Michael Clayton loves it when the red light comes on. It's when he does his best work.
And this day is no different. He wastes no time taking center stage as the camera documents his every move. Cool cat that he is, he doesn't break a sweat, even in this pressure-packed situation.
It quickly becomes clear Clayton is in his domain. Funny thing is, none of this is taking place on a football field.
This unfolds on the set of Clayton's weekly television show, In the Locker Room , something he hopes will be the beginning of a broadcasting career that will last well beyond his playing days.
Who knew the Bucs' charming, 6-foot-4, 215-pound first-round draft choice in 2004 was quick on his feet off the field, too?
"He's a natural," director John Veeneman said.
At least, he was once he arrived. A typical TV star, he was running fashionably late for this taping at Barney's of St. Petersburg, a motorcycle and marine dealer and show sponsor. His guest, who can also claim celebrity status, was waiting impatiently.
"He better get here soon," fullback Mike Alstott half-joked, "or he'll be doing the show alone."
Finally, Clayton shows up and jumps right into the first segment, a recap of last weekend's Falcons game with co-host and Tampa Bay Storm coach Tim Marcum.
As Veeneman and producer J.C. Loader give various cues, the receiver takes them and runs, as though he were being chased by an All-Pro cornerback.
"I'm Michael Clayton, and welcome to In the Locker Room ," he says as the show kicks off. After Marcum and Clayton complete the recap, with Clayton breaking down the positives and negatives of the victory as highlights roll, they head into a commercial break and prepare for Alstott's first segment.
It goes well, maybe too well. Clayton can't get Alstott to stop talking, despite Loader's frenzied signals behind the camera to wrap up the segment. Finally, Clayton is able to cut in and the show breaks for another commercial. But the seamlessness with which Clayton interrupted offered not even a clue that something was amiss.
"You just have to stay calm," Clayton said. "That's the nature of the business. If you go long in one segment, you're able to cut another one short to make up for it. We can work it out."
Clayton, 23, a communications major at LSU, hopes his TV gig works out, too. This is serious business for him, so much so he takes tapes home and critiques himself on camera. He takes pride in having notable teammates on the show that airs at 10:30p.m. Saturdays on WTTA-Ch.38. Among those who have appeared are close friend and rookie running back Cadillac Williams, quarterback Chris Simms and defensive end Simeon Rice.
"It's something that I hope will grow after football," Clayton said. "I think it's great exposure to be able to put something on tape for the future."
Clayton would like to branch off into programming unrelated to football, too, saying he would love to host a show like MTV's Cribs or an automobile-themed show because he is a car enthusiast.
Whatever he ultimately does, Clayton doesn't plan on it being run-of-the-mill.
"I like the excitement of TV," he said. "I'm a guy who can bring excitement to somebody who doesn't seem that interesting, who can make people laugh and feel comfortable. That's who I am, and that's what you do on TV."
OTHER BUCS BROADCASTERS
Mike Alstott: Hosts weekly call-in show at 6p.m. Mondays on 620-AM/103.5-FM
Ronde Barber: Hosts weekly radio show at 7p.m. Tuesdays on Sirius satellite radio with brother Tiki, the Giants running back
Derrick Brooks: Hosts weekly call-in show at 6p.m. Thursdays on 620-AM/103.5-FM
Shelton Quarles: Hosts Bucs Extra Point at 8p.m. Mondays on Bright House Network's Ch. 47.
