Tristan Wirfs Becomes A Crucial Asset In The Buccaneers’ Pursuit Of Super Bowl Success.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht is already setting his sights on another championship boat parade following the official re-signing of Tristan Wirfs on August 1st.

“If anybody has a boat, let me know after this,” he enthusiastically added.

Tampa Bay celebrated their victory in the 2020 season by organizing a boat parade after the team won the Super Bowl in Wirfs’ rookie year. With the exception of Mayfield and McLaughlin, all the mentioned players were part of the Tom Brady-led Buccaneers squad that proudly lifted the Lombardi Trophy. It was an iconic moment when Brady tossed the trophy to former tight end Cameron Brate over the bay waters.

Last Thursday, Wirfs secured his position as the highest-paid current Buccaneers player by signing an NFL-record deal for offensive linemen. The talented player is now committed to a five-year, $140 million contract with the team.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” Wirfs expressed to reporters. “I didn’t necessarily enter the NFL with this as a goal, but it’s the result of a lot of hard work, giving my best on the field, and striving to be the best teammate and player I can be. I owe it all to my teammates. It’s a remarkable feeling.”

Tampa Bay selected Wirfs as the 13th overall pick from Iowa in the 2020 draft, and he immediately made a significant impact as a starter on the Super Bowl-winning team. The young talent from Mount Vernon, Iowa, has earned All-Pro honors twice and three Pro Bowl appearances during his promising career.

“It was crucial for us to secure Tristan’s future with the Buccaneers for as long as possible. Hopefully, he will retire as a Buccaneer. Another objective was to make him the highest-paid athlete from Mount Vernon, Iowa, and we have successfully achieved that,” stated Licht.

Wirfs and his teammates are determined to excel this season after narrowly missing the NFC Championship Game last year. Expectations for the Buccaneers diminished after Brady’s retirement in February 2023. Nevertheless, the team surprised many by securing their third consecutive NFC South title and making it to the playoffs.

“It’s hard not to feel great. We have an incredible team with some exceptional players,” emphasized Licht. “Although you can never predict what will happen during the season, especially since certain factors are beyond anyone’s control.”

“We have a solid foundation with players like Tristan, Antoine Winfield Jr., Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, and many others. Apologies if I missed anyone, but the list goes on,” Licht added, acknowledging the pivotal roles played by Winfield and Evans in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl triumph in 2020. Mayfield’s arrival in 2023 filled the void left by Brady and played a significant role in the Buccaneers’ fourth consecutive playoff appearance.

Tampa Bay lost a few key players, such as linebacker Shaquil Barrett and defensive back Carlton Davis, during the offseason following their recent Super Bowl victory. However, the Buccaneers have been successful in developing young talents like defensive back Zyon McCollum and linebacker Yaya Diaby.

“Clearly, the Super Bowl is our ultimate goal. I believe that’s the goal for every team,” Wirfs passionately declared. “We will do whatever it takes to return and hoist that trophy once again. It’s an incredible feeling, and we want to experience it again.”