Tag: Gerald McCoy

WATCH: Gerald McCoy previews 2024 Bucs on NFL Network

Hear what GMC had to say about his old team heading into the 2024 NFL season

One of the most prolific defenders in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history, Gerald McCoy was one of the few bright spots in a long stretch of losing for the Pewter Pirates.

But despite those on-field team struggles, McCoy was not only a dominant force on his own, but also made an even bigger impact off the field throughout the Tampa Bay community.

Now an analyst for NFL Network, McCoy recently previewed his former team as they prepare to extend their streak of three straight NFC South titles and four consecutive trips to the postseason.

Here’s what GMC had to say this week:

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Trent Williams Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded offensive tackle; Ever

Trent Williams continues to add to his Hall of Fame career this time getting a distinct honor from Pro Football Focus.

Since being drafted No. 4 overall in the 2010 NFL Draft, [autotag]Trent Williams[/autotag] has been one of the best offensive linemen in all of football. Williams had a stellar career at Oklahoma from 2006-2009.

He was named to two All-Big 12 teams and was a consensus All-American in 2009. Since getting into the NFL, he’s been selected to 11 Pro Bowls, earned three first-team All-Pro selection and was also named to the second-team once. All three of his first-team selections have come in the last three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers..

He’s had a stellar career and has earned the designation of highest-graded offensive tackle in Pro Football Focus history.

PFF was founded back in 2006 and really took off around 2014. So, it’s not every offensive tackle in NFL history, but it is still quite an accomplishment for the former Sooner.

Now, he has his sights set on winning a Super Bowl. He’s competed in one before, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs. He and his 9ers teammates get a chance to redeem themselves against the Chiefs this Sunday.

I’m sure his quarterback is happy to have him blocking his blind side. Williams decade-plus run of success at the NFL level is just another reason why Oklahoma is Offensive Line University.

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‘I feel like he definitely could be special’: Daniel Akinkunmi turns heads at Under Armour All-American events

Akinkunmi has done nothing but show he belongs at the Under Armour All-American game with several good performances.

The Oklahoma Sooners may have found their hidden gem of the 2024 recruiting class: three-star offensive lineman [autotag]Daniel Akinkunmi[/autotag].

Akinkunmi is coming to Norman via the NFL Academy in London, England. He has only played football the past few seasons. That’s why people were anxious to see how he’d hold up against some of the nation’s best high school players at the Under Armour All-American practices.

Not only has he held up just fine, but he’s impressed a lot of people, including myself. He’s becoming my favorite player in the class.

From him talking about asking [autotag]Bill Bedenbaugh[/autotag] for the playbook moments after signing to being the last one on the field earlier this week working on his technique by himself long after the events concluded to his early morning workouts with his future teammates, there’s no question his work ethic is there. And his peers are taking notice.

“We were up at, I think, 3 a.m. lifting,” Stone said. “Me, him and Von (Davon Mitchell) were all in the weight room and I ended up calling J.J. (Jayden Jackson) and I was like, ‘Hey man this dude is going to be special; his work ethic is just like ours.’ I feel like we could definitely make a case to be like [autotag]Trent Williams[/autotag] and that [autotag]Gerald McCoy[/autotag] class that we had. I feel like we could really be like that. Us going first round in the same draft class, I feel like he definitely could be special just like that.”

Being the next McCoy and Williams is a lofty goal. That duo went top four in the 2010 NFL draft. But the work ethic is there for both.

Akinkunmi spoke with OUInsider about his relationship with Bedenbaugh.

“We talk every single day,” Akinkunmi said. “He calls my mum every single day. He and my mum are best friends, they talk all of the time. We absolutely love each other. That’s my coach, and I’m never going to change up on him. Unless he gets fired, and let’s be honest, he’ll never get fired, so I’m rocking with Coach B all of the way.”

Akinkunmi said he’s headed straight to Norman after the Under Armour events conclude this week and will immediately get to work on becoming Bedenbaugh and Oklahoma’s next hidden gem.

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Sooner Legend and NFL Network analyst Gerald McCoy likes Oklahoma’s chances vs. Texas

Joining the Jim Rome Show, former Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle Gerald McCoy shared his thoughts on OU-Texas.

The Oklahoma Sooners are getting set to take on the Texas Longhorns in the 119th playing of the Red River Rivalry. Legendary radio and TV broadcaster Jim Rome called it one of the greatest rivalries in any sport. He had former Sooner defensive tackle Gerald McCoy on his show to get his audience for the game.

McCoy played in three Red River Rivalry games with the Sooners going 1-2 from 2007-2009. 2008-2009 games was the last time the Longhorns had won back-to-back games against the Sooners.

