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The one-time fastest man in the world found his way to One Buc Place.
Justin Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic Gold medalist in the 100 meters was invited for a tryout this weekend. Having given up his first love, track and field, because of doping scandal in 2006, where he received an eight-year ban, Gatlin has turned his sights on football. Instead of preparing for the upcoming nationals in Indianapolis, Gatlin’s trying learn Coach Jon Gruden offensive system.
“I’ve got the speed thing down,” Gatlin said after the Bucs first mini camp practice. “Now I have to learn my routes.”
Gatlin proclaimed his innocence after he tested positive for testosterone, but ultimately accepted his punishment.
“I don’t feel like a fallen star,” Gatlin said. “I feel like a crippled star…it’s a blow to your ego. It humbles you.”
So far, no one’s challenged Gatlin to a race, but Gruden suggested Joey Galloway take him on.
“I feel the sharks coming,” Gatlin said. “I’d line up.”
Like the majority of the players on the field this weekend, Gatlin’s a long shot to make the 53-man roster. Gatlin knows this and isn’t looking for special treatment, just because he once could boast he was the “fastest man in the world.”
“I’m not coming here on a high horse,” he said. “Just give me a locker and let me do what I need to do.”
Posted by Shawn Golan, Los Angeles, California on 05/07 at 08:41 AM
I’m really curious about this situation. You have to love a guy thats going out there and running sub-4.0 times in his 40. You also have to love the posibility of a guy who can outrun nearly any corner in the NFL. The real issue is can he be a WR? This kid played some college football, albeit one year at Tennessee…so he has a basic knowledge of the game. I’m not sure he contributes at all this season - it may take him more than one year to learn to play football again. BUT if we can find a spot on the scout team for this kid and teach him the game he could become a dynamic player for us as a WR and returner. Either way…I’m excited about what MIGHT come of this, but I’m still treating it as nothing more than an experiment.
Posted by William Harmon, Orlando on 05/05 at 07:03 PM
Bob Hayes reincarnation? I would love to see this guy line up an let it fly. Oh yeah, I hope he can catch, block and run over the middle. What does he run the 40 in? 4.0?
Posted by Ryan Blanco, Ocoee, FL on 05/05 at 10:15 AM
I agree 100%. Give this guy a chance. Let him try returning kicks and punts. Try to get him some screens or end arounds on offense. I love it.
Posted by Tom Henson, Tampa on 05/05 at 08:58 AM
Theoretically this sounds like an awesome opportunity, but I remember track guys like Ron Brown and Reynaldo Nehemiah, who parlayed their talents in the football field and had decent careers in the NFL, but in both cases, they atleast had some football training before coming into the league, but for a track guy with NO football background, learning Jon Gruden’s playbook alone will be like learnning the Chinese language. I’d love to see him make the team, but the odds have to be enormous.
Posted by Gregory Donoghue, Bradenton on 05/04 at 06:11 PM
Re: Gatlin-Worth a shot to try him as a kickoff returner.
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Posted by Martin Van Buren, Brandon, FL on 05/07 at 11:14 AM
Saying he has “no” football experience is incorrect. He played as a Freshman at Tenessee before focussing on Track, according to ESPN. I say give him a shot at returning kicks. Worst case scenario, the Bucs use one of the 30 roster spots allocated for the QB position next year and maybe, just maybe, they finally bring one back.