Bucs Tom Brady talks about his recruiting efforts, Robert Hainseys status
Four days have passed since Bucs center Ryan Jensen went down with a significant knee injury and the team has yet to make an outside veteran signing. Meanwhile, second-year pro Robert Hainsey has stepped in and handling duties well.
One of the biggest endorsements Hainsey can get is from quarterback Tom Brady, who spoke for the first time in training camp Monday morning, saying he was “heartbroken” by the loss of Jensen but said Hainsey has earned trust in the last year.
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“He’s worked really hard,” Brady said. “It will take a little time, but Hains is going to step into the job and do a great job. He’s worked hard in the last year to really gain the trust of a lot of people. He’s got to go earn it, like all of us. It’s not what you did, how hard you worked in the offseason, it’s how good of a football player you are. It’s to be determined for all of us.”
• NFL training camp live blog: Latest news, injuries, fantasy nuggets and more
Hainsey, who played tackle at Notre Dame and spent last year transitioning to center, had a physical challenge Monday in the Bucs’ first day in full pads, lining up against massive defensive linemen such as Vita Vea and Akiem Hicks. Bucs coach Todd Bowles hasn’t ruled out adding a veteran at center, and Brady said you can’t look too far ahead in training camp because things can change in a hurry.
“Nobody knows what the team is going to look like,” Brady said. “You think you have a center and then he gets injured, so the team’s different in one day. There’s a long time between now and the first game.”
Longtime NFL center @aqshipley said he saw "tenfold" improvement in Bucs center Robert Hainsey from August to December, and tenfold again this spring. He said it was an easy call to spend two months helping the @NDfootball grad train this offseason: https://t.co/UyD0wXI36D pic.twitter.com/SU9rMmJA59
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) July 29, 2022
The Bucs are focusing for now on Hainsey and the versatile Nick Leverett, who can play every position on the line but is now working exclusively at center, lining up there Monday with both the second and third O-lines.
Brady, always one to deflect praise, turns 45 on Wednesday and was asked what the secret is to staying at such a high level of play, years after most players, especially at his position, have long since stopped playing entirely.
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“I don’t think you can do anything without incredible support,” Brady said. “This is not about me, it’s about all the people who have supported me, and I’m very grateful.”
Bowles wouldn’t say whether Wednesday would be a veteran’s day off for Brady, saying those things are negotiable but he doesn’t want all his players thinking they don’t have to practice on their birthday.
Tom Brady going through QB work as Bucs practice gets going with position drills. pic.twitter.com/UuBJ0wORn7
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 1, 2022
“As long as we keep him upright and he’s walking, that’s a great birthday,” Bowles said. “What do you give the guy that has everything, right?”
Bucs corner Carlton Davis echoed the birthday conundrum, suggesting he might just give him a hug.
Brady, taking questions from reporters for only the second time since last season, had brief answers on a variety of questions, including the retirement of his longtime teammate, tight end Rob Gronkowski.
“Everyone here loves Rob,” Brady said. “There are personal things, and everyone gets the chance to make personal choices, but we all love him.”
Video: “Everyone here loves Rob,” Tom Brady says when asked about Rob Gronkowski’s retirement. pic.twitter.com/xmZd6NUneH
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 1, 2022
More topics Brady addressed:
• On the progress of running backs, from starter Leonard Fournette to rookie Rachaad White: “That’s got to be a big position for us. They’ve got to step in and do the job. Our receivers get a lot of attention, so it gives a lot of opportunity for the tight ends and running backs.”
• On whether he can attribute not winning a Super Bowl last year to the team’s many persistent injuries: “I don’t think there (are) any excuses. You either get the job done or you don’t. There’s only one team that’s really happy at the end of the year, and that’s the team that wins.”
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• On his recruiting efforts to help bring veterans such as Hicks, Kyle Rudolph and Julio Jones to Tampa to chase a ring with him: “Naturally, I’m an older player. I’m very fortunate to know a lot of guys. We have a great organization, great teammates, and I think people are excited to come join a great group of people. It’s never about one person. This is the ultimate team sport and I love playing with players that are professional, players that want to work hard, players that put the team first.”
• On former Patriots teammate Richard Seymour, soon to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: “I love Richard. He’s an amazing man, friend. So happy for him. So well-deserved. It’s kind of a crowning achievement, you know? He had an unbelievable career, and I’m just really happy to be a part of some great teams with him.”
• On the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell, another superstar with his share of titles in New England: “I knew him pretty well. I had a lot of time up there in Boston and got to know him. He was a very impactful figure, getting back to my early days with the Patriots. My second year, training camp, he spoke to our team. Really an imposing figure, just a great presence about him. Obviously what he overcame in his career was pretty unbelievable. It’s a sad day.”
(Photo of Tom Brady: Kim Klement / USA Today)
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