In his three appearances, McCoy recorded nine total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks.

What does he make of this game?

“Offensively, they (Texas) can be very explosive, but they haven’t been as explosive in past years when the game has been of this magnitude with both highly ranked teams and undefeated teams going into the game. So, if our offense can keep moving like they’ve been moving, putting up a lot of points, I think our defense can hold up.”

On the defense, McCoy said, “I won’t say ‘they’re great.’ I’m not going to jump off the bridge and say, ‘this defense is phenomenal.’ It’s better than it’s been in the last five, six, seven, eight years.”

McCoy went on to dispel the narrative that they aren’t as good as they look because of the level of competition they’ve faced. McCoy argues that teams of the past still wouldn’t have held up against the lower competition.

The Sooners’ defense has been a big part of how they’ve won. McCoy said, “If (the defense) can just sustain and our offense can score, I think we’ve got a pretty good shot. I don’t think it’s going to be as cut and dry as people are saying.”

McCoy also talked about his experience in the Red River Rivalry.

“It’s incredible. Simply because it’s not just the game itself and then it’s over with, it’s a hate, a disdain that lasts through our lifetime.”

“Actually, from the time I grew up OU-Nebraska was the big thing. So I had to learn about OU-Texas. But as I got older and got into high school, I started to learn, like, ‘OU-Texas is where it’s at.’ I didn’t realize what it was until 2004, we drove down, you have guys come up for junior day or whatever and it was Adrian Peterson’s first time touching the ball. He goes for 50 (yards) down the right sideline, and I said, ‘Oh, this is the game.'”

Indeed, this is the game. It’s the game that moves the needle across the college football landscape. There’s nothing like OU-Texas at the Cotton Bowl with the stadium split 50-50.

And today, one team will continue their pursuit of an undefeated season and a shot at a College Football Playoff berth.

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Oklahoma target and 5-star defensive tackle David Stone sets commitment date

Five-star defensive tackle David Stone announces commitment date.

The date is officially set. The most heralded recruit in years out the state of Oklahoma will decide his college of choice on August 26.

Five-star defensive lineman [autotag]David Stone[/autotag] will decide on August 26th, according to a graphic released by On3’s Hayes Fawcett and retweeted by Stone.

In a recruitment that many will talk about for quite some time, no matter where he goes, Stone will finally bring clarity to multiple coaching staffs nationwide.

Along with Oklahoma, Stone’s final six also include the Miami Hurricanes, Texas A&M Aggies, Florida Gators, Oregon Ducks, and Michigan State Spartans.

[autotag]Todd Bate[/autotag]s, [autotag]Miguel Chavis[/autotag], and the Oklahoma staff have chipped in on this recruitment. Native Oklahoman and Sooner legend [autotag]Gerald McCoy[/autotag] has also been actively recruiting Stone. The Sooners former top five NFL draft pick understands how transformative Stone could be to the Sooners defensive front.

Oklahoma is looking to create shockwaves by landing Stone and redeem their recruiting failures in pursuit of other five-star defensive linemen. Unlike the other recruitments, Stone is from Oklahoma and grew up an Oklahoma fan. This recruitment is a pivotal moment in the present and future of Oklahoma’s football program.

Todd Bates and Brent Venables have been down this road before and know how to navigate recruiting top-ten defenders. Bates was the lead recruiter in bringing defensive tackle Bryan Bresee to Clemson when he and Venables were with the Tigers. Bresee was the No. 1 player in the 247Sports composite back in 2020.

With one month until he decides, Oklahoma will push into overdrive to seal the deal and land the No. 6 overall prospect in 247Sports’ composite rankings.

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Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Bryant on Twitter @thatmanbryant.

Ex-NFL DT Gerald McCoy is on the Trevor Lawrence bandwagon

Former NFL defensive tackle Gerald McCoy thinks Trevor Lawrence will be in the MVP race this year.

Expectations are high for Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023. Former NFL defensive tackle Gerald McCoy thinks the hype is very real.

In an appearance on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football on Wednesday, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers lineman had some bold predictions about the success he thinks the Jaguars will find this year.

“This year, the Jacksonville Jaguars will be a top three team in the AFC,” McCoy said on the show. “And Trevor Lawrence will be a finalist for MVP.

“The thing that people are forgetting is that at the end of the season last year they built up confidence. When you have a leader in Trevor Lawrence, who I believe will make an even bigger jump this year with the confidence they built going toe-to-toe with Kansas City after a huge comeback. I think people need to look out for the Jacksonville Jaguars.”

