoy tour.
McCoy had his first practice with the Bucs' Tuesday after signing with the team. He's a six-time Pro Bowler, and he has six 1,000-yard seasons, but he gained just 465 yards a year ago.
“I think the biggest thing – where I’m at in my career – I had a couple teams reach out," McCoy said. "No disrespect to the teams, but it didn’t fit. I wanted to win. I wanted to contribute. I needed something to push me. I want to be with a group of guys that want to win and I think this is a perfect place. You talk about Rob [Gronkowski] – I’ve been friends with Rob for so long. Just seeing how he came back – you get that itch to compete. Then you bring Tom Brady here – with the group of guys they already had as far as young guys – I want to be a part of it, I really do. It’s a mixture of leadership with age and also the youth and talent.
"I started out pretty hot in (Kansas City) when I got there. Then some things happened, which happens in football. I think another part of that is to go out there and show players and teams that I still can play. I think [there are] a lot of questions about guys here like that. You know, I want to fit in. I want to be a part of that group that, ‘Hey, we’ve got things to prove.’ I’ve done a lot of great things in my career, but I’m not finished. When I decide to step out on the field and to continue my career, that means a lot. I really dive in – I give it my all – and that can be a lot of different things from on the field playing to actually helping out the younger guys in the room. I witnessed today that they’re so young and I really could help them out for this team and for the future. I just want to have a big impact any way that I can, but I also want to get out there, contribute and show my worth.”
The Bucs could use the help. Last year's starter, Ronald Jones II, was inconsistent. McCoy gives them another look.
“I think most guys – once he signed here and then Rob (Gronkowski) signed shortly after – would want to play here," McCoy said "But that’s kind of how it happened. They (Tampa Bay) always had an interest level with me. They contacted my agent a couple of times. It’s all about the right timing. I was waiting to see what was going on – [Philadelphia] was another big one that I really wanted to explore that option when they reached out. It just clicked at the right time. Enough waiting – let’s do it. Let’s get in there with the team, let’s learn the offense, things like that. I mean, come on – I’m in Tampa, nice weather and I’m playing with Tom Brady? How do you beat that?
“I think in every position guys are competing, no matter if it’s out publicly or if it’s mentally. Guys are trying to compete, to push each other to get better. It’s his role, it’s his job. He is the guy here and I want to help him out in any way possible. I see he has a lot of talent. If I can help him out to be any better for our team, I’m willing to do that.”
McCoy said he didn't know yet what his role will be with the Bucs.
“I only can control what I can control. If it’s five carries, if it’s 10 carries, whatever it is, I’m willing to give it my best effort – 100 percent. I can’t really complain – I had zero touchdowns and zero carries in the Super Bowl, so just to be on this team and help out and be part of it. They’re building something special here – I truly believe that. Any way possible I’m willing to help out and contribute.”