New team leader?
The cliché has been repeated across the business world.
Supervisors, men and women of all shapes and sizes in all sorts of management roles, often say, “My door is always open” if employees have questions or concerns. Most of us know how hollow those words usually are.
Well, yesterday Haason Reddick didn’t say those exact words. But he put that message out to his young teammates. If they need or want help to improve, Reddick is there for them.
In a wonderful, energetic if not reassuring media session yesterday with the local pen and mic club, the Bucs’ new edge rusher let it be known he’s a team guy and he wants to win, first and foremost.
Reddick knows, short of Tom Brady, no player can carry a team on his back. A winner needs everyone pitching in. And Reddick noted he’s there for it.
“I want to see everybody win,” Reddick said. “I want to see everybody do great. I’ve been able to be in this league for a long time. I’ve been able to have great success here and I just want that for the young guys as well.
“I want everybody to get a chance to get their shine, everybody get a chance to become that-guy – become ‘him’ for their team. That’s [Yaya Diaby] right now, and that could be some other young guys as well. I’m doing everything that I can.
“If I see anything – me and Bucs outside linebackers coach [Larry] Foote, we’re just doing the best that we can to try to teach these guys and like I said, continue to try to propel their career forward in the direction they want to go.”
Reddick even gave examples of how he’s already tried to help out younger Bucs outside linebackers. Reddick said Chris Braswell and rookie David Walker have already picked his brain. In fact, Reddick said Braswell asked him to critique his moves and offer feedback and advice.
Joe went from wondering what to expect from Reddick to, in 11 minutes, wanting to buy him beers.
If Reddick produces half as well as he spoke about teamwork and leadership yesterday, the Bucs are in good hands with the pass-rushing veteran.