The Jaguars finished the 2022 regular season with five straight wins to surge into first place in the AFC South and steal the division title from the Tennessee Titans. After coming back from a 27-0 deficit against the Los Angeles Chargers to win 31-30 in a wild card matchup, the Jaguars were eliminated with a 27-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

McCoy, 35, was a six-time Pro Bowler during his time with the Buccaneers and rounded out his career with one season each with the Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders. After not playing during the 2022 season, McCoy announced his retirement from the NFL last month.

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OPINION: Gerald McCoy is a Ring of Honor player

McCoy’s retirement has sparked much discussion and debate about his time in Tampa Bay, but his contributions and NFL accolades speak for themselves.

Few Tampa Bay Buccaneers players draw as much controversy as DT Gerald McCoy.

Some fans are fond of his presence as a bright spot (along with LB Lavonte David) among the Bucs’ defensive unit, while others have accused him of being “soft” in attitude and not showing up in big games. This discourse has gone on when McCoy was actively a Buccaneer and has continued in the time he has left, and with his recent retirement, a particular debate regarding McCoy’s legacy has been reignited in the Bucs community.

Should McCoy’s name be in the Bucs’ Ring of Honor at Raymond James Stadium?

Some don’t think so. I say yes.

Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

First of all, his accolades speak for themselves. McCoy is a three-time All-Pro (first team in 2013 and second team in 2014 and 2016). He’s a six-time Pro Bowler, too (in a row) and has constantly made appearances on the NFL Top 100. He’s one of the most decorated Bucs in recent eras on the defense, along with LB Lavonte David, who is an absolute lock for the Ring of Honor.

On top of that, I reject the narrative that McCoy was ever “soft.” His penchant for smiling even when things were dire and socializing with other players is simply who he was, and you can also ask those same players — they’ll tell you that McCoy never went easy on them. An athlete doesn’t have to have an intense personality to produce, and McCoy showed that he could be himself and still wreak havoc in backfields during his tenure in Tampa Bay.

Next is the notion that McCoy was overrated. I don’t think that’s the case — his 9.5-sack season was well worthy of the All-Pro moniker, and he’s only ever had one season below five sacks in his entire career. McCoy was a constant producer in the pass rush game and was certainly comparable in play to his main rival at DT in Ndamukong Suh. He also played a good majority of his games in his career, with only his 2011 season being marred by injury.

Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Finally, McCoy embraced the community like few do. I’ll always remember waiting after training camp had ended when I was a kid and getting to meet him afterward, and he stayed behind so every fan had a chance to talk to him. He bled red and pewter just as much as those who are currently in the ring have done in the past, and he absolutely deserves to have his name enshrined.

Before guys like Tom Brady and Lavonte David? Probably not. But he’ll get his due.

Gerald McCoy announces retirement; Cowboys DL still in flux after brief 2020 tenure

Gerald McCoy’s time in a Cowboys uniform can be measured in minutes, but they’re still patching up the hole he left behind 3 years later. | From @ToddBrock24f7

The news crossed the wires Friday with relatively little fanfare. But reports that defensive tackle Gerald McCoy had announced his retirement from football were met by many a Cowboys fan with a knowing nod and a brief shake of the head about what might have been.

McCoy’s career wearing Cowboys gear can be measured in mere minutes, but the way it all went down has affected the team for years, and the hole that the six-time Pro Bowler left in the Dallas roster is one the front office is still trying to patch up.

The third overall pick in the 2010 draft, McCoy was a Week 1 starter in Tampa Bay as a rookie. Upper-body injuries plagued his first two seasons, though, causing him to miss 13 of 32 games in 2010 and 2011.

He came back on a mission the following year, earning the first of six straight Pro Bowl nods and starting a stretch of seven consecutive campaigns logging five or more sacks and averaging 36 tackles per season.

The Bucs released McCoy during the 2019 offseason; the Panthers signed him shortly thereafter. After one year in Carolina, the Oklahoma native joined the Cowboys in 2020, just as the Mike McCarthy era was beginning.

McCoy was to be a key piece of new coordinator Mike Nolan’s unit, with Maliek Collins suddenly gone, the Trysten Hill experiment just a year old, and third-round draft pick Neville Gallimore barely beginning his NFL adventure. The Cowboys even brought in McCoy’s former Carolina linemate Dontari Poe to beef up the new-look defensive front.

