A group of 15 Special Olympics athletes were guests of the Bucs on Tuesday at training camp, leaving a deep impression on some of the Bucs.
After the morning session, linebacker Ian Gold, fullback Mike Alstott and tight end Dave Moore took the athletes through a series of drills.
"I get just as much from helping people as they probably think that they get off of me," Gold said. "I live off of that. I was raised in a single-parent home, didn't have much as a kid, and I wish I was fortunate enough to experience things of that nature. So I love doing things like that. I like to get a response (from them) because what's the point of doing something if you can't enjoy it and get something out of it."
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"It's 100 percent attitude and heart. You have to go out there and really want to make a play. That is what separates great special teams players from average special teams players. Guys aren't really determined to block a punt or make a tackle, things of that nature. You have to be crazy." - Linebacker Ian Gold, on what it takes to be a special teams player
FRESH FACE
NAME: MARIO EDWARDS
HT/WT: 6-0, 199
POSITION: CORNERBACK
AGE: 28
COLLEGE: FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
BACK IN THE DAY:
TO HAVE AN IMPACT: The struggles of the Bucs reserve cornerbacks last season made the upgrading of the nickel and dime package essential. Here is where Edwards comes in. The Bucs aren't giving anyone a roster spot based on his past, but Edwards likely will see the bulk of his time sticking opponent's third receivers. And with so many teams going to three-wides, that means a lot of playing time for Edwards.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT: Talk about a pedigree. Edwards was a starter on FSU's back-to-back national championship game appearances in his final two years in college. In four seasons with at FSU, the Seminoles never finished ranked lower than fourth.
QUOTE:"In Dallas we were a man to man defense, a lot of bump coverage. These days, receivers are getting bigger and faster and you'd like to play a little more bump. I think that's what we're trying to do, play a little more bump coverage. I like to think I have a little size to me and with the bigger receivers coming into the league, you have to go to some bigger corners." - Edwards on how his size could help.
