In the eyes of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber, All-Pro defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is not “badass” enough to lead the team.
Barber, now an analyst covering the Bucs, recently spoke with the Tampa Bay Times about the state of the team. The topic of conversation revolved around the players who were “badass” enough to lead the Bucs into their new era.
“Nobody like that jumps out on today’s Bucs. They’re not there. I would say the quarterback (Jameis Winston) fits the mold. He is clearly that guy, the leader,” Barber said.
“But you see an attitude emerging, especially at linebacker. Those two guys, Lavonte (David) and Kwon (Alexander) have to be able to drive the bus, especially Kwon, because he has so much energy. If he can consistently be that guy, it will raise the defense. I love Gerald (McCoy), but for a defensive tackle to drive a team, he has to have a huge personality. I mean like the personality of (Warren) Sapp or a John Randle.”
McCoy has been a leader on the Bucs for at least the past five or so years. He’s not the kind of emotional ball of energy Warren Sapp was when he played, but it’s hardly fair to say he’s not a badass because of it. After all, we’re talking about a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-team All-Pro who’s racked up 33 sacks in the past four seasons.
It seems Barber’s words may have struck a nerve with McCoy, who went on a mini Twitter rant Monday morning.
They won't appreciate you until you're gone. Soon enough though. Then we'll see.
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) July 24, 2017
No more being quiet. I'm done holding my tongue. Believe that!!
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) July 24, 2017
You try and try with people but they don't get it. They push you and push you until you cross that line. Well line crossed!!
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) July 24, 2017
Maybe Barber’s words will actually spark McCoy to be a bit more of a demonstrative, vocal leader for the Bucs this year. Not that he wasn’t already respected, but it can’t hurt for one of the team’s best players and most respected veterans to step up his leadership game.
Though, McCoy wrote “soon enough” regarding the statement, “They won’t appreciate you until you’re gone.”
He’s signed through 2021, but there’s the possibility he could be leaving much sooner than that. Following the 2017 season, McCoy really has no more guarantees left on his current deal and could make a big deal about that.
HBO’s “Hard Knocks” may have just gotten even more interesting, folks. We’ll certainly be tuning in to see if McCoy blows his top.