McCoy had signed a bargain of a contract to play for the Cowboys, and he further endeared himself to the fanbase during the COVID-wracked offseason in virtual interviews with his infectious personality and his willingness to speak up as a locker room leader during the tumultuous social upheaval that summer brought to both the country and the NFL. He even called out Cowboys owner Jerry Jones publicly in the wake of 2020’s equal-rights protests, beseeching the up-to-then silent billionaire to “say something… anything” on the occasion of Juneteenth, even before he himself had even suited up for the club.

It was a marriage with so much promise.

But on the very first day of padded practice with his new team, McCoy ruptured a quad tendon in one-on-one drills. He was done for the season. He was released via an injury clause in the contract he had just signed, to make room on the roster for another player, but the plan was for him to remain a part of the team, mentoring younger players as he worked to rehab his way back to the lineup.

“He expressed not only a desire to be here and be part of what we’ve started here,” McCarthy said at the time. “Obviously, he’s very comfortable, and this is where he wants to be. That’s exactly what he communicated to me.”

But his return to the Cowboys roster never happened. In fact, he couldn’t know it at the time, but his pro football carer had only a few more snaps in it.

McCoy was picked up by Las Vegas in August of 2021, almost a year to the day after his injury in Dallas. But during the Raiders’ overtime win over Baltimore in Week 1, McCoy’s left knee gave way and he had to be carted off the field after just nine defensive plays for the silver and black.

After not playing in the league in 2022, the 35-year-old McCoy retired Friday having never played in a postseason game.

Nevertheless, “I had a blast,” he said on The Carton Show.

The Cowboys’ interior defensive line has been in flux ever since McCoy went down that day at The Star. Poe and Everson Griffen were cut midseason. Nolan lost his DC job. Antwaun Woods left for Indianapolis. Carlos Watkins was brought in the next year; Osa Odighizuwa and Quinton Bohanna were drafted. Brent Urban came and went. John Ridgeway was drafted and then lost when the Cowboys tried to sneak him through waivers. Hill finally flamed out. Johnathan Hankins was acquired via trade and then re-signed to a new one-year deal. Watkins moved on in March.

Entering the 2023 draft, defensive tackle prospects like Michigan’s Mazi Smith, Pitt’s Calijah Kancey, and Wisconsin’s Keeanu Benton are ones that many think the Cowboys should be eyeing.

One can only wonder how much of that would have happened if McCoy had stayed healthy upon arriving in Dallas.

As it is, his brilliant pro career was cut short far too early and without many of the accolades that McCoy, by all rights, absolutely deserved.

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NFL’s Ian Rapoport believes Gerald McCoy could start a broadcast media career

Could we see Gerald McCoy behind the camera sooner than later?

Former Bucs DT [autotag]Gerald McCoy[/autotag] officially announced his retirement on Friday, but could Bucs fans be seeing more of him as he enters his post-football life?

The NFL’s Ian Rapoport seems to think so. Rapoport discussed McCoy’s retirement on NFL Network, and he seemed to insinuate that McCoy would have a prime opportunity to enter broadcast media as his playing career has come to an end. Here is what he said about the possibility:

“I got a funny feeling we may not have seen the last of Gerald McCoy. He does have an interest in broadcasting — as we’ve seen on [NFL Network], he is very good at it. Though it’s a goodbye officially to Gerald McCoy on the field, I think off the field, it’s probably more of a ‘hello’ than anything else.”

McCoy has been on CBS and FOX as a guest, so he does have experience in broadcasting. He’s also famously up-to-date on pop culture and has even appeared in television shows such as The League and Family Feud, so he certainly isn’t shy of the camera. It will be interesting to see where McCoy’s post-football career takes him next.

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Former Bucs DT Gerald McCoy officially announces retirement

The former Bucs DT was a three-time All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl six consecutive times during his tenure in Tampa Bay.

A long-time staple of the Tampa Buccaneers’ defense from 2010-18 is officially announcing his retirement.

DT [autotag]Gerald McCoy[/autotag]. who hasn’t played football since 2019, officially announced on Twitter Friday that he is retiring from the NFL. McCoy played nine seasons for the Bucs and one for the Panthers before two injury-ridden stints with the Cowboys and Raiders where he never saw the football field.

McCoy is one of the most successful Buccaneers in recent memory, ending his career with three All-Pro nods with the team and six consecutive Pro Bowls from 2012-17. He finished his career in Tampa Bay with the fourth-most sacks in franchise history (54.5) and started every game he played for the Bucs in his nine seasons there.

After Tampa Bay, McCoy had a decent one-season stint with the Panthers in which he netted five sacks and 37-combined tackles. He joined the Cowboys in 2020 but was released after rupturing his quadriceps. He then signed with the Raiders in 2021, where he was also unable to play the season due to a torn ACL.

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