Sean Tucker Overcomes Challenges to Shine with the Bucs

Heart of a Champion

Sean Tucker runs with coronary heart. The former Syracuse star has velocity and energy, and finishes each speeding try as if it was his final.

His 26-yard run in the Bucs’ 17-14 preseason win at Cincinnati on Saturday didn’t simply quicken the pulse, it was extra validation that the undiagnosed cardiac situation that prevented him from being drafted a yr in the past is really behind him.

Triumph Over Adversity

“It felt good simply to be on the market in a recreation, operating the ball and doing what I like to do,” Tucker stated Monday. “It felt prefer it’s been an extended course of, however simply sticking to it and at all times being prepared for the alternative.”

About 13 months in the past, Tucker had simply been cleared to start coaching camp with the Bucs. A coronary heart situation was flagged simply the day earlier than his place group was purported to run at the NFL scouting mix in March 2023.

He’s by no means spoken intimately about it, simply stated that it didn’t forestall him from speeding for 3,182 profession yards at Syracuse, simply behind guys like Joe Morris, Walter Reyes and forward of gamers named Larry Csonka, Floyd Little and Ernie Davis. In truth, he shattered the Orange’s single-season speeding report with 1,496 yards in 2021.

Setbacks and Comebacks

After signing as an undrafted free agent with the Bucs, Tucker clearly fell behind different gamers who had been in a position to take part in the offseason exercise program, organized crew actions, and each rookie and necessary minicamps.

“I really feel like in the direction of the begin (of final season) it had an impression,” Tucker stated. “Just not having the ability to get acclimated as everybody else did, coming in for the first time as a rookie, clearly. But simply working by that, believing in God, and understanding that it’s going to be a course of and there’s positively mild at the finish of the tunnel. I’m simply seeing the begin of it and attempting to maintain going.”

Impressive Performance

Last season, Tucker was well buried on the depth chart at operating again behind Rachaad White and Chase Edmonds. Frankly, this yr the pecking order could also be worse.

The Bucs drafted Oregon operating again Bucky Irving in the fourth spherical, and he’ll problem the incumbents.

Tucker performed in solely 11 regular-season video games as a rookie and completed with 15 speeding makes an attempt for 23 yards and caught two passes for 9 yards. He performed 32 offensive snaps and 85 on particular groups.

But extra performances like the one on Saturday can solely enhance his enjoying time. He completed with 68 yards, tying for the most in the NFL in preseason Week 1. His 6.8-yard speeding common was the greatest out of 42 gamers who had seven or extra carries over the weekend.

Continuous Improvement

“I’ve obtained to offer because of my O-line in entrance and simply everyone blocking, doing their job and permitting me to do my job to the greatest I can,” Tucker stated. “It’s an enormous distinction from school to the professionals. So simply the extra expertise you get on this league, at this stage, all the pieces begins to quiet down and turn out to be slower so it permits me to have the ability to carry out higher.

“I might say simply having the ability to learn the protection and understanding the scheme that we’re in and utilizing it to my benefit.”

Coach’s Perspective

Head coach Todd Bowles stated he was impressed how the operating backs had been in a position to run downhill Saturday, partly due to the scheme below new offensive coordinator Liam Coen and the work of the inside offense line.

And Bowles isn’t one to make any excuses for gamers, however he acknowledged Tucker’s state of affairs left him enjoying catchup to the different backs, bodily and mentally.

“He obtained to coaching camp and he’s obtained to get into camp form when you haven’t performed in that lengthy,” Bowles stated. “Even although he was in form, he wasn’t in soccer form. So I’m certain that was in his head a little bit bit after which attempting to play catchup, it’s a little bit powerful.”

Conclusion

Sean Tucker’s journey is a testomony to perseverance and willpower. Overcoming a critical well being setback, he has confirmed himself on the area with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and continues to attempt for excellence. With his unwavering spirit and work ethic, Tucker is poised to make a major impression in the NFL.

FAQs

1. What place does Sean Tucker play?

Sean Tucker is a operating again for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2. How did Tucker’s well being situation have an effect on his profession?

Tucker’s undiagnosed cardiac situation prevented him from being drafted initially however he has since overcome it to pursue his soccer profession.

3. What are Tucker’s achievements in school soccer?

Tucker rushed for 3,182 profession yards at Syracuse, breaking data and establishing himself as a standout participant.